Kochi :

Kerala-based startup Valmeeki has come up with an idea to help first-time writers to publish their works in digital book format online. The startup, founded by three IT students from CUSAT, is mentored by government-owned consultancy Kitco through its ‘My Enterprise’ project.

Offering a royalty of 50-60% for books sold online, Valmeeki is focusing initially on Malayalam and English eBooks. Writings can be uploaded either in MS Word or PageMaker for text and in jpeg for illustration content. Those who lack typing skills can send manuscripts as well. The book will be ready for sale online after the necessary editing in 72 hours.

Former journalist Kuruvilla Chacko is the team leader and Vishnu Unnithan, Vishnu G P and Suhair Zain are the students behind the project.

Currently, 28 books are available on the Valmeeki site www.valmeeki.com. Cyriac Davies, Manging Director, Kitco, said in his press statement: “Eight projects similar to this are being hatched in the incubator of Kitco. Our aim is to hold the hands of the new entrepreneurs and initiate them into the market. An entrepreneurship culture has to be nurtured. Small industrial projects like this are welcome to the Technology Business Incubator at Kitco”.

Valmeeki targets to publish 500 books in 45 days and 1500 books within the next 9 months.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / June 24th, 2015