Abstract: In the early Qing Dynasty, Zhang Chao was a well-known author and publisher, at the same
time, possessed the businessmen's financial resources and the intelligence of literati, devoted his energies
to preserving documentation and bringing culture to the masses. “Letters from Friends” and “Letters from
My Own” collected more than 1500 letters, which related to many aspects of the books market. Zhang Chao
edited and published the good-sized series with a just and objective attitude, having novel, contemporary
and practical characteristics. The interlaced communication networks provided him a broad contribution
source. Various types of comments complemented and contended each other. Keeping the principle of easy
to publish in mind, the series published one after another. In this process, Zhang Chao regarded readers as
God, viewed quality as his life, had the brave to innovate. Meanwhile, he subsidized the literati living at
the bottom of the society, highlighting the cultural dignity. All of these precious records were kept, such as
publishing expenses, piracy, temporary transfer of copyright, gradual separation of editing and publishing.

Key words: Zhang Chao, The letters, The early Qing Dynasty, The publishing market