Standard Contract
We invest in your book. You earn on every copy.
For selected manuscripts, Khudkikalam bears the full cost of editing, design, ISBN, printing, distribution and marketing. You earn a royalty on every copy sold.
Publisher Investment
Professional editing
Copy-editing and proofreading by our editors.
Cover & interior design
Premium design decided together with you.
ISBN & printing
ISBN, printing and stock — all at our cost.
Online + offline distribution
Amazon, Flipkart, Khudkikalam and partner bookstores.
Kindle eBook
An eBook edition for worldwide readers.
Royalty & Rights
10% royalty on MRP
On every printed copy sold.
25% royalty on eBooks
Of net receipts from eBook sales.
Copyright stays yours
You grant us an exclusive publishing licence for the contract term.
Royalty statements
Transparent statements on your author dashboard.
Marketing & Author
Marketing campaign
Social media, email and Amazon campaigns at our cost.
Online launch
A live online launch with our community.
10 author copies
Complimentary printed copies for you.
Author profile page
A dedicated author page on the Khudkikalam website.
How It Works
Submit Proposal
Send a synopsis, sample chapters / poems and your author bio.
Editorial Review
Our editorial board evaluates the manuscript (usually within 4–8 weeks).
Contract & Editing
Selected authors sign a publishing contract; editing and design begin.
Publication & Promotion
We print, distribute and market the book at our cost.
Compare Traditional Publishing Packages
| Compare Traditional Publishing | Manuscript SubmissionFree | Standard Contract₹0 | Signature Contract₹0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to author | Free | ₹0 | ₹0 |
| Print royalty (on MRP) | — | 10% | Up to 15% (escalating) |
| eBook royalty (on net receipts) | — | 25% | 25% |
| Advance against royalty | — | — | For select titles |
| Editorial feedback | Basic decision note | Full editing | Full editing + senior editor |
| Author copies | — | 10 | 25 |
| Online + offline distribution | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hardcover / special edition | — | — | ✓ |
| Launch event & festival presence | — | Online launch | Offline launch + festivals |
| Award & rights submissions (translation, audio) | — | — | ✓ |
| Submit Manuscript | Submit Manuscript | Submit Manuscript |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does traditional publishing really cost nothing?
What royalty will I earn?
How long does the selection take?
What if my manuscript is not selected?
Please Note
- Submission and evaluation are free. We never charge a fee for traditional publishing.
- Due to the volume of submissions, only selected manuscripts are contacted.
- Royalty rates, any advance and the licence period are confirmed in the signed Publishing Contract.
Explore other ways to publish
Not sure this is the right fit? Compare our other publishing models.
Ready to start with Standard Contract?
Share a few details about your book and our team will get back to you within 24 hours. Write to [email protected]