How to Publish a book in Bhutan, easy steps explained!

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In this article I will basically talk about how easy or how difficult is it to publish a book, at the furthest. Neither I have all knowing knowledge about the whole thing, nor do I acclaim myself to know everything.

However, I have decided that I will write through every bits of my experience, so that people who are passionate about writing, and also those aspiring to publish a book in future will have some better ideas.

What needs to be done?

As I mentioned, this article, in my regard is for those writers who are aspiring to publish a book (Not strictly). It is factual that the very first thing is to write or have a written document or what is called a ‘Manuscript’.

Once you have the first draft of the manuscript. The best and the first thing you can do is, edit it. Proofread it. While proofreading it is likely that you will stumble across multiple errors, even which will appear as a blunder you ever could have made.

That is why, in case you want minimal error before you reach out the script to your editor. It is fit to have several self edits.

Best step

Once you have made sure you have, as far as possible, minimal errors. Your next step will be handing over the script to your editor, it is also where you will have to pay huge amount of money, but you need not worry. Only if you hire a professional editor, you will have to pay them for the edit, otherwise if you know someone who has good command over language. It can be your English teacher, lecturer or a professor. Approach them, appeal them. I can affirm you that they won’t deny editing your work.

In my case, ever since I was in high school, I have started a book and I am proud student of my English teacher, who was so kind to me for she edited several chapters of my book. I am always indebted to her infallible and constant support. In the next phase of my edition, English teacher of sherubling high school, Mr. Bagawath helped me. I am elated for he did never utter the bitter word ‘NO’, whenever I asked him to change this or look for that, he kindly did for my good. I was blessed to have both of them as my editors. The best, it was for free. Thank you. (Kalpana Bhattarai and Bagawath Bhandari).

 

Let’s jump out from my short anecdote. With this anecdote I wanted you all to know that, teachers do help and in most cases, they never say no.

Dummy copy

Once you get back the fully edited manuscript of your book, you need to print a copy, which you will need to submit to BICMA. (Bhutan information and communication media authority). Once you take the copy to BICMA. You will need to fill out a form in which you will need a copy of your identity card and 2 numbers of legal stamp. Also your signature, that is there. ( :D )  .

As in the earlier part, let me share an anecdote connected to this.

That very morning, I don’t exactly remember the date, which I would know if I refer but it’s in the middle of the night I am writing this, so let this be.

That morning I printed a copy. A dummy was ready to be submitted to BICMA.

Figuratively, afternoon zephyr felt cold on my face as I called several people, whom I thought would help me out. Sadly, none responded, I was not disappointed. I had several rounds of the downtown. In the hope to spot someone who would help me. Futile, I was still alone when the clock had struck 3. I set on the bench, aloof. In front of the “THJA CAFÉ’ ”, that is when an idea abruptly occurred to me. I browsed through the Facebook and happily found the BICMA page gleaming at me. ‘Respected sir/Madame” then I begun. I was so happy to receive almost an immediate reply from them. I had short conversation, ending up with their location and how I must visit the office.

Location texted:          Olakha, near ‘HOTEL WHITE TARA’

Attire:                          Need to be in Gho/ if you have a suit of an organization that is acceptable.

I was almost prepared but the time was running and they said they were closing soon. Next I stood up and rushed home to get ready, but Alas! I was already late and I decided not to go that day.

Of course the next day, I called my friend Dawa Namgay and he did help me get to the exact building where the BICMA office was located. Thanks to him.

How long?

Once you have filled out the forms, fulfilled the formalities and submitted the dummy copy to BICMA. Your next task is to be patience for next one week, for they take a week, or sometimes even more, depending on the situation. However, it is always wise to call the office after one week, so that they can ascertain you if your copy is ready to be certified.

One of the most important aspect of certification is, whether you want have the book certified under your ‘self’ license or under the printing company’s license. But there I am certain that you will be charged less if you license it under printing company’s license, however , if you want to have 100 % right over your book, it is fit you choose to license under ‘self’. It is better, but you will need to pay some extra amount while getting certified.

It solely on you to decide.

Discuss/ Decide

More or less, it is easier till this point. The real struggle comes from here, but worry not. I will maintain a decent talk. I will make sure I help people to open their eyes to see well, if not many, a benefit to a single person will give me the satisfaction of having written this article.

What will you do next? You are ready. Yet, I know money is a problem for most of us. (May not be for some). Even in my case I was struck half way, in need of money. I was handicapped. In hopes and hopeless despair I moved around - futile.

If you want to have a financial support, I would recommend you to approach your close ally or a relative, more so comfortable if you have a financially stable family member who can help you with some amount to get your book published. Why not? If they help, you can always repay them back. (In case you are learning and still not earning)

If it is with people in service or those who have job, I can affirm that they can easily give light to their book.

If this idea does not work and in case no one is willing to help you pursue your dream and passion. Let it be. Don’t get heartbroken. You can always take some amount of loan from financial institutes, to which you can pay later, on a monthly/early basis. This is possible.

Decide.

What next?

Marketing the book is crucial after you publish your book. One of the factors that hook a reader is its cover. It does not matter how well the content is. No offence. People do take time on covers, Make sure to have, as far as possible a well designed book cover by a professional designer, the cost may be high but it’s worth spending.

The ultimate motive is not to publish and earn, in lieu it is to inspire. To inspire a change.

 

GO FOR IT!