SUDHA SUBRAMANIAN lives in Dubai with her husband. She was a columnist in Gulf News for over fifteen years. Her articles and opinion pieces have been published widely in many newspapers and magazines while her short stories have appeared in many Indian and international literary magazines. A complete list of all her publications can be found on her link tree.
Her flash fiction was nominated for inclusion in the Best of the Net Anthology for three years in a row. Sudha is an alumna of Write Beyond Borders, a prestigious mentoring project for emerging writers of South Asia. She is an amateur birder and a tree hugger. Connect with her on X @sudhasubraman or on IG @sudha_subraman or on Bluesky @sudhasubraman.bsky.social.
NAW- Publishing a debut novel through a traditional publisher is a major achievement. What has this journey taught you about persistence and patience as a writer?
Publishing industry has always been a difficult one to crack. And I found the journey arduous despite all my writing credentials. Writers are a patient breed, yet this road can be trying and testing. Some people I know have been trying to get their novel published for years, but I lack that kind of grit. I tried various publishing houses for a little over a year. Many of them agreed to read my full MS, but they all came back saying they won’t be able to market it. Finally, when this offer came along, I grabbed it.
NAW- At what point did you realise that The Invisible Lines was not just an idea or personal project, but a story you truly wanted to publish?
People need stories, and stories have shaped human values, emotions, and mental makeup for centuries. And when I have a story to tell, it doesn’t make sense to hold back but share. When I wrote the first draft, it was a pet project to keep myself engaged and to push my writing. But with time, it grew into a massive novel with layers and emotions, and it felt right to give it wings and my tryst with publishing began.
NAW- What was the submission and publishing process like for you, from finishing the manuscript to finding the right publisher?
The project that began in 2021 reached its ‘nearly there’ state in 2024. I started querying in October 2024 and received full requests. As the declines and disappointments started piling up, I continued to tweak my novel and rewrite my query letter. Reading/watching the comp titles was another project I did on the side, but I have to say, I have the good fortune of being surrounded by great friends who helped me sail through this difficult journey. Over the years, the novel had four alpha readers, five beta readers, and a support group that shared submission calls. And like they say, if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.
NAW- Did you face moments of self-doubt while writing or pitching the novel, especially given that it explores themes often considered unconventional in commercial fiction?
Writers are filled with self-doubt. They are mostly thinking whether they should write at all! And in such a scenario, when rejections pile up on the side, it’s impossible not to think otherwise. We’re a breed who write for the love of writing, so every writer is doing a difficult thing every single day. With unconventional themes, manuscripts are harder to place. So, every writer’s win belongs to the entire community because someone has dared to brave the publishing world despite everything it holds, and others have rallied for that person.
NAW- As a debut novelist, what surprised you most about the publishing world, either positively or negatively?
One of the most surprising aspects of publishing is the time it takes from yes to final print. I didn’t know it takes so long. Also my editor and publisher were patient and kind. I cannot stop gushing about my editor, who is sharp, diligent and thorough. She saw many things that I had failed to see during my various drafts.
NAW- What advice would you give aspiring writers who are working on their first novel but feel intimidated by the idea of traditional publishing?
Several things. Firstly, to see the first draft through is half the battle won. Find beta readers and spend enough time to make sure there aren’t any glaring mistakes.
From writing various drafts to writing the synopsis and querying is a long road. Surround yourself with a supportive group who will help you sail through and cheer you on. Without this, it’s impossible to sustain.
NAW- Now that your first novel is out in the world, has your relationship with writing changed in any way?
Yes and No.
Yes because now there’s pressure to write better, write more, write often. Most people ask me when my second novel is coming out, and I tell them it’s in its fifth draft because I cannot stop chiselling my words.
No because deep down, I am still a storyteller, and that’s my identity. I cannot change it to anything else. So stories come at odd times and egg me on to write, and I engage with my words and continue to write.