Groww Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Groww, has launched Imprint, a publishing programme for emerging writers, in partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). The fully sponsored initiative has received close to 1,500 registrations from across the country for its first edition.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of a publishing industry where new writers often face barriers to entry, including limited access to agents, publishers and professional resources. Traditional publishing typically offers royalties of around 5-7 per cent, while self and boutique publishing can leave authors responsible for editing, cover design and promotion.
Imprint aims to address some of these challenges by providing selected writers with editorial mentorship and professional support through the publishing process.
As part of the programme, applicants are required to submit the first chapter of their manuscript along with a synopsis. The stories are expected to explore themes of growth, change and lived experience. Following the initial screening, shortlisted writers will be invited to submit their complete manuscripts.
The final selection will be made by a jury comprising industry experts. Selected manuscripts will then receive fully sponsored editorial mentorship, professional editing, cover design, production and publication support.
Commenting on the launch, Kalpana Swaminathan, Head of Groww Foundation, said, “Some of the most powerful writings never make it to the bookshelves, not because they lack merit, but because their writers don't get a fair chance. With Imprint, we aim to bridge that gap by empowering the writer community with a wide audience, ensuring that first-time authors don’t face difficulties in developing and publishing. The response we've seen, with close to 1,500 manuscripts from across the country, reinforces just how much untapped creative potential exists today- all it needed was an avenue. Through our partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival, we hope to help promising writers turn their passion into vocation, and if a few of them can find readers, confidence and a foothold in the literary world, our job with Imprint would be a success.”
Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, said, “At Jaipur Literature Festival, we have always believed that literature flourishes when new voices are discovered, nurtured and given the opportunity to be heard. While readers often encounter the finished book, the journey of becoming a writer can be uncertain and inaccessible for many. Imprint is an important step towards opening that journey to talented writers who may otherwise never find a pathway to publication. We are delighted to partner with Groww Foundation on an initiative that seeks to widen access, celebrate original storytelling, and invest in the next generation of Indian authors.”
The initiative is positioned around Groww Foundation’s broader focus on improving access to opportunities. The foundation said Imprint follows a similar premise to Groww’s efforts to make investing more accessible to first-time investors.
Imprint is planned as a long-term initiative, with future editions expected to continue providing emerging writers with a route towards professional publishing.
