Ilama Books publishing runs out of a small office in Kakkanad, Ernakulam. We publish books in Malayalam and English, and we work with writers at every stage. Some arrive with a finished manuscript, some with a rough draft, and some with a clear idea of a book and no idea where to start. This post explains what we publish, what we care about in a book, and what we actually do for authors who are new to publishing.
If you want the short introduction first, read What Is Ilama Books?
What we publish
Ilama Books is an independent publisher and the publishing platform of Ilama Creatives Pvt. Ltd. In a little over five years we have published more than a dozen titles. The list is mixed on purpose: self-help and personal development, fiction, and poetry.
Some of it is practical. Life Skills and Personal Branding are books a reader can put to use. Some of it is personal writing, like Pranaya Bhavagal, a Malayalam poetry collection by a first-time author.
What we mean by a meaningful book
On our website we say every title is authored with intention. The test we apply is fairly plain: does the author know why this book exists, and will a particular reader be better off for having it?
A self-help book earns its place by teaching something a reader can use the next morning. A poetry collection earns it by saying something true in a way that stays with the reader. A novel earns it by making someone care about people who do not exist.
None of this requires the author to be famous or experienced. Many first-time writers can tell us the book they want to write but not yet what it should do for a reader. That is a fine place to start. Understanding what the author wants from the book is the first thing we do, before any editing begins.
Support for new authors, and what it actually includes
We would rather list exactly what we offer than describe it in vague terms.
- Manuscript review. You send a finished manuscript or a rough draft. We read it, understand what you want for the book, and explain the publishing route that fits.
- Manuscript editing. Work on structure, language, flow and consistency, with your voice left intact. This can range from proofreading to deeper editing, depending on the manuscript. See manuscript editing at Ilama Books.
- Ghostwriting. For authors who have a story or expertise but need help putting it into words.
- Layout, interior design and cover design. Prepared to print-ready standards. See editing, layout and design in book publishing.
- Printing, publishing and delivery of copies.
Our complete package, from manuscript to published book, is ₹8,000. It covers editing and proofreading, interior layout and typesetting, cover design, printing and binding, and publishing.
There are a few things we do not have. There is no submission window, no contest and no application form. You message us on WhatsApp and a person replies. We will tell you honestly what we can do for your book, and we will not promise sales numbers.
How a book gets made here
The process is the same whether the book is a first or a fifth. We review the manuscript, edit it, design the pages and the cover, and then print it. Each stage is handled by our team in Kakkanad, so the author talks to the same people from start to finish. If you live nearby, you can arrange a visit to the office by messaging us first.
If you want more detail on the local side of this, see our page for book publishers in Ernakulam.
How readers get the books
We do not run an online checkout. A reader picks a title, taps Buy on WhatsApp on our website or messages us at +91 80890 72544, and we confirm the price, payment, packaging and delivery with them directly. The copies come from us, the publisher.
Who should write to us
Someone with a finished manuscript who wants it edited and designed properly. Someone with a rough draft who is not sure what it needs. A poet with enough poems for a collection. A person with real experience to share who has no time or words to write it down. If one of these sounds like you, send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ilama Books publishing?
Ilama Books is an independent publisher in Kakkanad, Ernakulam, Kerala. We publish Malayalam and English books, and we help authors edit, design, print and publish their own.
How do I submit my manuscript to Ilama Books?
Send a WhatsApp message to +91 80890 72544 with your manuscript or even a rough draft. There is no form. We review your work, explain the publishing path that fits it, and share the details.
How much does it cost to publish with Ilama Books?
Our complete package, from manuscript to published book, is ₹8,000. Message us on WhatsApp and we will confirm what is included for your book.
Do you publish in Malayalam as well as English?
Yes. We publish both, across genres including self-help, fiction and poetry.
Where is Ilama Books based?
Our studio and publishing office is in Kakkanad, Ernakulam. Message us on WhatsApp first and we will arrange a time to meet.
Write to us
If you have a manuscript, a draft or just an idea, send it to us on WhatsApp. Tell us what the book is about and who you want to read it.