As 2025 comes to a close, many Indian authors are reviewing their publishing plans. Self-publishing has grown rapidly this year, yet some critical steps are still being overlooked—impacting quality, visibility, and royalties.
This checklist focuses on key trends, essential decisions, and expert advice to ensure your self-publishing journey is successful as we move into 2026.
1. Secure Your ISBN at the Right Stage
An ISBN is crucial for book discoverability. Many authors apply too early or too late.
- Obtain your ISBN after completing the cover and formatting.
- Ensures error-free copyright page and global visibility.
2. Design a Professional Cover and Interior Layout
A visually appealing cover and well-structured interior are no longer optional.
- Eye-catching cover aligned with genre and audience
- Proper fonts, spacing, and layout for readability
- Complete front matter: copyright, contents, dedication, prologue, foreword
3. Plan Marketing Before Publishing
Marketing is now an essential part of self-publishing. Authors who plan ahead see higher visibility and sales.
- Define target audience and reading platforms
- Create a launch plan including social media, reviews, and online ads
- Ensure your strategy matches your genre and distribution channels
4. Choose the Right Printing Method
Selecting the correct printing route affects cost, quality, and distribution.
- Print-on-Demand (POD): Low-risk, cost-effective for new authors
- Offset Printing: Ideal for bulk runs, lower cost per unit for established authors
5. Ensure Wide Distribution
Relying solely on Amazon limits reach. Multi-channel distribution has become essential.
- Amazon India & global stores
- Flipkart and other e-commerce platforms
- Distributor networks and retail tie-ups
- Online availability with reliable delivery
6. Track Sales and Royalties Transparently
Transparency is now a key expectation for self-published authors.
What to Check
- Real-time sales dashboards
- Regular royalty payments
- Clear reporting of all distribution channels
7. Review Your Publishing Package Carefully
Many authors sign up without fully understanding what’s included.
- Editing and proofreading depth
- Professional cover and interior design
- Marketing and distribution options
- Customization and support services
Choosing Between Publishing Platforms (Indian vs Global)
One of the first decisions writers must make is whether to publish through an Indian or global platform.
| Indian Platforms | Global Platforms |
| Zorba Books, Amazon Kindle | Apple Books, IngramSpark |
| Easier to connect with | Time zones and distance make interaction difficult |
| Understanding cultural nuances, service oriented | A more mechanical approach |
| Easier for local distribution | Higher international reach |
| Payment processing suited for Indian authors | Global royalties in USD, GBP, etc. |
Real Example: From Manuscript to Market
Author: Aditi Gangwar
Book: Through the Mind’s Eyes
Aditi approached Zorba Books with a children’s manuscript. After thorough editing, design, and guided publishing, her book was available on Amazon, Flipkart, and more—with marketing support that earned her top rankings in her category within 2 months. Freeing her to pursue further writing and more.
8. Final Checklist: Guide to Self-Publishing – 2025 Edition
✔️ Choose the right platform
✔️ Invest in editing and design
✔️ ISBN for authors
✔️ Use targeted marketing campaigns
✔️ Understand pricing and royalty structures
✔️ Go beyond Amazon—opt for wide distribution
Are You Ready for 2026?
End-of-year is the perfect time to audit your self-publishing plans. Authors who follow this checklist will start 2026 prepared, strategic, and confident. For Authors Ready to Take Control of Their Publishing Journey
If you found this Self-Publishing 2025 Guide helpful, share it with fellow writers and aspiring authors. The more we empower storytellers, the richer our literary world becomes.