A friend who is a publishing industry veteran recently shared an interesting incident. Almost thirty years back, his parents were looking for a bride for him. The prospective families, for obvious reasons, inquired about his profession. When they were told that he was in book business, all of them seemed to develop cold feet. Apparently, kitaaban da kam ( book business in Punjabi) was looked down upon as unprofitable and of low stature.
Around 2001, when i got into publishing, hardly anyone i met, knew the difference between publishing and printing. They thought a publisher takes money from authors and prints the book for them. Partly, Indian publishers could be held responsible for this perception as a lot of them were doing just that. So whenever i shared with anyone that i was into publishing, more often than not, what i got to see was a blank and unimpressed face.
Come 2008. The world seems to have changed, or is it Indian publishing that has! Publishing is now one of the most happening professions and Indian publishing is up there on the global scene. It has money, stature and job satisfaction. Being on priority in the marriage mandi may just be the bonus.
11 comments:
Here's to many more successful years in publishing(and many more successful authors as well)
It's great to see you blogging. Three Cheers for you!!!
Interesting to read your blog Shobit.
Yes, there is a new atmosphere for Indian publishers ... one wonders if they'll respond!?
Regards
Samarpan
Hi Shobit,
it was nice to read your blog...
hi shobitji,
great start to blogging.
will be visting regularly.
Mithin
You know Shobit, your first post appeared on 21 November and today is 25 November. Good morning. Please enlighten more.
Good to see you've got hooked on to blogging. Wonder if you'll find the time. I s'pose you prove the adage, "If you want to get the work done, give it to the busiest person."
I'm sure your blog will enlighten us on books, authors and publishing. Will visit the site regularly.
I don't think the scenario has changed much- even now when i approach an author to write a book, he/she asks me, "Do i need to pay anything?" When i talk about the book making, my doctor friends say, "Why don't you do something which can be understood by all!"
Whatever it may be- i love books and i enjoy publishing. I am the happiest person.
Sapna
so nice to see you writing here.. would like to read more of you and know about your many publishing experiences (one of them being with us at SPICMACAY)and other thoughts..
even though our association lasted just about a year or so, the memories are still very alive and one shall cherish it forever!
hi shobit..nice to see you around here...and wishing you even more success
It was interesting reading your blog and good to know that the face of Indian publishing has/is changing...
Wishing you the best.
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