Zorba Books

Guide for all authors/writers on writing, publishing and marketing of books.

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Today's Google Doodle is a tribute to Mahadevi Varma, the Hindi and Sanskrit poet and women's rights activist. We take this chance to celebrate the contemporary poets who contribute to this legacy.

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Sci-fi and Fantasy Fiction Star – S.B. Divya

The writer everyone has their eyes on, S.B. Divya, a rising star in the world of fantasy and science fiction. Divya’s debut work ‘Runtime’ received a Nebula Award nomination, one of the most prest…

The Nebula Award nominee is also a co-editor for the podcast ‘Escape Pod’, which recently received a Hugo Award nomination for Best Semiprozine. 

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It’s Shakespeare Day! Check out ‘Business Drama: How Shakespearean Insights Help Leaders Manage Volatile Contexts’, a book which cleverly contextualizes Shakespearean characters in leadership and business scenarios. 

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The Number of Pages Can Make or Break Your First Novel

Congratulations! You’ve started writing that story you’ve been thinking about. How many pages is your book? Such a simple question, but so very important to a writer who is looking to get published…

There’s a reason why the first Harry Potter book was less than 300 pages. 

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On this day, we mark the legacy of a man who fought relentlessly for social reform. Dr B.R. Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb, was a beacon for Dalit activism. Even today he is never excluded from conversations about marginalized communities in India. 

To truly mark the spirit of Ambedkar Jayanti, we take the opportunity to learn more about the Keralaite struggle against class and caste discrimination. Politicisation of Caste Relations in a Princely State sets this discussion from the groundbreaking Malayali Memorial of 1891 to the Independence of India in 1947. 

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Three Ways to Write a Story About Your Life

They might be used interchangeably, but an autobiography, biography and memoir are different from each other.  If there’s a life story you want to publish, take a look at our tips and see which form suits you best. 

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Does the soul really exist?

For years, science and religion have grappled with this question. Even as technology gets more advanced, the question of the existence of the soul still confounds many. Is it just a religious and spiritualist sham? Or does the concept of the soul actually have scientific backing?

Dr. Anil Moharir, a physicist by profession, lends incredibly clear insight into the history of the soul, its ties with religion, debates among scientific communities, and the ways in which this question affects our own philosophies about life. While borrowing expertise from his own field of scientific research, Dr. Moharir manages to make A Scientific Look at the Concept of the Soul a comprehensible, objective and informative read. In a world that is getting smaller, cultures overlapping and technology advancing at the speed of light, Dr. Moharir’s book is a meditative approach to this universally binding question. 

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How to create and publish an attractive Coffee Table Book?

If it is writing and publishing a fiction book you are bound to find hundreds if not more og excellent blogs, but Coffee Table Book is another ball game all together. Same rules will not apply at all times to these two book types. To answer the question- what are the gidelines for a succeeesful coffee table book? We dived in to fill this lacuna and here are excellent guidelines on writing and publishing your dream Coffee Table Book. Enjoy, publish and help others by sharing.

https://www.zorbabooks.com/create-publish-an-out-of-the-box-coffee-table-book/

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How Do I Publish an eBook?

The world today has taken a digital turn and eBooks have proudly carved out a niche in the world of reading. The popularity of print books shall remain unbeaten, but their digital versions are rear…

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THE STORYTELLER Who Hypnotizes With The PEN

A Lively Chat With NOVONEEL CHAKRABORTY

When it comes to connecting with the readers, Novoneel Chakraborty is a trendsetter. The author of bestselling novels and the noted Stranger trilogy, the creative head behind famous shows like Savdhaan India and Secret Diaries and also one of the founding members of a first of its kind content company – Act3 Creations, this young star has a series of feathers added to his cap. While the readers are still engrossed in the riveting tale Forever Is A Lie, with the recent release of his second book in the widely acclaimed Forever series, Novoneel Chakraborty is all set to assure his fans that FOREVER IS TRUE… indeed it is. Zorba Books takes the opportunity to get the readers one step closer to the mind behind the series of romantic thrillers, as we engage in an exciting tête-à-tête with him.

1. From business administration to romantic thrillers, what inspired you to change the track and become an author? I still have no clue why I studied business administration. I wanted to be a sports person. That didn’t happen. I wanted to become a surgeon. When that too didn’t happen I was pretty clueless as I never had any plan C for life. It just happened that stories and characters started happening to me when I was 20. I wrote to get rid of them only to realize that other stories were waiting for me. Soon it became a habit. And thereby I realised my calling for life of being a storyteller.

2. As a reader, what genres of books attract you the most? I am a choosy reader and I never go by genre or hype. I pick up a book and if I think there will be some ‘take away’ as a reader, I go for it else not. The only genre I avoid reading most of the time is romance.

3. Tell us about that one unforgettable incident when you felt proud to be an author. A father of a reader had once attended a book launch of mine where he took my sign on the book. He told me his daughter has some illness and is bed ridden but she wants to tell stories like I do one day. I was touched beyond words.

4. Today, many readers look up to you; who was your role-model? I would say my father. His honesty, integrity and sincerity towards work have always inspired me. I have always pursued perfection in my work because I’ve seen him doing the same.

5. Tell us a little about the biggest challenge that came your way while getting your first work published? During the time when I first got published, the Indian publishing industry had not really opened up to Indian authors writing commercial fiction in English. The major challenge was to find a publisher who would give the book a chance. Thankfully, I got one sooner than soon.

6. How far according to you, is promotion important for the success of a book? We live in a system where the success of a book is judged by the sales figure it earns, so it makes promotions legit. It is very important to reach out to those readers who perhaps don’t know you as yet. Commercial fiction is written for the mass and with so many books coming out every month it becomes all the more pertinent to promote yours. Problem happens when authors focus only in marketing and not on content. That unfortunately is more in vogue than the will of penning something never done before content wise.

7. Describe your journey as an artist in one line. An adventure of self-discovery worth remembering…

8. If you are to write an autobiography about your journey so far, what would its title be? I would go by the title of my third book for my autobiography as well: How About A Sin Tonight?

9. What do you think is the secret behind your success? I’ve never sat down and analysed it. I feel the moment I do that I will, even if subconsciously, try to manipulate my own self to cater to those parameters which I think brought me success and thereby limit my artistic and creative pursuit. So, whatever it is, I hope it lasts. The hard work from my end will continue no matter what.

10. What message do you have for aspiring authors? I think they should read a lot, know a lot of people and understand them without becoming rigid about their own conclusions of things around and within.

Did your coffee turn cold? Yes, that’s how amazing a personality he is!

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FOOD. WATER. BOOKS. – The Essentials

Bookstores have a charm of their own. Shelves upon shelves lined with known and undiscovered treasures. As you pull out a treasure, plonk yourself in a chair and leaf through its inviting pages. What can raise this experience to another level, is a steaming cup of coffee or sandwich to chew on while the book satiates the mind and the food satiates the belly. Now both are happy and at peace.

Cafe’s and Bookstores are an irresistible combination for sure. For all those food loving bibliophiles, it’s time to celebrate.

We at Zorba Books, bring you the best Book Cafes. Cafes based on books or located in book stores, that you just can’t afford to miss:

1. CHA BAR

USP: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book which is long enough”. Cha Bar dictum. It is a first of its kind, urban contemporary cafe.

The idea:  Every Cha Bar is housed inside an Oxford Bookstore. Cha Bar provides a holistic reading experience, by allowing bibliophiles to browse books at leisure, over a cup of tea.

Oxford Bookstore shelves are stocked with the best in Indian Writing, International Fiction and translations.  A wide range of titles in Travel Writing, books that showcase the essence of New Delhi and a specially curated section of books on tea are other highlights. Also, The Oxford Bookstore hosts India’s only literary festival created by a bookstore.

Alongside a variety of book launches, literary conversations and platforms like Hindi Mahotsav and Language Symposium also take place. Besides these the Cha Bar also hosts a series of Pink Tea Cup Conversation series, fashion talks, poetry and comedy events, interesting cookery events and tea tasting!

Go for it if you like: Tea, English classics,  the smell of books and an old-world charm!

Nearest Metro Station:  Rajeev Chowk and Barakhamba

2. WESTEROS

USP: A treat for all the GOT fans out there (Game of Thrones based on the book – A Song of Ice and Fire). The cafe hosts excellent decor with the iron throne being the star of this cafe! There is parking, outside dinning space and*free Wi-Fi*

The idea: The cafe is based on George RR Martin’s Bestselling Novel series, ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. Westeros holds quizzes based on the GOT series and also arranges for GOT screenings.

VallarMorghlis translates as All Men Must Die(is a popular phrase from A Song of Ice and Fire) if that is true then why hold back and eat all you can! The cafe serves North Indian and Continental cuisine.

Go for it if you like: Game of Thrones, the book – A Song of Ice and Fire, rustic interiors,  or a grunge feel.

Nearest Metro Station: Moolchand and Lajpat Nagar

3. THE MINNION’S CAFÉ

USP: First of its kind cafe, dedicated to Minions! The food, ambiance and the happy go lucky atmosphere along with the yellow and blue minion combo is a visual treat.

Minion is a computer animated comedy film on which a book ‘Minions a Junior Novel’ was based.

To make sure the memories you make at the cafe are permanent, there is a Minion Corner, where you can click photos with quirky minion props!

The idea: It is safe to assume that everybody loves minions. The cafe which opened this year,2017, offers a variety of food in the beautiful minion themed yellow and blue backdrop.

Go for it if you like: Visit the café if you adore minions, have a sense of fun or want an eating out experience with a difference.

Nearest MetroStation: NirmanVihar

4. KUNZUM CAFE

USP: India’s first travel cafe and it runs on pay-what-you-like-model. Also *free Wi-Fi*

The idea:“We travel. What do you do?” These words have been founder, Ajay Jain’s signature since 2007.And since the start of this journey, he has looked back only to reverse his car.

Kunzum Cafe is a place for travellers and book lovers to meet, read books, make friends, even connect with future travel partners –while spending the day bumming around over coffee

Kumzum café supports books in myriad ways they have a small library, book reading, book launches, book discussions and more.

Go for it if you like: Books, travelling, philosophy and are a true wanderlust at heart!

Nearest Metro Station: Green Park and Hauz Khas

My books are likely to contain food stains and rings from my tea cups. A book is to be lived with and used

Kristin Cashore

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How I Became an Author – Prerna Pujari

A married life and a job for a woman means a life full of numerous professional and personal responsibilities. But if you have a passion for something, it pulsates inside you with every heartbeat. Such was my life. Husband, family and a government job were sufficient to occupy all of my 24 hours. There was no time for hobbies in the beginning years of my marriage and career. But...drops of rain, beauty of a sunset, blooming flowers, earthy smell of rains, romantic songs…have always lured me away from the reality of life and transported me into a world of poetry and romance… both of which I loved to pen down, in my teenage years. One day, my husband happened to read some of my writing, the ones I had written before marriage. He adored them and for the first time, I realized that other readers may like it too. I began by sending some of my short fiction work to few magazines. Initially, the replies were disappointing. My work was rejected and I was disheartened. Whenever I picked a book off a shelf in a bookstore, I dreamt of my name being printed as the author of one such book. The rejections did dampen my spirits but I could not be kept down or long. Slowly some of my work started getting appreciation and got published. This was the boost I was looking for. I began to write my real life experiences and linked them to make a story with few imaginary incidents. The novels I had read till then helped me to frame a story. This madness gripped me so much that I even started writing on my mobile everywhere and anywhere whenever I got even few free minutes….in the office…at family functions…at home…in social events….just everywhere. Soon my story took shape. In around two and a half years I wrote and rewrote The Soulmates, several times. Every time it had a different beginning and different climax. I was not a professional writer and hence I had no confidence to bring it in front of the world. I had no writer friend either. My husband and some close friends helped me publish my work. It is not just a novel, but my dream...not a story, but my life…. not just a book, but a promise to not to drop my pen again ever. Today, people know me, not just as someone’s wife, someone’s daughter, not as a government officer…but as a writer who writes with emotion in the most real and simple form possible. It is not to make money...but to express my inner self…and to connect with many hearts. To read more of my writings please go to…www.prernapujari.jimdo.com To buy follow this link – http://amzn.to/2sMcst0 www.prernapujari.blogspot.in You can also follow my facebook page ‘The reader’s love’.

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Find your Favourite Books at the Sunday Book Market

Love books? Want to save money? Want some rare and not so rare books? Do you live in the NCR region? Visiting Delhi? Here is the perfect solution for you -The Sunday book market at Daryaganj. The i…

Love books? Living or visiting Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida ? This book market is a must on your to do and to see list.

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Want to end your Publishing Agony?

Have you written endless emails and made plenty of calls to publishing agents and traditional publishers? Few would have cared to reply. Are you reaching the end of your tether? Take things into your own hands. 

Your book is written to share with people and to benefit them in some way. It should be published and read. Because you are finding the traditional route to publish your book difficult should not mean that readers should not get to read it.

That will, mean your manuscript is as good as dead and your labour of love has gone down the drain.

Self-publishing, has been around much longer than we think and is now an increasingly preferred option for many authors as there is a possibility of a huge pay-off too. How does one go about it then. Ist step is to look for a self-publisher who has excellent testimonials. Get in touch with them and the process gets going right away. It is possible to have your book published and in your hands within 4-5 weeks.

Traditional publisher has his own ideas of what your book should contain and what it should look like and you are then expected to make those changes to meet the publisher’s whims.  A major benefit of self-publishing is that you have the full freedom to write what and how you would like to.  

In self-publishing, it is possible to earn as much as 40-50% as royalty.

In the traditional publishing process the author never really knows what is going on at ANY stage. You would like your book to be in your reader’s hand quickly in a month or 2-3 months rather than the uncertainty of not knowing when it will hit the stands.

It is deeply satisfying being involved in the entire process of converting a manuscript into a perfect book. As an author, you are kept abreast of all steps, including designing the cover and the “look” of the book, the formatting of the contents and the marketing and launch of the book. You can share your feedback at all stages and see them implemented quickly.

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Cost of publishing A Book

Here is help for an author who has decided to Self-publish his/her novel/book. The author in most cases is at a loss at to the steps involved and the factors she needs to keep in mind to extract the best from the limited funds, time and energy they have. A short guide for those authors

Cost of self-publishing will be influenced by:

The services that the author is looking to outsource to experts

The level of skill he is looking for, eg: book cover designers of varying skill are present and better the skill the more expensive they will be. Generally speaking.

The difficulty level of the task required

Publishing services will include:

Editing

Cover design and illustration

Formatting and interior design

Printing of your book both fiction or technical

Distribution and supply

Creation of E-book and its distributionBook sales tracking

Marketing

Each of these services are done at different levels of complexity and skill. This determines the ultimate cost of these services and how professional and pleasing the results are.The author needs to decide which of these steps he has the means and the inclination to carry out by himself and which ones he would like to take the help of a professional publisher. This is the first and important step.

Once this is decided the second step is to compare cost.You can list down the services you need to take expert help in and write to the publisher for their estimation of cost. Most self-publishing companies will list costs and the parameters within which those costs are applicable. So figuring out an approximate cost is not difficult. Often the costs can be compared across companies but not always, as the quality of work done in different areas of book publishing will be different in different companies.

The third step will be to determine which company will in all likelihood deliver on its promises.One company will have a policy to under promise and over deliver, ensure quality, ensure compliance of all terms presented to the author. One good way to estimate who is providing quality is to look for feedback from authors who have been published by the company in question. Or you can buy a book and judge the quality yourself.

Go ahead and book the publishing services from the company you have zeroed in on.You are now ready to plunge into the heady world of authorship. Look out for any and all doors that open up and grab the opportunity.

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Are you an Author? Make it work for You.

Becoming an author is hard work.  It requires immense dedication to write a book, besides ample knowledge of the subject of the book, clarity of thought and creativity.  When an author plans to put pen to paper he takes a risk because he has no idea whether his book will be published or not. He has lots of hope that some publisher will think it worth his while to publish and bring to light, his/her book.

Traditionally publishers can only publish a limited number of books, this leaves a vast majority of writers, who could potentially benefit from publishing, out in the cold. And that is a big issue confronting any writer today – after all he has devoted all his energies to writing a manuscript only to see it in the form of a published book.

Authors have consciously or subconsciously realized that publishing a book can open many doors for an author. And that is what inspires him or her to start the writing process.  

What are some of those benefits:

Improved standing in one’s professional circle

Improved standing in one’s society/circle of friends

Invitation to events as a speaker

If the book is on a particular subject then one is taken to be an authority on the same and as an expert many more doors will open up.

Once an author always an author.

The title of an author stays with you forever.

Publishing a book is almost like opening a goody bag, from which perks flow out.

Is there proof that being an author is really that valued?

Check out Twitter and see how many of your followers have the word author written in their profile

What does Shashi Tharoor’s profile say after stating that he is an MP – that he is an author of 15 books!

Out of the Top 10 influencers on my Linkedin profile at any time, there are as many as 3 or 4 people who have written “writer” or “author” against their name! Check out the Top influencers in your profile too.

Most known personalities have penned books. After all, if mega personalities like Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar or Narendra Modi have written books, it is because being an author adds a whole new dimension to their aura.

It is this realization that motivates him or her to write and be publish.

Start counting today to see how many places, even in advertisement, is the word ‘Author’ used.

Can we box in this appetite of man to write and grow? If traditional publishing does not cater to this vast body of writers wanting to get published, then new forms of publishing will need to emerge. And that’s where self-publishing enters the picture and that is why it is catching on even in India.

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Writers Become Published Authors

We are book publishers offering publishing, based out of Gurgaon, near New Delhi, the hub of book publishers in India. We have a dynamic team which will provide end to end solutions to authors, educational institutes, professionals, business houses, HR and training.

Self-publishing services

Print on demand publishing

Editing

Marketing

Distribution

Content Writing

Designing and illustration

E-publishing and e conversion