Chapter 6: Editor Machida Sonoko
About a week later, Izumi Chihiro received a call in response, as he had left his contact information.
"Hello, this is Fujikawa Bunko. I'm Editor Machida Sonoko. You are the submitter, right?"
"Yes."
"Regarding your previous submission, 'white album,' I need to meet with you in person. Do you have time?"
"This weekend."
"Alright, then let's set it for Saturday at 3 PM. The location is..."
After making arrangements with the other party, Machida Sonoko hung up the phone, her expression a little strange.
That voice, it seemed to belong to a young boy?
A few days later.
Izumi Chihiro arrived at a cafe as previously arranged.
At a table, an OL beauty was already waiting, her figure-hugging black skirt and black stockings, combined with her chic short hair, made her mature face appear even more cold and alluring.
However, her personality was not like her appearance.
"Ms. Machida Sonoko?"
He stood beside her, asking tentatively.
"You're Izumi? You're so young, still in middle school, right?"
Machida Sonoko looked up, surprised.
"Yes."
After confirming, he sat down opposite her.
"Are light novel authors this competitive now? Middle schoolers… Speaking of which, a primary school student even submitted a manuscript before."
Machida Sonoko sighed.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Curiosity arose in Izumi Chihiro's heart.
"Yes, the writing wasn't great, and she was very noisy, constantly shouting things like 'I want to become the savior of the light novel world.' Such a headache-inducing kid."
Machida Sonoko tapped her forehead.
"Let's get back to the main topic, regarding Izumi's work…"
Her gaze suddenly changed.
Izumi Chihiro's expression also became serious.
His attitude naturally differed when it came to his own work.
"I've finished reading your submission. Honestly, for your age, your writing is already quite good, and you have some grasp of plot control… But your current level is still not enough to debut."
Machida Sonoko stated slowly.
His spirits sank.
"But I still came, which proves that I actually think highly of you, especially after meeting Izumi, I'm even more convinced of this."
Machida Sonoko smiled again.
Izumi Chihiro was momentarily stunned.
"Because you're still young, and you seem much more mature than your peers, I'm confident I can help you debut… As for becoming a highly popular light novelist, I can't help with that. After all, I'm just an Editor. If I had that kind of skill, I would have written it myself long ago."
Machida Sonoko stated her expectations for him, and also made a joke.
"Thank you for Machida Editor's recognition."
Izumi Chihiro also smiled, feeling much better.
Although he wasn't afraid of being completely criticized, being recognized at least proved that for him, this was a viable path.
He had a bit more confidence than before.
Not arrogance.
Machida Sonoko actually started working as an Editor at Fujikawa Bunko this year, so she also hoped to have sufficiently talented authors under her.
However, after reviewing many manuscripts, she had directly rejected all of them.
Until she received Izumi's manuscript, she felt enough potential, which is why she arranged this meeting.
"Then, Machida Editor, do you have any suggestions?"
Izumi Chihiro humbly asked for advice.
"As for suggestions… I think Izumi, you're not suited for this type of genre, at least not yet."
Machida Sonoko fundamentally denied him.
Because of the previous praise, Izumi Chihiro felt confident. Although it was a small blow, he could still bear it and continued to listen to her.
"You want to write a daily romance with two female leads. There should be all sorts of sweetness and bitterness in the process, but from your description, I can't feel any of that at all…"
She shook her head, then made her judgment.
"Although some people who don't understand love can still write worthwhile romance light novels, but… you're still too young. It's normal not to understand these things."
Machida Sonoko said with a slight smile.
'Is this considered being put in my place?'
Izumi Chihiro felt a burning sensation on his cheeks.
He hadn't forgotten his grand declarations in front of Eriri earlier.
Now, they were shattered.
Although it was embarrassing, he still accepted it.
Living up to high school age in his previous life, he had never experienced what love felt like. Besides novels, there were only anime, games, and nothing else.
Machida Sonoko's judgment was very accurate.
"If you want to debut sooner, I suggest you change the theme, weaken the presence of romance, and make the theme about friendship or family instead."
"If you insist on your choice, you can read more romance literary novels, or watch movies, etc. After a period of contemplation, perhaps you can empathize."
Machida Sonoko gave him two paths to choose from.
Izumi Chihiro thought for a moment and chose the first one.
Because he had watched romance anime and such before, but it hadn't yielded results. It seemed he still couldn't grasp those real emotions.
"A wise choice."
Machida Sonoko nodded, very satisfied with his decision.
"Then, Izumi, what kind of genres do you like? Tell me, and we can discuss it together to see if there's an opportunity to utilize your strengths."
"As long as it's a genre boys like, I've basically read them all: otherworld, sci-fi, realistic, etcetera..."
Izumi Chihiro replied.
"That makes it a bit difficult, then."
Machida Sonoko hesitated slightly.
With so many genres, it became harder to choose.
"How about this, I'll go back first, and once I've finalized the settings, I'll send them to Machida Editor on my phone."
Izumi Chihiro knew that dragging this out was not a solution, so he decided to end the meeting.
"Alright, then."
Machida Sonoko's red lips parted slightly as she stood up and extended her right hand.
Izumi Chihiro reacted, stood up, and took her hand.
Hmm, it was very smooth.
"I hope our cooperation can continue in the future! Izumi, let's work hard together!"
Machida Sonoko showed a gentle smile.
"Okay!"
He nodded happily.