The photo copier

The world's largest publisher of illustrated non-fiction just celebrated its third birthday in India. We quizzed its helmsman on how he paints the big picture

The world's largest publisher of illustrated non-fiction just celebrated its third birthday in India. We quizzed its helmsman on how he paints the big picture

There are books that make you dream of lands far away, and then, there are books that splash their beauty right in your palm. Parragon's picture books, both for children and adults, fall in the latter category, with a portfolio that ranges from everything to a sexy Marilyn Monroe photo-compilation, sports encyclopedias and cook books, to DIY 'underwater stamper' kits and gift-book combos like a title on gardening with a mini-shovel and sprinkler packed in. The global giant has just completed three years in India, and MD Vineet Sharma has things to share.

Picture that: Vineet Sharma, MD, Parragon Publishing India

In the 10 years in India, have you seen people drifting towards Web and mobile reading over paper prints?
Not in the least! Those are only supplementary pleasures. There's something about the touch and feel of paper that makes sure it stays. It's only that people don't have the time to read ant-prints and 400-page run-ons, and that's where picture books come in.

Who ideates the stuff, like picture scrap-books, DIY tattoo books et al?
Every piece is a combined editorial effort. The team across continents sits together for a brainstorming session, and that's where it all comes from.

Don't you think picture books are still seen as frivolous?
It's sad that they are. If people knew what kind of trouble goes into shooting that one breathtaking picture they're taking a look at, they'd respect the medium much more. I know of a photographer who stayed in a cave up in the Himalayas for about three months to get one splendid shot of a snow leopard. Imagine the kind of effort and money and grit that goes into a project such as this.

Where do you think picture books score more than the written word?
What is good writing? Creating visuals; making the reader picture the story. That, in itself, says where photographs and illustrated books score over words!u00a0

How do you decide on the themes for your titles?
We do not go by popular trends like chicklitism, and instead, stick to evergreen ever-favourite subjects and interests. Thankfully, we've been around forever now, and funds aren't a problem. Our mantra is to deliver quality at reasonable rates, and yes, we do reap profits, too.u00a0

Parragon books are available at leading bookstores, retail chains and gift outlets
Price range: Rs 50 to Rs 2,000