Jan A. Manon is an American author of fantasy, science fiction, and suspense stories and books. She is also a pilot, skier, designer, and software engineer. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, Jan wrote and published her first book at the age of four. On the sidelines, Jan is working on her first fantasy novel, The Stowaway™ (slated for a 2026 launch).

Currently, Jan is working on client solutions via Star Labs™, Elf’s R&D unit, and building business partnerships and investments. She is studying for the CFA exam. Jan is also a keen investor.

Work Experience & History

Jan has been writing for clients since 1996. Previously, Jan worked as an editor at three publishing houses. She also wrote a WSJ bestselling personal finance and investment book, two historical fiction novels, and 14 privately published business books on entrepreneurs and management training for clients.

Jan has created graphics, editorial content, and marketing campaigns for companies, studios, and universities for 29 years, and apps and user interfaces for the last 18 years. She is a self-taught software engineer who has redesigned aeronautical and automotive interfaces for leading companies.

At 28, she founded her own company, Elf™. Elf™ provides design, apps and technology, digital, and audio (DADA™) services to businesses and the federal government. Today these services are offered with client solutions through Elf’s R&D unit, Star Labs™. Star Labs™ is also an incubator for Skye™, a stealth startup focused on developing zero-emission aircraft and drones. www.elf.agency

In addition to designing apps for every digital screen, Jan’s recent design work includes aviation and aerospace. A keen aviator, Jan’s love of flying has drawn her to designing airplanes, aeronautical elements, specialized aircraft equipment, and redesigning airport terminals and landing pads through Skye™.

Elf has a visual magazine, Hayden’s™ www.haydensm.com (9M audience worldwide), and an upcoming podcast, Stardust™ on Apple Podcasts. Stardust™ focuses on the craft of storytelling and features in-depth interviews with musicians, cinematographers, and directors.

Jan has her B.A. in philosophy and ecology from Emory University, where she initially studied pre-medicine. She also studied literature at Lincoln College at Oxford University and business at Stanford for a year.

Curiosity & A Love of Exploration

In her downtime, Jan loves to linger over a good meal with loved ones, walk, hike, or ski, swim in the ocean, explore a new area, or play with friends and dogs. Jan enjoys spending time with family and many animal friends. She also enjoys yoga, reading, playing the piano, and gardening. On adventurous days, Jan takes a backcountry trip out west, goes to the beach, or heads to Schweiz, Norge, or Sverige for a change in scenery. She also loves catching a ball game or X Games in Aspen when she can. Coffee’s usually involved. Jan occasionally models for ski wear and modern apparel.

Connect: hello@janmanon.com

PRESS

For members of the press, please visit here.

PROJECTS

I love to collaborate on significant projects. Here’s a list of some ideas. Please feel free to get in touch at hello@janmanon.com.

NOVEL IN PROGRESS

I set this site up primarily for my fantasy novel, The Stowaway. Since then it has grown to be a hub for ideas.
The book will be available to read in 2026 at last!  — Jan Manon