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our publishing process​

Each manuscript is assessed for:

  • Plot: Plausibility, absence of major plot holes, usage of plot devices.
  • Consistency: Consistent level of writing quality right throughout the book.
  • Story development: Predictability of the story, pace of the book and the amount of digressions and frilly side plot lines.
  • Character development: How the character develops along the story. Is it natural, plausible?
  • Use of language: Use of appropriate language? Grammatically correct? Flow?

The primary focus should be on LGBTHQIA+ experiences in India, with the protagonist hailing from India’s diverse sexuality and gender communities.

Book cover design is not just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic and creative aspect of publishing that can significantly impact a book’s success in terms of attracting readers and conveying its essence.

Proofreading is a vital step in the writing and publishing process. It enhances the quality and effectiveness of written materials, whether for business, academic, creative, or personal purposes, by eliminating errors and improving overall readability and clarity.

Marketing is essential for book sales because it connects books with their intended audiences, makes them discoverable, builds author recognition and credibility, and ultimately drives demand and sales. Without effective marketing, even the most well-written and compelling books may go unnoticed in a saturated market.

The choice of distribution method depends on various factors, including the book’s genre, target audience, author’s goals, and available resources. Many authors and publishers use a combination of these distribution methods to maximize the reach and availability of their books.



Ideally, we encourage writers to share their work with beta readers from their personal network. These beta readers provide valuable feedback, allowing the writer to refine and improve their work. Our comprehensive process encompasses both developmental or content editing, where we focus on the overall structure and flow, as well as copy editing, which ensures grammatical accuracy and enhances readability.

At the moment we are accepting manuscripts in English. We will accept manuscripts in other Indian regional languages during phase 2.

Book design is essential for creating an attractive, readable, and enjoyable book that meets the expectations of readers and enhances the overall quality and impact of the publication.

print remains a vital and enduring component of the publishing industry, offering unique advantages and fulfilling diverse reading preferences and needs.

Book sales are important because they provide financial support to authors and publishers, indicate a book’s impact and readership engagement, and contribute to the cultural and educational enrichment of society. Successful book sales help sustain the literary ecosystem and encourage the creation and dissemination of new ideas and stories.

A book’s publishing process starts and ends with the author’s involvement as it is essential for maintaining the integrity of the work, ensuring it aligns with their creative vision, and actively engaging with readers and the industry. Their input contributes to the book’s success and longevity in the market.

Publishing

about LGBTHQIA+ India by LGBTHQIA+ Indians for the imprints Queer Ink and Queer Ink Swabhimaan.

QShorts (Fiction)

Tales of connection, love, and self-discovery, shedding light on the intricacies of relationships and authenticity in India’s diverse landscape.

Non-Fiction

Trans lives and stories + women-who-love-women

We And Ours

Navigating Love and Identity in LGBTHQIA+ Families about their experiences, challenges, in understanding and celebrating the diverse narratives within the LGBTHQIA+ communities in India.

The New Queer India

Disobedience, Love, Kindness, and Establishing a Safe Haven for LGBTHQIA+ Indians.

our Books

Editor: Minal Hajratwala
Out! Stories from the New Queer India
Ruth Vanita
A Play of Light: Selected Poems
owais
Gulabi Baghi
Hoshang Merchant
All my masters: an east-west encounter
queer ink
QShorts Vol 1
niladri r. chatterjee
The Scholar
Editor: Pawan Dhall
Queer Potli: Memories, Imaginations and Re-imaginations of Urban Queer Spaces in India
queer ink
QShorts Vol 1
Editor: Kuhu Sharma Chanana
An Evening Rainbow

More Information...

Guidelines

  • Unpublished/original stories
  • Word count 2,500 to 5,000 words
  • Email Subject: Story title_Theme
  • Email address: submissions@queer-ink.com

Word/Google format

  • Run spell check and double-check your story for consistency of language, plot, characters, etc.
  • Document 1: Cover letter to include: Story Title, Author’s legal name, Pen name (if needed), Pronouns, residential address, contact number, e-mail address, word count and author bio of 100 words.
  • Document 2: Manuscript: Times New Roman; 12 points, double-spaced, single quote marks for dialogue and double quote marks for quotes within a quote.
  • Stories about someone else’s coming out experience for non-fiction works,
  • Is your work about the meet and greet, do you have a room? Let us have sex? Please don’t submit this for publishing. Emotionless sex should not be the focus of the story.
  • We also do not accept pornographic works,
  • Depictions of rape, incest, child abuse, and sex with minors are unacceptable, as the plot.

You can connect with the Publisher, Shobhna S Kumar directly here.