Established 6 years ago, Gurugram-based Zorba Books makes efforts to ensure that no talent goes waste, especially in the field of writing. Upholding the interests of fresh talent in this sphere, the company believes that Indian writers need a relook over marrying Indian values with global culture.
The company believes in having long-term commitments with books, a fact that reflects in their journey as a traditional publisher of books to their strategic move towards new-age publishing. With their years of experience and contacts, the company redesigned its work model by studying the industry and understanding the tricks of trade bottom-up. After careful analysis, they found out that there are numerous authors whose work never gets published. These authors often feel alienated from the publishing process, which is often lengthy, cumbersome and publisher-dependent. This led to the birth of Zorba Books.
Shalini Gupta, founder and director at Zorba Books, believes that Indian writers needed a new and fresh idea, unison of Indian values with an MNC-like work culture. She says, “We decided to set up a book publishing company that Indians could trust and rely on – a company with an aim to carry out the publishing process professionally and transparently to produce books with world-class quality. We are successfully heading towards achieving our aim; the testimonials on our website are a pointer to the same. We believe in constantly innovating and providing the authors with greater value.”
The company publishes books from all authors, whether they are first-time authors pr seasoned ones. While publishing books, the company follows a 3-point agenda. To keep the publishing process transparent, Zorba keeps the process of book publishing simple and easy to follow. It strives to add value to the manuscript and the authors’ experience while publishing it.
Self-publishing is currently the fastest growing segment in the book publishing industry and authors find it attractive for several reasons.
Self-publishing: A growing category
Publishing companies are difficult to approach for new authors and they find it increasingly difficult to find a place where their work will be valued. The process in itself is time consuming with no assurance of getting published. Self-publishing a book eliminates all such hurdles. An author can be assured of being heard. In this form of publishing, the author is involved in the different aspects of the book publishing process, leading up to the final published copy. As a self-published author, one may choose to either self-publish the book or take help from a professional self-publishing company, like Zorba Books. In this case, the author pays the publisher to handle the publishing process. Self-publishing services commonly include designing the book cover, interior layout or page setting, editing of the manuscript, assigning ISBN, marketing and distribution, and much more.
Moreover, the parameters for accepting a manuscript are simple and easy—a sample manuscript, check for plagiarism, appropriate language and legible story line/prose/poetry. “We also undertake on-demand publishing projects as they allow an author’s book to be always available for sale,” adds Gupta.
The company undertakes distribution of the books on behalf of the author. Talking about the book distribution and sales, Gupta states, “We take care of supply, distribution, sales and sales reporting to author and paying of royalty. The authors can keep a track of sales through our dashboard 24×7 and see the outcome of various marketing efforts on sales. We also guide authors on ways in which they can supplement distribution through their effort. We carry out various marketing activities, where we invite the authors to participate. In addition, we guide them on how to promote their book and share our expertise so they are able to increase the sale of their book.”
Online purchase on the rise
Zorba Books also promotes the books through their inhouse team and through tie-ups, wherever required. Online book buying is gaining traction owing to the convenience it offers. The younger generation is internet savvy, so it is easier, convenient and cheaper for them to buy online. While traditional printed books still hold their ground, eBooks did see an exponential rise. However, the trend is shifting back to printed books now.
“In India, one can rarely find a place where a wide genre of books is available. Book shows or book fairs are definitely needed as they allow book lovers to interact with books of a wide genre all at one place. These fairs also help expose books to vendors who may be looking out for titles on a particular topic/genre. Among foreign authors, we have books from Romania, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and PIO from Dubai and Singapore to name a few,” concludes Gupta.
