How Estorytellers Helped a Delhi Non-Fiction Author Get Published in 6 Weeks

Background:

In 2024, a first-time non-fiction author from Delhi had completed her manuscript but struggled to attract attention from traditional publishers. Despite submitting to multiple houses, she received no response for five months. The manuscript was strong in content but lacked industry-standard formatting, metadata, and a professional proposal.

Challenges:

• Manuscript didn’t meet publisher submission standards (formatting, citations, cover letter).

• No market positioning or comparative titles were presented.

• Emotional stress and frustration were mounting; the author considered self-publishing without guidance.

Estorytellers’ Intervention:

• Manuscript Audit & Developmental Edits: Assessed structure, pacing, and clarity; suggested improvements while preserving the author’s voice.

• Professional Formatting & Design Prep: Typeset the manuscript in InDesign, prepared cover and interior assets for both print and EPUB.

• Market Positioning & Submission Kit: Created a professional proposal with comparable titles, genre positioning, and metadata ready for submission.

• Project Management: Assigned a dedicated production manager to track milestones and ensure deadlines were met.

Timeline:

• Manuscript resubmitted after 4 weeks of editing and preparation.

• Within 6 weeks, the manuscript was accepted by a hybrid publishing house partnered with Estorytellers.

Results & Insights:

• Time-to-acceptance reduced from 5 months to 6 weeks.

• Author retained full ISBN ownership and received preflight-approved files.

• Manuscript now ready for trade distribution and print-on-demand (POD) setup.