Namaskara (hello) fellow travelers,

Thank you for joining me on my writing and publishing journey!  

My debut novel - Bella and Rami - will be published by Atmosphere Press next year (2026).

Some background... I began writing Bella and Rami in January 2024. I did so in order to understand events that had happened long in the past. I wrote it as a fiction, not a memoir, because it just seemed easier that way. I also wanted to work my way forward, not look back in time. I finished the first draft in March 2025 while staying at a farmhouse in India. I was the unofficial “writer in residence”. 

There is a sense of exhilaration mixed with relief when you write those last words. Sure, there is still a long way to go, but that first push, where it all has to come from you, is over. I did nothing for a week and then thought, “what do I do now?” I already knew that the path to Traditional Publishing (polish your manuscript, get an agent, hope the agent gets you a publisher, etc.) would take years if it ever happened. I also knew that self-publishing would require a significant investment of time and money that I wasn’t quite prepared to make, although I did dip my toes in. In the end I chose a middle path: I submitted Bella and Rami to three Selective Hybrid Publishers, two in the USA and one in the UK, and one Traditional Publisher with an open submission policy. I heard back from the three Selective Hybrid Publishers within the time they specified (two to six weeks) and have still to hear back from the Traditional Publisher.  All the Selective Hybrid Publishers offered me contracts, all of them different. I sat on the offers for several months while I considered which way to go. A trusted friend in the book business reviewed the contracts for me (thank you!) In the end I chose Atmosphere Press. I liked their upfront, honest approach and their commitment to putting authors first. Still do. 

So here I am, embarked on publishing my first book. In the week since signing I have met the Production Director, the Art Director and my Developmental Editor! All very exciting. 

Tip for all those emerging writers amongst you

Give yourself time to explore your publishing options while you are writing. Take longer if you need it. To get started, visit Jane Friedman’s website - www.janefriedman.com - and take a look around. Jane reports on the book publishing industry and helps authors understand the business. Her “Key Book Publishing Paths” is a two pager that summarizes the current state of play. I hope you find it as helpful as I did.