How to Publish a Book in Pakistan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Every great book begins with an idea, but transforming that idea into a published work is where most aspiring writers feel stuck. Questions like “Where do I even start?” or “Which publishing path is right for me?” often hold people back from ever taking the first step. The truth is, publishing a book in Pakistan is no longer limited to a select few. Whether you dream of writing a novel, poetry collection, or non-fiction, there are now clear and accessible routes to bring your manuscript to life.

In Pakistan, writers today have two primary choices: traditional publishing, where publishers handle editing, printing, and distribution but select only a handful of manuscripts each year, or self-publishing, which gives you complete creative freedom and control over your timeline. Both paths come with unique benefits and challenges, but with the right roadmap, either can lead to success.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of publishing a book in Pakistan, from writing and manuscript preparation to choosing the right publishing path and effectively marketing your work. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to transform your literary dreams into reality.

Start with a Clear Purpose

Before diving into the publishing process, establishing a clear purpose for your book creates the foundation for success. Setting goals and understanding your motivation ensures you develop an effective roadmap throughout your publishing journey.

Why do you want to publish a book?

Publishing a book requires significant effort, making it essential to understand your why. According to publishing experts, authors who lack clarity about their purpose often take on too much, lose sight of their goals, and develop unclear messaging that becomes ineffective and exhausting.

Consider these common motivations:

• Sharing ideas and stories with the world
• Establishing yourself as an expert in your field
• Furthering career goals
• Achieving the status of "published author"
• Building a foundation for future books

Your specific purpose directly impacts the strategies needed to achieve success. Authors writing primarily for personal accomplishment require different approaches than those aiming to build a career or brand. Furthermore, clearly defining what success means to you helps establish realistic milestones and expectations.

Ask yourself: Are you writing to establish a fan base and sell more books? Or is your book primarily meant to establish you as an authority and grow your career? Your answer shapes everything from content decisions to marketing strategies.

Choosing a topic that resonates

Many Pakistani publishers focus primarily on textbooks because they represent guaranteed sales. Consequently, fiction and creative work may seem risky. However, this gap creates opportunity for writers addressing underrepresented topics.

One Pakistani publisher noted that many books either focus on diaspora experiences or terrorism, leaving out ordinary Pakistani stories told in extraordinary ways. Actually, there's growing demand for stories that reflect everyday Pakistani life; stories about freedom, politics, love, parenting and universal experiences.

When selecting your topic, assess what's missing in the current market. Additionally, consider what stories you feel compelled to tell. The most compelling books often emerge from authors who believe their story needs to be shared.

Understanding your target readers

Your book cannot appeal to everyone, nor should it try to. Identifying your specific target audience allows you to craft content that genuinely resonates with readers.

Initially, determine demographic details about your ideal readers: age, gender, occupation, interests, and reading habits. Moreover, consider where these readers gather, what social platforms they use, what magazines they read, and where they get news.

Narrowing your target audience doesn't limit readership, it enhances it. Without specific messaging directed at a defined audience, potential readers won't feel you're speaking directly to them. Essentially, if you try selling your book to everyone, you'll likely sell it to no one.

Write and Refine Your Book

Once you've defined your book's purpose, it's time to tackle the actual writing process. Creating a quality manuscript requires discipline, careful revision, and objective feedback.

Set a daily writing goal

Transforming your book idea into a completed manuscript demands consistent effort. Many published authors recommend setting clear, trackable goals rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

Consider these effective approaches to daily writing targets:

• Track word count vs. time: Experiment with both methods to discover what motivates you best. Many authors find tracking 500 words daily (about one hour of writing) more sustainable than hourly targets.
• Observe your natural pace: Before setting rigid goals, spend two typical weeks writing at a comfortable pace, then analyze your output to establish realistic targets.
• Break down larger goals: Divide your book into manageable chunks. For an 80,000-word novel, aim for approximately 1,500 words weekly over 13 weeks.
• Adjust when needed: Instead of abandoning goals completely after setbacks, make realistic adjustments. Switch from word count to time-spent goals during challenging periods.

Remember that all writing counts; even planning, brainstorming, and reflecting are valuable parts of the process.

Revise and self-edit your manuscript

Many published authors spend twice as much time self-editing as they did writing the first draft. After completing your manuscript, follow these revision strategies:

First, set the book aside for several weeks or even months to gain distance and perspective. This separation allows you to return with fresher eyes and notice issues that were previously invisible.

Subsequently, tackle revision in stages, focusing on bigger issues before smaller ones. In the case of a novel, begin with major plot elements and character development, then address dialog, setting details, and finally line-by-line edits.

Reading dialog aloud helps identify unnatural speech patterns or flat conversations. Meanwhile, reading the entire manuscript aloud highlights awkward phrasing that your eyes might miss.

Throughout self-editing, remember that first drafts are never perfect; they're meant to be rough. Your initial focus should be getting the story down, not achieving perfection.

Get feedback from beta readers

Beta readers offer invaluable outside perspective on your manuscript. These early reviewers identify issues you can't see and provide encouragement that keeps you motivated through revisions.

Choose beta readers carefully, primarily selecting those who read extensively in your genre. Nonetheless, include at least one reader from outside your genre who can offer fresh perspective on elements like plot and dialog.

Limit your beta readers to three or five people maximum (an odd number helps resolve split opinions). Too many readers often provide contradictory feedback that becomes overwhelming.

After gathering feedback, categorize comments by theme (character, plot, etc.) and pay special attention to issues mentioned by multiple readers. These recurring points typically indicate areas that genuinely need improvement.

By following these structured approaches to writing, self-editing, and gathering feedback, you'll steadily transform your rough manuscript into a polished book ready for the publishing process.

Get Your Book Ready for Publishing

After completing your manuscript, several crucial steps remain before your book is ready for publication. These final touches transform your raw content into a professional, market-ready product. In the case of traditional publishing, editing, formatting and the visual presentation of the book is handled by the publisher, while it is handled by the author in the case of self publishing (refer to the upcoming sections below).

Hire a professional editor

Now that you've self-edited, it's time to bring in a professional editor. This literary expert will thoroughly examine your manuscript, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable guidance on refining your narrative. Professional editors bring a fresh perspective, something essential after you've spent months immersed in your own words.

Even the most meticulous self-editing can miss spelling and grammatical errors that professionals instantly catch. A skilled editor enhances your unique voice by improving clarity and flow without altering the essence of your writing. In Pakistan, publishers like TWS Publications offer specialized editing for both English and Urdu manuscripts.

Format your manuscript for print and digital

Proper formatting ensures your book appears professional across all platforms. Indeed, the formatting requirements differ between print and digital versions, so prepare for both:

For print manuscripts:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins
• Double-space lines with 0.5-inch paragraph indents
• Include proper page numbering and headers
• Start new chapters on fresh pages

For eBooks, avoid text boxes, complex formatting, and page numbers since digital books reflow based on screen size and reader preferences. Unlike print books, eBooks don't use headers and footers. Generally, a clean, simple format works best for digital publishing.

Design a compelling book cover

First impressions matter enormously; your book cover represents readers' initial contact with your work. A well-designed cover plays a significant role in your book's success by instantly communicating genre, tone, and subject matter.

For professional results, consider hiring a designer who understands how to make your book stand out among countless others. Professional designers create covers that work both as small thumbnails in online stores and as physical books on shelves.

Regardless of approach, ensure your cover uses appropriate colors, imagery, and typography that align with your book's content. A captivating cover conveys your story's essence visually, drawing potential readers to explore further.

If you’d like a detailed breakdown of the cost of publishing, check out our full guide on The Cost to Publish a Book in Pakistan.

Understand the Publishing Process in Pakistan

The publishing landscape in Pakistan offers two main routes: traditional publishing and self-publishing. Understanding these options helps you make informed decisions about how to publish your work.

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to established publishers, who handle editing, design, printing, and distribution, though acceptance is highly competitive and royalties remain low (around 10-15%). 

In contrast, self-publishing gives authors full creative control, faster timelines (weeks instead of years), and significantly higher royalties (60-70%), but requires upfront investment and active involvement in marketing.

To know more about the publishing routes in Pakistan, read the complete guide on Traditional vs Self Publishing in Pakistan.

How to Publish a Novel in Pakistan

If you’re writing a novel, first decide whether you want to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing. For traditional publishing, start by submitting a query letter to publishers, including your manuscript if they express interest. Check the submission guidelines on each publisher’s website and verify whether they accept direct submissions or require a literary agent. While literary agents are rare in Pakistan, they can open valuable industry doors. 

For self-publishing, platforms like TWS Publications provide complete publishing, editing, design, marketing and distribution services. The process usually involves manuscript submission, an editorial review, choosing between several publishing packages, and signing the publishing agreement.

How to Publish a Poetry Book in Pakistan

Publishing poetry in Pakistan follows the same choice between traditional and self-publishing. Traditional publishers only accept select poetry manuscripts, so you’ll need to research those who specialize in or are open to poetry. Start with a query letter and follow submission guidelines closely, keeping in mind that many publishers prioritize marketability. 

In self-publishing, acceptance rates are much higher, and platforms regularly work with poets. The process is straightforward: submit your manuscript, opt for editing and design services, and select a printing and distribution package. This makes self-publishing a practical route for poets seeking quicker publication and creative freedom.

Do authors pay publishers?

Whether authors pay publishers depends entirely on the publishing model chosen:

• With traditional publishers, authors typically pay nothing upfront. The publisher covers all costs and pays the author royalties from sales.
• In self-publishing, authors bear all costs, ranging from PKR 50,000 to PKR 500,000 depending on services chosen for editing, design, marketing and distribution.
• Online platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offer free publishing options, taking a percentage of sales while authors retain rights.

The publishing landscape continues evolving in Pakistan, with self-publishing gaining popularity despite traditional publishing remaining the more established route.

Launch and Market Your Book

Your book deserves attention; now comes the crucial marketing phase that determines its reach and impact. Depending on the publishing route chosen, the publisher may either provide marketing services as part of the publishing package, or as an additional service. Therefore, if your budget allows, always consider marketing services provided by your publisher to profit from their expertise and professional services.

Build your author brand online

Establishing a strong author brand helps you connect with readers, grow your reputation, and open new opportunities. Start by creating an author website, which allows you to connect with readers, build an email list, and ultimately sell your books. A well-crafted website establishes your credibility and showcases your unique personality.

Develop a distinctive identity that reflects your values and writing style. Consider what makes your work unique and what readers can expect from your books. This forms your USP (unique selling proposition) and shapes your author brand.

Plan a book launch event

Book launches generate buzz and excitement among potential readers. In Pakistan, popular venues include The Second Floor (T2F) in Karachi, Liberty Books, and Kitab Ghar in both Karachi and Lahore. These venues regularly host author talks and signings.

Effective launches typically include readings, conversations with moderators, Q&A sessions, and book signings. Depending upon the publishing route chosen, the publisher (traditional in most cases) might host a book launch for your publication.

How to promote your book on social media

Data shows that 65% of self-published authors attribute their readership growth to targeted social media campaigns. Writers increasingly use Twitter for micro-fiction, Instagram for poetry posts, and platforms like Medium and Wattpad to reach audiences without traditional publishing barriers.

Create pre-launch excitement with behind-the-scenes stories, engaging questions, and valuable content. Share your author journey, teasers, and countdown posts to build anticipation. Consider collaborating with influencers or bloggers to reach wider audiences.

Track sales and gather reader feedback

Monitoring sales performance enables you to set realistic goals and evaluate promotional efforts. Further, encourage readers to leave reviews on platforms like Goodreads. These reviews provide direct insights into what readers loved and areas for improvement. Engage with readers through social media and events to collect detailed feedback that can guide future projects.

Conclusion

Publishing a book in Pakistan might initially seem daunting, but armed with the right knowledge and approach, your literary dreams can certainly become reality. Throughout this guide, we've explored the complete journey from conceptualizing your book to successfully marketing it in the Pakistani publishing landscape.

Your publishing journey begins with clarity about your purpose and target audience. This foundation subsequently shapes every decision you make regarding content, format, and marketing strategy. Remember that consistent writing habits transform your ideas into completed manuscripts, while thorough revision and feedback elevate your work to professional standards.

Preparation proves equally important as the writing itself. Professional editing, proper formatting, and compelling cover design collectively contribute to a book that stands out in a competitive market. Additionally, understanding the nuances between traditional and self-publishing paths helps you make informed decisions based on your specific goals and resources.

The Pakistani publishing industry offers various options for aspiring authors. Traditional publishing provides established distribution networks but remains highly selective, whereas self-publishing grants creative control and higher royalties despite requiring more personal investment. Either way, your choice should align with your long-term author goals.

After publication, your marketing efforts significantly impact your book's success. Building a distinctive author brand, organizing engaging launch events, and strategically using social media all work together to connect your book with its intended audience. Furthermore, tracking sales and gathering reader feedback creates valuable insights for future projects.

The path to becoming a published author demands persistence, patience, and passion. Each step, from writing to publishing to marketing, requires dedicated effort, but the reward of sharing your words with readers makes the journey worthwhile. With this comprehensive roadmap in hand, you now possess everything needed to navigate Pakistan's publishing world confidently and successfully.

TWS Publications is Pakistan’s leading self-publishing company. Ready to publish your book? Discover our Publishing Process to learn how we turn manuscripts into published works.