A Scrapbook Of Memories

by Ashok Chopra

A rollercoaster ride through Indian publishing

For nearly forty years, Ashok Chopra has been responsible for publishing some of the biggest names in India: Khushwant Singh, Shobhaa De, Dom Moraes, Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins are part of his illustrious list. In this candid and colourful memoir, Chopra brings his long experience to explain what works and what doesn't in the Indian market: Why do some books last when others don't? Is there a winning formula for publishers and writers? What do readers in India want? How does one commission textbooks and reference guides? What should one do about bans and censorship? And how is the market holding up in the age of e-books and digital readers?

While going into the commercial aspects of publishing, he does not forget the human stories. Be it sourcing manuscripts, chasing celebrity authors like Dilip Kumar and Anupam Kher, scoring historic deals in the cut-throat world of publishing or managing egotists, eccentrics and windbags, Chopra's adventures and ordeals are unfailingly entertaining. If he celebrates the hits (the runaway success of Freedom at Midnight, for instance), he does not leave out the misses (such as Shalimar, the book based on the movie, one of the biggest flops of Indian publishing). Along the way, he recounts scandalous episodes, stories of wild parties and lavish book events on warships and boats.

Filled with rip-roaring revelations and honest reminiscences, this is the definitive story of English-language book publishing in India -- tracing its journey from the winding lanes of Daryaganj in New Delhi to the glamour of high-profile book launches.

436 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Sambasivan]

Easily one of the best books on memoir that I have read in a long time. Open's one's eyes to the world of publishing like never before. Through the different anecdotes, each one exquisitely and vividly narrated, the author brings out his lifetime of editorial skill to the fore. Every chapter leaves you longing a bit more on the subject and this tantalising experience held my attention through the entire 400 pages.

Well structured (though non linear and non chronological) and well balanced.

I hope this book becomes a bestseller as it deserves to be widely read.

[Pooja Gupta]

This is what a memoir should be . I am re-reading certain chapters which I have enjoyed very much – an honest account of the author’s encounters with life and people. And the romance of losing some opportunities that we all do. It requires courage to bear and share your life and soul. It is a thoughtful treat of a scrapbook of memories.

[Vikas Datta]

Most entertaining and informative about a whole cross section of Indian celebrities..