The Editorial Advice That Changed One Life and Maybe Yours Too, with Lisa Mangum
Plus Yoda's Nakey Cousin
From the Writing Desk:
Wow what a month was May!
Seems like we all had lots going on, eh?
I could keep rhyming all day.
But I’ll stop…okay.
Anyway.
Srsly it seems like it was a full month for many of us! (oy vey).
I went on an absolutely whirlwhind, jam-packed, very quick trip to the fantastic Storymakers Conference. I actually taught a class on Substack! (And Disney hehe). Always my favorite conference of the year, inspiring and exhausting, and of course I managed zero pictures. But the keynote speakers were Brandon Mull and Martine Leavitt, and if you haven’t read their books, I can’t recommend either of these writers highly enough.
(There is one picture I have to share. Check out
’s latest post for the backstory on this work of absolute majesty:)
The Orlando Book Festival was this month, held at the downtown Orlando library, which I’d never been to before. (I’m much closer to my local branch). But it was an awesome building, an awesome keynote by Brad Meltzer that successfully converted me into wanting to read his books, and the downtown location had all four of my books! I was surprised and totally thrilled, so I did document that one.
Then I did one more quick whirlwind overnight trip to Kansas City because my youngest sister just came home from serving an eighteen month religious mission in Latvia!!! So yeah, seeing her again after a year and half was pretty darn amazing, although it sort of felt like no time had passed at all because she’s just that wonderful and fun to be around. But hey, whatever CIA agent is assigned to my internet, if you need a Latvian translater, I have a recommendation. (She’s also a genuinely genius ((I mean it)) pianist, so Imma resist as long as I can until I start bugging her for some song collabs).
So those are the biggies of the month.
On the writing front, things are happening. Specifically, kidlit things. I am officially a decent percentage of the way through my current lower-middle grade WIP (that I’m possibly hoping to also illustrate?? Myself??? *gulp*). We’ll see how this goes! I can’t wait to tell you all more about it.
For those of you familiar with the Gallup Strengthsfinder test, one of my top five categories is Focus. I’ve been thinking about that this month, because I’m realizing that for the last several years I’ve been trying to multi-task and juggle multiple things, and I’m re-remembering how terrible I am at those things. I’m most definitely jealous of y’all great multi-taskers. So I’m leaning into Focus and putting all the attention I can into this weird little quirky book until it’s donezo.
Then on to the next Focus.
What are you working on?
Onward!
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The Editorial Advice That Changed One Life and Maybe Yours Too, with Lisa Mangum
Eeee!! I’m so excited because today we have an absolute legend, editor extraordinaire Lisa Mangum! Lisa has worked in publishing since 1997 and now works as managing editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing. She has worked with biggies like Brandon Mull and Ally Condie. Her book Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. is a fantastic resource for writers who want to level up creatively and professionally. Lisa loves movies, sunsets, spending time with her family, trips to Disneyland, and vanilla ice cream topped with fresh raspberries.
Welcome, Lisa!
1. We both recently finished a fantastic and overwhelming Storymakers Conference. What is the best interaction you had with a writer at the conference (or previous conferences!) and what about their behavior made it so great?
I met so many people at Storymakers and had so many great conversations, so I'll just share one. It happened during the Whitney Award gala. Shadow Mountain had several authors nominated in multiple categories, so I was there to cheer for them. Before the evening got underway, a nice lady approached me with a story and a gift. She said that she remembered the keynote address I'd given at Storymakers in 2020 when I'd said, "Be bold enough to write the story of your life in ink." She said that message had stuck with her for a long time, and so she had drawn that quote along with some line art on a small bit of cardstock. She had been hoping to meet me during the conference weekend to give it to me. I was touched by the gesture and honored that something I had said all those years ago had been the thing she needed to hear at that time.
I think that is why I love editing and helping authors so much: The stories we tell are because we have something to say that is the exact thing that someone else needs to hear.
2. What is the editorial note you find yourself giving the most, and how can authors improve in that area?
I don't know if this is the note I give the most, but it is one that I give often: "Can we raise the stakes here?" Most of the authors I work with do a good job with their plot structure and character development, but I think there is often room to raise the stakes—either internally or externally—in a story. And high stakes with powerful payoffs usually can help elevate a story to the next level.
One way to improve in that area is to ask two questions of a scene: "What's the worst thing that could happen right now?" and "How can I make that 'worst thing' personal to my character?" Often the answers to those questions will revolve around adding pressure to the characters' relationships to each other. Sometimes the answers will deepen a character's backstory, or sometimes they will provide a new path for the plot moving forward.
3. What is something you wish every writer knew before working with an editor?
Editorial notes and corrections are not because we don't like you or because we think you wrote a bad book. Just the opposite in fact: We want you to succeed! We are on your team! We see the potential in you and your story, and we want to help however we can. Trust us, and let's be friends!
4. What is something odd or quirky that's been bringing you Joy?
Lately, I've been obsessed with watching TikToks of people pin trading at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Thank you so, so much Lisa! Make sure you check out Lisa’s book, and remember that Shadow Mountain is accepting submissions until June 7th!
What I’m Reading:
My best audiobook life is when I have great nonfiction while I’m on the road, which is what happened this month. I also love it when nonfiction authors also make interesting and fun narrators of their own books. Cue The Body by Bill Bryson. It was fascinating.
I also really enjoyed this very quick and fun chapter book about poetry by the Origami Yoda creator, Tom Angelberger. I think this is a great way to show the young readers in our lives how unintimidating poetry really can be.
What I’m Watching: So, to be totally honest with you guys, this month I’ve been rewatching a lot of one of the most oddly comforting shows ever. It’s simply fun and delightful and just interesting enough that its engaging but also makes for excellent background while I’m working on stuff. Plus both Adam and Jamie are just awesome.
The Thursday Murder Club Teaser Trailer: This is absolutely about to be my next favorite movie.
What I’m Drawing: Lots of free activity sheets to keep the kiddos engaged and reading this summer!
Also check out the bookish swag I’ve got up for sale in my new little swag shop!
"The universe rings true whenever you fairly test it."
-Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis
Writing Opportunity: Shadow Mountain is accepting manuscripts of all sorts until June 7th!! Check out the wishlist and see if your book fits!
Teacher’s Table
Some goodies especially for the teachers:
Gen Z Are Changing What It Means to be a Reader (via
)Everything needed to get your young writers started is here in Tools Not Rules: A Writing Guide for Young Creatives.
Free activity sheets up on my Teachers Pay Teachers store! More added all the time, so check back regularly.
I would love to do an author visit with your class! Reach out to me via my website and let’s schedule something.
You guys are rock stars!
Thanks for coming along everyone! The best way to support is to 1) subscribe, 2) get a copy of the book bebes, and 3) keep glowing, you shining star you.
-Sarah
Thank you for an entertaining and helpful newsletter as always, and for the great interview with Lisa Mangum, and THANK YOU FOR THE SHOUTOUT! I actually found a copy with that cover and totes bought it. So Nakey Yoda is chilling on my bookshelf, pondering the secrets of the universe on his little stump until I get the chance to bring him to a Brandon Mull event and get it signed.
I really love all of this and really need to get to Storymakers someday! "Be bold enough to write the story of your life in ink." - THAT'S AWESOME.
"The universe rings true whenever you fairly test it." WOW.
What am I writing? I just got past the midpoint with my new WIP while my agent was querying my latest manuscript. I was feeling great - and then she resigned (for very understandable circumstances) and I am bereft with no agent. Back to querying...it will be okay (she said while freaking out). Anyway, thanks for all of this good stuff (I've never read a Brandon Mull book and I think maybe Is hould. Will I enjoy without really being a fantasy girl? Is there one I should start with?)