Janice Deaner

Janice Deaner – Editor

A professional published writer for more than twenty years and a private editor for published writers and writers looking to be published.

Overview

After undergraduate school, I went to New York University’s graduate Film School, where I learned to make films and write screenplays. I graduated with an MFA in Filmmaking. While in Film School, I wrote my first novel, Where Blue Begins, which was published by EP Dutton in New York. Two more novels followed (TheBody Spoken and Notes on Extinction), both of which were published by EP Dutton. For over ten years, I worked for Simon and Schuster. Over 12 years ago I began an independent business editing both novels and screenplays, including but not limited to coming of age, crime fiction, and young adult novels. I continue to write and edit. I live in New York with my two children.I have a gift for editing, and what’s more – I enjoy it. I am a very hands on and accessible editor. I correspond with you, asking and answering questions regarding your work so that I can do my best possible job. Whether you need editorial comments or line editing or a combination, before I begin editing, I get to know your work by reading it twice. When I have finished editing any book or screenplay it has been dramatically improved in plot and structure, grammar and prose, and is significantly polished and ready to be seen by an agent or a publisher.“Janice D. is a wonderful writer and editor – sensitive, precise, colorful. Have faith in her editing; it will be superb.”- Donald Antrim (author)"Janice D. is the best kind of editor, with the ability to see your words and sentences, to hear your voice, and make them all better."- Jonathan Santlofer (author)"I have worked with Janice D.for years on plays, novels, and one-woman shows. She is a brilliant writer and editor who I highly recommend. She will make your work better.”- Shelly Mars (performance artist)
Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Literary Fiction Plays & Screenplays Romance Thriller & Suspense
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Johnson Award for Best Student Film- NYU
  • Princess Grace Award- Screenplay
  • Yaddo Residency
  • Barnes and Noble First Fiction Award for Where Blue Begins- novel
Certifications
  • MFA- New York University
  • BS- University at Buffalo

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present
I have built my portfolio of clients through my website and am looking forward to expanding my client base through Reedsy. My website also contains my qualifications, book reviews and client testimonials.

Simon and Schuster

Jan, 1996 — Jan, 2006 (about 10 years)
For over ten years, I worked for Simon and Schuster as a Reading Group Guide writer. I wrote questions for reading groups on such books as Schindler’s List and Angela’s Ashes.

Janice has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tim A.

Tim A.

Feb, 2026

For a 100K-word novel Janice provided an assessment letter of 1100 words that was both encouraging and critical in ways I agree with. I look forward to continuing to work with Janice on this project and I hope on others.
Margaret P.

Margaret P.

Feb, 2026

Janice is a thoughtful, insightful professional, whom I thoroughly recommend. M. Price
Mark B.

Mark B.

Dec, 2025

Really enjoyed working with Janice, very professional and nice lady.
Denise U.

Denise U.

Dec, 2025

My hope was to find a developmental editor who could give me feedback on the story's bones, who would ferret out missing or confusing details/parts, and Janice delivered on that front. I feel as though I have new impetus to work on the manuscript without feeling devastated by the critique. Janice...
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Dennis B.

Dennis B.

Oct, 2025

What a great experience working with such a talented professional writer. Janice gave me an honest assessment and great suggestions for improving my story. I will definitely work with her again
Janice D.
It was a wonderful experience for me to work with Dennis. He is a gifted writer, and it was with great enjoyment that I read his book and could help him with a few suggestions. He was open to my ...
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