At BookLeaf Publishing, we believe in the transformative power of stories and the impact they can make on the world. Founded in 2016, our mission is to empower every aspiring author by turning their creative visions into published reality. With over 8 years of experience, we have become a vanguard in the self-publishing industry, offering authors the freedom and support they need to reach readers around the globe.
At the heart of this journey are our founders, Musavir Khurshid and Shivangi Verma, whose dedication, creativity, and leadership fuel the vision of BookLeaf Publishing.
Musavir Khurshid, an author, bibliophile, painter, occasional photographer, and full-time entrepreneur, brings an unwavering passion for innovation to the company. His drive to always strive for improvement has inspired the team to explore their individual creative talents, fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Musavir’s leadership and commitment have helped shape BookLeaf into a dynamic, forward-thinking publishing platform.
Shivangi Verma, the co-founder and COO, plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the company. Alongside her strategic expertise, she is an accomplished author and a lover of literature. With numerous poetry collections to her name, Shivangi’s deep understanding of the literary world and her dedication to authorship makes her a key driving force at BookLeaf. Her passion for books, paired with her hands-on approach, ensures that every project meets the highest standards of excellence.
Together, they have built BookLeaf Publishing into more than just a publishing platform—it’s a place where authors are empowered, supported, and given the tools to succeed in a competitive industry. With a team of experts across editorial, design, project management, and customer support, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
When did you started your journey as an entrepreneur? Talk with us about the challenges you have faced as well as talk about shark tank?
We started our entrepreneurial journey in 2021 with a vision to simplify self-publishing and make it accessible to everyone. Traditional publishing is often an uphill battle—filled with rejection, high costs, and lack of creative control. We wanted to break these barriers and offer a seamless publishing experience for aspiring writers.
Of course, building something innovative comes with challenges. Scaling operations, ensuring quality, and creating a sustainable revenue model were early obstacles. But the biggest challenge was changing the perception—convincing authors that publishing doesn’t have to be complicated or exclusive.
Shark Tank was an incredible experience. Getting shortlisted was validation that we’re solving a real problem. It pushed us to refine our business model further, think bigger, and focus on sustainable growth. Regardless of whether we got a deal or not, the process strengthened our mission.
How does the writing challenge foster creative development in participants, especially those struggling with writer’s block?
The 21-day writing challenge is designed to break creative resistance and build consistency. Writing every day for 21 days creates a habit, helping participants overcome procrastination and self-doubt.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure that participants are guided in developing their own authentic voice during the 21-day challenge?
We don’t just encourage writing—we help participants discover their unique style. Throughout the challenge, we:
Provide curated guidance on writing techniques.
Encourage self-reflection exercises, helping writers understand their themes and styles.
Maintain a no-rules approach—allowing full creative freedom while providing support.
Our goal is to help writers trust their instincts and develop confidence in their voice.
How does the platform provide support in terms of editing and refining the poems before they are published?
Once the challenge is completed, participants have two options:
1. Self-editing with provided resources – We share guidelines on polishing their work.
2. Professional editing add-ons – Writers can opt for expert editorial services, including proofreading, content suggestions, and structural improvements.
We ensure that every author receives the level of refinement they’re comfortable with, keeping the essence of their work intact.
In what ways do you ensure the distribution and marketing of the books are effective, particularly for self-published authors who may not have prior experience in marketing?
Self-published authors often struggle with marketing, so we simplify the process by ensuring their books are:
– Globally available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major bookstores.
– Listed with an ISBN, making them part of the global book catalog.
– Supported with marketing guides and social media strategies to help them reach their audience.
For those who need more aggressive promotion, we offer additional marketing services like Amazon ads, social media promotions, and influencer collaborations.
What impact does the inclusion of a free social media cheat sheet and book marketing guide have on the long-term success of an author’s career?
Most new authors struggle with visibility. Our social media cheat sheet and marketing guide help them:
1. Build their personal brand as an author.
2. Effectively promote their book without spending heavily on ads.
3. Understand reader engagement strategies, making their book discoverable.
How does the challenge adapt to writers with different levels of experience, from beginners to seasoned poets?
The challenge is designed to be inclusive and flexible, catering to all experience levels:
Beginners get structured prompts, writing tips, and a supportive environment to build confidence.
Intermediate writers can refine their style, experiment with new techniques, and receive feedback.
Seasoned poets use it as a disciplined writing exercise, often leading to their next book.
No matter the skill level, the goal is the same—helping writers unlock their potential and complete their manuscript.
Can you elaborate on the value of receiving an ISBN and barcode allocation for a self-published poet, and how this impacts their professional credibility in the literary community?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is more than just a number—it’s a stamp of credibility.
With an ISBN and barcode, a self-published poet:
Can have their book officially recognized in global book catalogs.
Gets listed in bookstores and libraries.
Gains professional legitimacy, making it easier to sell their book in multiple platforms.
