22-09-2026
Choosing the right self publishing company is one of the most important decisions an author makes after completing a manuscript. With many publishing companies, platforms, and service providers available in India, it can be difficult to know which one is genuinely suitable for your book.
A company may offer an attractive publishing package, but authors should look beyond the package price. The quality of editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, marketing, royalty structure, author rights, contract terms, and customer support can have a significant impact on the publishing experience.
The right self publishing company should not simply help you upload a book. It should provide the level of professional support you actually need while keeping the publishing terms clear and transparent.
This guide explains how to choose a self publishing company in India, what services to compare, what questions to ask, which red flags to watch for, and how to evaluate a publishing package before making a decision.
A self publishing company provides professional services that help authors turn a manuscript into a published book.
Depending on the company and package, services may include:
Manuscript editing
Proofreading
Book formatting
Cover design
ISBN assistance
Printing
eBook conversion
Online distribution
Offline distribution
Book marketing
Author branding
Sales and royalty reporting
Self publishing gives authors greater involvement and control than many traditional publishing arrangements. However, authors may still choose to work with professionals for specific parts of the publishing process.
For example, an author may write and edit the manuscript independently but hire a company for cover design, formatting, printing, distribution, and marketing.
Not every self publishing company offers the same level of service.
Two companies may advertise similar packages but provide very different levels of editorial support, distribution, marketing, and author assistance.
Choosing the right company can help you:
Improve the quality of your book
Protect your publishing rights
Understand your royalty structure
Reach more readers
Avoid unnecessary expenses
Get professional design and formatting
Manage distribution more efficiently
Build a stronger author brand
The goal should not be to find the cheapest self publishing company.
The goal should be to find the company that offers the right combination of quality, transparency, services, rights, distribution, and support for your book.
Before signing a publishing agreement or purchasing a package, compare the following factors.
Start by researching how long the company has been operating and what types of books it publishes.
Look for experience in your genre.
For example, a company may have experience publishing:
Fiction
Novels
Poetry
Self-help
Academic books
Business books
Children's books
Biographies
Educational books
A company with experience in your category may understand your target readers and publishing requirements better.
However, do not judge a company only by the number of years it claims to have been operating.
Look for evidence such as:
Published books
Author testimonials
Public company information
Existing book listings
Publishing portfolio
Clearly explained services
Shashwat Publication states that it has been helping authors since 2019 and has published more than 2,000 titles across multiple genres.
Never select a self publishing company based only on the package name.
Read exactly what is included.
A publishing package may include some combination of:
Check whether the company provides:
Basic proofreading
Copy editing
Developmental editing
Grammar correction
Multiple editing rounds
Editing quality can make a significant difference to the final book.
Check whether the cover is:
Custom designed
Template based
Designed by a professional
Provided with revisions
Your cover is one of the most important marketing assets for your book.
Ask whether formatting is included for:
Paperback
Hardcover
eBook
Also check whether the company handles images, tables, chapter headings, page numbers, and other layout requirements.
Ask whether ISBN assistance is included and who will be listed as the publisher or publishing entity where applicable.
Check:
Print quality
Paper quality
Binding
Available formats
Print-on-demand options
Minimum order quantity
Ask where your book will be available.
Potential channels may include:
Amazon
Flipkart
Publisher website
Online bookstores
Physical bookstores
Libraries
Educational institutions
International marketplaces
Marketing services can vary significantly.
A package may include:
Social media promotion
Author branding
Book launch support
Press release
Influencer outreach
Amazon advertising
Digital marketing
Do not assume that "marketing included" means unlimited advertising.
Ask for specific deliverables.
Pricing transparency is one of the most important factors when choosing a self publishing company.
Before paying, ask for a complete breakdown of:
Publishing fee
Editing charges
Cover design charges
Formatting charges
ISBN charges
Printing charges
Distribution charges
Marketing charges
Additional copies
Revision charges
Shipping charges
Other recurring charges
A low initial price may not always mean lower overall cost if important services are added later.
Similarly, an expensive package is not automatically better.
Compare the total value and deliverables.
Shashwat Publication's current self-publishing page describes customized publishing packages and emphasizes transparent pricing and service options.
Copyright is one of the most important issues to understand before signing a publishing agreement.
Ask:
Do I retain copyright ownership of my book?
Also check whether you are granting:
Publishing rights
Distribution rights
eBook rights
Audiobook rights
Translation rights
International rights
Adaptation rights
Do not sign an agreement that transfers broad rights without understanding exactly what you are giving away.
A professional self publishing arrangement should clearly explain the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
For more information, you can also read this guide on book publishing contracts.
Do not choose a company simply because it advertises "high royalties."
Ask:
What percentage do I receive?
Is the royalty based on MRP?
Is it based on net sales?
Are printing costs deducted?
Are distribution charges deducted?
Are discounts deducted?
How frequently are royalties paid?
Do I receive sales statements?
For example, a 70% royalty based on one calculation may not necessarily result in more income than a lower percentage based on another calculation.
Always understand the actual formula.
Publishing a book is not enough.
Readers need to be able to find and purchase it.
Ask the company:
Where will my book be available?
Is Amazon distribution included?
Is Flipkart distribution available?
Are international markets included?
Is print-on-demand available?
Are physical bookstores supported?
Can libraries and institutions order the book?
A strong distribution network can be particularly important for authors who want their books to reach readers beyond their personal network.
The current Shashwat self-publishing service page highlights online distribution and publishing support across multiple genres.
Editing should not be treated as an optional extra if your manuscript needs professional refinement.
Ask what type of editing is included.
Focuses mainly on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and minor errors.
Improves sentence structure, consistency, language, and readability.
Looks at the broader manuscript, including structure, flow, chapters, argument, story development, or pacing.
If a company promises "professional editing," ask what that actually means.
A book cover has to work in both physical and digital environments.
Ask:
Who designs the cover?
Is it custom designed?
How many concepts are provided?
How many revisions are included?
Are source files provided?
Is the cover optimized for online marketplaces?
A professional cover should reflect the book's genre and target audience.
A romance novel, academic book, poetry collection, and business book should not all have the same visual treatment.
First-time authors often need guidance throughout the publishing process.
Good author support can help with:
Manuscript submission
Editing
Design approvals
ISBN
Publishing setup
Distribution
Marketing
Sales reporting
Ask whether you will have a dedicated publishing coordinator or point of contact.
Also check how the company handles communication.
For example:
Email support
Phone support
WhatsApp support
Author dashboard
Scheduled updates
Responsive communication can make the publishing process significantly easier.
Never pay for a major publishing package without reading the agreement.
Check:
Copyright
Publishing rights
Exclusivity
Contract duration
Territory
Royalties
Payment terms
Distribution
Marketing obligations
Termination
Rights reversion
The agreement should clearly explain what the company will provide and what the author is expected to do.
If you do not understand an important clause, ask for clarification before signing.
For significant rights or financial commitments, consider having the agreement reviewed by a qualified legal professional.
Reviews can provide useful information, but do not rely on testimonials displayed only on the company's own website.
Look for information from multiple sources.
Consider:
Google reviews
Author experiences
Published books
Social media discussions
Independent reviews
Author interviews
Book quality
Try to identify patterns rather than judging a company based on one positive or negative review.
Also check whether the company's published books can actually be found on major marketplaces.
One of the biggest misconceptions about self publishing is that publication automatically creates sales.
It does not.
A book needs visibility.
Ask the publishing company exactly what marketing support is included.
Possible services include:
Social media promotion
Book launch campaign
Author branding
Press releases
Influencer outreach
Digital advertising
Amazon Ads
Email marketing
Book review campaigns
The more specific the deliverables are, the easier it is to compare companies.
You can also explore book marketing services to understand the role marketing can play after publication.
Authors generally have two broad approaches.
You manage most of the process yourself.
This can include:
Editing
Cover design
Formatting
ISBN
Publishing
Distribution
Marketing
Platforms such as Amazon KDP can make direct publishing possible for eligible books and formats.
The advantage is greater control and potentially lower upfront service costs.
The disadvantage is that you are responsible for managing the publishing process.
You work with a company that provides some or all publishing services.
This can be useful if you want support with:
Editing
Design
Formatting
Printing
Distribution
Marketing
The cost can be higher than handling everything yourself, but professional assistance can save time and reduce technical challenges.
Instead of comparing companies only by price, create a simple comparison table.
| Factor | Company A | Company B | Company C |
| Editing | Check | Check | Check |
| Proofreading | Check | Check | Check |
| Cover Design | Check | Check | Check |
| Formatting | Check | Check | Check |
| ISBN Support | Check | Check | Check |
| Printing | Check | Check | Check |
| Amazon Distribution | Check | Check | Check |
| International Distribution | Check | Check | Check |
| Marketing | Check | Check | Check |
| Royalties | Check | Check | Check |
| Author Rights | Check | Check | Check |
| Contract | Check | Check | Check |
| Author Support | Check | Check | Check |
| Total Cost | Check | Check | Check |
This makes it easier to identify which company provides the best overall value.
Before making a decision, ask these questions:
Ask for a written list rather than relying on a verbal explanation.
Make sure the answer is clearly stated in the agreement.
Ask for an example calculation if necessary.
Ask for specific marketplaces and territories.
Request specific deliverables.
This can vary significantly between companies.
Ask before approving the package.
Request a complete list of possible extra fees.
Understand the termination and rights-reversion provisions.
Ask whether the company provides sales reports or an author dashboard.
Not every publishing offer is suitable for every author.
Be cautious if a company:
No legitimate publisher can guarantee that a book will become a bestseller.
Book sales depend on many factors, including audience, genre, pricing, distribution, competition, and marketing.
Be cautious about guaranteed positive reviews or ratings.
Do not feel pressured to make an immediate payment.
You should be able to understand the agreement before signing.
If the company cannot clearly explain how royalties are calculated, ask for clarification.
Ask for a complete pricing breakdown.
"Worldwide distribution" should be explained in terms of actual marketplaces, countries, formats, and availability.
Ask exactly what marketing activities are included.
There is no single fixed cost for self publishing.
The final investment can depend on:
Word count
Editing requirements
Cover design
Book format
Number of pages
Number of copies
Printing method
Distribution
Marketing
Additional services
Basic digital publishing can require relatively little investment, while professionally supported print publishing and marketing can cost significantly more.
Rather than asking only "How much does self publishing cost?", ask:
"What exactly am I getting for the price?"
This makes price comparisons much more meaningful.
Not necessarily.
Price should be one factor, but not the only factor.
A very cheap package may exclude important services such as professional editing, custom design, marketing, or distribution.
At the same time, an expensive package may include services you do not actually need.
The best option is usually the company whose services match your publishing requirements and budget.
First-time authors often need more guidance than experienced publishers.
If this is your first book, look for a company that provides:
Clear communication
Manuscript guidance
Editing support
Professional cover design
Formatting
ISBN assistance
Distribution
Marketing guidance
Transparent pricing
Clear contracts
You do not need to purchase every available service.
Choose the support that solves your actual publishing requirements.
If you are still deciding between publishing models, you can also read this guide on traditional vs self publishing in India.
Different books may require different publishing support.
Focus on:
Developmental editing
Copy editing
Cover design
Formatting
Print distribution
eBook publishing
Marketing
Focus on:
Editorial quality
Interior design
Typography
Print quality
Cover design
Distribution
You can explore poetry book publishing for more information.
Focus on:
Academic editing
References
Formatting
ISBN
Institutional distribution
Professional design
Authors can also explore academic research publishing depending on the nature of their work.
Focus on:
Age-appropriate design
Illustration quality
Printing
Page layout
Distribution
Book format
A professionally published book still needs to reach readers.
Before selecting a company, understand its distribution network.
Ask whether your book will be available through:
Amazon India
Other online bookstores
Publisher website
International marketplaces
Physical bookstores
Libraries
Educational institutions
A company that offers only publication but limited distribution may not be suitable if your goal is broad market reach.
Publishing is not the same as selling.
After publication, you may need to build awareness through:
Social media
Author website
Content marketing
Book reviews
Interviews
Events
Email marketing
Paid advertising
Influencer collaborations
A good publishing partner should explain what marketing support it offers and what remains the author's responsibility.
One of the biggest advantages of self publishing is author control.
Before choosing a company, make sure you understand:
Copyright ownership
Publishing rights
Distribution rights
Digital rights
Audio rights
Translation rights
International rights
Contract duration
Do not assume that a company offering publishing services automatically owns your book.
Read the agreement carefully.
A good self publishing company should ideally offer:
Transparency — Clear pricing, services and contracts.
Quality — Professional editing, design and production.
Distribution — Access to relevant online and offline channels.
Author Support — Clear communication throughout the process.
Rights Clarity — Easy-to-understand ownership and licensing terms.
Marketing Support — Specific and measurable promotional services.
Flexibility — Services that match the author's needs instead of forcing unnecessary packages.
Professionalism — Clear processes, timelines and documentation.
Shashwat Publication currently describes itself as a self publishing partner offering support across editing, cover design, distribution, marketing and other stages of the publishing process. Its website states that the company has been supporting authors since 2019 and has published more than 2,000 titles.
Its self-publishing services cover multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, academic books, novels and biographies.
Authors can review the available self publishing services and compare them with their own requirements before deciding whether the company is the right fit.
Before signing an agreement, ask yourself:
Have I checked the company's publishing experience?
Have I reviewed real published books?
Are the services clearly listed?
Is pricing transparent?
Are additional charges explained?
Is professional editing included?
Is cover design included?
Is formatting included?
Is ISBN support explained?
Is distribution clearly defined?
Is international distribution explained?
Are marketing services specific?
Are royalties clearly explained?
Do I retain the rights I expect to retain?
Have I read the publishing contract?
Are termination terms clear?
Is author support available?
Can I track sales and royalties?
Have I compared at least two or three options?
Does the company actually fit my publishing goals?
Choosing the right self publishing company in India is about much more than finding the lowest publishing package.
The right company should provide a combination of professional quality, transparent pricing, clear author rights, reliable distribution, appropriate marketing support, strong communication, and understandable contractual terms.
Before making your decision, compare multiple companies and look carefully at what each package actually includes.
Check editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN support, printing, distribution, royalties, marketing, author support and rights.
Most importantly, read the publishing agreement before signing and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Self publishing gives authors greater control, but choosing the right professional partner can make the process significantly easier and more organized.
Your book represents your ideas, creativity and reputation. Take the time to choose a publishing company that treats it with the same level of importance.
+91 99930 01841 | +91 99936 08164 | ssupport@shashwatpublication.com
2nd Floor, HN 46, Balaji Residency, Seept Road, Bilaspur, C.G 495001
Can’t find what you are looking for? Drop an email to support@shashwatpublication.com
Compare the company's experience, editing quality, cover design, formatting, pricing, distribution, marketing support, royalties, author rights, contract terms, reviews, and customer support before making a decision.
Look for transparent pricing, professional editing, quality cover design, formatting, ISBN support, reliable distribution, clear royalty terms, marketing assistance, author support, and a transparent publishing agreement.
The cost varies depending on manuscript editing, cover design, formatting, printing, distribution, marketing, book length, format, and other services. Authors should compare complete package details rather than focusing only on the advertised price.
Not necessarily. The cheapest company may not include professional editing, design, distribution, or marketing. Compare the quality and services included before deciding.
Not automatically. Copyright and publishing rights depend on the agreement between the author and company. Authors should carefully review the contract to understand which rights they retain and which rights they grant.
Royalty arrangements vary between companies and publishing models. Authors should check whether royalties are calculated on MRP, net sales, or another basis and understand any deductions before signing.
Many companies offer different levels of marketing support, but the services vary. Authors should ask for specific marketing deliverables instead of assuming that a package includes unlimited promotion.
Research its publishing history, published books, author reviews, service details, contracts, pricing transparency, distribution claims, and customer support. Avoid making a decision based only on promotional claims.
It depends on the company. Some publishing companies offer customized services or packages, allowing authors to select support according to their publishing requirements.
Ask about total cost, services included, editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN, distribution, royalties, marketing, copyright, publishing rights, contract duration, termination, additional charges, and sales reporting.
Neither option is automatically better for every author. Self publishing generally provides greater control and flexibility, while traditional publishing may provide publisher-led production and established support. The best choice depends on the author's goals, budget, timeline, and desired level of control.
Yes. Many self publishing companies provide support specifically for authors publishing their first book. First-time authors should prioritize clear guidance, transparent pricing, professional services, and strong communication.
Yes. Shashwat Publication offers self publishing support including services related to editing, design, printing, distribution, marketing, and other publishing requirements depending on the selected publishing arrangement.
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Publishing Experience with Shashwat Publications My experience with Shashwat Publications has been a fulfilling and memorable journey. From the initial stages of manuscript preparation to the final publication of my book, The Dental Prescriber: Fro... Read More
About Publishing Experience with Us As a first-time author with Shashwat Publications, I look forward to a professional, collaborative, and enriching publishing experience. I appreciate the opportunity to present this work to students and educators... Read More
I am satisfied with the work, it was not too long time taken by the publishers. Also the price is appropriate for publishing the book. I recommend other authors too, must have experience once with this publication. Worthy experiences. Thanks :)
शाश्वत पब्लिकेशन एक मार्गदर्शक है दिशादर्शक है और आपकी मंजिल तक पहुचाने का बहुत शांतीदायी रास... Read More
It was really a very smooth and wonderful interaction with Shashwat Publication while writing my book. They were very much approachable and helpful in each step. All information was given to me with complete clarity. Whatever corrections were requir... Read More
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