We are heartbroken to tell you that Carolyn Jackson, our much-admired managing editor from 2006-2017, died January 5th after a long and distinguished career in the book and magazine industry. Her contributions were substantive — as publisher at St. Remy Press in Quebec, editor of Air Canada’s en Route magazine and an author and editor of children’s and adult books. For eleven years before retiring Carolyn was managing editor at Second Story Press where she brought her decades of experience and insight, enriching our women-focused, social justice program by encouraging the publication of new and diverse writing.
General Manager, Phuong Truong, recalls: “Aside from her invaluable experience as an editor, I will remember her most for the hilarious and vivid retellings of her adventures traveling the world. She was kind and fun, and I am grateful to have known her.”
I adored working with Carolyn. She was smart, loved and respected by authors, with a generous spirit and a biting wit. We remained friends until the end, sharing good times and bad in a group of publishing women which included her sister, editor Kathryn Cole who job-shared with Carolyn for several years and then continued with us until her retirement from full-time work in 2020.
Carolyn’s son, retired publishing veteran Christopher Jackson adds: “What an outpouring of gratitude we’ve received from around the world from those with whom Carolyn worked over the years. She set right so many careers in Canadian publishing, and delighted readers everywhere. She was my mom, and also the finest person I’ll ever work with.”
All of us are very aware that we have lost a wonderful woman, valued friend and a hugely talented colleague. I just keep crying.
Margie Wolfe, Publisher
