School Topper
Namrata Gupta: As the results of class 12th was published, I got surprised on scoring 97% in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. I scored 98 marks out of 100 which made me state topper. For achieving such good marks, I had been given a scholarship by Central board of Secondary Education to study any Science course whichever I liked. Good result gave me the liberty to choose a course and college of my choice. Now the discussion about what should I do next was going on among my family members. The suggestions had started coming from friends and relatives. Between all this I woke up one fine morning and surprised everyone with my decision of what I wanted to do next.
I told my family that I want to follow my passion. I told them that I aspire to become an author, so I want to pursue a course in English Literature, which was atypical for a Science topper to do.
I was determined to pursue my dream of becoming an author hence I opted for English Honors from Hans Raj College as my next step. I was questioned many times for the choice that I made by my teachers, relatives and even friends. But their doubt about my decision only invigorated my resolution to become an inspiring author. All the family members were very supportive of my decision but I knew that I was also aware of the fact that I was on a journey with no assured outcomes.
During my college days, I worked as a freelance writer for DU Beat– a Delhi University newspaper. I had already finished writing my first manuscript when I turned 18.Though when I started submitting it for publication then I realized what rejection felt like. I was rejected by many publishers because I was a new author and none of the established publishers wanted to take a chance with a debut novel. On many days when I felt broken but I knew that any rejection could not decide my destiny.
Namrata Gupta is now an author of various books
After almost two years of struggling, I convinced a publisher to publish my book. But this was just the dawn of my journey. The next challenge was promotion and marketing.
When my book released, many friends complained that it was not available in the nearby shops or Stationaries. It seemed like e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart and malls weren’t enough. Then, I decided to do marketing for my own book. I got in touch with small local distributors to expand the reach in the local markets. But to my surprise, once again I started to face multiple rejections. Nobody wanted to deal with an author; they all had tie-ups with big publishing houses.
A tie-up with an author was not a good idea to them. From Connaught Place to Daryaganj, I explored every corner, trying to find distributors for my book. All I could get was small shop vendors who were ready to keep the book, that too for free of cost. After grappling for two years, a wholesale trader got ready to help me but I got almost nothing in return.
Though, amidst all the struggle, I also realized that I was not only investing in the book but in myself as well. Good part of my story is that my debut book, A Silent Promise (2015), will complete 5 years in September 2020. My second book, “The Full Circle.. Stumbling Upon A Sinful Mystery” which was written in 2018 has completed 2 years in July. And I am happy to tell all of you that both my books are doing well.
The book-A Silent Promise was made a part of and launched by Mr. Sudhir Mishra (Indian film director) at Gurgaon International Film and Literature Festival, held at DLF Cyber Hub. The Full Circle.. Stumbling Upon A Sinful Mystery was ranked #26 in Crime, Thriller and Mystery on Amazon.
The challenges have not ended yet. There is a long journey ahead of me. But I know that your determination has to be stronger than your difficulties and struggle. This is the only key to success -Namrata Gupta.
