Interview with Vivek K Agarwal

A short biography including the books your have published/self published.

I am originally from Faizabad city in Uttar Pradesh and did my engineering from HBTI, Kanpur. Post that worked with Infosys, Pune before joining IIMA. Am currently working with KPMG. 'To catch a smile' is my first book. I plan to publish my next book tentatively called "To catch a butterfly". I hate to say so but for the lack of better category it falls in quasi self-help genre. It takes a very pratical and optimistic approach and demystifies the popular notions around self-help based motivators, philosophers and psychologists.

What is your main occupation?

I work with KPMG as a consultant.

Tell us something about your self-published book(s)?

I have published a short story collection "To catch a smile". It has 23 short stories with themes woven around modern day dilemmas, people and their approach towards life and relationships.

[Pothi.com's note: Vivek's book is available on Pothi.com here.]

When/why did you think of self publishing?

I have always been a story teller at heart just that my passion had been restricted at regaling friends and anyone willing to give an ear. At some point I thought of pushing myself a step further and testing how far can it go. With some encouragement, inspired moments and lucky breaks, the book happened. Initially I did toy with the idea of getting a publisher. But I found that there are several systematic challenges. First, short story book has limited takers and publishing is a network and patience game. I had faith in my stories so I decided to go the riskier but quicker way of self-publishing.

What are the pros and cons of self publishing from your experience?

Good thing is that you do not have to wait too long to see your dream come true. Bad thing is that your dream remains limited in scale and is judged pretty harshly at times. People are in general sceptical about such books and view it as an act of self-love rather than genuine passion or talent.

How did you go about marketing and promoting your book?

Thats not an easy job currently though I guess soon there will be a good enough channel for this. I used all channels I could like friends, their contacts, company's media team, alumni network etc. But it still is pretty tough job specially because evaluating a book requires someone to give it a chance and time, which is difficult. Secondly not everyone has the ability to evaluate a book on its merit. Most people form their impression based on what others are saying.

As a self-publisher, what were the biggest challenges and what kind of support/services you would have liked to have?

I guess there are hurdles at each stage. Firstly, getting book edited, cover design, conceptualization etc. is a tough task for someone not in the business. Secondly being assured of priniting quality is key. Post that comes the biggest hurdle. Getting the book a fair chance in terms of getting reviewed and availability at the stores. Readers in India are still like to buy the book at the stores instead of online.

Any specific learning/advice you would like to share with other writers wanting to self-publish?

Some age old golden lines like believe in yourself, be ready to face judgements, have patience and keep expectations in line. If your stuff is good it will find its due else you will know where you stand which in itself is a reward.

Your favourite online website for writers? (might be a social network community, mailing list, a writer's website etc.)

Writing has more been incidental and natural reaction to me rather than a passion I have followed, atleast so far. So currently I am not part of any such group or website though I guess it would help if one is.

Since when are you writing and what do you usually write on?

I guess I wrote my first poem (a couple of silly sounding lines actually which I still feel embarrassed about) when I was 9. Since then I have been writing mostly poems though sporadically and mostly for private consumption. As kids my friends and I also used to try and imitate spy stories and comics though. Off late I have started increasing my range and started writing short stories, thoughts, psychological analysis etc. You can read some of them on www.dreamlimited.blogspot.com

Which is your favourite book?

I love Calvin and Hobbs and am inspired by books of Hermen Hesse (Siddhartha, Narcissus and Goldmund, Demian). I also like short stories of Oscar Wilde. He has a mesmerizing quality of telling deep emotions and social commentary through imaginative and simple looking tales.

Who is your favourite author?

Undoubtedly Hermen Hesse. I find his writing too thought provoking.

What are your hobbies?

I think I waste most of my time thinking and dreaming. But theatre and writing can be peddled as my hobbies.

(Vivek's e-mail id: vivglobal@gmail.com)