You can publish a book in India while living abroad. Content writing, editing, design, ISBN, and printing can all be handled online by an Indian publishing company.
The steps are the same as for any author in India. What changes is the ISBN, printing and shipping, how royalties reach you, and tax. Here is how each one works.
Can an NRI Publish a Book in India?
Yes. You don’t need to live in India, and you don’t need to visit. Most of our NRI authors work with us by email and video call from the US, UK, Gulf, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
For the general steps (editing, design, pricing), read our step-by-step guide to self-publishing in India. The rest of this page covers only what’s different if you’re abroad.
Which ISBN Does an NRI Author Need?
An ISBN comes from the national ISBN agency of the country where the publisher is based. It doesn’t depend on where the author lives or where the book sells.
- Publishing through an Indian publisher: your book normally gets an Indian ISBN. In India these are free, issued by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN at isbn.gov.in.
- Acting as your own publisher abroad: you’d apply to the ISBN agency in your own country, where ISBNs often cost money.
Each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own ISBN. Before you sign with any publisher, ask whose name will appear as the publisher. For more, see ISBN vs ASIN.
Where Should an NRI Author Print the Book?
It depends on where your readers are. Shipping is the cost most authors forget, because a heavy book can cost more to courier than to print.
| Your readers are | Best option | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly in India | Print in India | Nothing special |
| Mostly abroad | Print-on-demand near your readers | Slightly higher cost per copy |
| In both places | Print in India for India, print-on-demand abroad | Two sets of listings to manage |
| Just family, friends and events | A small batch printed in India and shipped | Courier charges and customs rules in your country |
Don’t ship hundreds of copies overseas before you know how many will sell. Our guide on print-on-demand vs bulk printing explains when each makes sense.
How Do NRI Authors Get Paid Royalties?
Receiving the money
Royalties earned in India are usually paid into an Indian bank account. For NRIs this is normally an NRO account, which holds income earned in India. Sending that money abroad is allowed under FEMA rules, but with conditions and paperwork. Your bank can tell you what applies to you.
Ask your publisher for royalty statements that show sales by country and format. Our guide to tracking royalties from Amazon, Flipkart and international sales shows what to look for.
Tax on royalties
In general, a non-resident is taxed in India on income earned in India, and tax may be deducted before you’re paid. India also has tax treaties (DTAA) with many countries, which can reduce double taxation. Your own country may want the income reported too.
We’re a publisher, not tax advisers, and the rules change. Talk to a chartered accountant who handles NRI tax before your first royalty, and ask how it will be taxed, whether your country’s treaty applies, and what documents you’ll need.
Does an NRI Author Need to Register Copyright?
No. Copyright is yours automatically the moment you write the work. India and most other countries belong to the Berne Convention, so your work is generally protected abroad too.
Registration is optional. In India it costs ₹500 for a literary work and gives you an official record of ownership. See how to register a copyright for a book in India.
What to Ask a Publisher When You Live Abroad
Beyond the usual checks in our guide on how to choose a self-publishing company in India, ask these four:
- Can you print for readers in my country without high shipping costs?
- How do I pay you from abroad, and in which currency?
- How will I receive royalties, and in what form?
- Which countries and stores will my book actually be available in?
Publishing with Zorba Books as an NRI Author
We’ve been publishing books in India since 2014, and many of our authors live abroad. We handle content writing, editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN support, printing, marketing, and distribution, and you keep your rights.
Jagdish Chandra Joshi, who lives in Pittsburgh, published his book of poems and Sanskrit prayers, Padya Sumaanjali Tatha Stutisaar Samuchchay, with us. He was honest about the time difference: when our team was working in India, it was night in the US, and the book went through many rounds of corrections. In the end, he said:
“After all the back and forth, they delivered the books on time for the book event here in the USA.”
Jagdish Chandra Joshi, Pittsburgh, USA
Want to talk it through? Book a free consultation and tell us which country you’re in and who you want to reach.
FAQs
Can an NRI publish a book in India?
Yes. An Indian publishing company can handle editing, design, ISBN, and printing while you stay abroad.
Can I get an Indian ISBN as an NRI?
If an India-based publisher publishes your book, it normally carries an Indian ISBN, which is free. If you publish it yourself from abroad, you’d apply in your own country.
Can I sell my book outside India?
Yes, through international online stores, ebook platforms, and print-on-demand services. Ask your publisher which countries they cover.
Is it cheaper to print in India or abroad?
Printing in India is usually cheaper per copy, but shipping and customs can cancel the saving on small orders. For a few copies, print-on-demand close to your readers often costs less overall.
Do NRI authors pay tax on royalties earned in India?
Income earned in India by a non-resident is generally taxable there, and a tax treaty with your country may reduce double taxation. Check with a chartered accountant.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 3 months from final manuscript to launch. Add time if you’re shipping printed copies overseas.