Q1. What inspired you to become an editor/writer/publisher?
I grew up in a house full of books. My father was a journalist. I chose to study Literature and it was really the only industry i wanted to be in. I worked in many aspects of publishing, working with a running bookstore and finally using all my experience to set up Jacaranda, India's first literary agency.
Q2. What books have you published/edited.
So many books. I started our list with Anita Nair's first novel A BETTER MAN and Shashi Warrier's NIGHT OF THE KRAIT. We work with authors from all over the world. We are currently working on the India rights of Salinger's biography and Filipino author whose book is on the Man Asia long list. Look at http://www.jacaranda-press.com/ for our author list.
Q3. Do you find your job interesting?
I love what i do . I love writing and the arts. And am a complete people person. To be an agent, you have to be a discerning reader and passionate about the work you represent. You also have to be able to be a sort of sales person!
Q4. Is writing/editing/publishing tiring?
Yes it is. My work is more reading really. And that takes time. And concentration. I edit in more broad, giving an author direction way, which becomes part of the reading process.
Q5. How have your experiences at book inaugrations/releases been?
As agents, we take a backseat and allow the spotlight to be on the author. I do think that book launches are necessary. Especially in the case of newer, emerging authors. That way, the author gets the opportunity to share her work and then get some press and publicity as well. I have done book events in several cities and countries. An author leads such a solitary life. It is events like launches they get to connect with their readers.
Q6. Has your career ever interferred in your personal life?
Yes. Because a have to travel a great deal. But that would be true of many professionals!
Q7. Have you ever regretted being a writer/editor/publisher?
I question my career some days. When i have a particularly difficult time with either my authors or publishers. As agents, we are stuck between a rock and a hard place. We work for the author but need to sell to publishers. We are dealing with very emotional people. That can get exhausting at times. Fortunately the feeling passes. This is what i was meant to do!
Publishing is a wonderful industry to work in!
