| THE END |

Ian took his fingers off of the computer, as he read the final two words. ‘The End’.

He was finally done with writing A Game of Thrones, book one of A Song of Ice and Fire.

After countless sleepless nights, he was able to finish writing the raw book, although he knew that he would need to talk for hours with the editors before finalizing the book.

Ian stood up and walked out of his library with his laptop in hand.

“Valerine, can you bring me my keys? I’ve an early meeting today.”

“Okay, master.”

Valerine quickly went back and brought the key to his SUV.

As soon as he walked out of the mansion, he saw his bodyguards already prepared and standing still, looking around the mansion for any sort of threat.

“Let’s go. I’ll drive today.”

Ian said and got in the SUV. The bodyguards followed his advice. They all walked around and sat in the car.

-

[Actus Books]

“Can I meet Mr Stevens?” Ian asked the receptionist as she was expecting who he wanted to meet.

“Yes, sir. Please take a seat and wait for a few more minutes. I’ll let you know,” she said looking through her long, fake eyelashes.

Ian nodded politely and went back to take a seat. He looked at the receptionist's way, as he saw how she was responding to the call while looking back at him. Her face was covered with a knowing look, and she immediately kept the phone and walked around the table.

“Sir, I apologize for making you wait. Please, the second room for the left, third floor. I’ll help you find it.”

“Thanks.”

On their way, she nodded at another employer who took the hint and replaced her position in the reception.

Ian followed the female employer and finally reached M. J. Stevens was.

“Hello! Ian! Hope the newbie didn’t have a hard time!” Stevens said as soon as Ian walked in.

Ian gave a warm smile and thanked the employer who escorted him so far.

“She was just doing her job. It’s fair enough. How have you been, Steven? Long time no see!”

The last time Ian and Steven met was when Ian held a party to celebrate the milestones of Inception. But ever since then, they hadn’t met. Even during the little time they got to meet, Steven was hopeful for another book by Ian.

“I’ve been good. Good books every day. What could possibly go wrong with good books?” he asked and smiled.

“I’ve something for you then, and this is not just good, it’s great.”

“Now we’re talking. What is it?”

Steven’s interest was piqued as he leaned forward to listen to what Ian was talking about.

“Well, here it is-” Ian took the stack of papers he brought with him and placed it in front of Steven.

Steven took the papers and quickly flipped through the pages. He saw words and sentences that excited him.

“This is interesting, I see things I like, and I’d like to give it a read before anything. But, I want you to tell me what this book is going to be about. How do you view it? Simply, just market the book for me.”

Ian chuckled. He knew that was coming, and just as he expected, it happened. It was mainly because Steven always had the grip to see if every author is worth his time.

No matter how famous the person is, he’d see if the concept he was working with is worth his time, and wouldn’t be something that would end up being a flopped book.

And although he trusted Ian, these conversations kept their business relationship alive. For which Ian was highly grateful.

After hearing the question, Ian sat across from his publisher, tapping his pen thoughtfully against his notebook. "Well," he began, "A Game of Thrones is a massive epic fantasy series. It's got everything - political intrigue, battles, romance, magic, and even dragons. The first book is just the beginning of the series, A Song of Ice and Fire. But, there’s more."

The publisher nodded, taking notes. "So, what's the main story about? What's the hook?"

Ian leaned forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "The main story centers around several noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne, which rules over the Seven Kingdoms. But there's so much more than that - there are secret alliances, hidden agendas, and unexpected betrayals around every corner. And the characters are incredibly complex and nuanced - you'll love some and hate others, and then they'll surprise you and make you change your mind."

Steven scribbled furiously in his notebook. "Sounds like there's a lot to work with. But what makes this series stand out from all the other fantasy out there?"

Ian grinned. "It's world-building. I have created this incredibly rich and detailed world, with its own history, cultures, and religions. And he's not afraid to break the rules - main characters die, alliances shift, and no one is safe. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what's going to happen next."

Steven nodded, clearly impressed. "Okay, I'm sold. But how do we market this? Because you and I both know that, once we’re in "

Ian leaned back in his chair, thinking. "We emphasize the political intrigue and the complex characters. Maybe we do some targeted social media campaigns, with different ads for different characters or factions. And we make sure to promote the fact that the series will be finished soon, so readers won't have to wait years for the next book. Instead, they’d be anticipating the movie, along the way."

The publisher nodded again, jotting down notes. "I like it. This could be big."

“Yes, Steven, I believe it too. Before talking about anything else, how about we sign the deal today itself? It’s nothing we both haven’t done before. I can easily confirm the deal with my lawyer right away. I don’t want to waste any more time on stuff like that.”

Steven nodded in understanding.

“You must be a very busy man to say that.”

Ian chuckled. “You have no idea. Things are just about to get started. And not just this book, I’ve a lot in mind for the entire world. So, the quicker, the better.”

Steven understood what Ian was talking about. “And hey man, I appreciate that you always bring your work here. You made a great choice with the publishers.”

“Yeah, you never fail me. Actus never fails me, so I’d gladly sign off my books and see it hit the peak among the readers.”

Ian said and from the next second, both the men fell into a conversation where they both talked about the book and the plans with the book.

In the end, Steven handed over the documentation that his assistant brought right away. Ian checked in with his lawyer and then confirmed that the contract was made with open endings, where both parties were open to discuss any deals that they could make with the future of the book.

In the end, Ian looked over the contract again and nodded in agreement. "This all looks good to me," he said, taking out his pen to sign the dotted line.

The publisher smiled and extended a hand. "Welcome aboard, Ian. I think this book is going to be a real hit."

Ian shook his hand firmly. "I'm excited to see what we can do with it," he replied.

-

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vote! that's all i can ask for. i've been writing chapters since morning and tired asf. i'd be really happy to see some votes and comments!

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