I'm just here to see what others suggest. My cousin wrote a novel and put it on Amazon last year. He's mentioned wanting to see it in a bookstore someday, but the whole publishing world seems like a maze. Following this thread for him, I guess.
Build your public profile. Get interviewed on podcasts, write guest posts for popular blogs, or even start a newsletter about your writing journey. When an editor Google's your name, they should see a professional author presence, not just an Amazon page. This social proof is intangible but critical. Consider getting a professional author photo taken. These small signals of professionalism show you treat writing as a business. In your pitch, you can link to your professional website and your most impressive media feature. It all adds up to a cohesive picture of an author who is serious, marketable, and easy to work with. Publishers are looking for authors who will be partners in the hustle, not just suppliers of a manuscript.
Avoid coming across as desperate or too salesy. The tone should be confident, collaborative, and professional. You are a creative entrepreneur proposing a business opportunity. Practice your 'elevator pitch' until it's effortless. Be ready to explain, in one sentence, what your book is about and why it's sold well. Research the standard royalty rates for reprint deals so you can negotiate from a position of knowledge. Don't accept the first offer blindly. Be clear on which rights you are licensing (typically just print rights for a specific territory) and for how long. Maybe consider a shorter-term contract to start. Remember, you hold the copyright; you are licensing a right. That mindset shift is empowering during negotiations.
Focus on your unique author story. Why did you write this book? What in your personal or professional life gives you a unique perspective? Publishers love a good 'author narrative' for marketing. If you're a software engineer writing cyberpunk, that's a hook. If you're a historian writing historical fiction, that's credibility. Weave that into your bio and your pitch. It makes you and your book more memorable in a sea of submissions. This narrative, combined with solid sales, creates a compelling package. It's not just a book; it's a story about the book and its author that can be pitched to the media. Show them you're not just a writer, but a potential spokesperson for your work who can do interviews and engage audiences.
Look at publishers who have successfully published Indian authors writing in a similar genre or style to yours, but don't just look at the giants. Smaller, boutique presses might have more flexibility and a more passionate editorial team. Check if they have submitted books for literary awards; that shows a commitment to quality. Your pitch should reflect that you've chosen them for a reason, not just because they're a publisher. Say something like, 'I admire how your XYZ imprint has championed contemporary Indian fantasy, and I believe my book, which blends mythology with cyberpunk, would be a great fit for your list.' That demonstrates research and genuine interest. Be prepared for the possibility that they might like your platform and sales but suggest a different, new book for publication instead of a reprint.
2026-07-22 11:39:31
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Untamed Desires (A Collection of short Stories)
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*It kept me up all night, replaying the way Cynthia had dropped to her knees and taken me into her mouth like she’d been starving for it since we became siblings - since birth.
**WARNING: MATURE CONTENT (18+)**
This book is a scorching collection of filthy, taboo erotic stories packed with raw desire, forbidden encounters, and intense, no-limits passion. From desperate bridesmaids and dominant older men to dripping-wet public humiliation and dark family secrets — every story is designed to set your body on fire.
If you crave steamy, seductive, and downright dirty reads that push boundaries and leave you aching, this collection is your new obsession. Each tale pulls you deep into a world where lust takes control and shame only makes it hotter.
If you crave stories that leave you wet, breathless, and a little ashamed of how much you enjoyed them… then welcome. Tell me which story catches your eye first. This collection is strictly for readers who like it raw, dirty, and very, very wrong—in the best possible way.
THIS BOOK INVOLVES EXTREMELY SEXUAL CONTENT, BDSM, INCEST, AND MUCH MORE 🤕📌.
Whether you like slow-built p*rn or harsh thrust, downright nasty -- one thing is sure -- you'll be needing a therapist after this book.
Tell me… which story captured your attention the most?And don't forget to add to library.
**This book is strictly for mature readers only.** YOU'VE BEEN WARNED 😈
“ Dear Ex-Wife, will you marry me Again?” He popped the question while on one knee before me.
“ Please say yes to Daddy, Mommy!” The triplets said with a pout, cupping their hands lovely. How was I supposed to say NO to his proposal when Lucas was looking at me lovely and the twins were pouting so cutely?
_______________
Katerina was in love with Lucas since she was a little girl and when she got a chance to get married to him as her stepsister's stand in bride, she didn't let the chance slip away. She agreed to marry Lucas Thompson, her dream husband.
However, things change when Katerina's step sister shows up four years later holding a little boy's hand claiming that the baby belongs to Lucas.
Lucas choses Monalisa over Katerina who has been by his side through thin and thick. Katerina has no choice but to leave the life that she had built for four years.
However, what Lucas doesn't know is that Katerina is carrying his baby too…
What happens when dark secrets come to light and one day Lucas finds out that Katerina is the mother of his babies? The true heirs of the Thompson family? Will he go after her or will he choose Monalisa over Katerina, again?
Warning... or Invitation? That choice is yours.
This isn’t a fairytale.
This isn’t about sweet kisses beneath cherry blossoms or soft smiles under the stars.
No.
This is raw,
This is reckless,
This is “Burning Embers: Scorching Tales of Desire”
A collection of BL short stories carved from lust, laced with obsession, and kissed by chaos.
Each chapter stands on its own, a world where strangers become addictions, roommates cross lines, enemies blur into lovers, and the line between want and need snaps without warning.
These men don’t fall in love.
They fall into temptation.
They crash into each other like lightning against the sea, loud, unforgiving, and beautiful in their destruction.
You’ll find no gentle romance here.
Only the ache of fingertips brushing where they shouldn't, the weight of glances held too long, the gasp before the plunge.
This is for the ones who know love isn’t always tender.
That sometimes, the most unforgettable stories are the ones written in bruises and longing.
This is for those who crave stories that leave a mark, who don’t flinch when desire gets messy, when hearts bleed a little before they beat as one.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Not for the clean-handed.
This is for the bold, the brave, the ones who dare to touch the flame even if it burns.
So turn the page.
Step into the fire.
But don’t say I didn’t warn you---
Because once the embers catch, they never go out.
This is a brochure containing a collection of PROMPT IDEAS from our one and only GOOD NOVEL WORKSHOP. Every PROMPT is a thrilling idea that might inspire you and can be the foundation of your next book! If interested, Please send your summary to: workshop@goodnovel.com, and note which prompt is based on. Our editors will get back to you as soon as possible.
We love reading novels, fall in love with the characters, sometimes envy the main girl for getting the perfect male lead... but what happens when you get inside your own novel and get to meet your perfect main lead and bonus...get treated like the female lead?! As the clock struck 12, Arielle Taylor is pulled inside her own novel. This cinderella is over the moon as her Prince Charming showers her with his attention but what would happen when she finds herself falling for her fairy godmother instead?
Please read my interview with Goodnovel at: https://tinyurl.com/y5zb3tug
Cover pic: pixabay
it’s both thrilling and challenging. The key is to start with a polished manuscript—hire a professional editor if possible. Platforms like Amazon KDP and Pothi.com are great for Indian authors due to their local reach. Cover design matters a ton; invest in a professional artist to make your book stand out. Pricing strategically is crucial—keep it affordable but not too cheap. Marketing is where most stumble; leverage social media, especially Instagram and YouTube, where book communities thrive. Collaborate with book bloggers and host virtual launches. Patience and persistence are your best friends here.
Self-publishing as an Indian author can be incredibly rewarding if you approach it strategically. The first step is to polish your manuscript until it shines—hire a professional editor if possible, because even the best stories need refinement. Platforms like Amazon KDP and Pothi.com make it easy to publish digitally and in print, but don’t just upload and forget. Invest time in crafting a compelling book cover; readers do judge books by their covers, and a professional design can make all the difference.
Marketing is where many stumble. Build an online presence early by engaging on platforms like Instagram or YouTube, where book communities thrive. Share snippets, behind-the-scenes writing processes, or even relatable struggles as an author. Collaborate with book bloggers and influencers, especially those focused on Indian literature. Pricing matters too—keep it competitive but fair, and consider offering limited-time discounts to boost initial sales. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of local book fairs or literary events; they’re great for networking and gaining visibility.
I’ve come across several publishers who consistently champion the voices of Indian authors. Penguin Random House India stands out for its diverse catalog, publishing everything from contemporary fiction like 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni to thought-provoking non-fiction. They’ve also been instrumental in bringing regional literature to a global audience.
HarperCollins India is another heavyweight, known for nurturing both established and emerging writers. Their lineup includes gems like 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga, which won the Booker Prize. Westland Books, now part of Amazon, has made waves with bestsellers like 'The Immortals of Meluha' by Amish Tripathi, blending mythology with modern storytelling. Rupa Publications, with its affordable and accessible books, has been a staple for readers for decades, offering titles like 'Five Point Someone' by Chetan Bhagat. These publishers not only shape the literary landscape but also ensure Indian stories reach every corner of the world.
The jury's still out on what blockchain and NFTs might do to royalty models. The promise is of 'smart contracts' that automatically pay royalties to authors with every resale of a digital book. It's a futuristic concept that could revolutionize how authors get paid for secondary markets. But right now, it's mostly hype and speculation in the publishing world, with a few experimental projects. The practical 'best' models for the next few years are still going to be the traditional and digital hybrids we've been discussing. But it's something to keep an eye on. If the technology matures and becomes user-friendly, it could solve a lot of the transparency and payment delay issues that plague the current system. For now, though, it's not something to base a contract decision on.