5 Real Mistakes Indian Authors Make When Publishing and How to Avoid Them

Publishing your first book in India, whether in Hindi, English or any indian language, is an exciting journey. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Many Indian writers fall into the same traps that delay or derail their dream of becoming published authors. Here are 5 real, down-to-earth mistakes Indian authors often make

1. Waiting Too Long to Finish the Manuscript

In India, writing is often balanced with family, jobs, or studies. Many writers start with enthusiasm but keep pushing the manuscript aside, thinking they can “fix it later.” Months, even years, go by without completing the book.

Tip: Set small daily or weekly word count goals. Treat writing like a job, not just a hobby. Even 200 words a day adds up quickly! Commitment beats perfection in the early stages.

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2. Ignoring the Local Reader’s Taste

Indian readers of Hindi and English books often look for relatable stories and simple language. Some authors try to copy Western writing styles or cram too many fancy words, losing the emotional connect.

Tip: Write what you know and feel deeply. Use everyday language your family and friends understand. Also, get feedback from local readers—your neighbors, colleagues, or local book clubs—to check if your tone clicks.

3. Choosing the Wrong Publishing Partner

India has many new self-publishing companies that promise the moon but deliver little. Some charge high upfront fees and provide poor distribution or marketing support. Authors sometimes trust publishers without verifying their credibility.

Tip: Before signing any contract, check online reviews, ask other authors about their experience, and don’t hesitate to ask for written commitments about marketing and sales. Also be aware of predatory publishers who only care about money.

4. Overlooking Regional Language Rights and Translation

Many Hindi authors dream of reaching English readers and vice versa but don’t pay attention to language rights or proper translations. They either lose control over rights or launch poor translations that hurt their reputation.

Tip: Keep your translation rights separate in contracts. Invest in professional translators familiar with your genre and Indian cultural nuances rather than using automated or untrained translators.

5. Not Building a Local Author Community

In India, authors often miss out on the power of local networks. Instead of building relationships with fellow Indian writers, bookstores, and literary events in their city or region, they isolate themselves hoping the book will sell itself.

Tip: Join Indian writers’ community, attend book fairs like the Jaipur Literature Festival or regional cultural festivals, and connect with local bookstores for events. Word-of-mouth in your community is still one of the strongest drivers of book sales here.

Wrapping Up

Publishing your book in India can be fulfilling and profitable if you avoid these common but critical mistakes. Writing your story with heart, choosing trustworthy partners, respecting your readers’ language preferences, and actively engaging with your local writing community are key steps to making your journal from writer to published author a happy one.

Start small, keep learning, and remember: every bestselling Indian author once started just like you!