AboutNeha Raj

Helping authors cut through noise and build real readerships.

THE ORIGIN STORY

Author, Entrepreneur, Agency Founder, and Co-founder of Booknerds. Specializing in bespoke book marketing, author branding, and reader amplification since 2015.

My Story

Neha Raj Professional Photo
01

What I Do & My Journey

I help authors cut through the noise. At Booknerds Author Agency, I specialise in guerrilla-style book marketing and author branding strategies that don't just sell books, they build movements. Since 2015, I've guided 500+ authors globally to reach authentic readers and create sustainable literary careers. Every book has a soul. My job is to help it find its readers.

  • Specialty: Book Marketing, Author Branding, and Community Building
  • Agency: Founder, Booknerds Author Agency (Est. 2023)
  • Topmate: Top 1% Mentor & Creator
  • Community: Co-founded Booknerds (25,000+ global readers)
  • Literature Columnist: Written columns and interviews for The Daily Guardian
  • Curated & produced 200+ offline events and 250+ podcasts
  • Partnered with top global publishers (Penguin, HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan)
β€œLearnt the issues authors face in reaching out to readers.”
β€” NEHA RAJ
Neha Raj with community at Kunzum Books
02

Future and Current Obsessions

I am working at the intersection of literature and technology with cutting-edge products that enhance the reading experience and connect book readers, authors, publishers, creators and communities digitally.

  • Book Creator Economy: Empowering literary creators through digital and offline experiences
  • Debut Book: β€˜I Wrote a Book! Now What?’ published by Hay House India (2026)
  • Mobile App: Mobile App for book lovers launching soon that will transform publishing
Neha Raj working on laptop
03

My Strategy & Approach

Whether you're launching your debut or reviving your backlist, I craft strategies as unique as your manuscript. Authentic author branding that feels like you, not a marketing template.

  • Organic Marketing
  • Attention to Detail
  • Deep Research
  • Sustainable Growth
Neha Raj at Lit Event
04

Beyond Books

When I'm not immersed in author campaigns, you'll find me reading (surprise surprise), travelling, prioritizing fitness, or soaking in life with my husband and daughters in the foothills of the Himalayas.

  • Building from the foothills of the Himalayas
  • Yoga enthusiast
  • Movie and fashion buff
PRESS, AWARDS & INVITATIONS

Recognition & Features

01

ET Edge 40 Under 40 - North

Honoured exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional success, leadership, and a commitment to positive change. Award conceptualised by The Economic Times and Times Group

02

Top Book Marketers of India

Featured by The Himalayan Writing Retreat

03

Featured on Doordarshan

Issued by Ministry of Skill Development Entrepreneurship and NIESBUD Β· Jun 2025

04

Topmate Creator Awards 2024

Nominated in the 'Most Innovative' category β€’ Top 1% Creator

05

Best Creator Award at Mall of Dehradun Spotlight 2026

Issued by Mall of Dehradun Β· Mar 2026

06

Best Reading Club of India Award

Won representing Booknerds β€” Hyderabad Literature Festival 2023

07

India's Top 100 Young Leaders Award

Awarded in Delhi, 2017

08

Panelist β€” Kunzum Bookselling Reimagined Conference 2023

Speaking on the future of bookselling and reader communities

09

Debate Judge β€” Indian Naval Hydrographic Department

Inter-school debate on the occasion of Navy Week

10

Celebrated Woman Entrepreneur

Featured by Kapsons (International Women's Day 2024), Ahmedabad Mirror & Doordarshan

11

Chief Guest β€” Spring Hills School, Dehradun

Invited to inspire young readers and writers

12

Brand Ambassador β€” Pacific Mall Dehradun

2017

13

Featured in the book Dateline Dehradun by Senior Journalist Raj Kanwar

Issued by Book-Dateline Dehradun Β· Jun 2020

Neha Raj receiving the ET Edge 40 Under 40 RecognitionFig. 01 // ET Edge 40 Under 40 Recognition
Neha Raj holding the Best Creator Award 2026Fig. 02 // Best Creator Award 2026
Neha Raj holding the Best Reading Club of India AwardFig. 03 // Best Reading Club of India Award
THE COLUMNIST

Literature Columns in The Daily Guardian

Neha's literature column β€” author interviews, industry commentary, and honest takes on India's publishing landscape.

Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Newspaper clipping of Neha Raj's literature column in The Daily Guardian
Selected clippings β€” The Daily Guardian, Literature Desk
MY EVOLUTION

A Decade of Literature

2015

The Origin Story

Established Book Club Community in Dehradun, India

2016

Kickstarted hosting authors

Kickstarted hosting authors from across India

2017

Coordinated Literature Festival

Coordinated North India's largest literature festival in Dehradun, India

2018

Community Library

Established Booknerds Community Library

2019

In-person sessions

Milestone: Completed 150 Booknerds Community Sessions

2020

Creative Team

Booknerds Creative Team Assemble

2021

Booknerds Podcast

Launched Booknerds Podcast which features the best books and authors from across the globe

2022

Booknerds Hindi

Booknerds HINDI platform launched dedicated to Hindi readers on the occasion of Hindi Diwas

2023

Best Reading Club

Booknerds Book Club was awarded as the Best Reading Club of India at the Hyderabad Literature Festival

2023

Booknerds Author Agency Launch

Neha Raj, Co-founder, Booknerds establishes Booknerds Author Agency under the aegis of Booknerds

2024

National Recognition

Co-founders Rohan and Neha Raj Booknerds featured by Doordarshan and Ministry of Skill Development, Govt. of India

2025

BOOKNERDS CREATOR HANGOUT, Delhi

Celebrating the transformative role of book influencers and creators

2026

I Wrote a Book! Now What?

Published my debut book.

[ DIRECT COACHING ]

Ready to write your next chapter?

Get direct, one-on-one coaching with Neha and map out your strategic book launch.