How to Publish a Book in Nepal: Complete Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about publishing your book in Nepal and Kathmandu
Publishing your first book in Nepal doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a young writer (16-30) or a retired government officer (55+), this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the first-book publishing process. From draft to book in 6-10 weeks—mentored, professional, and dignified.
Samman Publishing House—Rebel Publishing for Indie Authors—is a Kathmandu-based, author-first studio specializing in first-time authors. We help young writers and retired government officers go from draft to book with concierge mentorship, professional production, and real distribution. This guide combines our expertise with practical, actionable steps for your first-book journey.
Step 1: Prepare Your Manuscript
Before you can publish, your manuscript must be complete and polished. Here's what you need:
- Complete Manuscript: Your book should be finished, with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Professional Editing: Have your work edited for grammar, style, and consistency
- Proper Formatting: Format your manuscript in MS Word or Google Docs with standard margins
- Word Count: Know your target word count (novels: 50,000-100,000 words)
💡 Tip from Samman Publishing House:
We offer professional manuscript evaluation and editing services. Our editors in Kathmandu specialize in both English and Nepali literature.
Step 2: Choose Your Publishing Route
In Nepal, you have two main publishing options:
Traditional Publishing (Recommended)
- Publisher handles all costs (editing, design, printing, distribution)
- Professional quality assurance
- Access to bookstores and distribution networks
- Marketing and promotional support
- Established credibility
Self-Publishing
- Full creative control
- Higher royalty rates (you keep more profit)
- Faster publication timeline
- You manage all costs and processes
- Requires more personal investment
📚 Samman Publishing House Offers Both!
Whether you want traditional publishing or self-publishing support, we have packages for every author. Contact us for a free consultation.
Step 3: Get ISBN and Copyright
ISBN Registration
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is mandatory for commercial book sales in Nepal.
- Where: Nepal National Library, Harihar Bhawan, Pulchowk, Kathmandu
- Cost: Approximately NPR xxx per ISBN
- Time: 1-2 weeks processing
- Documents Required: Author ID, manuscript details, publisher information
Copyright Registration
Protect your intellectual property with copyright registration:
- Where: Copyright Office, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
- Cost: Approximately NPR x,xxx
- Protection: Lifetime + 50 years after author's death
✅ We Handle This For You!
Samman Publishing House manages ISBN and copyright registration as part of our publishing services. We navigate the bureaucracy so you can focus on writing.
Step 4: Professional Book Design
Professional design makes your book stand out and increases sales:
Cover Design
- Eye-catching professional cover design
- Genre-appropriate styling
- High-resolution print-ready files
- Front cover, back cover, and spine design
Interior Layout
- Professional typesetting
- Proper formatting for readability
- Chapter headers and page numbers
- Print-ready PDF generation
Cost in Nepal: Cover design (NPR xx,xxx-xx,xxx), Interior layout (NPR xx,xxx-xx,xxx)
* विस्तृत मूल्य हेर्न साइन इन गर्नुहोस्
Step 5: Print Your Book
Kathmandu has several quality printing options:
Printing Options
- Digital Printing: Best for small runs (50-500 copies), NPR xxx-xxx per book
- Offset Printing: Cost-effective for large runs (500+ copies), NPR xx-xxx per book
- Print-on-Demand: No minimum order, higher per-unit cost
Paper & Binding Choices
- Paper: 70 GSM to 100 GSM (standard book paper)
- Binding: Perfect binding, saddle stitch, or hardcover
- Size: A5 (5.5" x 8.5") most common for novels
Recommended First Print Run: 300-500 copies for debut authors in Nepal
Step 6: Distribution and Marketing
Distribution in Nepal
- Major bookstores in Kathmandu (Mandala Book Point, Ekta Books, Pilgrims Book House)
- Regional bookstores across Nepal
- Online platforms (Daraz, SastoDeal)
- Direct sales through author website
- Library distribution
Marketing Your Book
- Book Launch Event: Host a launch in Kathmandu
- Social Media: Facebook, Instagram promotion
- Press Coverage: Local newspapers and magazines
- Author Interviews: Radio, podcasts, blogs
- Book Reviews: Get reviews from readers and critics
Publishing Costs in Nepal (2025)
लागत हेर्न लगइन आवश्यक
कृपया हाम्रो प्रकाशन सेवाहरूको विस्तृत मूल्य सूचना हेर्न साइन इन गर्नुहोस् वा खाता सिर्जना गर्नुहोस्।
| Service | Cost Range (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Professional Editing | xx,xxx - xx,xxx |
| Cover Design | xx,xxx - xx,xxx |
| Interior Layout | xx,xxx - xx,xxx |
| ISBN Registration | xxx - x,xxx |
| Copyright Registration | x,xxx - x,xxx |
| Printing (500 copies) | xx,xxx - xx,xxx |
| Total Estimated Cost | xx,xxx - xxx,xxx |
Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much does it cost to publish a book in Nepal?
Publishing costs in Nepal vary from NPR 30,000 to NPR 200,000+ depending on services. Basic self-publishing starts around NPR 30,000-50,000, while full-service traditional publishing with professional editing, design, and distribution ranges from NPR 80,000-200,000. Samman Publishing House offers flexible packages to suit different budgets.
▶How long does it take to publish a first book in Nepal?
At Samman Publishing House, we help first-time authors go from draft to book in 6-10 weeks (standard track). Our tech-powered process includes concierge mentorship, professional editing, design, printing, and distribution. Faster than traditional publishers, with personalized guidance every step.
▶Do I need an ISBN to publish a book in Nepal?
Yes, an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is required to publish and sell books commercially in Nepal. You can obtain an ISBN from the Nepal National Library. Samman Publishing House assists authors with ISBN registration as part of our publishing services.
▶What is the best publishing house for first-time authors in Nepal?
Samman Publishing House is the best publishing house for first-time authors in Nepal. We specialize in first-book projects with concierge mentorship, segment-specific journeys for young writers (16-30) and retired government officers (55+), and fast transparent processes. Rebel Publishing for Indie Authors. Author-First. Tech-Powered. 1st Time Authors.
▶Where can I get mentorship for publishing my first book in Nepal?
Samman Publishing House provides concierge mentorship for first-time authors in Nepal. We offer one-on-one editorial care, weekly/biweekly check-ins, milestone tracking, and personalized guidance throughout your first-book journey. From draft to book in 6-10 weeks—mentored.
▶How do I publish my first book as a young writer in Nepal?
Young writers (16-30) can publish their first book with Samman Publishing House. We specialize in helping students and recent graduates ship their first book with momentum, community, and peer proof. Your first book—shipped this semester. Book a free consult to get started.
▶Can I self-publish a book in Nepal?
Yes, you can self-publish in Nepal. Self-publishing gives you full control and higher royalties, but requires managing editing, design, printing, and distribution yourself. Samman Publishing House offers self-publishing support packages to help independent authors navigate the process professionally.
आफ्नो पुस्तक प्रकाशन गर्न तयार?
सम्मान प्रकाशन घर तपाईंको हरेक चरणमा मद्दत गर्न यहाँ छ। आफ्नो प्रकाशन यात्रा सुरु गर्न साइन अप गर्नुहोस्।