Are you dreaming of seeing your name on a spine, your story in the hands of readers across the globe? The journey to becoming a published author is a challenging but incredibly rewarding path. It demands dedication to the craft, an understanding of the publishing landscape, and a keen eye on what readers are buying.
This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through every critical step: how to become an author, the ins and outs of how to publish a book (especially the booming self book publishing in India market), and, crucially, which topic should I write book to achieve a best-seller status in the competitive market of 2026.
We’ll use essential SEO keywords like how to self publish a book, self publishing in India, how to write a book, best self publishing companies in India, and book publishing cost to ensure your journey starts with maximum visibility.
Part 1: How to Become an Author – The Foundation
The first step in your literary career is not publishing—it’s mastery of the craft. To successfully become an author, you must first become a dedicated writer.
1. Master the Craft of Writing
Before worrying about sales, your focus must be on quality. A well-written book is the single most effective marketing tool you have.
- Read Widely and Deeply: Become an expert in your chosen genre. Study the bestsellers—their plot structure, pacing, character arcs, and dialogue. What makes them sell? What conventions do they follow, and where do they break the rules?
- Establish a Consistent Writing Habit: Inspiration is a myth; consistency is the key. Set specific, realistic writing goals. This could be a word count (e.g., 500 words per day) or a time commitment (e.g., one hour every morning). Prioritize this time.
- Outline or ‘Pants’ Your Story: Decide on your method. Are you a meticulous Outliner who maps out every chapter, or a Pantser (writing by the seat of your pants) who lets the story flow? Most authors are ‘Plantsters’—a mix of both. Find the method that allows you to finish your first draft.
Key Takeaway: The only way to become an author is to finish your manuscript. A mediocre, finished book is infinitely better than a brilliant, unfinished idea.
2. The Editing and Revision Phase: The True Test
Once the first draft is complete, the real work begins. The difference between an amateur and a professional book lies in the editing.
- Self-Revision: Let the manuscript rest for a few weeks. Return with fresh eyes, looking for clarity, consistency, and structural issues.
- Beta Readers & Critique Partners: Share your work with a small, trusted group of readers who can offer constructive, honest feedback. They are your first line of defense against plot holes or confusing sections.
- Professional Editing is Non-Negotiable: If you want a bestseller, you must invest in professional editing.
- Developmental Editing: Focuses on the big picture: plot, characters, theme, and pacing.
- Copyediting: Focuses on sentence structure, word choice, and flow.
- Proofreading: The final check for minor typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.
- SEO Keyword Note: When considering self book publishing in India, you will often find packages that include different levels of editing. Evaluate these carefully—a good editor is worth the self book publishing cost.
3. Build Your Author Platform
An author platform is your direct connection to potential readers. Start building this before your book is finished.
- Author Website/Blog: This is your home base. Use it to post articles, share your writing journey, and—most importantly—collect emails for your mailing list. SEO-optimize your blog posts for terms related to your book’s topic.
- Social Media Presence: Platforms like BookTok (TikTok), Instagram, and YouTube are powerful discovery tools. Engage with readers in your genre.
Part 2: How to Publish a Book – Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
You have a polished manuscript. Now, how to publish a book? You have two main routes, each with its own benefits and challenges.
The Traditional Publishing Route
This is where a publishing house (like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins) acquires the rights to your book.
- Process: Write a query letter, a book proposal (for non-fiction), and sample chapters. You typically need a literary agent to submit to major publishing houses.
- Pros: They pay all upfront costs (editing, cover design, printing), handle distribution to bookstores, and manage marketing. You receive an advance payment.
- Cons: Highly competitive and time-consuming (can take 1-3 years), you have little to no creative control, and your royalty percentage is significantly lower.
The Self-Publishing Route (The Indie Author Path)
Self-publishing gives you 100% control over the entire process. This path has revolutionized the industry, offering a quicker and often more profitable option.
- Process: You manage or hire professionals for every step: editing, cover design, interior formatting, and marketing. You upload your finished book files to a platform for distribution.
- Pros: Full creative control, faster to market, much higher royalty rate (often 70% of net profits), and total ownership of rights.
- Cons: You bear the full book publishing cost upfront, and you are solely responsible for marketing and sales.
Self Publishing in India: A Dedicated Look
The Indian publishing landscape has seen an explosion of services supporting independent authors. If you’re looking for self book publishing in India, you will encounter two main types of service providers:
- DIY Platforms (e.g., Amazon KDP, IngramSpark): These are global platforms that allow you to upload your files for free. They operate on a Print-on-Demand (POD) model, meaning a book is only printed when a customer buys it. This is the lowest self book publishing cost option, but you handle everything yourself.
- Guided/Hybrid Publishing Companies: These companies, often called the best self publishing companies in India (like Notion Press, Blue Rose Publishers, or Clever Fox Publishing), offer a range of packages that bundle services.
| Package Range | Estimated Self Book Publishing Cost in India (INR) | Services Included (Typical) |
| Basic | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 | Basic e-book and paperback formatting, standard cover design, ISBN, limited Indian distribution (Amazon/Flipkart). Minimal editing. |
| Standard | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 | Basic copyediting, professional cover design, global distribution, marketing starter kit (social media graphics). Higher royalty percentage. |
| Premium | ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000+ | Comprehensive editing (developmental + copyediting), premium cover art, author website, extensive online marketing campaigns, PR support, and more complimentary author copies. |
Important Note on Cost: The primary factors affecting your book publishing cost are the quality and depth of editing, the complexity of the cover design, and the level of marketing support you choose. Never skimp on professional editing and cover design.
Part 3: Which Topic Should I Write Book to Get More Sales?
The secret to a bestseller is not just writing a good book; it’s writing a good book that fills a genuine demand in the market. To get more sales, your topic must be timely, relevant, and targeted to an established readership.
1. The “Evergreen” Bestseller Topics
These genres consistently generate massive sales regardless of the year. They are the perennial giants of the market.
| Genre | Why it Sells | Sub-Genres to Consider for 2026 |
| Romance / Romantasy | Massive, voracious readership, high loyalty to authors, and driven by social media platforms like BookTok. It is the single largest genre market. | Romantasy (Romantic Fantasy – the current hybrid phenomenon), Dark Romance (morally complex characters), LGBTQ+ Romance, Romantic Comedy. |
| Thrillers / Psychological Suspense | Fast-paced, high stakes, and easy to market with short, compelling descriptions and “what-if” concepts. | Psychological Thrillers exploring identity/mental health, Domestic Suspense, Techno-thrillers (incorporating AI and modern tech), True Crime-inspired fiction. |
| Self-Help / Personal Finance | Addresses readers’ pain points with concrete, actionable solutions. Readers look for transformation and success. | Perennial Classics like Atomic Habits are constantly revised/updated. Focus on niche topics like “Digital Minimalism,” “Financial Independence/Retire Early (FIRE),” or “Mindfulness in the Age of AI.” |
| Young Adult (YA) | Driven by diverse, highly engaged younger readers. Strong sales in fantasy and contemporary settings. | YA Fantasy with diverse cultural influences, YA Thrillers/Mystery, and YA Contemporary focusing on social issues. |
2. Trending Topics for a Best Seller Book in 2026
To achieve a best seller, you need to write a book that taps into the current zeitgeist. Here are the most compelling and trending themes predicted to dominate in 2026:
1. The Blended Genres (Hybrids)
The trend of merging genres is not slowing down. Readers are looking for books that defy easy categorization.
- Romantasy: As mentioned, this is the current gold standard. The love story is central, but the world is high-fantasy (think Sarah J. Maas).
- Sci-Fi Thrillers: The rise of AI and major technological shifts creates a perfect backdrop for suspense. Books that explore the moral and existential implications of advanced AI, data privacy, and bio-hacking will be highly sought after.
- Historical Fiction with a Twist: Not just a retelling of history, but a blend with mystery, suspense, or even light fantasy elements.
2. Themes of Identity and Social Reckoning
Stories that explore personal growth, self-discovery, and confronting societal expectations are deeply resonant.
- Dystopian Narratives: Current events (climate change, political unrest) make near-future dystopian stories feel urgent and relevant. Focus on environmental collapse, social stratification, or corporate control.
- Diversity and Inclusivity: Readers continue to demand diverse perspectives, voices, and characters across all genres (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability). This is not just a trend; it’s a permanent shift in reader expectation.
- Mental Health and Wellness: Fiction and non-fiction that tackles anxiety, burnout, trauma, and the quest for genuine well-being in a high-pressure world.
3. Non-Fiction Niche Specialization
The non-fiction space is moving away from general self-help and into ultra-specific, high-value content.
- Future of Work: Remote work, the four-day week, and navigating the new gig economy. Highly practical, skill-focused books.
- Climate Change Solutions (Hope-Punk): Moving past doom-and-gloom, readers want non-fiction that provides actionable solutions, local community projects, and technological innovations to address climate issues. This is often termed “hope-punk” in fiction—finding hope in a broken world.
- Digital Disconnection: Practical guides on managing screen time, cultivating deep focus, and finding peace in an always-on world.
The Sales Maximization Formula: Topic + Target
To truly get more sale, you must combine a trending topic with a clear marketing strategy.
- Find Your Niche: Don’t write a general “Thriller.” Write a “Psychological Thriller about a CEO being stalked by a rogue AI.” The more specific your niche, the easier it is to find your target reader.
- SEO for Books: Just like this blog post, your book’s metadata (title, subtitle, description, and keywords) should be optimized. Include keywords like self book publishing in India, how to write a book, or genre-specific terms that readers are actively searching for.
- Build a Series: Readers are “binge-readers.” Authors with a series have a massive advantage. If a reader likes book one, they are highly likely to buy books two, three, and four immediately. This is particularly effective for high-volume genres like romance, fantasy, and thrillers.
Part 4: Your Action Plan: From Zero to Published Author
Here is a step-by-step roadmap for your journey, integrating all the advice above.
Step 1: The Pre-Writing Phase (6-8 Weeks)
- Brainstorm Topic: Choose a niche that intersects your passion with a trending topic for 2026 (e.g., Romantasy or a Techno-Thriller).
- Define Target Audience: Who are you writing for? What books do they currently read? Where do they hang out online?
- Outline/Plan: Create a solid structure for your manuscript.
- Build Your Platform: Launch an author website and start an email list. Use this to post content related to your chosen topic and genre.
Step 2: Writing the First Draft (3-9 Months)
- Stick to Your Schedule: Write consistently, without editing. Get the story on the page.
- Word Count Goal: A novel is typically 80,000–100,000 words. Non-fiction can be shorter (40,000–60,000 words).
Step 3: Editing and Polishing (2-3 Months)
- Self-Revision and Beta Readers: Get your manuscript into the best shape you can.
- Hire a Professional Editor: This is your biggest investment in quality. Factor this into your overall book publishing cost.
- Final Proofread: Do a final, meticulous check after all edits are in.
Step 4: The Publishing Decision (1-2 Months)
- Choose Your Path: Decide on Traditional vs. Self-Publishing.
- For Self-Publishing: Research best self publishing companies in India (Notion Press, Clever Fox, etc.) or opt for the DIY route with KDP/IngramSpark. Compare packages and their respective self book publishing cost.
- Design: Hire a professional cover designer. The cover is the single most important piece of marketing material.
- Formatting: Finalize interior formatting for both print and e-book.
- Metadata: Write a killer, keyword-rich book description and choose high-value keywords for your book listing.
Step 5: The Launch and Marketing (Ongoing)
- Pre-Orders: Launch a pre-order campaign to generate buzz and stack sales for a strong launch day.
- Reviews: Distribute Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to reviewers, bloggers, and BookTok creators. Customer reviews are essential for driving sales.
- Marketing: Run targeted ads (Amazon/Facebook), do guest posts on relevant blogs, and consistently engage your email list.
Conclusion: The Persistence of the Author
The desire to become an author is noble, but the successful author is persistent and smart. They understand that publishing is a marathon, not a sprint, and that market research on which topic should I write book is as important as the quality of the writing itself.
Whether you choose to self publish a book for maximum control or pursue a traditional deal, the foundation remains the same: a brilliant, professionally edited manuscript on a topic that resonates with the current cultural moment.
Start writing, start learning, and start building your audience today. The literary world is waiting for your story.
