Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Jennifer Richard Jacobson (she/her) has spent three decades writing award-winning fiction for children. Among her titles are picture books: This Is My Room (No Tigers Allowed) and Oh, Chickadee!; chapter books: the Andy Shane series and Twig and Turtle series; middle grade novels: Small as an Elephant, Paper Things, The Dollar Kids, Crashing in Love; and young adult novels: The Complete History of Why I Hate Her and Stained. Her awards and honors include ALA Best Books For Young Adults, Publishers Weekly Best Books, NYPL Best Books for Teens, Parents Choice Gold Award, IRA Young Adult’s Choice, ILA Social Justice Award, NTCE Charlotte Huck Honorable Mention, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Selections as well as many state awards. She was a first reader for editor Melanie Kroupa (then Knopf) and has been on the Highlights faculty since 2015. She lives in mid-coast Maine with her husband. Find out more at: www.jenniferjacobson.com
“Jennifer has keen insight and a gentle manner. She helped me dig deeper to the truth...”
— Debbi Michiko Florence
“I was fortunate to find Jennifer—the editor every writer hopes for...”
— Kerry L. Malawista
Jennifer’s Critique Philosophy
I consider it an honor to read and analyze your story! I love working with writers at all stages. I recognize that first drafts rarely look like final drafts, but they contain wisdom—cairns marking the way. My job is to not only point out what’s not working (yet) but to highlight what is working . . . knowing your specific strengths can help tremendously when revising.
Jennifer’s Books
Jennifer’s Critique Process
For chapter books and novels:
As I read your story, I’ll leave detailed manuscript comments to share insights into my reading experience. These notes will reflect my delight, curiosity, thoughts on pacing, and occasional confusion. I’ll also offer suggestions—meant to be considered only if they resonate with you.
After my initial read (and a second skim), I’ll provide a comprehensive letter analyzing key elements: story structure, characterization, plot, and theme. At times, I may include diagrams to illustrate the rise and fall of tension or the effectiveness of setups and payoffs. Think of these letters as a mini-course—designed not only to support your current manuscript but to inform your future projects as well.
Once you’ve had time to reflect on the feedback, you’re welcome to email me with questions, or we can schedule a call (by phone or Zoom) to discuss and brainstorm together.
For a beginning reader or picture book:
I will reread your work several times. The first reading is for pleasure and to determine your intention. The second and third readings are for close examination of characterization, structure, tension, pacing, and language. I will leave comments in your manuscript and write a letter.
For moral support and coaching:
If you’re writing a novel and would prefer to have feedback (and optional deadlines) as you write your draft, this option is for you. I’m happy to respond to your work in installments (manuscript comments and letter). Or we can schedule regular phone calls to discuss what’s going well and to brainstorm solutions for what’s not.
Please Note:
I do not offer critique services on any of the following: poetry (though I will read novels in verse), rhyming picture books, or query packages.
Jennifer Is a Great Fit For:
Writers who enjoy written feedback and/or oral brainstorming sessions
Picture books, chapter books, young middle grade, older middle grade, young adult
Those writing stories that handle difficult subjects
Realistic fiction, fantasy, magical realism, or historical fiction
Jennifer Is Not a Great Fit For:
Graphic novels
Middle Grade or YA Nonfiction
Writers who wish to teach moral lessons
Those writing a collection of personal childhood memories
Jennifer’s Testimonials
Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter:
“Jennifer provided a full manuscript critique for my novel-in-progress and it completely invigorated me. She pointed out the strengths and honed in on problem areas. Then she offered spot-on suggestions on how to fix them. Jennifer has keen insight and a gentle manner. I’m astounded and incredibly pleased with the results – she helped me dig deeper to the truth, to the core of my story in a way I might have never been able to without her guidance and wisdom. I highly recommend her services to anyone who wants to truly get to a deeper and better place in their manuscript.”
Shelley Jones Clark, represented by Erzi Deak at Hen and Ink:
“I first met Jennifer at the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop. During that retreat, she helped me so much with revision of one of my novels that I later used her critique service for a second and then a third novel. I knew there were problems with my novels, but I couldn’t figure out what wasn’t working. Jennifer was able to shine a light on the problem areas and suggest fixes. I recently signed with an agent for one of those novels.”
Cate Berry, author of Chicken Break:
“Jennifer is someone to trust. I knew my novel was missing something but I couldn’t identify it. With skilled feedback on the overall picture as well as small line edits, my book began to fly after her critique. I can’t recommend her services enough. She can help you wherever you are in your process.”
Kerry L. Malawista, author of Meet the Moon:
“When I finished my novel, Meet the Moon, I was looking for an editorial critique from someone with a keen eye for character and voice. I was fortunate to find Jennifer—the editor every writer hopes for. She generously pointed out what worked well in my novel and astutely highlighted just the places that needed tweaking and rethinking. You know someone is expert when you read their feedback and there is an immediate note of recognition and understanding, those wonderful “eureka” moments. Her insights helped transform my book. When the time comes for my next critique, I will return to Jennifer.“
Ten Books to Get to Know Jennifer
