It is now the beginning of October, and Fuzugawa Bunko has completed preparations for the release of the second volume of Kasumigaoka Utaha's "Love Metronome." According to the plan, on the day of the release, the "genius beautiful girl writer," Kasumigaoka Utaha, will hold her first signing event.
Since the first volume of "Love Metronome" has already gained a solid fan base and the second volume is receiving positive reviews, Fuzugawa Bunko is quite optimistic about the prospects of this signing event.
"Kasumigaoka, I have a feeling that your second volume will be a big hit, and it will also boost the sales of the first volume. Your future is really bright," Machida Sonoko said, feeling very happy and a bit proud as she spoke to Kasumigaoka before discussing the details of the book signing event.
"Editor Machida, please stop making these meaningless predictions. Let's first discuss how I can make it through the signing event in one piece," Kasumigaoka Utaha replied pragmatically. Due to the intense marketing surrounding her character, and her own natural beauty, she felt a bit uneasy about being the center of attention at her first book signing event.
"Don't worry about it, Kasumigaoka. In addition to the regular staff who will maintain order, there will also be security personnel present to handle any emergencies. They will stand not far from you," Machida reassured her.
"However, to avoid any negative impact, we should try not to have to send out the security guard. If he doesn't need to step in during the two-hour signing event, it means that our event has been a success." Machida explained that emergency personnel should only be deployed as a last resort since their presence could lead to unfavorable consequences.
Kasumigaoka nodded to show her understanding and urged Machida to continue.
"Your ability to control the situation is crucial, and it's something that all writers must learn when they hold book signings. You don't need to take out your notes; the content is very simple." Machida noticed that Kasumigaoka had already taken out a pen to jot down notes and reminded her, "First of all, you should try to keep smiling and avoid looking too cold. Your face can easily become expressionless... Okay, I won't say any more. Just don't stare at me like that. Secondly, if someone hands you a book without saying anything, don't feel obligated to say anything in return. That's the best-case scenario, as it won't waste any time."
"We have 600 novels ready for the day. Based on past events, we are confident they will all sell out. The pressure will be a bit high within those two hours, so we need to manage the time spent on those talkative readers. A standard of fifteen seconds per interaction is ideal. A polite reply is necessary, but if the person continues to ask questions, you can gently remind them that there are many people waiting behind them. Participants in this kind of signing event are usually passionate fans online, but they typically don't cause any trouble in person, which makes this approach effective."
Machida offered a wealth of advice, and Kasumigaoka felt she had learned a lot from it.
"By the way, Kasumigaoka, how is your signature coming along? That's also very important."
"According to your requirements, I've practiced until I can barely tell that the three words 'Kasumigaoka' are actually there. My speed is impeccable," Kasumigaoka replied, slightly exasperated. The publisher had even suggested that she could simplify her signature to just one symbol, as long as it remained recognizable as hers.
"Really? Then I feel relieved. In fact, they don't care much about what you sign, as long as it represents 'Kasumigaoka.' That's the purpose of the signature."
Machida stated bluntly that when it comes to signatures, especially those from famous people, it is never necessary to actually write one's name; otherwise, it would be too troublesome.
"I think I understand everything, Editor Machida. I will go back and review it again," Kasumigaoka Utaha said lightly as she closed her notebook.
"It's okay, little Shi. Don't be nervous. As a writer, you will go through this all the time. It will happen often in the future, so get used to it," Machida Sonoko said with a smile, which made Kasumigaoka feel uneasy.
"Often? Please forgive me. When will I be able to refuse such things?" Kasumigaoka leaned on the table with her upper body, speaking weakly, supported by her two large soft lumps.
"Refuse? Then you have to work hard, Xiaoshi. When you become so skilled that the Fuzugawa Library cannot do without you, you will naturally have the right to refuse," Machida replied.
What Machida said was true. Only when you are talented enough to be indispensable will the environment automatically make concessions.
"That sounds difficult. Who has that kind of ability? Mr. Hachiman? He should be able to do it," Kasumigaoka mentioned the writer she admired casually, which startled Machida Sonoko, making her tremble.
Machida initially thought that her plan to seek advice from Master Hachiman had been exposed. However, once she gathered her thoughts, she realized it was just a casual remark.
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"Huh? The right to refuse? I suppose I have it, but refusing all the time isn't wise. Social etiquette is also very important," Hachiman replied, recalling the time Imamura approached him to discuss a book signing event.
Hikigaya had just finished reading the second volume of "Love Metronome," which Machida had sent him, and was about to call Machida to praise her outstanding disciple, Kasumi Shiko, whom he had never met. However, the other party called him first.
"So, Mr. Hachiman, you're also going to hold a book signing next year? Why don't you come to see Kasumi Shiko's book signing this Sunday? You can learn the process and also meet the disciple you've never seen," Machida suggested.
"I think that sounds good. Just send me the address and I'll go there myself that day," Hikigaya replied. He had never attended this kind of event, so it would be a nice opportunity to see it and get a direct impression.
Returning to the second volume of "Love Metronome," when Hikigaya first came up with the idea, he based the story on the concept of "5 Centimeters per Second" from his previous life. Now, it seems that Kasumi Shiko has created an excellent work within this framework. Although the story is simple, the atmosphere is well rendered, providing a breath of fresh air in the world of light novels. While it may not be as popular as those focusing on different worlds or intense stories, it will undoubtedly attract a dedicated fan base.
"Still, it feels a bit boring to go out alone…" Hikigaya muttered to himself as he took out his cell phone and called Haruno.
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