As soon as I woke up and looked at my iPad, I saw that I had received a notification on my Gmail. I immediately opened it, because I knew what it could be. As I said before, publishers usually make contact via email.
But isn't it too early?
I just started publishing my novel!
Do they really see that much potential?
'Well, I don't even know if it's actually an email from a publisher—I need to read it first.' I opened the email, and the subject was "Overlord." The moment I saw that, I immediately concluded that it really was from a publisher.
The email, which was very formal, confirmed it.
[Subject: Publication Proposal – Invitation from Media Factory (MF Bunko J)
Dear Aoi Haruki,
My name is Masayuki Kuroda, the editor in charge of the MF Bunko J label, part of Media Factory, a division of the Kadokawa Corporation.
We are contacting you after reviewing your work titled "Overlord," currently published on the platform Shōsetsuka ni Narō.]
The email continued for a while. They mainly praised my writing, the character development (which was minimal), and the world-building (which was also minimal).
Another thing they praised was the rapid growth of my novel, which probably already had far more favorites than before.
'I should thank that Twitter page again later.'
At the end of the email, there was the editor's personal contact email—Masayuki Kuroda—and even his phone number. He asked me to get in touch so we could arrange either an in-person or online meeting to discuss things further.
'That's impossible. Besides being too young, I can't even speak.'
If I appear on camera to talk to the editor, he'll think I'm joking. That's out of the question.
'But I really want to turn Overlord into a physical book. I have to take this opportunity.'
I've never heard of a case where an author received an offer like this so early. They definitely see the potential of this story. Their greedy eyes for profit are locked onto my work.
'Should I talk to my parents about this? Maybe my father could go to the meeting in my place. He could act as my representative.'
He could say that I'm underage, but a high school student or something like that. I don't need to contact the editor directly to get my novel published.
'Yes, that's it.'
My father will definitely help me.
They support me in almost any decision I make.
####
I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. I washed my face as quickly as I could and went to the table.
"I was just about to go wake you up. You rarely wake up early on your own," my mother said as she placed food on the table.
My father looked at me and asked, "Did something happen? You've got a big smile on your face."
I quickly opened my email and showed it to him.
After reading everything, he said, "Is this… real?" he asked in disbelief.
I nodded several times.
"What is it?" my mother asked curiously. She stood behind him and started reading the email. "Wow, this is amazing, Kyo! Is this really Kadokawa?"
"Look, it's a corporate email." My father quickly searched it and confirmed it was legitimate. Actually, it wasn't directly from Kadokawa, but from Media Factory, one of its companies.
That company handled many famous works in my previous world.
"Kyo, I can't believe you were noticed by a publisher!" my mother said excitedly, hugging me from behind. "You're the best son in the world, you're so talented!" She kissed my cheeks.
"But isn't this a problem? What will they think when they find out Kyo is the one writing this? He's too young."
Hearing that, my mother said, "That's true… he's very young."
I gestured to my father and picked up my iPad.
I quickly wrote something:
[ I want you to go to this meeting for me. Tell them I'm your son and that I'm a middle or high school student. Wouldn't that work? You can sign the contract for me! ]
"Well, you're right." My father placed his hand on his chin and thought. "Since you're still a minor, I'd have to sign the contract anyway. If I say you're a high school student, they won't be too surprised. There are many authors who start writing at that age."
"But isn't that wrong? If the company finds out, won't they be upset?"
[ As long as I keep writing and publishing, I don't think they'll care much about my age. ]
My mother read that and said:
"Well, you have a point. But yes, it's better to hide your age. A 4-year-old signing a contract with a publisher? That would become international news!"
Wait—international news? Isn't that a good opportunity?
No… I should hold back a bit.
"Alright, Kyo, I'll contact that editor and talk to him about your novel. Do you want me to say anything specific?"
[ Just get me the best contract possible. ]
"Alright." My father ruffled my hair.
"Okay, it's time to eat. Put that iPad away."
I set the iPad aside and ate with my parents while thinking about that email.
I'm excited to start publishing my novel.
I can't wait to go to a store and see it on the shelves. That must feel amazing, right?
I'm sure many authors go straight to bookstores when their novels are released just to look at the shelves.
My heart started racing.
I have to preserve the legacy of Overlord in this world. I can't ruin this story!
That same day, my father contacted the editor by phone and scheduled a meeting for the next day.
####
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