Introduction
Sara Shepard is one of the most successful young adult authors of the past two decades. She is best known for creating the Pretty Little Liars series, a book franchise that turned into a hit television show.
With more than 30 published novels, Shepard has built a career spanning young adult mystery, adult fiction, and television production. This article looks at her life, writing career, and most popular works.
Who Is Sara Shepard?
Sara Shepard is an American author born on April 8, 1977. She is widely recognized for writing the Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game book series, both of which were adapted into television shows on Freeform (formerly ABC Family).
Her novels are known for blending teen drama with mystery and suspense, a style that helped her books top the New York Times Best Seller list for years.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sara Shepard |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1977 |
| Hometown | Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
| Profession | Author, Producer |
| Known For | Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game, The Perfectionists |
| Education | New York University (B.S.), Brooklyn College (MFA) |
| Current Residence | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
Early Life and Education
Sara Shepard grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Downingtown High School in 1995. Her upbringing near Philadelphia’s Main Line region later inspired the fictional town of Rosewood in Pretty Little Liars.
She went on to earn a B.S. degree from New York University in 1999, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College in 2004. Before becoming a full-time novelist, she worked at Time, Inc. Custom Publishing, where she produced lifestyle magazines for corporate clients.
Sara Shepard’s Writing Career
The Pretty Little Liars Series
Shepard’s breakout series, Pretty Little Liars, debuted in 2006. The story follows four friends being tormented by a mysterious figure known only as “A,” who threatens to expose their darkest secrets.
The book series:
- Spent 62 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list
- Grew into a 16-book main series
- Inspired a seven-season TV adaptation that premiered in 2010
The Lying Game Series
Following the success of Pretty Little Liars, Sara Shepard launched The Lying Game series in 2010. The story centers on twin sisters separated at birth, one of whom is murdered, leaving the other to solve the mystery. This series was also adapted into a television show on ABC Family.
The Perfectionists and Other Spin-offs
Shepard expanded her Pretty Little Liars universe with The Perfectionists series, which was later adapted into Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, a spin-off television show.
Adult Fiction
Beyond young adult fiction, Shepard has written several adult novels, including:
- The Visibles (2009)
- Everything We Ever Wanted (2010)
- The Heiresses (2014)
- The Elizas (2018)
- Reputation (2019)
- Nowhere Like Home (2024)
- Gaslight (2024), co-written with Miles Joris-Peyrafitte
- The Lies Between Us (2026), also with Miles Joris-Peyrafitte
She has also written the Penny Draws series for middle-grade readers, showing her range across different age groups.
Television and Production Work
Sara Shepard’s influence extends beyond books. She has:
- Made cameo appearances in the Pretty Little Liars TV series and its spin-off The Perfectionists
- Produced the anthology web series Crown Lake for Brat in 2019
- Created the scripted podcast Cruise Ship for Meet Cute in 2021
Her ability to move between publishing and screen production has helped her stay relevant across changing media formats.
Sara Shepard’s Personal Life
Shepard currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband and children. She has spoken about drawing inspiration from her own teenage years and journals when writing her mystery novels.
Why Sara Shepard’s Books Remain Popular
Sara Shepard’s continued success comes down to a few key factors:
- Relatable teen drama mixed with high-stakes mystery
- Strong, flawed characters readers can connect with
- Consistent output, with new titles releasing regularly
- Successful TV adaptations that introduce her books to new audiences
FAQs About Sara Shepard
1. What is Sara Shepard best known for? She is best known for writing the Pretty Little Liars book series, which inspired the popular TV show of the same name.
2. How many books has Sara Shepard written? Sara Shepard has written more than 30 novels across young adult, adult fiction, and middle-grade genres.
3. Is Sara Shepard still writing new books? Yes, she continues to release new novels, including recent titles like Gaslight (2024) and The Lies Between Us (2026).
4. Where did Sara Shepard get the idea for Pretty Little Liars? The series was loosely inspired by her own upbringing in Philadelphia’s Main Line region of Pennsylvania.
5. Did Sara Shepard appear in the Pretty Little Liars TV show? Yes, she made cameo appearances in the TV series, including roles as a substitute teacher and a news reporter.
Conclusion
Sara Shepard has built a lasting career as one of young adult fiction’s most influential authors. From the twisty mysteries of Pretty Little Liars to her growing catalog of adult thrillers, her storytelling continues to captivate readers and viewers alike.
As she keeps releasing new books and expanding into television, Sara Shepard remains a name to watch for fans of mystery and suspense fiction.
