Skip to main content

That Bloody Good Book

The Indian book publishing has long been like a government department. Deep entrenched bureacracy, the authors dependent on the maai baap culture of the publishers, who for no fault of theirs had become government like babus.

They all receive even today hundreds of manuscripts each week. So they naturally have got a huge discretionary power, which they at times delegate to their team. They can't really publish each and every work that comes at their door, but there can be no strict parameter to pick the best book of the lot. Hence the culture of babudom.And I can't even blame the publishers for that.

Recently, I received an e-mail from Rashmi Bansal, a renowned author herself, (I had reviewed her blog youth curry here, in 2007) informing me about her new venture. I think, if implemented well, this could be a revolutionary idea. Even though self publishing has really taken off, it has created a glut of books in the market. So much so that many of them lie unnoticed for years. Rashmi's concept which she has started off with Niyati Patel is a good one. I like it.

It states that new authors submit their manuscripts on their website, bloodygoodbook.com
Next, people, visitors on the website vote for these manuscripts (like those boring reality TV shows, only here it is more fun)
So whoever gets the maximum no. of votes gets to have his or her book published. Of course it is not as simple as that but that's the gist of it. The fine print is that they pick up 10 most favored books and from that bunch decide which to publish as e-book or with partnership publish a print version through Westland.

All in all, it is a win win situation for everyone. You submit your three chapters on the website. If readers like it, you will get published. If not, at least you got a fair chance of representation. For the publishers, who have to play the risky game of backing a new author, a decent public support beforehand will make them more comfortable publishing the book.  Also significant is the fact that many wannabe writers or published authors would participate in the voting process, naturally for they would like to come and see whats on display. So, in a way the writer would also be judged by his/her peers. And not just votes but also comments/feedback. So even if a writer fails to top the finishing line, he still gets a lot out of this.

I myself would prefer self publishing over this. But to all new writers out there, my suggestion would be, even before you decide to choose a publishing route, go through this experience. Yes, don't just take this website as a process or a contest but as an experience. Whatever you learn out of it, will help you greatly in many ways. For, when we decide to get our work published, we have decided to face our audiences. And what better way to interact with our targeted audiences but here?

For readers and bookworms, this is a platform more for you than for writers. No one asks us for our view, even though its the reading community that ultimately decides the fate of a book. Why not give our opinions today, before the book is published ? Rather than after the book is published. This is one of the best opportunities for reading hobbyists to get their voice registered.That too by just marking stars and writing a review.

Of course that will be a challenge for BGB team. Apart from a very long name, they have also taken up a complex and difficult responsibility. That of an fair and impartial moderator. My best wishes for them.
India needs a lot of good and knowledgeable writers and thinkers. I hope this platform brings out the best of the Indian writing talent, using the power of democracy, which India is well known of.




Labels:

Comments

ABChakravorty said…
I picked BGB over self publishing for the simple reason that it's being driven by someone credible. Now, with the kind of response I am getting for 'Split Second', I am loving the experience. Fingers crossed for the publishing bit.
June 20, 2014 at 3:56 PM
ABChakravorty said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
June 20, 2014 at 3:56 PM
Post a Comment

Also read

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
1 comment
Read more

Vastu & karma: Can spaces carry energetic debt?

Ever walked into a room and felt an inexplicable heaviness? According to vastu shastra, our living spaces can absorb and reflect our karmic energies. This article explores the connection between vastu and karma, signs of negative energy in your home, and practical steps to cleanse and harmonize your space. What is vastu shastra and how does it relate to karma? Vastu Shastra, often referred to as the "science of architecture," is an ancient Indian system that outlines principles for designing and organizing spaces to promote harmony and prosperity. Rooted in the belief that the physical environment significantly influences our lives, Vastu emphasizes the balance of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—to create a conducive living atmosphere. Karma, on the other hand, is a fundamental concept in Indian philosophy that denotes the law of cause and effect. It suggests that our actions, intentions, and thoughts have consequences that shape our present and f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Design tips for bachelors

 By Ar. Tripat Girdhar, Principal Architect & Co-founder of The Design Studio As an architect in heart, I would like to highlight a few tips and tricks for newcomers and bachelors who would like to make their career in this field.   Sustainable in design  Living in a sustainable, mindful, and wise way has never been more significant before the pandemic hit. After the epidemic, everyone has noticed a major difference, especially with regard to recently proposed initiatives. Before the pandemic, a select few farms and well-known architects took the lead in sustainable initiatives and anticipated the future of architecture in design. To keep this in mind, we advise keeping your design sustainable and incorporating solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems into your projects. Sustainable projects are designed to peacefully coexist with nature, enabling us to live in harmony with our surroundings. They encourage a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and lessen their carbon ...
1 comment
Read more