Jeanine Le Ny

Jeanine Le Ny – Editor

Best-selling book developer, dedicated talent nurturer, and enthusiastic editor of fiction and nonfiction for ages 0 to teen.

Overview

Hi! I’m a dedicated editor, specializing in fiction and nonfiction for kids ages 0 to teen, and it would be my honor to help you bring your work to the next level. I have over 20 years of experience nurturing talent and editing best-selling books for the major publishers. I’ve also written and ghostwritten for Scholastic, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House, but my true calling is as an editor, idea developer, and author cheerleader.


FICTION HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve coached countless writers—both new and well-established—on everything from world-building and plot development to characterization, tone, and beyond. You name it, we’ve worked on it: picture books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, family and friendship stories, romantic comedies, coming-of-age, thrillers, mysteries, supernatural, dystopian, horror. . . . Can you tell I love a good genre?


Some of my more familiar work includes NANCY DREW and HARDY BOYS mysteries as well as an early reader series I co-created called Nancy Drew Notebooks. I worked closely with R.L. STINE, editing the iconic FEAR STREET and many of his single titles, and I was the brain behind a multitude of MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY OLSEN books (over 40,000,000 sold). I was also an original editor of Thomas Kinkade’s CAPE LIGHT, a popular line of Christian-themed novels for adults.


NONFICTION HIGHLIGHTS

I’ve launched the writing careers of dozens of subject matter experts—educators, scientists, therapists, among others—who had always wanted to publish but needed the right editor to help them realize their dream.


My nonfiction list is comprised of best-selling picture books, such as THE BACKYARD BUG BOOK FOR KIDS by Lauren Davidson, and a host of beautiful narrative and instructional titles, biographies, photographic and illustrated reference, STEM activity books, craft books, cookbooks, health and wellness workbooks, as well as other purposeful books that develop skills and enrich the minds of kids, teens, and their parents.


I also established a collection of educational workbooks that have sold over 3.8 million copies, including the MY WORKBOOK series for grades Pre-K to 2, and MY FIRST LEARN-TO-WRITE WORKBOOK, which was the #1 nonfiction book in America for 12 weeks in 2020 and still ranks #1 in Education Workbooks on Amazon.


LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

Whether your passion is fiction or nonfiction, we’ll work to bring your book to its fullest potential, and I’ll meet you wherever you are in your process. Together we’ll celebrate your wins and, wherever you need help, I’ll draw on my expertise to give you constructive feedback that’s compassionate, honest, and actionable so that you can improve your book and grow as a writer, too. I'll also offer ideas and solutions, and maybe even a funny drawing here and there to spark your creativity.


It's my goal, as your editor, to help you find your voice and your audience, to help you tell your story, and to honor your artistic vision throughout the entire journey. Contact me today. I can’t wait to hear what you’re working on!

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books Romantic Comedy Social & Family Issues
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Callisto Media

Sep, 2018 — Jul, 2022 (almost 4 years)

At Callisto, I began as a Senior Editor where I used data and consumer insights to develop, outline, and edit nonfiction books from the initial idea to the final manuscript. I worked closely with subject matter experts and influencers, who were also first-time authors, coaching and guiding them to write the company's top performing books. Later, I was promoted to a new role where I focused on creating the vision and strategy for over 250 nonfiction titles per year in the Kids, Teens, and Education categories. I conceived everything from position and value proposition to specs, budget and revenue forecasts, and I made sure that each stage of the production process remained true to my initial vision.

Parragon Books

Nov, 2016 — Aug, 2018 (over 1 year)

At Parragon, I led all aspects of creative development and production for 60+ titles per year for both original IP and licensed properties such as Discovery and Fisher-Price: photographic reference, STEM, graphic novels, leveled readers, picture books, sound books, novelty, book-plus, and more for ages 0 to teen.

Playmore Inc. Publishers

Jan, 2008 — May, 2009 (over 1 year)

At Playmore, I conceptualized and oversaw all stages of book development, production, and budgeting for a high-volume independent children’s book publisher.

Self-employed

Jan, 2004 — Present

I've been offering freelance services for quite some time. I edit, write, and ghostwrite picture books, beginner readers, middle grade books, and YA fiction and nonfiction for major publishers, packagers, and individual writers. I'm also a book proposal development consultant for agents and authors.

Select clients: Scholastic, Simon and Schuster, HarperCollins, Kaplan, Marvel, Penguin Random House, Parachute Publishing, Lifetime Media, South Paw Entertainment, Working Partners Ltd, Individual Authors.

Parachute Publishing

Aug, 1998 — Dec, 2003 (over 5 years)

At Parachute I developed and edited 22 fiction and nonfiction titles per year—from concept to bound book—for high-profile licenses and brands: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, R.L. Stine, Disney, Seventeen, Charmed, Thomas Kinkade’s Cape Light, and others. Early reader, middle grade, YA, adult, and Christian books.

Portfolio

Dangerous Girls

Stine, R.L.

Twilight

Melissa J. Morgan

This summer is shaping up to be so much better than Cassie had expected. Not only has she gotten over her fear of people, she’s also gotten over her fear of people that are boys! Now if only she could get over her most crushing fear of all—that pesky little on... read more

Jeanine has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tania S.

Tania S.

Feb, 2024

Jeanine was so helpful with her feedback on my first children’s book manuscript. She informed me around aspects of my writing in an open collaborative manner and I learned so much. My manuscript, characters and setting are so much stronger due to her help and expertise. I really appreciated having a zoom meeting with her to discuss everything and to ask questions. Thanks so much Janine I look f...
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Samantha G.

Samantha G.

Jan, 2024

Jeanine was great to work with! She provided insightful details on how I can make my book really come to life!
Maria S.

Maria S.

Nov, 2023

Working with Jeanine was an uplifting, constructive and valuable experience. Jeanine provided me with meaningful and detailed feedback that will help me refine my manuscript. Jeanine is a supportive editor, who shares your passion and will be your biggest cheerleader. She went above and beyond her offer requirements to help me improve my manuscript. I am grateful for her support and look forwar...
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Jeanine L.
So glad it was helpful, Maria! Thank you!
Mary Beth D.

Mary Beth D.

Sep, 2023

Jeanine's feedback contained the perfect mix of encouragement and challenge. I felt that she totally connected with my story and provided suggestions and ideas that I couldn't wait to try out! If Jeanine feels your project is a good fit, count yourself lucky and jump on the opportunity. I hope to work with her again in the future and would highly recommend!
Michelle F.

Michelle F.

Sep, 2023

Jeanine is a fantastic developmental editor. She saw through to the heart of my story, and offered invaluable insight into how to make the plot stronger and bring the characters and story to life. She is encouraging and supportive but doesn't hold back when there are weaknesses in the manuscript, and her advice is clear and concise. I am grateful for her insight and excited to rework my story t...
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Jeanine L.
Thank you, Michelle!

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