It’s a reflection of India’s intellectual and economic confidence and energy.
How important is Penguin India to your international operations?
Right now, Penguin’s letterhead lists three publishing centres—London, New York and Melbourne. I hope to put Delhi up there.
But the market for books here is relatively small compared to the West...
It’s still small, but growing very fast. Our sales for this year have doubled from last year’s.
Are the authors sharing in the good fortune?
Certainly, increased visibility and sales is good for everyone, including authors.
But authors’ advances here haven’t kept pace with advances abroad.
Advances have gone up, but it can’t keep pace with advances in the US because both the volume and price of books are lower here.
Writers complain you have a caste system where big writers get all the publicity and the others get none?
It is true. Authors who sell receive more marketing support. It’s a global economic reality.
When you publish 200 new titles a year, isn’t it hard to market them all as they deserve?
We’re trying not to publish too many titles, we’ll cap it around 200 so we can do justice to all.
Will the book launch party survive?
It’s a uniquely Indian tradition and will remain because it works well. It’s not just about selling but honouring the author and his work.
As book chains grow, will your marketing strategy change?
Yes, we can focus on book tours for authors in regions where the book is of special interest.
On your twentieth anniversary will there be a special bonus to your authors?
What did you have in mind, dear? A bonus cheque! Hahaha.
