Tanu Srivastava - Editor
Children's book editor focusing on books for teens and younger children! Previously at HarperCollins, Scholastic, and Penguin Random House.
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Overview
I joined HarperCollins Children's Books in 2018, after almost an year of editorial internships at Penguin Random House and Scholastic. In my time at Harper, I was fortunate enough to work on New York Times-bestselling books like Redemption Prep as well as books that have won major awards, such as the Morris-winning If These Wings Could Fly. I've also worked on books that have received praise from The Daily Show, The Today Show, NPR, Barnes & Noble, and more.
Editing books is a joyous and wholly immersive experience for me. I'm honored to be trusted by authors with the words they've written, and I'm committed to elevating each book I work on to its truest form. I'm fiercely proud of all the books I've worked on, so do feel free to ask about them!
Being an editor means being a collaborator, not a dictator, so I don't require all of my edits to be implemented. I'm more interested in offering multiple solutions and asking questions when I notice something that could be refined. At Harper, I'd offer both detailed editorial letters and some in-line comments. We can customize these notes, thoughts, and suggestions to be in the format that works best for you.
I read just about every genre across age groups, but as an editor I specialize in Middle Grade (roughly ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 13 and up). Within these ages, I'm happy to read any genre-- contemporary, romance, sci-fi, mystery/thriller, comedy-- and would be thrilled to work on your book! I specialize in developmental edits and query letter feedback. If you're not quite sure what stage your manuscript has reached and which level of editing would be best, please do reach out. I'd be happy to evaluate a sample and go over the strongest options with you.
Editing books is a joyous and wholly immersive experience for me. I'm honored to be trusted by authors with the words they've written, and I'm committed to elevating each book I work on to its truest form. I'm fiercely proud of all the books I've worked on, so do feel free to ask about them!
Being an editor means being a collaborator, not a dictator, so I don't require all of my edits to be implemented. I'm more interested in offering multiple solutions and asking questions when I notice something that could be refined. At Harper, I'd offer both detailed editorial letters and some in-line comments. We can customize these notes, thoughts, and suggestions to be in the format that works best for you.
I read just about every genre across age groups, but as an editor I specialize in Middle Grade (roughly ages 8-12) and Young Adult (ages 13 and up). Within these ages, I'm happy to read any genre-- contemporary, romance, sci-fi, mystery/thriller, comedy-- and would be thrilled to work on your book! I specialize in developmental edits and query letter feedback. If you're not quite sure what stage your manuscript has reached and which level of editing would be best, please do reach out. I'd be happy to evaluate a sample and go over the strongest options with you.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Fiction
Coming of Age
Contemporary Romance
LGBTQ Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Romantic Comedy
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Work experience
Assistant Editor
HarperCollins
June, 2018
–
September, 2021
(over 3 years)
Freelance Copyeditor and Proofreader
Self-employed
January, 2023
–
Present
(3 months)
Editorial Intern
Penguin Random House, Scholastic
June, 2017
–
May, 2018
(11 months)
Portfolio (23 selected works)
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals)
Eliot Schrefer
NPR's "All Things Considered," calls Queer Ducks "teenager-friendly. It's a young adult book filled with comics and humor and accessible science, and it's filled with research on the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world."This groundbreaking illustrated YA nonfiction title from two-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer is a well-resea... read more
If These Wings Could Fly
Kyrie McCauley
Perfect for fans of Laura Ruby, Laurie Halse Anderson, and Mindy McGinnis, Kyrie McCauley’s stunning YA debut is a powerful story about the haunting specter of domestic violence and the rebellious forces of sisterhood and first love. Winner of the William C. Morris Award!Tens of thousands of crows invading Auburn, Pennsylvania, is a problem for everyone in town except seventeen-year-old Leight... read more
From the Desk of Zoe Washington
Janae Marks
#1 Kids Indie Next List * Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of the Year * SLJ Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * Junior Library Guild Selection * Edgar Award Nominee * Four Starred Reviews * Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year * An Indie Bestseller *From debut author Janae Marks comes a captivating story full of h... read more
The Darkness Outside Us
Eliot Schrefer
They Both Die at the End meets The Loneliest Girl in the Universe in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission, from two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer. Stonewall Honor Award winner!Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission.Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no... read more
Redemption Prep
Samuel Miller
A New York Times bestseller! Twin Peaks meets Riverdale in this twisty atmospheric mystery from the critically acclaimed author of A Lite Too Bright, Samuel Miller, about the search for a missing girl at an elite prep school.Everyone knows Emma. Neesha’s her best friend, Aiden’s her basketball star boyfriend, and Evan’s her shadow, following Emma’s every move.Emma stands out, which is hard to ... read more
One Jar of Magic
Corey Ann Haydu
From the critically acclaimed author of Eventown comes a hopeful and empowering tale set in an enchanting world of magic and mysterious family secrets—perfect for fans of Anne Ursu, Rebecca Stead, and Wendy Mass.Magic is like a dream. Delightful. Terrifying. Unreal.Rose Alice Anders is Little Luck. Lucky to be born into the Anders family. Lucky to be just as special and magical as the most rev... read more
I'll Be the One
Lyla Lee
Diverse book recommended by The Today Show * A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year * Bank Street Best Book of the Year * YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults * ALA’s Rainbow Book List Top 10 for Teen ReadersThe world of K-Pop has never met a star like this. Debut author Lyla Lee delivers a deliciously fun, thoughtful rom-com celebrating confidence and body positivity—perfect for fans of Jenny ... read more
Case Closed #2: Stolen from the Studio
Magaziner, Lauren
White Smoke
Tiffany D. Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House meets Get Out in this chilling YA psychological thriller and modern take on the classic haunted house story from New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson!Marigold is running from ghosts. The phantoms of her old life keep haunting her, but a move with her newly blended family from their small California beach town to the embattled Midwestern city of Cedarv... read more
The Samosa Rebellion
Shanthi Sekaran
Critically acclaimed author Shanthi Sekaran makes her middle grade debut with this timely and stunning novel in which a young boy and his friends must rescue his grandmother from a relocation camp after their country’s descent into xenophobia. Perfect for fans of The Night Diary and Front Desk.Before his grandmother moved from India to the island of Mariposa, Muki Krishnan’s life was good. But... read more
Parachutes
Kelly Yang
Speak enters the world of Gossip Girl in this modern immigrant story from New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang about two girls navigating wealth, power, friendship, and trauma. They’re called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the United States while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she’d be one of them, until her pare... read more
Private Label
Kelly Yang
The Devil Wears Prada meets Far from the Tree in #1 New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang’s powerful love story about two teens searching for their place in the world.Serene dreams of making couture dresses even more stunning than her mom’s, but for now she’s an intern at her mom’s fashion label. When her mom receives a sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, all that changes. Serene has... read more
Teeny Houdini #1: The Disappearing Act
Katrina Moore
Meet Bessie Lee! The Teeny Houdini chapter book series from author Katrina Moore and illustrator Zoe Si begins with a simply magical story. The adventures of Teeny Houdini come in short, easy-to-read chapters full of hilarious illustrations—a favorite series for building confident readers!Bessie Lee might be the teeniest in her first-grade class, but with the tap-tap-tap of her wand, some glit... read more
This Will Be Funny Someday
Katie Henry
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel comes to high school in acclaimed author Katie Henry’s coming-of-age YA contemporary about a girl who accidentally falls into the world of stand-up comedy. Perfect for fans of John Green and Becky Albertalli!Sixteen-year-old Izzy is used to keeping her thoughts to herself—in school, where her boyfriend does the talking for her, and at home, where it’s impossible to co... read more
We Can Be Heroes
Kyrie McCauley
Kyrie McCauley, author of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award winner If These Wings Could Fly, delivers a powerful contemporary YA novel about the lasting bonds of friendship and three girls fighting for each other in the aftermath of a school shooting. Perfect for fans of Laura Ruby and Mindy McGinnis.Beck and Vivian never could stand each other, but they always tried their best for their mu... read more
The Initial Insult
Mindy McGinnis
In the first book of a suspenseful YA duology, award-winning author Mindy McGinnis draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and masterfully delivers a dark, propulsive mystery in alternating points of view that unravels a friendship . . . forevermore. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying and Truly Devious!Tress Montor’s family used to mean something—until she didn’t have a family anymore. When... read more
Flip the Script
Lyla Lee
In this simmering, joyous novel, I’ll Be the One author Lyla Lee delivers a tender romance set between two brave teens who decide that when the script isn’t working, it’s time to rewrite it themselves. The first rule of watching K-dramas: Never fall in love with the second lead. As an avid watcher of K-dramas, Hana knows all the tropes to avoid when she finally lands a starring role in a buzzy... read more
Oona
Kelly DiPucchio
This comical and heartfelt picture book is a winning celebration of invention, creativity, and friendship. With gorgeous underwater scenes and a crowd-pleasing tale, this is one little mermaid who is here to make a splash! New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Raissa Figueroa would like to introduce Oona—the big wide sea’s littlest mi... read more
Nigel and the Moon
Antwan Eady
From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they g... read more
Boogie Boogie, Y'all
C. G. Esperanza
Author-illustrator C. G. Esperanza delivers a celebratory ode to graffiti and the Boogie Down Bronx through an infectious read-aloud beat and colorful illustrations that leap right off the page! Perfect for fans of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and Keith Haring.An NPR Best Book of the Year, ALSC Notable Children's Book of the Year, Odyssey Award winner, Pura Belpré Honor Award winner, New Yor... read more
When Lola Visits
Michelle Sterling
Four starred reviews! In an evocative picture book brimming with the scents, tastes, and traditions that define a young girl’s summer with her grandmother, debut author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Aaron Asis come together to celebrate the gentle bonds of familial love that span oceans and generations. For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, and o... read more
Bump
Matt Wallace
A moving and triumphant middle grade contemporary debut from award-winning author Matt Wallace about a heroic young girl—who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler—learning to find courage and fight for what she loves. Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds' Track series!MJ knows what it means to hurt. Bruises from gymnastics heal, but big hurts—like her dad not being around... read more
Not Here to Be Liked
Michelle Quach
“A smart romance with heart and guts and all the intoxicating feelings in between.” —Maureen Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of 13 Little Blue EnvelopesEmergency Contact meets Moxie in this cheeky and searing novel that unpacks just how complicated new love can get…when you fall for your enemy. Eliza Quan is the perfect candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. That is, unt... read more
Tanu has 10 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Tanu is a wonderful editor. Her work was thorough, thoughtful, and precise. We highly recommend her and we can't wait to work with her again!
Renee Yama, March 2023
Tanu was great to work with. Provided great feedback and ideas to enhance my story. She delivered her work right on schedule.
Angelo Mariano, March 2023
Tanu was amazing! There aren't enough words to really express how much the collab helped me.
B.A. Stewart, January 2023
Tanu and I worked together so well. She understood exactly what I was looking for. It was completely worth the time and money. I would highly recommend her editing services!
Leah Pileggi, November 2022
I’ve worked with Tanu twice now! Each time the process has been quick and flawless, and a great experience. I have learned a lot about writing through her constructive feedback!
JORDAN KIZITO, November 2022
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