"I felt strongly about maintaining creative control."
Acclaimed author and self-publishing pioneer Preethi Nair has been shortlisted for the prestigious Selfies Award 2025 in the Best Independent Novel – Adult Fiction category for her latest book, Unravelling.
The winner will be announced at the London Book Fair on March 11, 2025.
Nair’s journey with Unravelling exemplifies her commitment to creative independence.
Having turned down a fourth book deal with HarperCollins, she chose to self-publish, reinforcing her reputation as a literary trailblazer.
The novel, which originated as a stage play performed in London’s West End, saw Nair take on all 22 roles despite having no prior acting experience.
The story’s impact has extended beyond the stage, with Unravelling now optioned for television.
Nair said: “Unravelling is a universal story of love, regret, and the search for happiness.
“Turning down HarperCollins was a difficult decision, but I felt strongly about maintaining creative control.
“It was also important for me to give a voice to an older woman and show that it’s never too late to begin again.”
Nair is no stranger to bold moves in the publishing industry.
She first gained attention with her debut novel, Gypsy Masala, which she self-published through an ingenious marketing strategy—creating a fictional blonde publicist named ‘Pru’ to promote the book.
The stunt led to widespread recognition and saw ‘Pru’ shortlisted for Publicist of the Year, ultimately landing Nair a three-book deal with HarperCollins.
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Now, with Unravelling, she once again challenges industry norms, proving that independent authors can achieve mainstream success on their own terms.
In 2024, Preethi Nair was a featured speaker at the DESIblitz Literature Festival, where she joined authors Christine Pillainayagam and Anika Hussain in a panel discussion on the experiences of British Asian women in publishing.
She shared insights into her inspiring self-publishing journey, highlighting the boldness required to carve a path in the literary world.
The discussion underscored the significance of diverse narratives in literature and the need for greater representation.
Beyond her work as an author, Preethi Nair is a visiting professor at various business schools, where she teaches storytelling and delivers keynote speeches.
Her continued success with Unravelling cements her influence across multiple creative industries, making her a formidable force in the world of independent publishing.
As she continues to break boundaries, her work serves as an inspiration for aspiring authors looking to take control of their creative journeys.
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