A Complete Book Publishing Guide
Publishing a book in India is a dream for many aspiring authors. But the process can feel confusing if you’re new to the writing and publishing world. Should you go with a traditional publisher, try self-publishing, or choose a hybrid model? What about editing, cover design, ISBN, and book promotion?
This guide breaks it all down into simple, practical steps so you can confidently publish your book in India.
1. Write & Edit Your Book
Before you think of publishers, focus on your manuscript.
- Write with a clear audience in mind.
- Revise multiple times.
- Hire a professional editor or proofreader
👉 A polished manuscript gives you a much higher chance of success.
2. Book Cover & Interior Design
Your book’s cover is the first impression for readers.
- Hire a designer (or use Canva, InDesign).
- Keep it clean, professional, and genre-appropriate.
- Format your book interior for easy readability.
3. ISBN & Copyright in India
- Apply for an ISBN (free through the Indian ISBN Agency).
- Register copyright with the Copyright Office of India.
This ensures your book is legally protected and globally recognized.
4. Choose Your Publishing Path
i) Traditional Publishing
Traditional Publishers in India
- Works on a royalty-based model (7–10% of MRP).
- Big publishers in India: Penguin Random House India, HarperCollins India, Rupa Publications.
- Usually requires a literary agent to approach top publishers.
- Pros: Strong distribution, brand recognition.
- Cons: Harder to get accepted, lower royalties.
ii) Self Publishing in India
- Full control, higher royalties (20–30%+).
- Platforms: Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP), Notion Press, Evincepub, Astitva Prakashan, Blue Rose, Pothi.com.
- Pros: Faster publishing, global reach.
- Cons: Marketing is your responsibility.
iii) Hybrid / Partnered Publishing
- Mix of both models.
- Publisher provides editing, design, distribution, while author handles marketing.
- Good balance if you want control + professional support.
5. Book Marketing in India
Publishing is just the start—marketing sells the book.
- Build an author website & blog (to share tips + promote your book).
- Use social media, book launches, and Amazon ads.
- Collaborate with book reviewers & influencers.
- Consider a professional book marketing company if budget allows.
- Read: Why Most Writers Fail in India
6. Book Publishing Royalties in India
- Traditional publishers → 7–10% royalty.
- Self-publishing platforms → 20–30% royalty (sometimes more on eBooks).
- Hybrid models → depends on agreement.
👉 If maximizing royalties is your goal, self-publishing is the best path.
Conclusion
Publishing a book in India can feel overwhelming, but when broken into steps, it’s very doable.
- Write and edit your manuscript.
- Get your ISBN and copyright.
- Choose between traditional, self, or hybrid publishing.
- Market your book strategically.
With the right preparation and persistence, you can proudly see your name on the cover of a published book.
Jon “Book Writing and Publishing Webinar” for more….
he cost of publishing a book in India depends on the model you choose.
Traditional publishing → No upfront cost (publisher invests, but royalties are lower: 7–10%).
Self-publishing → ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (editing, cover design, ISBN, printing, marketing).
Amazon Kindle (KDP) → Free to publish eBooks, but you may spend on editing and cover design.22
Traditional publishing gives credibility, distribution, and brand recognition but is harder to get accepted.
Self-publishing gives you full control, faster release, and higher royalties.
👉 Many new authors in India start with self-publishing (Amazon KDP, Notion Press, Evincepub) and later approach traditional publishers.
Yes ✅ An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is required for printed books in India. You can apply for a free ISBN from the Indian ISBN Agency. For eBooks (like Amazon Kindle), ISBN is optional, but recommended.
You can register your copyright through the Copyright Office of India. While your work is automatically protected under copyright law once written, registration provides stronger legal proof in case of disputes.
Traditional publishing → 4 to 6 months (due to review, contracts, editing, and marketing cycles).
Self-publishing → 1–3 months (depends on editing and design speed).
Amazon KDP → 24–72 hours (once the manuscript is uploaded and approved).
Yes! Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, Notion Press, and Astitva Prakashan, Bluerose, Pothi.com allow authors to publish in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and other Indian languages. This opens up access to a wider audience in and India.
Effective book marketing strategies include:
Building an author website & blog.
Promoting on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Goodreads.
Running Amazon ads or Facebook ads.
Collaborating with book reviewers and bloggers.
Hosting book launches and signing events (offline + online).
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