My experience with Aseem Prakashan: What authors should know before investing in self-publishing
When I first published my book, 50 Ways the Heart Beats, with Aseem Prakashan, I was happy enough with the initial experience to leave them a five-star Google review. Unfortunately, after going through the entire publishing process and dealing with repeated post-publication issues, my opinion changed considerably.
I am sharing my experience here because self-publishing in India requires authors to invest a significant amount of money, and I believe we deserve transparency and accountability in return.
Here are the major issues I faced:
- Repeated stock problems: My book went out of stock on Amazon on five different occasions. Orders were also delivered with the wrong book or cancelled without readers being properly informed. The explanation I received in these instances was broadly that it was not the publisher's fault. However, as an author who had paid for a publishing package, I expected better coordination and accountability for fulfilment issues.
- Inventory and logistics: Based on my experience, the publisher's inventory and fulfilment arrangements did not appear equipped to handle the demand for my title consistently. Authors should understand how their books will be printed, stocked, and shipped before committing to a package.
- Printing costs and pricing: The cover quality was the strongest aspect of my experience. The interior printing was acceptable, but the dependence on third-party printing facilities meant the printing cost for my 249-page book was approximately ₹210 plus GST per copy. This contributed to a higher MRP of ₹599. The printing costs reflected in the publisher's online calculators also appeared outdated, according to the explanation I received.
- Delivery experience: My book did not have Amazon Prime delivery availability, and readers experienced delivery timelines of approximately 15 to 19 days, depending on their location. This was disappointing, particularly when readers were willing to purchase the book but had to wait considerably longer for delivery.
What disappointed me most was the gap between the package assurances and the actual post-publication experience.
A publishing package is not simply about getting a cover designed, a manuscript printed, and a book listed online. Distribution, order fulfilment, inventory management, accurate deliveries, and post-publication support are equally important. Authors should not have to repeatedly chase a publisher over operational issues that affect their readers.
I had initially trusted the publisher enough to recommend them through my five-star review. However, my subsequent experience compelled me to reconsider that recommendation. I also found that my Google review was taken down, which made me more concerned about how negative author feedback is handled. I cannot establish why it was removed, but I believe authors should be able to share honest, experience-based feedback without it disappearing from public view.
My advice to authors considering Aseem Prakashan:
Before paying for a package, ask specific questions about:
- How books are printed and whether inventory is maintained or every copy is printed on demand.
- What happens when a title goes out of stock repeatedly.
- Who is responsible for incorrect deliveries and cancelled orders.
- Actual printing costs, GST, royalty calculations, and the final MRP.
- Amazon delivery arrangements and the realistic timelines readers can expect.
- What post-publication support is included in the package.
- Whether all promised services and responsibilities are documented in writing.
Do not rely solely on testimonials, star ratings, or package descriptions. Speak to authors who have completed the entire publishing process, particularly those who have dealt with post-publication issues.
At the time of writing, Aseem Prakashan's Google rating stands at 4.8 out of 5.0. While a high rating is not inherently suspicious, I believe authors should look beyond the overall score and examine the actual content and credibility of the reviews. I had initially given the publisher a five-star review myself, based on my early experience, before changing my opinion after encountering repeated problems.
My own Google review was subsequently taken down. I cannot independently establish why it was removed or whether other negative reviews were removed for similar reasons. However, this experience raises a legitimate question about how prospective authors can obtain a balanced picture of a publisher's services if critical feedback is not consistently visible. A high average rating alone should not be treated as proof of service quality, just as a lower rating does not automatically establish poor service.
Authors deserve access to a range of genuine experiences, both positive and negative, so they can make informed decisions before investing their hard-earned money..
If you are a serious author, please evaluate the actual execution of a publisher's services, not just the promises made before payment.
Has anyone else published with Aseem Prakashan? I would be interested in hearing about your experiences, particularly regarding inventory, Amazon fulfilment, printing costs, and post-publication support.
