Publish Poetry in India
An independent publisher that reads poetry directly from poets — full collections, chapbooks, and translations.
Poetry needs a home
Poetry has always been slow to sell and fast to matter. Large commercial publishers in India print very little of it, which leaves serious poets — many of them well-known in journals, festivals, and readings — without an obvious route to a book.
Parchment Publications reads poetry directly from poets. We publish full collections and chapbooks, in English and in translation from Indian languages, and we treat a book of poems with the same editorial care as a novel.
What we look for
A manuscript arranged with intent — not a list of individually strong poems, but a collection that reads as a whole. Distinct voice, considered form, and a subject the poet has stayed with long enough for the work to earn its place. We are open to formal poetry, free verse, prose poems, and cross-form work.
How to submit poetry
Email hello.parchment@gmail.com with:
- •A brief author bio and any prior publication history
- •A short note on the collection — its shape, its concerns
- •The full manuscript (thirty to sixty poems), or a chapbook (fifteen to thirty)
- •For translations, the original language and translator
We do not charge reading fees or publication fees.
Frequently asked questions
How do I publish a poetry collection in India?
Submit a curated manuscript of thirty to sixty poems to an independent publisher along with a short bio and a note on the collection. Parchment reads poetry submissions directly from authors at hello.parchment@gmail.com — no agent required.
Do Indian publishers still publish poetry?
Yes, though the list is small. Large commercial houses publish very little poetry. Independent publishers like Parchment are where most serious literary poetry finds a home in India today.
Should I self-publish poetry or approach a traditional publisher?
Self-publishing gives you speed and full control but you carry editorial, design, and distribution yourself. A traditional publisher invests in editing, cover design, bookstore distribution, media, and events. If your collection is ready for a rigorous editor and you want it in bookstores, submit to a publisher.
How many poems should be in my manuscript?
A full collection is usually thirty to sixty poems, arranged with intent. A chapbook is fifteen to thirty. We are open to both. What matters is that the manuscript reads as a considered whole, not a list.
Do you publish poetry in English only, or also in translation?
We publish poetry in English, including work originally written in Indian languages and brought into English by the poet or a trusted translator. Please mention the original language and translator in your submission.
Do you charge poets to publish?
No. Parchment is a traditional publisher. We do not charge reading fees or publication fees. If we take on your collection, we invest in it.