When US-based Pakistani author Asif Ismael began seeking representation for his satire, set in a not-so-distant future Pakistan, getting it published in the subcontinent was not an option he had explored. Until a friend connected him to Kanishka Gupta of Writer’s Side, an Indian-based literary agency. To Ismael’s delight, “Within hours of receiving my manuscript, Kanishka decided to represent me.” This month, the literary agent negotiated a sweet deal with one of India’s leading publishers for Ismael’s book.

Raza Rumi’s Delhi By Heart