The rhythmic clatter of the Royal Quiet Deluxe typewriter filled the quiet house as Nick Jones worked tirelessly. Each keystroke brought him closer to his goal, every word shaping the story that would define his future. He had spent weeks hunched over his desk, pouring all his knowledge, creativity, and experience into a novel that hadn't been written yet —at least not in this timeline.
By 10th March 1985, the manuscript was finished.
"Harry Potter : The Sorcerer's Stone"—a tale of magic, friendship, and destiny.
Nick knew that writing the book was just the first step. The real challenge lay ahead: getting it published. Unlike the digital age he came from, where self-publishing was an option, the 1985 publishing industry was dominated by powerful traditional publishing houses. If he wanted his book in stores, he had to convince them it was worth the risk.
He carefully typed out query letters and mailed them along with copies of his manuscript to Random House, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Harper & Row, and Doubleday—the giants of the industry. Then, he waited.
Weeks passed, and the responses trickled in.
"Not what we're looking for at this time."
"Fantasy is a tough sell in today's market."
"Try again with something more suited to adult audiences."
Only Harper & Row made an offer—a $5,000 advance with 8% royalties. It was standard for a new author, but Nick wasn't aiming to be just another writer. He knew the book's potential. He needed more control, more influence. So, he turned it down.
Just as doubt began to creep in, an unexpected letter arrived from Hawthorne Press, a respected yet struggling second-tier publisher known for taking risks on fresh talent. Unlike the standard rejection letters, this one invited him for a meeting.
Nick soon found himself sitting in a modest office, across from Arthur Callahan, a senior editor with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. The older man flipped through the manuscript, his fingers running over the pages with a deliberate slowness. After a long silence, he finally looked up.
"Your book has something special, kid," Arthur said, his tone thoughtful."It's different. I like different."
Nick leaned forward."So, what are you offering?"
Arthur smirked slightly. "A $20,000 advance and 12% royalties."
Nick considered it. The advance was four times what Harper & Row had offered, and the royalty rate was higher. But then Arthur continued.
"We're also looking for fresh minds," he said, watching Nick carefully."Not just writers, but people who can help shape the future of this company. If things go well, we'd like to bring you into discussions on future projects, maybe even profit-sharing down the line."
Nick's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't equity, but it was close—a real stake in the company's future if he proved himself.
He glanced at the other people in the room. Linda Grayson, the marketing manager, had a no-nonsense air about her, the kind of person who knew how to sell books to the masses. Mark Reynolds, the chief editor, was quiet but had a sharp eye for storytelling. Paul Donovan, the sales director, was a veteran in the industry, the kind of man who could get a book into bookstores, libraries, and schools. Jenny Hart, the publishing assistant, looked young and eager, clearly just starting her own journey in the business.
Nick knew he had found the right team. He wasn't just selling a book—he was securing his place in the industry.
He reached out and shook Arthur's hand.
With that handshake,his journey as an author had officially begun.