New Client Alert: Shruthi Rao

  • By: BookEnds | Date: Nov 17 2021

Name: Shruthi Rao
What you Write: Picture Books
Agent: Emily Forney


Why BookEnds?

The BookEnds blog and YouTube videos are incredibly useful and fun to read/watch! When I was starting out, they helped me understand the American publishing landscape. So, I was familiar with the agency and some of the agents long before I even started querying. I felt Emily was the right agent for me, and the fact that she is part of BookEnds is a bonus!

What book do you wish you had written, and why?

The Bartimaeus Sequence by Jonathan Stroud – because it’s smart, funny and full of heart, and because the last line of the series is hilarious and heart-breaking all at the same time and I’d have been so proud to have written something like that. 

If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing?  

Cooking and eating, hiking and tree-gazing.

Where can readers find you on the web and social media?

https://shruthi-rao.com, and @shrurao on Twitter

If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?

I write best at home, with its unique combination of comforts and distractions. I do have dream locations – but when I’m there, I’d rather go out and have new experiences than spend that time writing!

What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?

“Writing is the best way to talk without getting interrupted.” – attributed to Jules Renard

What’s your favorite piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Don’t self-reject.

What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?

I love how fun, friendly and collaborative everybody seems to be!

What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?

Wait until you’re ready, and remember that it’s all subjective!