About

Hi there! I’m Lisa Rao, a children's book editor and author with over twenty years of experience in publishing. I spent 17 years in the children's division of Simon & Schuster, and I was an executive editor for the Simon Spotlight imprint when I left. I’ve also done short freelance stints at HarperCollins, Nickelodeon, and Time for Kids.

I’ve written over 50 licensed children's books for properties such as Dora the Explorer, Peanuts, Daniel Tiger and CoComelon. Books I have edited have ended up on the NY Times Bestseller list and garnered Seuss Giesel Awards for being among the best children's books of the year.

My first original picture book is due out in February 2027. I’m excited for you to read it, and let me know if you have a manuscript you’d like edited. I’m here to help!