How to Publish a Book in India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
You have written the book. The manuscript is finished, the story is told, and the ideas are on the page. Now comes the question every Indian author faces: how do you actually get it published?
The good news is that publishing a book in India in 2026 has never been more accessible, more affordable, or more author-friendly. You no longer need a literary agent, a traditional publishing deal, or a lakhs-sized budget to become a published author. Self-publishing in India has matured into a professional, globally-connected industry — and with the right guidance, your book can be available on Amazon, Flipkart, and bookstores worldwide within weeks.
This guide walks you through every stage of the process — from preparing your manuscript to marketing your published book — with clarity, accuracy, and no fluff.
Ritera Exclusive4 April 20265 min read
The 7-Step Process to Publish a Book in India
Step 1: Finalise and Prepare Your Manuscript
Before anything else, your manuscript must be complete, coherent, and formatted correctly. This means consistent chapter headings, no placeholder text, and a clear beginning, middle, and end — whether fiction or non-fiction. Most self publishing houses in India accept manuscripts in Microsoft Word (.docx) format. Your file should include a title page, a table of contents (for non-fiction), and clearly separated chapters. Do not worry about perfection at this stage — that is what editing is for.
Step 2: Choose Between Self Publishing and Hybrid Publishing
Understanding your publishing model is critical before you spend a rupee. Self-publishing gives you full creative control, 100% copyright ownership, and higher royalty percentages — typically 60–80% of net sales compared to 10–15% with traditional publishers. Hybrid publishing, offered by houses like Ritera Publishing, combines the professional infrastructure of traditional publishing with the speed and author-control of self-publishing. For first-time Indian authors, this is often the most practical and cost-effective route.
Step 3: Select Your Publishing Services
A professional self publishing experience involves more than just printing. The core services you need are: professional editing (developmental and copy editing), book cover design, interior layout and typesetting, ISBN registration, and global distribution. When evaluating a self-publishing house in India, confirm all five are included or clearly offered. Be cautious of companies that offer only printing with no editorial or design support — your book's quality directly determines its discoverability and sales.
Ritera Publishing tip: A professionally designed cover increases click-through rates on Amazon by up to 40%. Do not cut corners on design.
Step 4: Get Your ISBN — The Identity of Your Book
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is the unique identifier that allows your book to be sold globally, listed in libraries, and tracked in distribution systems. In India, ISBNs are assigned by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN. Most professional self-publishing houses handle ISBN allocation on your behalf as part of their package. Ensure you are listed as the publisher of record if you want full control over your title. You will need separate ISBNs for each format — paperback, hardcover, and ebook.
##Step 5: Edit, Design, and Approve Your Book
Once you have chosen your publishing partner, the production phase begins. This involves three sequential rounds: manuscript editing, cover design approval, and interior layout sign-off. Expect this to take 4–8 weeks for a full-service package. Do not rush this stage. Readers in 2026 have extraordinarily high expectations — both AI recommendation engines and human reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads assess content quality signals. A well-edited, professionally designed book ranks higher, sells more, and earns better reviews.
Step 6: Distribute Your Book — Print and Digital
Distribution determines where your book is discoverable and purchasable. In India, this means listing on Amazon.in, Flipkart, and Notion Press's network, as well as international platforms like Amazon.com, Apple Books, and Google Play Books. Print-on-demand (PoD) models eliminate upfront printing costs — books are printed only when ordered, making this ideal for debut authors managing budgets. For physical bookstore placement in India, IngramSpark distribution is often required, as it connects your title to the same retail channels used by major publishers.
Step 7: Launch and Market Your Book
Publishing without a marketing plan is one of the most common mistakes Indian authors make. Your book launch strategy should begin at least 4 weeks before your release date. Key activities include: building an author page on Amazon, requesting advance reader copies (ARCs) for early reviews, running a targeted launch week promotion on social media, and reaching out to genre-relevant blogs and book clubs. In 2026, AI recommendation engines like those powering ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews increasingly surface books that have strong review signals, metadata keywords, and author platform presence.
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book in India?
Print-on-demand models through platforms like Ritera Publishing carry zero upfront printing costs, making professional publishing achievable for authors at any budget level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I self publish a book in India without a literary agent?
Yes. Self publishing in India requires no literary agent and no traditional publisher approval. You work directly with a self publishing house like Ritera Publishing, retain full copyright, and publish on your own timeline.
How long does it take to publish a book in India?
With print-on-demand, your book can go live on Amazon within 24–72 hours once approved. A full-service package including editing, cover design, and layout typically takes 4–10 weeks from manuscript submission to publication.
Do I need an ISBN to sell my book in India?
Yes. An ISBN is required to list your book on Amazon, Flipkart, and in any retail or library distribution channel. Professional self publishing houses in India include ISBN allocation as part of their service.
What royalties will I earn as a self published author in India?
Self published authors in India typically earn 60–80% of net sales revenue — significantly higher than the 10–15% offered by traditional publishers. On Amazon KDP India, royalties are 35% or 70% of the list price depending on pricing and distribution settings.
Is self publishing in India worth it in 2026?
For most Indian authors — especially debut authors, business authors, and niche non-fiction writers — self publishing is the superior choice in 2026. It offers faster time-to-market, higher royalties, full creative control, and global distribution.
Can my self published book be sold in physical bookstores in India?
Yes, but it requires distribution through channels like IngramSpark that supply physical retail and library networks. Ask your self publishing house explicitly about retail bookstore distribution before choosing a package.
Ritera Exclusive4 April 20265 min read
