JANE DE ROUSSAN

JANE DE ROUSSAN – Editor

Former publisher with 35 yrs of editing kid's books and literary fiction in CA, UK, EU and US. I'd love to help you craft your next book!

Overview

As a former children's book publisher and acquisition editor, I helped develop, and edit stories by Canadian and American authors. The stories we published ranged from picture books, middle readers, to Young Adult. YA authors were and are especially interesting to work with because they give me a glimpse into the sensibilities of a generation about to come of age.


With a lengthy experience editing ESL texts. I am sensitive to the specific challenges a writer may have when writing in English as their second language. Sometimes syntax, grammar, and spelling need correction. More importantly, I respect the cultural nuances that endow the writing with a distinct flavor. I consider myself an international editor, having lived in Europe, Canada and the US. Madison, WI, is presently my home. I am an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.


I edit fiction for all ages with a specialty in African American literary fiction. I am an avid reader of world literature and earned degrees in English Literature and Sociology. Being a dual citizen of Canada and the US gives me a special edge. Authors have told me I am easy to work with, patient and possess a "keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the nuances that make children’s literature captivating." I am a discerning reader, so I expect writers to push beyond their boundaries. I cannot wait to work with you!




“I found Jane to be an insightful and sensitive editor in dealing with my non-fiction work. As I’m a neophyte in fiction, I especially appreciate the fact that she catches issues in characterization, in story structure, in continuity, and in emotional content.”

Richard Boileau, Montreal Author


"I have really been blessed to have you as an editor, Jane. I have recommended you and Reedsy to a group of children’s book authors I zoom with regularly. You are DYNAMITE!"

Mary Jane Overall, Arizona Author

Services
Fiction
African American Fiction Contemporary Fiction Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Art Biographies & Memoirs Children’s Non-Fiction
Languages
English (CAN) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Reedsy

Jun, 2020 — Present

I edit and help develop children's books, from toddler to young adult. I also specialize in editing ESL fiction and African American contemporary fiction.

Roussan Editeur Inc.

Sep, 1983 — Jun, 2005 (over 21 years)

Together with my late husband Jacques de Roussan—author, art critic, and historian—we founded a publishing company. In the first few years, we concentrated on art albums featuring Quebec artists. I formed a children’s book division in 1998 that emphasized and published first-time children's book authors. It was a success. The excellent storylines and quality of production were recognized by the wider publishing industry and the Arts Council of Canada in the form of annual grants. Our books often received excellent reviews in Quill and Quire, Globe and Mail, and other major Canadian newspapers.

C.D. Howe Institute

Aug, 1982 — Aug, 1983 (about 1 year)

C.D Howe is a think tank based in Toronto for which I edited policy papers and books targeted at Canadian and provincial government leaders and political influencers.

Optimum Publishing

May, 1980 — Jun, 1983 (about 3 years)

As a senior editor, I edited and collaborated with authors on non-fiction books, including tourist and parenting guides.

The Montreal Gazette

Jan, 1978 — Jan, 1980 (almost 2 years)

I wrote book reviews for the weekend edition of The Montreal Gazette. My specialty was contemporary fiction.

Tundra Books/Les livres Toundra

Jun, 1976 — Jan, 1980 (over 3 years)

Tundra Books is the oldest publisher of children's books in Canada. It is currently the children's book imprint of Penguin Random House of Toronto. Tundra cultivated a long list of Quebec and Canadian painters who created unique stories for pre-schoolers through the middle grades, accompanied by their art. I edited and worked with designers and artists on many Tundra books, including adult non-fiction, during my tenure there.

Portfolio

Made with Reedsy
Golden Boy

Leach, Alex

Alex Gale Leach

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Long Hard Road to Eden

Ezegbunam, Leonard

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Unanimous Decision

Williams, Gayle B.

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
MY MOTHERS DAUGHTER

JONES, RAEVEN

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Plus Size Chronicles: In a one size fits all

DEPAUL, MACK

Valiant Publishers

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Grateful Elf

Mooney, Anne

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Little Bush Girl: A True Story From Wild

Philtjens, Charlotte

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Northern Lights

Williams, Ruben, Isiah

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Adventures in Big Bend National Park

Stuart, Dana

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Purple Mouse

Drotts, Melonie

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
I Forgot to Love Her

Collins, Kenesha

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
A Prairie Boy's Summer

Kurelek, William

Lumberjack

Kurelek, William

Made with Reedsy
Grandma Salt

Soubhie, Nadia

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Hiba And The Treasure Jar (Grandma Salt)

Soubhie, Nadia

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Blazes & Brimstone

Gruenberg, Linda

Kenda Press

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Great Grandmother Knits

Gaga

Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Necky the Fix-it Kid

Frances Vellutini

What happens when an imaginative, confident young dinosaur is faced with a messy room? To the delight of his parents, he remembers his own skills and uses his knack for innovation to put his p... read more
Developmental Editing
In the World of the imaginary Eastern Block Morania, in the old communist regime years, Ingo—the whimsical protagonist—brings to light with innocence, charm, and humor the socio-political reality and inevitable conflicts. His mother told him, his goal in life ... read more
Copy Editing

JANE has 78 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Olivia D.

Olivia D.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Couldn’t have dreamed of a better proofreader/ editor. Her remarks are very valuable, Jane did an amazing job as she did for my previous book.
Olivia D.

Olivia D.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
Jane was absolutely amazing. She exceeded my expectations. Extremely professional, excellent communication. I am French and punctuation is not my forte, Jane patiently corrected every single little coma and rephrased many sentences. I highly recommend working with her.
Irit B.

Irit B.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
This is my third collaboration with Jane, I’m very grateful for Jane’s insights and suggestions and have enjoyed the process very much. I trust her deep knowledge and appreciate her professionalism. Everything went very smooth from a vulnerable start to a satisfactory finish. I would love to work with Jane again in the future. Thank you!
JANE D.
Thank you, Irit. I look forward to your next story!
Tifini P.

Tifini P.

Nov, 2024

It was such a pleasure to work with Jane.
Lea S.

Lea S.

Oct, 2024

Working with Jane was a wonderful learning experience. She was prompt in replying to my questions and very adept in editing my manuscript, especially in ridding it of unnecessary "glue" words as well as repetitive and redundant words and phrases. Her comments and suggestions helped me create a clear and concise manuscript The reason I chose Jane to edit my current manuscript was because sh...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with JANE and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to JANE

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Leslie Budnick

Leslie B.

I'm an editor of award-winning children's books, with over twenty years of experience working on picture books, middle grade, and YA novels.

New York City, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile
Martin Greig

Martin G.

Editor with ten years experience of working on award-winning sports books such as Andrea Pirlo's autobiography, Pep Confidential & more

Glasgow, United Kingdom

97% reply rate

View profile
Anna Membrino

Anna M.

Children's book editor and author with 10 years' experience at Random House Children's Books and Scholastic. Editor of a #1 NYT bestseller.

New York, NY, USA

100% reply rate

View profile