Speak the truth, tell the truth: Jia Pingwa book planning, publishing and best-selling true story

Author: Wang Xinmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: This manuscript is an achievement of Xinmin, a symbol of his dedication, and proof that effort pays off. When I didn’t yet know Jia Pingwa, I remember at a workers’ canteen, I asked him, "Which writer in Shaanxi do you admire?" He replied, “Jia Pingwa!” with no hesitation at all. Back then, Jia Pingwa wasn’t revered as a god as he is today. The years that followed confirmed a fact. Through books, the author and Jia Pingwa became acquainted and friends over more than a decade, successfully planning and publishing works such as Selected Essays of Pingwa, Selected Travel Writings of Jia Pingwa, The Seated Buddha, Jia Pingwa’s Calligraphy and Painting, Be a Free Person—Jia Pingwa’s Prefaces and Postfaces, The West Road—Jia Pingwa’s Manuscript Collection, Jia Pingwa’s Lawsuit, and Jia Pingwa’s Book Friends. Most of these were efforts to fill gaps, often achieving innovative and best-selling results. This book recounts the author’s exchanges, negotiations, and compromises with Jia Pingwa and the publishing industry while planning these books, as well as the twists and turns of debates, disagreements, and communications. It is full of the ups and downs of life, reflecting the dynamics of the publishing world and human nature. At the same time, as a successful case of book planning, it offers reference and lessons for the publishing industry and helps readers understand the untold stories behind the books.