Why Indian Publishers May Hesitate to Publish Indian-Origin Authors Living Abroad – A Hard-Earned Insight

Understanding the Challenges of Cross-Border Literary Representation

Earlier this year, I submitted my manuscript to an Indian publishing house. The book is a memoir, rich with emotional threads from my upbringing in India. Every chapter breathes in Indian landscapes — figurative and literal. And though I now live in the U.S., my voice as a writer has never left home.

The response I received was thoughtful and encouraging. The editorial team praised the themes, tone, and emotional depth. They even offered constructive suggestions — rare and valuable in an industry that often defaults to silence.

Yet, my manuscript wasn’t selected.

At first, I accepted the decision at face value — grateful, in fact, for the respect shown to my work. But a few weeks later, I saw the winning author featured in launch events across India, appearing at literary festivals, bookstores, and in the media. And slowly, a realization formed: even if the publisher admired my manuscript, my physical absence may have quietly worked against me.

Publishing Is More Than the Page

Indian publishing still depends heavily on in-person engagement — especially for debut authors. Book tours, launch parties, bookstore visits, college talks, and local media coverage are all essential elements of a book’s post-publication life.

From the publisher’s perspective, a new author who lives outside India becomes a logistical challenge:

• They can’t attend key events.

• They may not be available on IST.

• They can’t help build visibility for the publisher or book in regional markets.

Even if no one says it out loud, location becomes a silent factor in final decisions.

My Advice to Fellow Indian-Origin Writers Abroad

If you're living outside India and preparing to submit to Indian publishers, ask yourself:

• Can you be in India for 1–2 months around the time of release?

• Can you travel for key promotional events?

• Can you support your publisher’s efforts in real-time and on the ground?

If not, it’s worth considering other publishing options — such as international or diaspora-friendly publishers, or self-publishing models with India-specific promotion strategies.

This Isn’t About Bitterness or a Sore Loser — It’s About Clarity

I don't believe my manuscript was dismissed unfairly. But I now understand that publishing is not just about what’s written — it’s about what follows publication. And that includes visibility, availability, and the author’s role in the promotional cycle.

This is the kind of insight no one told me upfront — and that’s why I’m sharing it here. So other Indian-origin writers living abroad don’t spend months waiting for a “yes” that logistics will never allow.

My Personal Thoughts

Your story is valid. Your voice is important. But publishing, especially in India, often favors authors who can be present — not just on the page, but in the world.

Choose where to submit wisely, based not only on where your story belongs, but also on where you can show up.

If this post resonates, feel free to share it. Let’s help each other make smarter, more informed decisions in the writing journey.