ARMED with a vision of publishing books for children, Sameena Shaikh opened her publishing house two months ago. She calls it Aisha after her daughter. Quite recently, the publishing house made a début with 21 New Beginnings, a compilation of true stories of ‘oddity, hope and change’ by Vivek Pandit.
Why publishing and why children books particularly?
While my two girls were growing up, I realised the vital role books play in the learning and nurturing of kids. Since then I have been possessed with the idea of a book series for children. Over years, the thought crystalised into a concept – colourful and vivid illustrations to trigger their imagination, small values that could inspire them to be sensitive souls and short stories that could improve their vocabulary and language skills – I finally found the courage to open my own publishing house.
How difficult is it being an indie publisher?
May sound clichéd, but I strongly believe ‘where there is a will there is a way’. I never doubted my mission. All I started with were confidence and a creative concept, both have helped my vision blossom into reality. And I know nothing can stop an honest vision, so I never think of the diffculties, just take one step at a time. When it gets tough, I just wait patiently for the cloud to clear.
How do you go about choosing your authors?
Any work that has depth, clarity, undercurrent of a message, positivity and humour would find space in my publishing house.
What are your plans for the future?
Innovation and creativity will be the USP of my publishing house. The first book has a new concept – short stories by a known author, plus stories of new writers, all inspired by true incidents (available in Flipkart). My second book would be the beginning of a series for children. Adventues of Donna The Dolphin will have beautiful illustrations and will be filled with the adventures of a Dolphin, which will introduce the children to a whole new world.
The series will include a book for age group – 2+ , 5+ and 9+.
Why publishing and why children books particularly?
While my two girls were growing up, I realised the vital role books play in the learning and nurturing of kids. Since then I have been possessed with the idea of a book series for children. Over years, the thought crystalised into a concept – colourful and vivid illustrations to trigger their imagination, small values that could inspire them to be sensitive souls and short stories that could improve their vocabulary and language skills – I finally found the courage to open my own publishing house.
How difficult is it being an indie publisher?
May sound clichéd, but I strongly believe ‘where there is a will there is a way’. I never doubted my mission. All I started with were confidence and a creative concept, both have helped my vision blossom into reality. And I know nothing can stop an honest vision, so I never think of the diffculties, just take one step at a time. When it gets tough, I just wait patiently for the cloud to clear.
How do you go about choosing your authors?
Any work that has depth, clarity, undercurrent of a message, positivity and humour would find space in my publishing house.
What are your plans for the future?
Innovation and creativity will be the USP of my publishing house. The first book has a new concept – short stories by a known author, plus stories of new writers, all inspired by true incidents (available in Flipkart). My second book would be the beginning of a series for children. Adventues of Donna The Dolphin will have beautiful illustrations and will be filled with the adventures of a Dolphin, which will introduce the children to a whole new world.
The series will include a book for age group – 2+ , 5+ and 9+.