From Tech Consultant to Bestseller: Nikhil Sampath on Self-Publishing His Way to Success with Shadowbound

Nikhil Sampath, a Technology Consultant by profession and storyteller by passion, made an unforgettable debut in the literary world with his novel Shadowbound. The book not only became a #1 Amazon Bestseller under the Asian Myth and Legend category but also ranked #55 in both Fantasy and Action & Adventure. What makes Nikhil’s journey remarkable is his complete ownership of the publishing process — from writing, editing, and cover designing to marketing and self-publishing. His determination and creativity transformed a dream into a bestseller, proving that passion and perseverance can triumph over all odds. When not immersed in storytelling, Nikhil loves reading, watching movies, and spending time with his dog.

1. Nikhil, congratulations on the success of Shadowbound! Can you tell us how the idea for the book first came to you?
   Answer: Thank you so much! Shadowbound actually began as a small creative experiment. A friend of mine, who teaches AI, asked if I could write a short story his students could animate. Once I wrote it, my beta readers loved it — but I felt the characters had so much more to say. Their journeys weren’t complete yet. So I expanded the world, added layers of mystery, connected plot threads, and that short story grew into the novel it is today. The enthusiastic response from those early readers gave me the confidence to take the leap.
2. You managed to juggle a full-time job as a Technology Consultant while writing and self-publishing your book. How did you balance both worlds?
   Answer: It definitely wasn’t easy. My job hours run from 2 PM to 11 PM, so writing became a late-night ritual. I would often write until sunrise — sometimes 6 or 7 AM — and then catch a few hours of sleep before getting back to work. I don’t think I’d recommend this schedule to anyone (laughs), but when you’re deeply passionate about something, you make room for it in whatever way you can.
3. You took complete control over the publishing process — from editing to cover design. What inspired you to go the self-publishing route rather than opting for a traditional or hybrid publisher?
   Answer: I initially reached out to traditional publishers, but I quickly realized that having a strong story isn’t always enough. Authors are expected to be “market-ready” personalities too. Hybrid publishing was my next consideration — until I read a comment that said, “In hybrid publishing, the author becomes the customer, not the book.” That really stayed with me. It pushed me to take control of my own destiny as an author — and I’ve loved every moment of building this journey myself.
4. Shadowbound reached #1 on Amazon within a month. What kind of marketing strategy did you use to achieve such a milestone?
   Answer: As an indie author, I knew that even the best book would stay invisible without active marketing. So I reached out to Bookstagram influencers. They were incredibly welcoming — many came on board through paid collaborations, read the book thoroughly, and shared honest reviews. Over time, several of them became friends and even promoted the book beyond our initial agreements simply because they believed in it. I also approached major book clubs across India, and their support amplified the book’s reach. The entire process reinforced one lesson: when you trust people and show genuine passion, kindness really does come back to you.

5. The book falls under the Asian Myth and Legend category. How did your cultural influences shape the story and its themes?
   Answer: Growing up in Tamil Nadu, I was always fascinated by the belief that every village is protected by a guardian deity. The deity is enshrined in a temple at the border of the village to ward off evil. That idea stayed with me. It eventually became the spark that shaped the supernatural elements and emotional core of Shadowbound. It’s deeply rooted in the stories and faith many of us grew up with.

6. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the self-publishing process, and how did you overcome them?
   Answer: Writing the book was the most joyful part — the real challenge came after! Logistics were tough. E-commerce platforms are wonderfully customer-centric, but that sometimes translates into difficulties for small sellers. Missed pickups, lost orders… it can be frustrating. That’s why direct purchases from authors can make a world of difference — they get the support firsthand, and readers get a more personal connection in return.

7. Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are considering self-publishing their first book?
   Answer: Take the plunge. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment — it rarely arrives. You can spend years hoping a traditional publisher will notice you, or you can put your work out there and let readers decide. But remember: writing is just one half of the journey. Marketing your book — especially building a presence on social media — is crucial. So embrace that side of the process too. If you believe in your story, give it the chance to find the audience it deserves.