In the 72nd episode of Jam with Sam, we had the pleasure of speaking with Preeti Vyas, the founder of FunOKPlease and a passionate advocate for children’s literature in India. From growing up as a storyteller in school to revolutionizing contemporary Indian children’s books, Preeti’s journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. In this conversation, she shares insights into her career in publishing, the evolution of reading habits, and her entrepreneurial journey.
A Childhood Immersed in Books
Born and raised in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Preeti grew up in a family of avid readers. Her early years were spent immersed in books, and she naturally became the class storyteller. She would entertain her school assembly by narrating stories on the spot and would even summarize entire books for friends who didn’t read. Looking back, she laughs at how her childhood passion seamlessly translated into a career in publishing.
Reflecting on the differences in education, Preeti notes how today’s kids—like her nine-year-old son, Neil—have more exposure and confidence than their parents’ generation. Schools now encourage critical thinking and self-expression, a stark contrast to the discipline-heavy, respect-first approach of earlier times.
From Physics to Retail to Publishing
Interestingly, Preeti pursued a B.Sc. in Physics before following her true calling. Her interest in retail led her to Victoria University in Australia, where she studied Retail Management while juggling multiple jobs—from waitressing to working at Toys ‘R’ Us. This experience shaped her work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset.
Her career began with Sony Music in India, handling cassette and CD sales in the late 90s. She then moved to Crossword, one of India’s first modern book retail chains, where she learned the intricacies of book retailing and merchandising. Later, at Globus and Future Group, she gained expertise in data-driven retail strategies.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship: FunOKPlease
Preeti’s first entrepreneurial venture was Kids Town India, a children’s bookstore that, despite media attention, wasn’t financially sustainable. Learning from that experience, she launched FunOKPlease in 2009, a publishing house focused on original, contemporary Indian stories for children.
She saw a gap in the market—while there were books about New York and Paris, there were none about Mumbai or contemporary India. Her goal was to create authentic Indian children’s literature, avoiding mythology, folk tales, and nursery rhymes in favour of modern, relatable content.
FunOKPlease operates through three business models:
- Independent publishing – Original books distributed by Penguin Random House.
- Commissioned content – Custom books for schools like Billabong and JBCN International.
- Co-publishing – Collaborations with Penguin, HarperCollins, and Scholastic.
Promoting Reading & Giving Back
Beyond publishing, Preeti launched a social initiative where book launches double as fundraisers for children’s NGOs. This initiative started with a ₹50,000 fundraising goal but has since grown to raise lakhs of rupees for various causes. She believes that launching books with a spirit of giving creates positive karma and ensures that good stories find their way to readers.
Addressing the “reading is dying” debate, Preeti strongly disagrees. While the medium may change (print, Kindle, iPads), storytelling remains timeless. She sees herself as a storyteller rather than just a publisher, focusing on content creation across formats.
Challenges in the Publishing Industry
Preeti highlights piracy as a major challenge in India. Schools, unknowingly or otherwise, often photocopy copyrighted books, depriving authors and publishers of their rightful earnings. Another challenge is the decline of physical bookstores due to high rental costs, forcing many iconic stores like Strand Bookstore to shut down.
However, she believes bookstores can survive by offering unique experiences rather than competing on price with online retailers. Stores like Kitab Khana and Bahrisons thrive because they understand their strengths—curation, customer experience, and community engagement.
Looking Ahead: Books, TV & Beyond
For the future, Preeti envisions expanding FunOKPlease beyond books into TV shows, Netflix adaptations, and merchandising. Unlike some entrepreneurs who dream of an exit strategy, she is passionate about her work and wants to continue creating stories that impact young minds.
With her infectious enthusiasm, deep industry insights, and entrepreneurial spirit, Preeti Vyas is not just shaping Indian children’s literature but also inspiring future generations of storytellers and readers.
About Preeti Vyas:
Preeti Vyas is the Founder and CEO of FunOKPlease, a pioneering children’s book publishing house. With a background in retail and publishing, she has worked with Sony Music, Crossword, and Future Group before becoming an entrepreneur. She is also a Buddhist practitioner, nature photographer, and dedicated single mom who believes in the power of storytelling to shape young minds.