ABOUT US
Because some books must exist.
Bala Books Publications was founded on January 20, 2025, with a simple yet powerful belief—that certain books are too important to be forgotten, too meaningful to be lost, and too valuable not to reach readers.
Who We Are
Bala Books is an independent Telugu publishing house based in Tirupati, founded by M. B. Usha Prathyusha. It was created in memory of her father, Sri Late M. S. Bhaskar, an English lecturer who inspired a lifelong love for literature.
The name “Bala” itself is deeply personal, formed from the names of her parents, Bhaskar and Lakshmi. What began as an individual pursuit has grown into a publishing effort rooted in memory, responsibility, and a deep respect for books.
Our Vision
At Bala Books, the focus is not on how many books we publish, but on the value each book carries.
We work towards preserving literary heritage, bringing world literature into Telugu, reviving timeless classics, and creating meaningful reading experiences for both children and adults.
Every book we choose is guided by a simple belief — that it should remain relevant across languages, generations, and time.
Our Journey So Far
In its very first year, Bala Books has published over thirty-nine titles across genres, building a catalog that reflects both diversity and intent.
Our books have reached readers through platforms such as Amazon, book fairs, and direct sales, gradually earning the trust of those who seek thoughtful and lasting content.
Each book is not just a product, but part of a larger cultural effort to keep literature alive and accessible.
What We Publish
Children’s Literature
A significant part of our journey lies in nurturing reading habits in young minds. We focus on creating affordable and engaging storybooks that are accessible to all children.
Through storytelling sessions in schools and story writing competitions, we aim to encourage imagination and creativity. Our growing catalog includes illustrated books, bilingual titles, and nostalgic reprints that reconnect the present generation with the stories of the past.
Reprints & Literary Revival
Many valuable works fade away due to lack of availability. We see it as our role to bring them back.
Our work includes republishing stories from legacy magazines such as Chandamama, building structured archives, and reintroducing forgotten authors and timeless narratives to contemporary readers.
Translations & World Literature
One of our core missions is to bring powerful voices from across languages into Telugu. We actively collaborate with authors, publishers, and literary estates, including associations with Penguin Random House India.
Notable works include the Telugu edition of Mai by Geetanjali Shree and Yamam by S. Ramakrishnan, along with titles such as Sulunthee, Na Peru Bhagatsingh, Palukudaari Payanam, and Viswakatha Veedhi.
For us, translation is not just language conversion, but a form of cultural continuity.
Our Editorial Approach
Every book we publish goes through a careful editorial process that considers thematic depth, narrative strength, clarity of language, and long-term literary value.
This approach is currently guiding an ambitious ongoing project, ప్రపంచ కథల సంకలనం (World Stories Anthology), a thoughtfully curated collection of international short stories selected through a structured framework.
Current & Ongoing Projects
Our publishing journey continues to expand with both ongoing and upcoming works.
This includes children’s series by Kondavatiganti Kutumba Rao such as Aranya Puranam, Ahimsa Jyoti, and Jataka Kathalu, along with forthcoming titles like Roopadaruni Yathralu, Bhuvanasundari, Sindbad Sahasa Yatralu, Panchatantram, and Devi Bhagavatam.
These projects bring together classical storytelling traditions with contemporary production techniques.
Our Team
Bala Books is supported by a small but deeply committed team working across editorial, design, production, and logistics.
The publishing vision and editorial direction are led by M. B. Usha Prathyusha, who oversees the selection, curation, and overall direction of each book.
Bookmaking and design are handled by Naresh Kumar Sufi, shaping the visual and structural form of the books. The DTP and layout work is carried forward by Lalitha, ensuring each manuscript is carefully transformed into its final readable form, with content support from Pushpa.
Illustration support is contributed by Charan Parimi, while cover designs are collaboratively developed by Naresh Kumar Sufi, Mahy Bejawada, Sheshu Korlapati, and Bangaru Brahmam, giving each book its distinct visual identity.
Proofreading is managed by Lalitha and Usha (Vijayawada), ensuring clarity and accuracy in every publication. Logistics and dispatch are handled by Gayatri, who ensures that the books reach readers smoothly.
Each member contributes quietly but significantly, making every book a collective effort.
Our Publishing Philosophy
Our work is guided by fairness, transparency, and respect for authors and translators.
We believe in building a meaningful and lasting catalog rather than chasing trends or short-term success. Every decision we make is rooted in long-term cultural contribution.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our focus remains on expanding our children’s catalog, strengthening translation programs across Indian languages, and building a wider community of readers.
We are also exploring new ways of storytelling while staying true to our core purpose.
A Personal Note
Bala Books is more than a publishing house. It is a tribute, a responsibility, and an ongoing journey.
Every book we publish carries that belief forward.
Explore With Us
Whether you are a reader, writer, or collaborator, you are welcome to be part of this journey.