CEO Insights India

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you," American poet Maya Angelou aesthetically elucidates one of the most intense feelings in the world. This also justifies the fact that authors, especially first time authors, invest a great amount of time, energy and often a significant part of their lives in writing a book. But unfortunately, writing a book is only the first step of telling it. It takes finding an editor & proof reader a publishing agent or publisher, and a branding/ marketing agency, making it a long, tiresome process, which no new writer deserves to go through. They deserve a happy experience while publishing their book. Having once gone through the aforementioned tiresome process while publishing her first book, Dipika A Khaitan, Founder, Maiya Publishing decided to transform the status quo Of The Publishing Industry And Launched Maiya Publishing, Which Is A One-Stop Shop Publishing House For Authors, Especially first Timers, Saving Their Time, Effort, Repetition Of Processes, And Money, And Ensuring That Their First Book Is A Happy Experience. A Graduate In Mass Communications, Literature And Psychology From Mount Carmel College, Dipika Has Also Done Courses In Parivarthan India And Is Finishing A Masters In Psychology From IGNOU. CEO Insights Engages In AnExclusive Interview With Her.

What inspired you to venture into the publishing industry and what is the motivation that keeps you going?
I am an alumnus of The Valley School, Bengaluru. The school’s founder J. Krishnamurthy's philosophy has largely shaped my world views, and approach towards work and business.

I set out to publish a book, ‘My Mother, T Krishna Kumari' in 2012, to capture the world of my mother, a phenomenal South Indian superstar. I approached a lot of known publishers in Bangalore, but they were all so vague and not author focused. The author didn't have a say in anything. So, I eventually self published my book. And that's when I decided that I wanted to start a publishing house that would be as transparent as possible and give the author a choice in everything.

I established Maiya Publishing in 2012. Being an author who went through the challenging process of publishing my first book, I wanted to ensure that new authors have a smoother journey than I had, with more resources at their disposal than I had.

Today, I love seeing authors happy, holding their book in their hands,

and that motivates me and keeps me going. I love the challenges that come with each book. Different authors have different expectations, and in the process of working with them I grow as well.

What unique proposition does Maiya Publishing offer to its clients?
No book is too big or too small for us. Whatever is the author's dream, we are willing to make it our own. We even do very personalized industrial books that commemorate their founder or company.

Conventionally, the first book of an author is often the end product of his/her great efforts, energy, time, and much struggle. With help and much asking around, the author soon seeks out an editor and proof reader, a branding/ marketing agency. It's a long drawn process when they have to do this on their own, seeking help from multiple people. Maiya Publishing's USP is that when an author comes to us, we offer all these services under one roof customized and specially matched to their needs. We save their time, effort, repetition of processes, and money, ensuring that their first book is a happy experience. We even connect them to writing coaches if they are stuck at the writing stage itself! Needless to say, a conventional publisher doesn't offer these services. For us, the author comes first.

Tell us about the different activities that interest you outside of the organi zation?
In my career spanning over 20 years, I have been able to bring together my passions, my interests, and my work. My philanthropic vein and my love for my Guru Master Choa Kok Sui(Pranic healing) and Satya Sai Baba have seamlessly balanced out my roles in the realm of publishing, marketing, media and human relations in the corporate world, and my own interior design enterprise.

I am passionate about publishing, healthy eating, art, and alternative therapies that aid healthy living. I am also a strong advocate of the ethical treatment of animals and support several animal shelters in the city. Dogs have my heart, and in fact, Maiya Publishing's logo is a dog!

My business acumen has been the driving force of my life. I am a part of several business networks like FICCI FLO Bangalore chapter FICCI FLO Book Bangalore chapter (club core team) & part of investment group Millennium Mams, Kolkata. I have been part of Swayam too which helps entrepreneurs do their best by providing mentors. I believe in supporting other women in business and am a very strong proponent of women's support and networking groups.

I am also an ardent supporter and

part founder of the Dream a Dream Founda tion and Master Choa Kok Sui’s Karnataka Pranic healing groups along with several known charitable organizations.

Looking back, what are some of the most satisfying moments of your journey?
My first book was my biggest learning and experience. The book about my mother, which I co-authored and published, is something I see as a two fold landmark both personally and professionally. It was an emotional project for me, being the personal revelation of my mother's life through my journey, and my eyes. It also launched my career as a publisher. It taught me much, and is a big part of what I am now. It was my university.

On the other hand, being featured as one of the ‘100 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in MSME' in a compendium brought out by the Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises and FICCI FLO in 2020 has been a very satisfying recognition that stands testimony to my hard work.

How do you plan to apply your wide experience in this domain to take the company to greater heights?
I want to make Maiya Publishing a global brand and entityand expand both nationally and internationally. The plans are getting finalized, and I will be making a big announcement soon. I unfortunately can't talk about it at present. But, for sure, the next two years will be crucial for Maiya Publishing's growth and expansion.

In the light of more than 20 years of professional experience, what would be your advice to the upcoming entrepreneurs in this industry?
Don’t give up, no matter what the world around tells you. Be persistent and believe in what you do. Especially, if what you do is what you truly enjoy doing.

Dipika A Khaitan,Founder, Maiya Publishing
A person who loves meeting new people and learning about their life experiences and culture, Dipika is also a solo traveler and a big electronic music junkie. Her favorite old bands are The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers and The Shamen, as well as the DJs like David Guetta and Atul. On the other hand, she is also a person who starts her mornings with the Suprabhatham by MS Subalakshmi followed by Gayatri mantra by her Guru Master Choa Kok Sui.

Hobbies:Pranic healing, sheltering dogs, cooking for friends, book clubs, dancing
Favorite Cuisine:South Indian home cooked vegetarian meals
Favourite Book: Who moved my Cheese by Dr.Spencer Johnson and Man’s Search for meaning by Viktor E Frankl and most PG Wodehouse books

Favourite Travel Destination: Paris, LA, Melbourne, New York & Mysore

Awards & Recognition:
100 Successful Women Entrepreneurs in MSME by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and FICCI FLO