World Book Day: Rise Of Self-Publishing And Why It's The Secret Weapon For Indian Authors

Book lovers must have noticed the rise of self-publishing. Many first-time authors or even those who don't catch the eyes of big publishers find self-publishing a great way to reach readers. Popular author Amish self-published his first book from the Shiva Trilogy. We discuss this rise and the changes brought to the publishing market.

The rise

Sidhharrth S Kumaar, the founder of NumroVani, has self-published two books with Amazon KDP – Zero to Hero – Volume I – Life Lessons from Maa Durga and Zero Numerology: Birth Order and Human Psychology. He does think self-publishing is a game-changer. “For fresh writers and innovators who value freedom over conformity, self-publishing is a survival instinct. It is a lifeline in a world where conventional publishing sometimes ignores new voices or unusual ideas. It lets artists connect directly with people, follow their vision, and boldly try new things. For many, it’s about controlling your story, creating your community, and succeeding on your own terms.”

One can call the rise of self-publishing a 'cultural shift' because publishing worked like a gated community that overlooked new voices unless they could be moulded.

“Everything changed with self-publishing. It has opened the doors for everyone to express themselves freely,” says Satish Gupta, Head of Communications, Rekhta Foundation. “Rekhta Publications see this as an incredibly empowering moment — particularly in India where there’s an ocean of untapped narratives, regional languages, and first-time authors who don’t have access to traditional publishing routes. Self-publishing allows them to be heard, to build communities, and to tell stories that matter to them — without waiting for someone else’s validation.”

He sees the rise as opening valuable avenues for voices that couldn't find space in traditional publishing. Radhika Marwah, Executive Editor, Penguin Business, too thinks it is convenient for writers to bypass traditional publishers. “It can be a great platform for debut authors who have limited profiles. The success percentage of self-published authors is still small, but bigger publishers keenly watch out for the ones which break out and strike a chord with readers. They are quick to offer publishing deals to such authors and it’s a win-win as it's a tested product and self-published authors benefit from greater reach and better positioning.”

Know the workings

Regarding the workings of self-publishing, Gupta mentions, “Self-publishing is often misunderstood as being ‘do-it-yourself’, but in reality, it’s more like do-it-together — with the right support systems. Economically, self-publishing can be more transparent and rewarding for authors. With self-publishing, authors can retain greater control over pricing and rights. For readers, the benefit is simple: more diverse voices, more authentic content, and stories that break the monotony of mainstream narratives. The key to maintaining quality lies in providing editorial support, not gatekeeping. We believe self-publishing is where curated platforms can play a vital role.”

Dipti Naik is another self-published author whose book, Cupid from the East, is available worldwide on most platforms. “Self-publishing has smartly identified this gap and realised there are many hopefuls so every step like cover design, proof reading, marketing all charged separately. And each unfolded when your desperation level was identified. It helps the publisher. The contracts can be so limiting that even the author must buy the book to circulate. In terms of quality, it depends on what help the author takes. A self-publisher should be mindful of quality. It does help the writer to get published and readers a chance to read and devour more.”

Self-publishing in India

Our country has a lot of stories and content. In this regard, one question is whether self-publishing can be a dependable option for authors over established names. Radhika mentions, “We are a country of writers lamentably, rather than readers and self-publishing is a good way to see if there is a genuine market for your book. Most authors start writing because someone or the other has suggested they write a book. That is not enough to determine whether there is an actual readership for your book. Self-publishing can be quick on the GTM, and can serve as a great assessment tool on whether you should take up writing as a serious career choice. If you have a dedicated readership, it becomes easy to find a traditional publisher to back you and invest in your books.”

Dipti too thinks similarly and feels self-publishing helps handle complexities like getting the specific number, availability of the book on global digital platforms, copyrights etc. “I know of agencies and production houses reaching out to publishers for content and stories. So can be a win-win for all.”

“Self-publishing is quickly becoming a reliable and empowering path for writers in a culturally rich and content-abundant nation like India, particularly for those grounded in regional, spiritual, or untold stories,” thinks Sidhharrth. “Platforms provide writers total control over material, pricing, and reach under expanding digital literacy, vernacular language expansion, and mobile-first reading habits. Self-publishing also eliminates the gatekeeping barrier, hence allowing voices from small towns and varied backgrounds to shine without waiting years for a ‘yes’.”

While Gupta does think of India as a land of billion voices, he feels the Indian publishing industry is still not the platform for those vibrant voices. “Areas of self-publishing are yet to be explored. It is the only option right now to capture vivid stories including but not limited to, first-hand accounts, stories in local dialects, and defying genres. There are countless poets, historians, and first-time authors who just need access to publish. And in that context, self-publishing is essential. As more readers discover authors outside the mainstream, the credibility of self-published work will only continue to grow.”

Things to know

Gupta reveals that self-publishing being easy is a myth. "A good story needs a strong edit. It’s what makes your book reader-ready. Secondly, marketing your book isn’t just about social media — it’s about building a community of readers who believe in your voice. Thirdly, you have the freedom — now use it responsibly. Write honestly, but also write with intent and clarity. Ultimately, self-publishing is a commitment — not just to your book, but to your identity as a writer.”

If opting for self-publishing over traditional options, paying from one’s pocket needs to be considered. Dipti suggests, “Know your core strength and areas. You can take help in areas that are not your core strength. A thought will certainly cross your mind that it is easier to write than publish. But once you see the outcome all efforts are forgotten. If you have written only to make money, then use strategies that could boost sales. It’s your baby who learns to get a good bargain. But not ruthless, because they (Publishers) are finally holding it for all to see. For Publishers, you are sitting on a gold mine. Learn to leverage the content to your and the author’s benefit.”

Sidhharrth wants authors to know self-publishing means treating the book like a full-scale project. “Get your ISBN and copyright, then use social media, email lists, or influencer partnerships to generate a strong pre-launch buzz. Thoughtful pricing, good metadata, and a strong title will help to boost sales and awareness. Being a self-publisher means thinking beyond the release. Track sales figures, promote reader reviews, and convert material into audiobooks, blogs, or seminars. Long-term success can be maintained by consistent involvement, feedback loops, and a sequel or spin-off preparation.”

 Considering self-publishing a paradigm shift over traditional publishing in India is now a reality.