NR: Any advice for writers, women specially, who want to foray into the field of publishing?
SC: It is a competitive world out there. Also, remember there’s nothing called as a ‘new story’, it’s all already out there, but it’s up to you to re-tell it in a way that tugs the heart. It is very important to find a publisher aligned to your theme of writing – a mismatch there and you can have a hellish experience. From my experience all I can say is that one needs to be very humble of the critical takes he/ she receives, more so if it is a she.
Further, if you are a feminist writer, people will tag you to be just one of those who are screaming out for attention. My critiques have been my greatest educators and I feel I have grown as a writer now when I sit down to take up my next project. And yes, true friends are those who shall point out mistakes but shall warm your heart. Guess, in crux you should be prepared to face the biggest challenge of growing up.
NR: What does one need to do to get their work published?
SC: First is to ensure that you exactly know the genre of the book you want to write about. Finding a publisher should be a simultaneous process along with book writing. It serves a two-fold purpose – firstly, it’s motivating for you to have a contract in hand and thus you are more pepped up to give your best. Also, there are times when your editor might feel (especially for new authors) that you should change your story line a bit, and it’s easier to do the same when the work is in progress than to change the entire script. Majority of the publishing houses only want a synopsis and two sample chapters to get you on board.
Be prepared for rejects. Rejects mean that you need to probably fine tune it and look around more. It always helps to ask for feedback from the publishers who reject you.
There are a lot of publishing houses promoting new talent these days. Of which there’s a genre of self publication too. Apart from that for women writers there’s Shristi, Kali, Zubaan, Niyogi and the like. It’s important to draw up a consolidated list of where all you want to send your work and be aware of their policies when you do so.
