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To some extent I think Indian spec writers, the ones here in India, are badly conditioned by our lack of small presses and fic mags. Few of us are going to snag a deal with one the majors first time out, or ever. & contrary to what I once thought, being pub'd by Indian divs of
Intl publishers doesn't get you very far abroad. It can help, but it's not guaranteed to.
While there are issues of access and prejudice at play, I'd also say we need to look beyond the big presses.
While there are issues of access and prejudice at play, I'd also say we need to look beyond the big presses.
Nick Mamatas always says small presses are not a pathway to big presses but venues for otherwise good work that is not suitable for mainstream publishers.
If, as a spec writer, you're not writing in the mould the bestseller lists demand, and this doesn't mean you or they are bad
If, as a spec writer, you're not writing in the mould the bestseller lists demand, and this doesn't mean you or they are bad
you really should be looking for mags, anthologies and small presses that are into your particular thing. You'll find an audience and community. Really. I have.
And if you are able to write material that can work in the bigger leagues you'll have a better springboard than
And if you are able to write material that can work in the bigger leagues you'll have a better springboard than
starting from scratch or trying to make your Indian publishing cred matter in a landscape that, right or wrong, doesn't rate it very highly.
If Indian publication is your goal, understand that its a different ballgame and address it as its own thing. Not a stepping stone.
If Indian publication is your goal, understand that its a different ballgame and address it as its own thing. Not a stepping stone.
I have some friends who were published by big four publishers here only to get nowhere with their pitches in Europe and USA. It isn't right, but it is how it is. The opposite route, if you can manage it, is easier.
So try to decide what you write and where you want to be read and focus accordingly.
Also, take small presses in India with more than just a pinch of salt. In many cases you'd literally be better off self publishing.
OK, end of speech.
Also, take small presses in India with more than just a pinch of salt. In many cases you'd literally be better off self publishing.
OK, end of speech.
