The platform’s “freemium” model enables authors to earn revenue through subscriptions, competitions, reader support, and adaptations, including audiobooks, web series, and films
The concept of “literature for the masses” in India traces back to the 19th-century Battala district of Calcutta (Kolkata), where inexpensive, bold stories captivated everyday readers.
Today, platforms like Pratilipi – a pioneering online self-publishing and audiobook service – are revitalising this tradition in the digital age. By embracing vernacular storytelling and empowering writers, Pratilipi has redefined the way stories are created and consumed in India.
Pratilipi: Growth Through Accessibility
Founded in 2014, Pratilipi boasts nearly 10 million active readers, 1 million writers, and a collection of over 15 million published stories. The platform thrives on the popularity of regional-language narratives, which include Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, and more, alongside English.
Family dramas and romances dominate the content landscape, catering to diverse cultural preferences.
Pratilipi’s success lies in its commitment to accessibility. Writers maintain editorial control over their stories while adhering to anti-plagiarism guidelines. The platform’s “freemium” model enables authors to earn revenue through subscriptions, competitions, reader support, and adaptations, including audiobooks, web series, and films.
Empowering Vernacular Writers
Pratilipi has become a launchpad for emerging voices, particularly in regional languages. Among its notable authors is Malayalam writer Anjana Dhijesh, who transitioned from reader to full-time writer, earns between ₹80,000 to ₹100,000 ($960–$1,200) monthly through the platform.
Similarly, Marathi author Vaishali Nitin Manthalkar earns over ₹100,000 ($1,200) per month.
Pratilipi witnessed a surge in users during the pandemic, when lockdown disrupted traditional access to books and libraries. This newfound engagement brought forth writers like Kanchana Anbuselvam in Chennai.
Women at the Forefront of Literature
Women are central to Pratilipi’s transformative impact on India’s publishing landscape. Approximately 55% of its writers are women, and in January 2025, 39 of the top 40 earning authors on the platform were women. But readership trends skew toward male readers (63%), raising questions about audience demographics.
A Platform That Democratised Literature
Pratilipi’s emphasis on vernacular storytelling stems from the personal experiences of its co-founder and CEO, Ranjeet Pratap Singh. Frustrated by the lack of content in his mother tongue, Singh envisioned a platform that democratised literature and gave regional voices a global stage. Today, Pratilipi stands as India’s largest regional storytelling app.
The platform’s adaptability, including revenue-sharing mechanisms and writing contests, has made storytelling an accessible profession.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
