How to Publish a Book in India

May 28

Written By BS DARA

Introduction

Every author dreams of holding their book in their hands. But if you’re in India, you may be wondering: Where do I even start? The publishing world can seem complicated, with terms like “self-publishing,” “royalties,” and “ISBNs” thrown around. This guide breaks it down step by step so you can choose the right path and publish your book with confidence.

Step 1 – Finish Your Manuscript

Before anything else, you need a complete manuscript. Publishers and platforms won’t accept half-written work.

Revise and edit thoroughly.
Consider hiring a professional editor.
Format your manuscript (Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced is standard).

Step 2 – Choose Your Publishing Model

In India, authors have three main publishing routes:

Traditional Publishing

No upfront costs.
Publisher selects only a few manuscripts.
Authors get royalties (usually 7–12%).

Self-Publishing

Full control of design, editing, and distribution.
You bear costs, but you keep higher profits.
Platforms: Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Pothi, Notion Press.

Hybrid Publishing

A mix of both: shared costs, shared royalties.
Often faster and more flexible than traditional houses.
Growing in popularity in India.

Step 3 – Get Your ISBN

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is essential for bookstores and libraries.

In India, ISBNs are issued free of cost by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency (under the HRD Ministry).
For self-publishing, platforms like Amazon can provide ISBNs too.

Step 4 – Design Your Book

Your cover is the first thing readers notice.

Hire a designer (or use tools like Canva if budget is tight).
Ensure the title, author name, and subtitle are clear.
Typeset the interior for print and ebook formats.

Step 5 – Distribution & Sales

Think about where your readers will buy your book:

Online: Amazon India, Flipkart, your own website.
Offline: Bookstores, events, local distributors.
Global: Amazon US/UK, Kobo, Apple Books.

Step 6 – Marketing Your Book

Writing the book is just half the job—marketing gets it into readers’ hands.

Build an author website
Use social media (Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn).
Get reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.
Send press releases to local newspapers and magazines.

Publishing a book in India is easier today than ever before. With the right model, proper planning, and consistent marketing, your story can reach readers worldwide. Whether you choose traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, remember: the most important step is starting now.

BS DARA