Almost every author who contacts us has already talked to two or three other publishers. They arrive confused, and it isn’t their fault.
Every company says the same things. “100% royalty.” “Free publishing.” “Worldwide distribution.” After the third phone call, they all blur together.
We’ve been publishing books in India since 2014, so we’ve seen what good and bad experiences look like from the inside. This guide is what we’d tell a friend who was about to hand over money for their first book.
On an honest note we’re a publishing company, so we have an interest here. We’ve tried to write this so it helps you even if you never contact us.
What does a self-publishing company actually do?
You write the book. They help you turn it into a finished, sellable product: editing, cover, layout, ISBN, printing, and getting it onto sales channels. You pay for those services, and you keep the rights.
That last part is the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing. A traditional publisher pays the costs and takes control. Here you pay, and the book stays yours.
So your job is simple to say and hard to do: find a company that does the work properly and doesn’t take the book away from you.
10 Things to Check Before You Choose a Self-Publishing Company
Here are the ten things we’d check before paying any company. Go through them in order, because the first few matter most.
1. Find out who owns your rights
Start with the contract, not the price.
You should keep your copyright. You should also be free to sell your book elsewhere. If a company wants exclusive rights, or asks you to sign anything you don’t fully understand, stop and ask why.
Most authors only read this clause after something goes wrong. Read it first.
2. Ask whose name is on the ISBN
Here’s something many authors don’t know: ISBNs are free in India. The Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN issues them at isbn.gov.in.
So the question isn’t “do you charge for the ISBN?” The better question is “whose name will appear as the publisher?” If the company’s name is on it, moving your book later can get complicated. Ask before you sign, and get the answer in writing.
3. Insist on an itemised quote
Be wary of packages named “Silver,” “Gold,” or “Platinum” that don’t say what’s inside.
You want a written list: editing, cover, layout, printing, distribution, each with its own price. When you can see the parts, you can compare companies fairly. When you can’t, you’re guessing.
If a company won’t itemise, that tells you something.
4. Understand what “100% royalty” really means
This phrase is everywhere, and it sounds wonderful.
But 100% of what? Often it means 100% of a small amount left over after printing costs, platform fees, and other deductions. Sometimes it’s a perfectly honest offer. Sometimes it isn’t.
Ask for a worked example: “If my book sells for ₹299, what do I earn per copy?” A good company can answer that in a minute. Also ask how often you’re paid and whether you get sales reports.
5. Look at books they’ve actually published
Don’t rely on “1,000+ titles” claims. Ask to see real books in your genre.
Check the cover. Flip through the sample pages. Search for the book on an online store. Does it look like something you’d buy?
Good companies are proud to show their work. If you only get a brochure, be cautious.
6. Know how to leave
Few authors think about this, and it matters.
What happens if you want to end the agreement? Do you get your final files, your cover, and your ISBN details? How much notice is needed? Is there a fee?
A fair contract answers these questions plainly. A confusing one leaves you stuck.
7. Start with print-on-demand
Print-on-demand (POD) means a copy is printed only when someone orders it. There’s no stock sitting in a godown, and no money tied up.
We tell most first-time authors to start here. Print a larger batch later, once you know people want the book. If a company pushes you to print 500 copies on day one, ask yourself who benefits.
8. Ask exactly where your book will be sold
“Worldwide distribution” can mean a lot or very little.
Ask for specifics. Which online stores? Which bookstores? Will libraries be able to order it? Does anything cost extra?
A clear answer sounds like a list. A vague answer sounds like a slogan.
9. Check what “editing” really means
Reviews often decide whether a book succeeds, and readers notice weak editing quickly.
Some services run a spell-check and call it editing. Ask what’s included: a developmental edit, a line edit, a proofread? Who does the work? Can you see the changes?
Good editing is one of the best investments you can make in your book.
10. Read Independent Reviews
Don’t rely only on the testimonials a company shows you.
Search for its name on Google, Trustpilot, and author forums or social media groups. Look for patterns: do authors mention delays, hidden charges, or poor communication? A few complaints are normal but the same complaint repeated is not.
Here’s what Dr. A. Rajasimha and Ms. Manimozhi Ilango, authors of Pestle and Mortar, told us after publishing with Zorba Books:
“The workflow was characterized by streamlined communication, precise execution, and a notable absence of process bottlenecks… friendly, highly receptive, and accommodating at every iteration.”
Notice what they praise: communication and responsiveness. Those are the things you can’t see in a brochure, and they’re what past authors will tell you about honestly.
Red flags we’d take seriously
Some warning signs are easy to spot once you know them:
- Anyone guaranteeing bestseller status or fixed sales
- “Free publishing” that never explains where the money comes from
- Pressure to pay today because “the offer ends tonight”
- No written agreement
- Vague answers about rights, ISBN, or royalties
One of these might be an accident. Two or three together is a pattern.
How much does it cost?
It depends on your book’s length, genre, and what you need. A short poetry collection and a 400-page illustrated book are very different projects.
That’s why we don’t like quoting a single number. Ask any company for an itemised quote, then compare them line by line. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how much it costs to publish a book in India.
Most books take two to four months from final manuscript to launch. Be careful with anyone promising a finished book in a week.
A simple way to compare companies
- Pick two or three companies you’re considering.
- Send each the same list of questions (the ones above work well).
- Ask for itemised quotation in writing.
- Check the quality of published books and compare.
- Read the full agreement before paying anything.
Then choose the one that was clearest with you, not the cheapest and not the loudest.
Where Zorba Books fits in
We started Zorba Books in 2014 to make publishing clearer for authors. We handle content writing, editing, translation, cover design, formatting, ISBN support, printing, marketing, and distribution. You keep your rights, and we explain the costs in writing before work begins.
You don’t have to take our word for it. See our published books, read the author testimonials, and ask us every question in this guide.
“Zorba Books made it possible for the book to be completed and published… Your constant encouragement made me take up the challenge of becoming a First time author.”
Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay (Retd.) author of The Lady in Blue , First Lady Air Marshal of India and Padma Shri awardee 2020
If you’d like to talk it through, book a free consultation. Bring your questions. We’d rather you compare carefully than decide in a hurry.
FAQs
How do I choose a self-publishing company in India?
Compare them on rights, ISBN ownership, itemised pricing, royalty clarity, sample books, contract terms, printing options, distribution, editing quality, and feedback from past authors.
Which is the best self-publishing company in India?
No single company suits every author. The best one for you depends on your genre, budget, and goals. Compare your shortlist on the same questions.
Is self-publishing free in India?
Parts of it are. The ISBN is free, and platforms like Amazon KDP don’t charge upfront. Editing, design, and printing usually cost money.
Do self-publishing companies take your rights?
A good one doesn’t. You should keep your copyright and publishing rights, and the contract should say so.
Is “100% royalty” a good deal?
Maybe. Ask what it’s calculated on and what gets deducted before you’re paid.
Can I leave a self-publishing company later?
You should be able to. Check the contract for how to end it and what you get back.
One last thing
The right company will answer your questions without making you feel rushed. If you feel pushed, that’s your answer.
Take your time, get everything in writing, and choose the partner you trust.