Core Insights - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the remarkable success of G.E.M. Tang's debut science fiction novel "The Road of Revelation," which achieved over 200,000 copies sold and generated sales exceeding 40 million yuan on its first day of pre-sale, showcasing the power of fan economy and effective marketing strategies in the publishing industry [1][3][11] Group 1: Sales Performance - "The Road of Revelation" sold over 200,000 copies and generated sales of more than 40 million yuan on its first day of pre-sale [1] - The book's pricing includes versions at 89 yuan and 298 yuan, with the latter being perceived as a collectible item by fans [1][6] - Fans are purchasing multiple copies, with some buying up to 42 books to obtain signed editions, indicating strong fan engagement [2][5] Group 2: Marketing Strategies - The pre-sale date coincided with G.E.M. Tang's 17th debut anniversary, creating a sense of emotional connection and community among fans [4] - The collaboration between various publishers and digital platforms, such as Tomato Novel and Guomai Culture, has been crucial in leveraging internet marketing strategies [4][6] - The marketing approach transformed the purchase of the book into a communal experience, enhancing emotional ties between fans and the author [4][5] Group 3: Fan Economy - The phenomenon of celebrity authorship is driven by fan economy, where emotional connections and community identity significantly influence purchasing behavior [5][6] - The average purchase quantity per user for "The Road of Revelation" is estimated at 2.3 copies, surpassing the industry average of 1.1 copies [4] - Fans view the purchase of the book similarly to buying a magazine featuring their idol, indicating a shift in consumer behavior influenced by celebrity culture [4][5] Group 4: Publishing Industry Trends - The rise of soft science fiction as a mainstream genre reflects a broader trend in the publishing industry, moving away from niche markets [8][9] - The integration of science fiction elements in popular culture is becoming more prevalent, as seen in G.E.M. Tang's work, which combines music, philosophy, and science fiction [9][10] - The publishing cycle for "The Road of Revelation" was notably rapid, taking only 45 days from manuscript completion to pre-sale, highlighting a shift in traditional publishing timelines [7][11] Group 5: Future Implications - The success of "The Road of Revelation" raises questions about the sustainability of such marketing models and the potential for replicating this success in future publications [11] - The publishing industry is increasingly focusing on metrics beyond sales figures, such as reading completion rates and resale rates, to assess the true impact of a book [11]

Core Viewpoint - The publishing industry is undergoing significant changes due to the rise of short video platforms like Douyin, shifting from a supply-driven model to a demand-driven one, where user needs dictate supply [1][21][34]. Group 1: Changes in the Publishing Industry - The media environment has transitioned from a tree structure to a network structure, increasing the weight of demand and shifting the publishing industry from "supply determines demand" to "demand influences supply" [1][21]. - Short video platforms have transformed book sales from "people searching for books" to "books finding people," leading to more efficient supply-demand matching [1][21][34]. - The emergence of generative AI will serve as a creative aid, but the ultimate value still lies in human judgment and creativity [1][21]. Group 2: The Role of Literature - Literature may continue to decline under the influence of media technology, as it occupies a brief period in human cultural history, with modern novels flourishing for only about 160 years [2][44]. - The era of super bestsellers, like Han Han's 20 million copies sold, has passed, but the content market has become more diverse and equitable, allowing more voices from ordinary writers to be heard [2][44]. Group 3: Historical Context of Chinese Literature - Three significant "baby booms" in modern Chinese culture are identified, each corresponding to key historical events that shaped the literary landscape [4]. - The first generation was born around 1898, participating in the May Fourth Movement; the second around 1955, coinciding with the Reform and Opening Up in 1978; and the third around 1978, emerging during the internet era [4]. Group 4: The Impact of Short Video Platforms - Short video platforms have become major channels for book sales, with a notable increase in the popularity of social science books during the period from 2020 to 2023 [14][16]. - The publishing industry has seen a shift where books are now used as a primary entry point for new platforms seeking to expand their user base [16][34]. Group 5: Supply Chain Innovations - The publishing company has adopted a zero-inventory model, allowing for rapid response to demand through a highly efficient supply chain that can produce books within hours [32][37]. - This shift has enabled the company to reduce warehouse space while increasing the speed and efficiency of matching supply with demand [32][37]. Group 6: The Future of Literature and AI - The decline of literature is anticipated as other media forms, such as short videos and AI-generated content, become more prevalent [44][60]. - AI is seen as a tool to enhance productivity in the publishing process, but the intrinsic value of content will still rely on human creativity and judgment [61][62]. Group 7: The Role of the Publisher - The publisher's role is evolving into that of a cultural merchant, utilizing technology to discover demand while maintaining a cultural judgment to match supply [65][66]. - The focus remains on discovering value and producing quality content, adapting to the changing landscape of media and consumer preferences [66].