Tracking the boom in English writing in India, it is evident that several new genres have emerged in Indian writing. So has Indian writing come of age?

For a long time, the mere mention of Indian English writers would mean a few names that include RK Narayanan, Mulk Raj Anand, Khushwant Singh and Anita Desai, along with Indian author of British descent Ruskin Bond.

In the last few years, Health titles like ‘Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight’ by Rujuta Diwekar have been a runaway hit; her next book is titled ‘Women & The Weight Loss Tamasha’. Experts account the success of non-fiction to their ability to connect with readers. Taking to the energy and robustness of the book publishing industry, are not just the already known and established publishing house but also smaller set ups that have opened gates to new and fresh talent. Some of these publishers are guided by their prime motto to tap fresh talent. Not to forget the ‘Chetan Bhagat phenomenon’ as termed by his publishers, Rupa & Co. Much of his popularity has to be attributed to the fact that he has represented the urban milieu in his distinctive style.

With about 9,000 publishing houses, India is the third largest publisher of English books only after the USA and the UK, observes Chiki Sarkar, Publisher of Penguin India, in Himal South Asian, a monthly review magazine. Literary agents too have stepped in to boost sales, apart from bridging the gap between writers and publishers

Pulp fiction has found its readers with translations of works in the genre in regional languages. Perhaps a revolution in writing, gay fiction has found racks, in the form of contemporary LGBT(Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender)stories of India.

Similarly, publishing houses are welcoming blogger-turned-authors. Campus fiction has begun to find takers. Fiction, especially short stories and anthology of the same have become popular. Fiction or nonfiction, both have an eclectic mix of home-grown writers who offset literary heavyweights of Indian origin. Coupled with vigorous marketing techniques, publicity campaigns and strategically priced books, the publishing industry is on a soaring journey.

But, amidst the books’ boom, publishers rue the decline of serious fiction that once dominated bookshelves in India.

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