How to Publish a Book in India? | Zorba Books FAQ
Publishing a book in India is an exciting dream, but for many authors—especially debut writers—the process can feel overwhelming. Should you choose self-publishing, traditional publishing, or hybrid publishing in India? What about ISBN registration, copyright protection, printing costs, and eBook publishing?
This complete FAQ guide by Zorba Books answers the most common questions authors have, from the cost of publishing a book in India to how to self-publish a book step-by-step, distribution in bookstores, and even publishing internationally. Whether you’re writing in English or exploring regional language publishing in India, you’ll find clear answers and links to helpful resources here.
Quick Overview – FAQs on Book Publishing
FAQ Question | Quick Link |
How do I figure out which publisher to prefer as a debut author? | Go to FAQ 1 |
What should I take care of before self-publishing? | Go to FAQ 2 |
How long does self-publishing take in India? | Go to FAQ 3 |
What is the full procedure for publishing a book? | Go to FAQ 4 |
Do I need an agent if I self-publish? | Go to FAQ 5 |
Is self-publishing a good idea? | Go to FAQ 6 |
How can I get my self-published book into bookstores? | Go to FAQ 7 |
How can I write and publish in under a year? | Go to FAQ 8 |
How do I get published by a reputed publishing house? | Go to FAQ 9 |
What’s the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing? | Go to FAQ 10 |
What is the cost of publishing a book? | Go to FAQ 11 |
What are the benefits of publishing an eBook? | Go to FAQ 12 |
Can I copyright my book after publishing? | Go to FAQ 13 |
What is an ISBN? How does it work? | Go to FAQ 14 |
Can Indians publish books internationally? | Go to FAQ 15 |
Can I publish without paying? | Go to FAQ 16 |
Can I publish in regional languages? | Go to FAQ 17 |
What new publishing trends should I know about? | Go to FAQ 18 |
1. How do I figure out which publisher to prefer if I’m new in this field of publishing books? How do I publish a book as a debut author?
- How to Zero in on the Right Publisher
- Finding the Right Publishers in Delhi
- Discover the Best Book Publishers Near You: Your Ultimate Guide!
- A Guide to Famous Book Publishers in India
- Top Book Publishing Companies
- Sure Shot Ways to Publish a Book and Eliminate Rejections
a. What are the various ways in which I can publish a book?
- Complete Guide to Hybrid Publishing in India I Zorba Books
- Guide to Self-Publishing in India
- Audiobook Publishing I Zorba Books
- Exploring Small Press Publishers I Zorba Books
- The Path to Publishing a book via Traditional Publishing
2. I want to self-publish a book. What are the basic things I need to take care of to start with this?
- Four Ways to Self-Publish a Book
- Benefits of Self Publishing
- Is Self-publishing the Preferred Choice for Authors?
- Empowering Authors: The Rise of Self-publishing in India
- Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which Is Best for Your Book?
- Self Publishing in Gurgaon – A Guide
3. How long does it take to self-publish a book in India?
- Standard timeline: 2–3 weeks (extra 3–4 weeks if editing required).
- How to Publish a Book in India – Step-by-Step Guide
4. How do I publish my book? What is the full procedure? How much will I have to pay for this?
- The Ultimate Guide to Publish your Book
- Write and Publish Book: A Beginner’s Guide
- 10 Steps Before Publishing a Book
- The path to publishing a book via Traditional Publishing
- What is the Cost to Self Publishing a Book in India
- Book Printing Costs
- Guide to Self-Publishing in India I Zorba Books
- Self Publishing in Gurgaon – A Guide I Zorba Books
- Why Delhi Is a Hub for Publishing Houses in Delhi
5. Do I need an agent to publish my book if I am going the self-publishing way?
- No, but research publishers carefully.
- How to Get Literary Agents in India
6. Is self-publishing a good idea?
- Why should I self-publish?
- When should I look at self-publishing?
- Profit in Self-Publishing Vs Traditional Publishing
- The Evolution of Self-Publishing
7. How do you get your self-published book in bookstores?
8. How can I write and publish my book in under a year?
Plan deadlines (6 months for writing, 6 months for publishing & promotion).
9. How do I get my book published by a good publishing house?
10. What is the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and which one’s better?
- Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which Is Best for Your Book?
- The Path to Publishing a Book via Traditional Publishing
- Benefits of Self Publishing I Zorba Books
11. What is the cost of publishing a book?
- What is the Cost to Self Publishing a Book in India
- Book Printing Costs
- Practical Steps to Book Royalty Management and Tracking India
- Author Royalty Payment
- Self-Publishing Income
12. What are the benefits of publishing an eBook?
- Should You Publish Print Book or eBook?
- Publish in Print and eBook Formats Cost-Effectively
- eBook Pricing Strategy for Authors
- A Comprehensive Guide to Successfully Publishing an eBook on Amazon Kindle
- How Do I Publish an eBook?
13. Can I copyright my book after it is published?
- ISBN and Copyright in India
- All You Need to Know About Copyright For Books
- How to Avoid Plagiarism
- How to Trademark Book
- Protecting Book Ideas
14. What is an ISBN? How does it work?
15. How hard is it for an Indian to have a book published internationally?
- Many Indian publishers have tie-ups with global distributors.
- Essential Guide to Book Distribution
16. Can I publish a book without spending money?
17. Can I publish in Indian regional languages?
- Regional Language Publishing in India: Hindi, Bengali & Tamil Authors
- Regional Language Books Into Bookstores
18. What new trends are shaping publishing?
The Rise of AI in Publishing: A New Frontier
19. How do I handle negative book reviews?
Handling book reviews is a skill. Critical reviews can disappoint the best of authors. With a few pointers, you can turn the bad reviews into one that you can use to your advantage.
20. What are the respected Indian Book Awards I can submit my book for?
Once the book is published, one of the next steps for many authors will be to submit the book for Author Awards. Receiving a book award is a gateway to instant recognition and a name for you and the book.
Quick Quiz – Test Your Book Publishing Knowledge
Think you’re ready to publish your book? Test your knowledge with this short quiz on self-publishing, eBooks, and book publishing in India
Q1. What is the biggest benefit of publishing an eBook?
a) High printing costs
b) Almost zero reproduction cost
c) Only works for international authors
Q2. If you are self-publishing in India, which of these is NOT required?
a) A literary agent
b) An ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
c) Copyright protection under the Indian Copyright Act
Q3. How long does standard self-publishing take in India (without editing)?
a) 1 week
b) 2–3 weeks
c) At least 6 months
Q4. Which publishing option gives you the most creative control over your book?
a) Traditional publishing
b) Hybrid publishing
c) Self-publishing
Q5. What is an ISBN used for in book publishing?
a) To track and sell books worldwide
b) To protect book copyright
c) To calculate royalty payments
Answer Key: Q1 → b | Q2 → a | Q3 → b | Q4 → c | Q5 → a
Closing Thoughts
Publishing a book in India doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right guidance, you can confidently choose between self-publishing and traditional publishing, estimate the cost of publishing a book, secure an ISBN and copyright, and even expand into eBook publishing, print-on-demand, or international distribution.
At Zorba Books, we’ve helped hundreds of debut authors and established writers successfully publish their work across India and abroad. Whether your goal is to publish a novel, poetry book, or regional language title, our step-by-step support makes the journey smoother.
Ready to take the next step in your publishing journey? Contact Zorba Books today and turn your manuscript into a professionally published book.