A Complete Guide for Indian Authors Publishing on Google Play Books and Apple Books in 2025

Publishing in 2025 is no longer limited to a single platform. While Amazon Kindle remains dominant, Indian authors who want to reach global readers, optimize revenue, and explore mobile-first ecosystems should consider Google Play Books self publishing and Apple Books publishing.

Google Play Books offers an enormous Android audience and flexible pricing options, making it ideal for India and emerging markets. Apple Books provides access to premium Western readers with a flat 70% royalty model and curated editorial features that boost discoverability. Both platforms complement Amazon, giving Indian authors multiple revenue streams and enhanced global visibility.

With Write Right, over 150 authors in India and abroad have successfully distributed their books on Google Play and Apple Books. We help authors with account setup, tax compliance, formatting, pricing strategy, and global marketing, ensuring your book reaches readers efficiently and maximizes revenue.

This guide covers every step of publishing on Google Play and Apple Books in 2025, from account setup to pre-orders, formatting, pricing, analytics, and marketing. Following these steps will empower you to expand beyond Amazon and tap into new readership markets.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Account as an Indian Author

Before publishing on Google Play Books or Apple Books, Indian authors need to navigate account setup, tax compliance, and payment configuration. Proper setup ensures timely payouts, legal compliance, and smooth global distribution.

Google Play Books Self-Publishing Account Setup

1. Register on Google Play Books Partner Center:
   Use your Google account to create a Partner Center profile.
2. Upload Banking Details:
   Indian authors must link a bank account with the correct IFSC and PAN. This ensures payments in INR or USD are processed efficiently.
3. Tax Compliance:
   Google requires PAN and tax information for India. Missing forms can delay payments. Write Right guides authors through completing GST and PAN documentation correctly.
4. Currency and Payment Thresholds:
   Google pays monthly, with thresholds and currency conversion based on your account settings. Understanding how INR vs USD payments affect royalties is essential.

Apple Books Publishing Account Setup

1. Sign Up on Apple Books Connect:
   Apple requires an Apple ID, bank account, and legal identity verification.
2. Tax Forms:
   Indian authors must submit PAN and other tax forms to comply with Indian regulations and international payout rules.
3. Bank Verification:
   Apple uses SWIFT/BIC codes for international transfers. A verified account ensures your royalties are transferred without delays.

Common Setup Challenges for Indian Authors

• Incomplete tax forms or bank details cause delayed payouts.
• Apple’s strict identity verification can require multiple documents.
• Currency conversion can reduce net revenue if not planned properly.

Insight:

A digital publishing consultant explains, “Most Indian authors face delays because of missing PAN or GST information. Completing compliance before publishing prevents setbacks and ensures royalties flow on time.”

Case Study

An Indian author experienced delayed payments from Google Play due to an incomplete GST form. Write Right stepped in, verified the PAN, completed the tax documentation, and ensured the author received all payouts promptly. The book went live without further administrative issues, and royalties began accruing consistently.

[Read The Complete Author Journey]

By following these steps and leveraging Write Right’s guidance, Indian authors can set up both Google Play and Apple Books accounts efficiently, avoiding delays and compliance headaches, and start focusing on publishing, marketing, and global reach.

Step 2: Pre-Launch & Pre-Orders on Google Play and Apple Books

Generating anticipation before your book goes live is one of the most effective ways to ensure a strong launch. Pre-orders allow Indian authors to test demand, gather early reviews, and influence search visibility on both Google Play Books and Apple Books.

Google Play Books Pre-Orders

Google Play’s self-publishing platform allows authors to schedule pre-orders and offer discount incentives to early buyers. This strategy encourages initial purchases, which help your book rank higher in search results immediately upon release. Key steps include:

• Set a pre-order period: Typically, 1 to 3 weeks before release is ideal.
• Offer strategic discounts: Small price reductions incentivize early buyers without impacting long-term revenue.
• Distribute ARCs: Share Advance Review Copies with bloggers, reviewers, and loyal readers to generate authentic early reviews.

Apple Books Pre-Orders

Apple Books pre-orders function differently: discounts are not allowed, but the platform prioritizes books with strong pre-order traction for featured lists and curated recommendations. Indian authors should:

• Schedule pre-orders 2 to 4 weeks ahead: This allows Apple to recognize demand and potentially feature your book.
• Focus on quality metadata: Accurate categories, keywords, and descriptions improve discoverability.
• Coordinate with reviewers: ARCs can still be sent for early reviews to boost credibility.

Pre-Launch Strategies for Indian Authors

1. Cross-Promote: Use social media, newsletters, and WhatsApp reader communities to inform potential buyers about pre-orders.
2. Optimize Keywords: Include relevant regional and genre-specific keywords to improve discoverability on both Google Play Books and Apple Books.
3. Align Launch Dates: Simultaneously schedule Google Play and Apple Books pre-orders for maximum impact across devices.
4. Monitor Early Engagement: Track pre-order clicks, wishlist additions, and ARC feedback to adjust marketing strategies in real time.

Key Insight:

A digital marketing strategist explains, “Pre-orders are more than early sales numbers. They create credibility, signal demand to platform algorithms, and influence future visibility. Google rewards flexible pricing and review engagement, while Apple emphasizes pre-launch traction and quality metadata.”

Case Study

An Indian author used Google Play Books self-publishing pre-orders with a small discount and coordinated ARC distribution. Within two weeks, they secured 300 pre-orders. Concurrently, Apple Books pre-orders gained traction due to metadata optimization and early reviews. Write Right managed the entire pre-order strategy, ensuring accurate tax setup, account compliance, metadata, and promotional scheduling. This approach maximized visibility, improved rankings, and resulted in strong launch-week sales, demonstrating the power of strategic pre-launch planning.

[Here’s The Full Story]

Step 3: Uploading & Formatting Your eBook 

Proper formatting and file preparation are critical for successful publishing on Google Play Books self-publishing and Apple Books publishing. Even minor errors in EPUB structure, metadata, or images can delay approval, reduce discoverability, and negatively impact reader experience. Indian authors must pay extra attention to local compliance, multilingual scripts, and device compatibility.

Supported File Formats

• EPUB: This is the standard file format for both Google Play and Apple Books. EPUB ensures reflowable text, allowing your eBook to adapt automatically to different screen sizes on smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.
• PDF (fallback): Google Play allows PDF uploads, but fixed-layout PDFs may not render correctly on all devices. Apple Books strongly discourages PDFs because they lack flexibility, which can lead to a poor user experience.

Text and Layout Best Practices

1. Headings and Paragraphs: Use proper hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) for chapters and sections. Avoid inline formatting like bold or italics that break on some devices.
2. Consistent Fonts: Stick to standard fonts compatible with EPUB readers. Non-standard fonts may display incorrectly or be ignored entirely.
3. Spacing and Alignment: Maintain consistent paragraph spacing, line height, and alignment. Check for unwanted page breaks or extra spacing that can disrupt reading flow.
4. Table of Contents: Use an interactive TOC with links to chapters. Both Google Play and Apple Books rely on TOC for navigation, which also improves accessibility.

Images and Multimedia

• Resolution: Use at least 150–300 dpi for all images. Low-resolution images appear blurry on high-definition screens.
• File Size: Compress images to balance quality and EPUB file size. Excessively large files may fail validation or take longer to load.
• Alt Text: Include descriptive alt text for every image to meet accessibility standards and enhance SEO. Google and Apple prioritize accessibility-compliant eBooks.
• Media Restrictions: Interactive elements, audio, or video may not be supported in all devices. Test thoroughly before submission.

Metadata Accuracy

• Include title, author name, subtitle, ISBN, categories, and targeted keywords.
• Ensure the title and author name exactly match across metadata, cover, and TOC to prevent indexing issues.
• Use long-tail keywords relevant to your genre and audience for better discoverability.
• Choose appropriate categories to avoid overly broad selection, which can limit visibility.

EPUB Validation

• Use tools like EPUBCheck to validate your file before submission.
• Errors in structure, fonts, images, or embedded styles can lead to rejection by Google or Apple.
• Validate on multiple devices and apps to ensure consistent rendering.

A technical editor specializing in international eBook distribution explains, “Indian authors often overlook small EPUB issues like missing alt text, broken links, or non-standard fonts. Proper formatting is not just a technical requirement—it directly impacts visibility, reader experience, and sales.”

Case Study

An Indian author uploaded an EPUB to Apple Books but faced rejection due to missing alt text, inconsistent headings, and non-standard fonts. Write Right intervened, restructured the EPUB, embedded alt text, standardized fonts, corrected headings, and optimized images. The eBook was approved in 48 hours and launched successfully on both Google Play and Apple Books. Post-launch feedback confirmed a smooth reading experience, better rankings, and fewer formatting-related complaints.

[Here’s The Full Story]

Step 4: Pricing Models & Royalty Structures

Pricing your eBook correctly is critical for maximizing revenue, readership, and discoverability on Google Play Books self-publishing and Apple Books publishing. Indian authors must consider platform-specific royalty models, local market expectations, and global competition.

Google Play Books Pricing and Royalties

• Flexible Pricing: Google Play allows authors to set regional prices, meaning you can price your book competitively in India (₹99–₹299) while charging higher rates internationally.
• Discount Management: Authors can schedule temporary discounts or promotions, which can boost pre-orders, sales velocity, and visibility.
• Royalty Rates: Google typically pays 70% of the list price minus applicable taxes, including VAT or withholding tax. Indian authors need to ensure PAN and GST details are correctly submitted to receive payments without delays.
• Revenue Optimization: Dynamic pricing can help Indian authors test multiple price points, identifying the optimal balance between affordability and profitability.

Apple Books Pricing and Royalties

• Fixed 70% Royalty: Apple Books pays a flat 70% royalty, regardless of list price. This simplifies revenue calculation and can sometimes yield higher net income than Amazon or Google.
• Currency and Payment: Payments are made in USD or local currency, depending on the bank setup. SWIFT transfers may include fees, which Indian authors should factor into their pricing strategy.
• Global Reach: Apple Books’ pricing is global. Competitive pricing in USD, combined with regional INR adjustments, can attract both international and Indian readers.

India vs Global Pricing Strategy

• Indian Market: Price-sensitive readers often respond best to ₹99–₹199 for short eBooks and ₹199–₹299 for full-length books.
• US/UK/Global Market: Price eBooks at $2.99 to $9.99, depending on genre and length. Higher prices are accepted in professional, educational, or niche markets.
• Strategic Discounts: Schedule discounts during pre-orders or seasonal campaigns to increase visibility and encourage early reviews.

KDP Comparison Insight

Unlike Amazon KDP, which splits royalties between 35% and 70% depending on region and list price, Google Play and Apple Books offer more predictable revenue streams, especially for Indian authors selling internationally.

Expert Insight

An international publishing accountant explains, “Apple’s flat 70% royalty simplifies revenue projections for Indian authors, while Google’s flexible pricing allows testing multiple markets. Understanding tax implications and exchange rates is crucial to maximizing net income.”

Case Study

A debut Indian author priced her short eBook at ₹89 on Google Play and chose the flexible pricing strategy. Despite a lower list price, her net earnings exceeded what she would have earned at higher prices, proving the importance of strategic pricing over default choices. Write Right guided the author in setting regional prices, completing tax compliance, and scheduling promotional discounts, ensuring maximum revenue from launch.

[Read Complete Case Study]

Practical Tips for Indian Authors

1. Use regional pricing to attract price-sensitive readers in India.
2. Test multiple price points in global markets to find optimal revenue.
3. Schedule promotions or temporary discounts to boost rankings and reviews.
4. Factor in currency conversion, SWIFT fees, and withholding taxes.
5. Partner with Write Right to calculate royalty-maximizing pricing strategies and ensure compliance with Indian tax laws.

By understanding Google Play and Apple Books pricing models, Indian authors can increase their profitability, attract a global audience, and avoid costly mistakes in tax, currency conversion, or promotional timing.

Step 5: Distribution & Visibility Differences

Distribution and visibility are critical factors for Indian authors publishing on Google Play Books self-publishing and Apple Books publishing. Understanding each platform’s ecosystem, algorithms, and audience helps maximize reach and sales.

Google Play Books Distribution

• Android Ecosystem: Google Play Books integrates with billions of Android devices, giving Indian authors access to a massive mobile-first audience.
• Regional Pricing & Promotions: Authors can target specific countries with tailored pricing, helping reach both domestic and global readers.
• Discoverability Signals: Google Play’s algorithm favors books with higher pre-order engagement, early downloads, and reviews. Optimized metadata and keywords are essential for visibility.
• Global Reach: Though popular in India, Google Play Books also targets readers in Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America, offering diverse revenue streams.

Apple Books Distribution

• iOS Device Integration: Apple Books caters to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. Its audience is strong in the US, UK, Canada, and other Western markets, making it ideal for Indian authors aiming for international exposure.
• Curated Lists & Editorial Features: Apple often features books in curated lists based on pre-order traction, reviews, or thematic relevance, giving higher visibility to new releases.
• Discoverability Factors: Strong metadata, categories, and early reviews increase chances of being featured. Unlike Google Play, Apple’s algorithm heavily rewards editorial recognition and quality presentation.

Platform Visibility Comparison Table

Strategies for Indian Authors

1. Cross-platform Presence: Publish on both Google Play and Apple Books to tap Android and iOS audiences.
2. Metadata Optimization: Use relevant categories, keywords, and subtitles for discoverability in each platform’s store.
3. Leverage Platform Tools: Google Ads can promote Play Books; Apple Books’ curated features can boost visibility.
4. Monitor Regional Performance: Track sales and downloads in India, US, UK, and other key markets to adjust pricing and promotions.

Expert Insight

A mobile publishing analyst explains, “Distribution is not just about uploading your eBook. Understanding the algorithm signals and platform audience helps authors strategically place their books where readers are most likely to find them. Metadata, early engagement, and review velocity play a critical role.”

Case Study

An Indian author published her eBook on Google Play Books self publishing and Apple Books simultaneously. Google Play drove domestic sales and downloads in India, while Apple Books reached Western audiences. Write Right optimized metadata, coordinated pre-orders, and monitored visibility metrics across both platforms. Within the first month, the author saw a 50% increase in global downloads and strong engagement on both platforms.

[Read Full Case Study]

By understanding the distribution ecosystems and visibility mechanics of Google Play and Apple Books, Indian authors can maximize global reach, improve rankings, and increase sales, while Write Right ensures all metadata, pre-orders, and marketing strategies are professionally executed.

Step 6: Monitoring Analytics and Reports

Monitoring analytics is essential for Indian authors to understand how their eBooks perform on Google Play Books self-publishing and Apple Books publishing. Tracking sales, pre-orders, and user engagement allows you to make informed decisions about pricing, promotions, and content strategy.

Google Play Books Analytics

• Partner Center Dashboard: Provides insights into sales, downloads, country-specific revenue, and pre-order conversions.
• Trends & Performance Metrics: Authors can track daily and weekly sales, compare price points, and identify which promotions drive the most conversions.
• Revenue Reports: Includes breakdowns for taxes, discounts, and net earnings in INR or USD.
• User Insights: Understand which regions generate the most downloads and optimize marketing accordingly.

Apple Books Analytics

• Books Connect Dashboard: Offers sales data, pre-order performance, and geographic splits.
• Pre-Order Conversions: Track how many readers purchased after pre-order campaigns, helping refine future launches.
• Promotion Tracking: Monitor the impact of Apple-curated lists, influencer campaigns, and social promotions.
• Global Revenue Reports: Understand your earnings across regions and currencies, including exchange rate implications for Indian authors.

Key Metrics to Track

Optimization Tips

1. Adjust Pricing & Promotions: Use analytics to test price points and identify which promotions drive the highest revenue.
2. Refine Metadata: Track search terms and categories that lead to the most downloads to improve discoverability.
3. Monitor Reviews & Feedback: High ratings and positive reviews impact visibility on both platforms.
4. Track Pre-Order Performance: Adjust marketing strategies for upcoming launches based on pre-order analytics.

Insight

A digital marketing strategist explains, “Analytics give authors the power to make informed decisions rather than guessing. Indian authors who regularly monitor Google Play and Apple Books reports can optimize pricing, promotions, and metadata for maximum visibility and revenue.”

Case Study

An Indian author launched her eBook simultaneously on Google Play Books self publishing, and Apple Books. By reviewing sales reports and pre-order analytics, she discovered her strongest market was the US on Apple Books and India on Google Play. Write Right guided her in interpreting the analytics, adjusting pricing regionally, and refining metadata, resulting in a 40% increase in revenue within the first month.

[Read The Case Study]

Practical Tips for Indian Authors

• Log into dashboards daily during launch periods to track early trends.
• Compare pre-order conversions with actual sales to optimize future campaigns.
• Use the insights to plan next releases, series launches, and marketing strategies.
• Partner with Write Right to understand complex analytics, optimize pre-order campaigns, and implement data-driven strategies that boost visibility and revenue.

Monitoring analytics and reports allows Indian authors to make informed, strategic decisions, ensuring each eBook performs optimally on both Google Play and Apple Books. With professional support from Write Right, authors can convert insights into actionable growth strategies.

Step 7: Marketing & Promotions for Google/Apple Platforms

Marketing is a critical step for Indian authors using Google Play Books self publishing and Apple Books publishing. Unlike traditional publishing, self-published authors must proactively promote their eBooks to achieve visibility, drive sales, and build an audience.

Marketing on Google Play Books

• Google Ecosystem Integration: Leverage Google Ads to target readers by location, interests, or genre. Ads appear in search results, Gmail, and the Google Display Network.
• Pre-Order Promotions: Offer early-bird discounts to incentivize pre-orders. Early engagement improves algorithmic discoverability.
• SEO Optimization: Ensure your title, subtitle, and metadata keywords are optimized to appear in Google search results as well as Play Books searches.
• Reviews and Ratings: Encourage readers to leave honest reviews. Positive ratings improve your book’s ranking and visibility.

Marketing on Apple Books

• Curated Features: Apple often promotes books through curated lists based on pre-order traction, reviews, or thematic relevance.
• Influencer Collaborations: Engage bloggers, social media influencers, or book clubs that cater to Apple device users.
• Email Campaigns: Notify your mailing list about new releases or pre-orders. Apple’s audience is responsive to direct updates.
• Quality Presentation: Apple prioritizes well-designed covers, professional formatting, and consistent metadata, making visual branding a key marketing tool.

Cross-Platform Strategies

1. Social Media: Use Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to build anticipation, highlight pre-orders, and share reader testimonials.
2. Content Marketing: Publish blog posts or guest articles related to your book’s theme to drive organic traffic.
3. Bundled Promotions: Offer series bundles or discounts for multiple titles to encourage read-through.
4. Author Website & Email List: Centralize all marketing efforts and provide readers with direct purchase links to Google Play and Apple Books.

Insight

A marketing consultant explains, “Indian authors often underestimate the impact of platform-specific marketing. Google Play favors keyword-optimized campaigns, while Apple Books rewards editorial quality and curated visibility. Combining both approaches ensures maximum reach.”

Case Study

An Indian author used a targeted Instagram campaign combined with Google Ads and Apple pre-order promotions. Write Right guided her in scheduling pre-order discounts, optimizing metadata for search, and leveraging curated Apple lists. Within two weeks, the eBook generated 300 pre-orders on Google Play and high visibility in Apple’s curated categories, resulting in a significant sales boost during launch week.

[Here’s The Full Version]

Practical Tips for Indian Authors

• Plan your marketing campaign before eBook launch to generate early momentum.
• Customize marketing messages for Google Play (price-sensitive, domestic) vs Apple Books (premium, Western) audiences.
• Encourage reviews and ratings immediately after launch to improve visibility algorithms.
• Partner with Write Right for professional guidance on promotions, pre-order campaigns, metadata optimization, and ad strategy to ensure your book reaches the right audience globally.

Effective marketing and promotions on Google Play Books and Apple Books can dramatically increase visibility, pre-orders, and revenue. With expert support from Write Right, Indian authors can design a launch strategy that drives both domestic and global success.

Final Thoughts

Publishing on Google Play Books self publishing and Apple Books allows Indian authors to reach diverse global audiences while diversifying income streams. By understanding account setup, pre-orders, formatting, pricing, royalties, visibility, analytics, and marketing, authors can maximize both reach and revenue.

Multi-platform publishing ensures your work is available across Android, iOS, and desktop ecosystems, increasing discoverability and long-term growth. Strategic pre-orders, optimized metadata, platform-specific promotions, and data-driven pricing are key to success.

With professional support from Write Right, Indian authors can navigate complex tax compliance, regional pricing, metadata optimization, and multi-platform marketing. Our team ensures your Google Book publishing and Apple Books publishing journey is smooth, profitable, and reaches readers worldwide.

At Write Right, we guide Indian authors through every step of Google Play and Apple Books publishing, from account setup to global promotions. Book a free consultation today and expand your eBook’s reach beyond Kindle.

Read More Blogs:

How to Publish on Amazon Kindle in India (2025): Categories, Royalties, Pricing & POD

How to Publish Educational Books in India (2025): Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers, Institutes, and Authors

FAQs 

1. How can Indian authors self-publish on Google Play Books?

Indian authors can publish via the Google Play Books Partner Center. You need a Google account, bank account details for payments, PAN for tax compliance, and a properly formatted EPUB or PDF file. Write Right helps authors with account setup, file formatting, and metadata optimization for maximum discoverability.

2. What documents are needed to set up Apple Books Connect as an Indian author?

Apple requires a verified Apple ID, a bank account for payouts, a PAN card for tax compliance, and tax forms (W-8BEN for non-US authors). Write Right ensures all documents are correctly submitted to avoid payment delays and compliance issues.

3. Do Google Play Books and Apple Books allow pre-orders?

Yes. Google Play Books and Apple Books allow pre-orders, which help generate early buzz and reviews. Setting the right pre-order price and timeline is essential. Write Right guides authors in scheduling pre-orders and marketing them effectively.

4. How do royalties differ between Google Play and Apple Books?

Google Play Books pays approximately 70% minus taxes and allows flexible discounts. Apple Books pays a flat 70% royalty on the list price. Currency conversions, fees, and taxes affect net earnings for Indian authors. Write Right helps optimize pricing and calculate real earnings.

5. Which platform has better visibility, Google Play or Apple Books?

Google Play has an extensive reach across Android users, making it ideal for domestic and emerging markets. Apple Books reaches premium Western audiences and rewards curated content. Publishing on both maximizes global reach. Write Right ensures your book is optimized for both ecosystems.

6. How do I access analytics on Google Play Books?

Google Play Partner Center provides sales, downloads, pre-orders, and country-specific reports. Monitoring these helps authors adjust pricing, marketing, and promotions. Write Right guides authors in interpreting data and making actionable decisions.

7. Can I change pricing dynamically on Google Play Books?

Yes. Google Play allows regional and promotional price adjustments to optimize sales and visibility. Apple Books pricing is fixed but can be strategically set at launch. Write Right helps Indian authors set competitive pricing and manage promotions.

8. Is Apple Books better for global readers compared to Amazon Kindle?

Apple Books offers a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Oceania, complementing Amazon Kindle. For authors seeking global visibility, publishing across Kindle, Google Play, and Apple Books ensures maximum reach. Write Right assists in multi-platform strategies.