The Guide to Dual Format Publishing for Indian Authors
Why it matters: Publishing both print and eBook formats simultaneously is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. With online book sales replacing physical store sales across India, authors must adapt to reach readers wherever they are: on screens, in bookstores, and beyond.
- Why Dual-Format Publishing Matters More Than Ever
- What is Dual-Format Publishing, and How Can You Do It Cost‑Effectively?
- Is Publishing in Print and eBook Formats Right for You?
- The Rise of Dual Format Publishing in India
- Cost Comparison Table: Publishing Options in India
- Step-by-Step Workflow: One-Time Setup, Dual Delivery
- Quick Checklist to Publish Print & eBook Together
1. Why Dual-Format Publishing Matters More Than Ever
- Online book sales in India now account for over 70% of all book sales in India (Nielsen BookScan India, 2024)
- eBooks are projected to grow by 15% CAGR by 2026, while demand for affordable print continues among Indian readers
- Authors who release both gain 2.5x more discoverability across platforms like Kindle + Flipkart.
A combined print and eBook release—especially via dual format publishing services—maximizes reach and monetizes multiple formats.
2. What is Dual-Format Publishing, and How Can You Do It Cost‑Effectively?
Dual format publishing = publishing your book simultaneously as an eBook and paperback using shared services like print-on-demand India to avoid upfront costs and inventory risk.
a) Benefits of Publishing in Print and eBook Format, include:
- Apply for ISBN only once for both formats (or minimal variation fees)
- Single editorial, design, and marketing investment
- Lower risk of unsold stock
- Coordinated launch creates stronger visibility
b) “I Want to Publish in Print and eBook Form—without Spending Twice. How?”
Can I afford to publish both print and eBook formats? Many authors worry that dual-format publishing will double their costs. But wise bundling and print-on-demand services can make it surprisingly affordable. Writing your book is one thing. Getting it out there in both formats in a cost-effective manner is another. Many new authors face these burning questions:
- “Do I need separate budgets to publish a paperback and an eBook?”
- “Is print-on-demand India reliable enough for small print runs?”
- “Should I hire two different publishers for ebook and print?”
- “How can I package both formats but reduce printing costs?”
If these concerns hold you back, read on.
c) Examples: How Authors Publishing in print and eBook formats Successfully
- Presenjit, a Lucknow-based writer, launched his Hindi Novel रेनेसां : एक अनन्त युद्ध was published in June 2025 via print on demand and eBook. Within two months, his paperback was in three stores, while the ebook reached readers worldwide—without extra print costs.
- Mishti Verma, author of a business nonfiction title Hide But Seek, bundled an ebook + paperback package for coaching bulk orders. Offering discounts on combined purchases, she cleared 200 copies in two weeks.
3. Is Publishing in Print and eBook Formats Right for You?
1. “Should I use Print-on-Demand or do an offset print run?”
Print-on-demand India services allow you to print as few as 5–10 copies at ₹120–₹180 per book. Offset printing requires large runs (200+) and high storage costs.
2. “Will ebook formatting cost me separately?”
Many publishers offer a combined package—eBook formatting included in the same editing and design workflow. No need to pay twice.
3. “What about quality? Are POD books professional?”
Modern POD printers in India (like Zorba Books) use high-GSM paper and cover lamination. Quality is comparable to traditional runs.
4. “How can I minimise inventory and shipping headaches?”
POD India delivers fulfilled books directly on customer orders—zero inventory, zero returns.
5. “How do I price paperback + ebook effectively?”
Set paperback price using a royalty calculator that calculates your MRP based on book size and number of pages. Say ₹299–₹399 for print book and ebook at ₹149–₹199. Offer a combo discount: both for ₹449–₹499, which increases the average order value (AOV).
6. “Will my book look professional in both formats?”
Authors often fear that eBooks will feel generic or that print editions will lack polish. How do you ensure quality across formats? Yes, publishers will offer a polished look to both.
7. “How do I manage distribution for both versions?”
Navigating Amazon, Flipkart, Kindle, and other platforms can be overwhelming. Is there a streamlined way to publish and distribute both formats? Yes, publishers like Zorba Books can manage both for you.
8. “Is print still relevant when online book sales are booming?”
With digital reading on the rise, authors ask: Should I skip print altogether? The answer is nuanced—and strategic. The explanation and figures given in “Why Dual-Format Publishing Matters More Than Ever” will answer this question.
4. The Rise of Dual Format Publishing in India
Source: Indian Publishing & Media Trends Report, 2024
5. Cost Comparison Table: Publishing Options in India
| Model | Estimated Book Publishing Cost (₹) | Advantages | Drawbacks |
| Self-publish Print Only | ₹24,900–1,00,000 | Physical stock, store access | High cost, inventory risk |
| Self-publish eBook Only | ₹10,000–20,000 | Low cost, digital reach | No physical reach |
| Dual-Format POD Package | ₹36,900–1,00,000 | Efficient, more royalty and greater sales | Slightly more expense than print only |
| Hybrid Publishing Bundle | ₹60,000–3,00,000 | Full support, translation, marketing | Shared royalty model |
(Numbers illustrative across Indian market averages in 2025)
a. Tips to Reduce Printing and Publishing Costs
- Choose POD India providers that offer bulk discounts above 50 copies.
- Plan paperback trim size wisely—6″ × 9″ is cheaper than custom sizes.
- Use grayscale interior unless colour graphics are essential.
- Bundle services—eBook formatting is often free with the same package.
- Request royalty statements to monitor print vs ebook income separately.
b. The Power of an eBook + Paperback Package
Bundling both formats offers:
- Cross-platform discoverability
- Multiple price points for readers
- Higher perceived value
- Better ROI on the same marketing efforts
Case Study: A thriller writer from the USA Om P Garg launched his books Aam Aadmi Ka Sahasik Safar with a dual format publishing service. His eBook ranked in Kindle’s Top 100, while his paperback gained traction on Flipkart in Tier 2 cities.
6. Step-by-Step Workflow: One-Time Setup, Dual Delivery
- Finalise manuscript and submit to your service provider
- Request a paperback mockup and eBook proof before launch
- Approve both formats together—ensures design consistency
- Launch both formats simultaneously—Amazon Kindle, Flipkart, Zorba Books Print, local consignments
- Monitor sales via a unified author dashboard
- Offer ebook + paperback combo via your author website or book fairs
When done right, upfront effort pays off multiple times.
Why Zorba Books Fits This Model Perfectly
If you’re seeking a reliable publisher for print and eBook formats in India, Zorba Books offers:
- Bundled packages tailored to print-on-demand India
- Services including editing, cover design, eBook formatting, ISBN, and distribution—one combined investment
- Transparent pricing and royalty sharing
- Delivery of both digital and print versions within 1–2 months
Their author-centric focus allows you to launch both formats professionally without doubling your budget.
Voices of Indian Publishers + Authors
“I was worried about managing print and ebook separately. Zorba Books gave me both formats in one go—saving time and cost.” — Prasenjit, Lucknow novelist
According to a Zorba Books author survey in early 2025:
- 68% preferred ordering paperback copies on-demand
- 54% increased total sales by offering the ebook package at a discount
- Review counts improved across platforms because readers could choose the format they liked
7. Quick Checklist to Publish Print & eBook Together
Call to Action
Publishing in both print and eBook doesn’t have to cost twice. If you’re ready to leverage print on demand India, streamline ebook formatting, and launch a dual-format book in weeks—not months—reach out to Zorba Books for transparent publishing bundles that combine quality with affordability.
Help Fellow Authors Discover This Strategy!
Do you know someone caught between publishing formats or unsure how to reduce print costs? Share this blog with your writers’ circle, WhatsApp group, or book club. Tags are welcome!
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