Lisa Rao
New York,NY
Summary
I have based my career in children’s publishing on one main principle: to make children smarter and happier through the magic of reading.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Editor
SIMON SPOTLIGHT
10.2007 - Current
- Supervised every aspect of book publication from initial concept to release date
- Created strong relationships with freelance authors, illustrators, and agents
- Mentored junior editorial staff and supervised all interns
- Fostered collaborative and inclusive work culture encouraging suggestions and ideas from team members
- Directed editorial talent acquisition pipeline to create diverse editorial staff
- Provided constructive feedback to writers, enabling them to grow professionally and produce higher-quality work.
- Presented at sales conferences, pitched manuscripts at acquisition meetings. Championed new ideas and innovative storytelling for audience growth
- Lead the creative team responsible for the three most profitable series for the Spotlight imprint – Middle School and Other Disasters, The Cupcake Diaries and You Should Meet
- Oversaw editorial budget management, allocating resources effectively while maintaining cost controls
- Developed schedules with production
- Approved marketing plans
- Edited middle-grade chapter books and graphic novels
- Liaison between licensors, writers, and designers; resolved problems whenever there was a conflict between authors and illustrators
- Took over managerial duties in the editorial director’s absence.
Freelance Editor
Nickelodeon, Time for Kids, HarperCollins
03.2004 - 09.2007
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing manuscripts for grammar, spelling, and consistency
- Edited and wrote original stories for Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob at Nickelodeon
- Edited custom non-fiction current events/entertainment magazines for 8–12-year-old readers for Time For Kids
- Edited and wrote movie tie-in books as well as I Can Read books for HarperCollins
Editor
THE COUSTEAU SOCIETY
01.1996 - 02.2004
- I was the only on-staff employee of Jacques Cousteau’s Ocean/Environmental magazine for children ages 8-12; running each issue of the magazine from initial idea to publication
- Conceptualized each issue and hired all writers and designers
- Created long-term editorial calendars with deadlines, events, and story assignments
- Worked closely with marine biologists; edited scientific data and articles to a level enjoyable and comprehensible to a young audience
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of content areas to provide effective edits
- Conducted thorough fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility of published information.
- Liaised with graphic designers to create visually appealing layouts that complemented written content.
- Participated in classroom visits and events highlighting The Cousteau Society's work
Senior Editor
CHILDREN’S TELEVISION WORKSHOP
05.1990 - 06.1995
- Created a table of contents for each issue of Kid City Magazine
- Oversaw article pitches, assignments, final revisions and layouts
- Managed a team of writers and junior editors to deliver accurate and engaging content
- Daily interaction with art department and production
- Created budgets and schedules for all issues
- Planned and participated in classroom visits
- Attended conferences and conventions across the U.S. to promote the magazine
Education
Bachelor’s degree in communication and culture (cum laude) -
City College of New York
Skills
- Creative Direction
- Storytelling Techniques
- Staff Mentoring
- Deadline Management
- Collaborative mindset
- Fact-checking abilities
- Social Media Strategy
- Content Development
- Clear Communication
- Editing skills
- Relationship Building
- Content Planning
- Visual storytelling
- Audience Engagement
References
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Timeline
Executive Editor
SIMON SPOTLIGHT
10.2007 - Current
Freelance Editor
Nickelodeon, Time for Kids, HarperCollins
03.2004 - 09.2007
Editor
THE COUSTEAU SOCIETY
01.1996 - 02.2004
Senior Editor
CHILDREN’S TELEVISION WORKSHOP
05.1990 - 06.1995
Bachelor’s degree in communication and culture (cum laude) -
City College of New York
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