Jennifer Rees - Editor
Award-winning Children's Book Editor with 15+ years in Picture Books, MG, and YA fiction for Scholastic, National Geographic, and Wattpad.
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Overview
I am a dedicated and passionate Children's Book Editor of award-winning and New York Times bestselling picture books, Middle Grade, and YA Fiction and Nonfiction, including SUZANNE COLLINS' unparalleled THE HUNGER GAMES series.
With over 15 years' experience in the New York City book publishing industry, I started out in publishing by making my home at Scholastic, working my way up to Senior Editor. During my time at Scholastic, I published groundbreaking picture books and novels for all ages, created highly commercial and best-selling series, and developed exceptional talent, from debut authors to seasoned veterans. I now reside in Pittsburgh, PA, my hometown, with my family of three beautiful boys, one Golden Retriever, and a library's worth of children's books. From my home base, I maintain my deep-rooted connection to New York City publishing, as I continue my work with Scholastic, as well as National Geographic (I am the editor of their highly successful Explorer Academy series), the innovative and very intriguing Wattpad, and several top-notch literary agencies (I edit their authors' stories so that their manuscripts are ready to be sent out on submission to publishing houses). I find deep joy, gratitude, and satisfaction in the work that I love, which is to collaborate with an amazing and diverse group of authors and illustrators from all over the world to create innovative stories for all ages—with children, tweens, and teens at the heart of every creation.
I enjoy working with a variety of writers from all different backgrounds and levels of experience. Some of my clients here on Reedsy have already been published successfully and some are picking up a pen for the first time. Some of my clients have been writing for a lifetime and others have just gathered the courage to try. Some clients want to become published traditionally and some want to self-publish—I can help you do either. Whatever your goals and writing background, I will help you write and perfect the story you have your heart set on writing! Bringing stories to life is my life's passion, and if we're fortunate enough to end up working together, you'll get to share in that experience. I hope you do!
If you have any questions, please send me a message. I'm a very hands-on editor, and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Please take the time to read my reviews! Happy writing!
Children's books are where the magic truly happens! I ADORE picture books, middle grade novels, and teen fiction. I live them and breathe them (I’ve been known to eat and sleep with them, too). I’ve read hundreds and hundreds of children's books and teen novels, and my walls are filled with them. I’ve edited hundreds and hundreds, too. Don’t let anyone tell you that writing a picture book or novel for kids or teens is easy or a “cute” pursuit; we all know it’s hard, difficult—if exhilarating—work. Editing children's stories is my passion because there is no better way to reach a child and connect with that precious and eager audience. And teen fiction? Super cool and exciting. Perfecting your story through the editorial process, whether a humorous picture book or adventurous chapter book or riveting teen novel, is truly an exciting stage, where you can see your story transform from an inkling of an idea to a full-fledged story. There are so many considerations and questions just waiting to be explored! Your work with me is where you will see whether or not all of your hard work is resonating, and if you’ve created a story that young readers or teens will be excited to read, and, yes, if agents perk up and are excited by your story, too. An editorial partnership with me is for anyone who wants a better story—beginning writers through those more seasoned. Regardless of your writing experience, it is where you will learn and grow as a writer, and where you will discover what needs to be done for your story so that you can improve it and make your story stronger, marketable, and more satisfying than when you began.
With over 15 years' experience in the New York City book publishing industry, I started out in publishing by making my home at Scholastic, working my way up to Senior Editor. During my time at Scholastic, I published groundbreaking picture books and novels for all ages, created highly commercial and best-selling series, and developed exceptional talent, from debut authors to seasoned veterans. I now reside in Pittsburgh, PA, my hometown, with my family of three beautiful boys, one Golden Retriever, and a library's worth of children's books. From my home base, I maintain my deep-rooted connection to New York City publishing, as I continue my work with Scholastic, as well as National Geographic (I am the editor of their highly successful Explorer Academy series), the innovative and very intriguing Wattpad, and several top-notch literary agencies (I edit their authors' stories so that their manuscripts are ready to be sent out on submission to publishing houses). I find deep joy, gratitude, and satisfaction in the work that I love, which is to collaborate with an amazing and diverse group of authors and illustrators from all over the world to create innovative stories for all ages—with children, tweens, and teens at the heart of every creation.
I enjoy working with a variety of writers from all different backgrounds and levels of experience. Some of my clients here on Reedsy have already been published successfully and some are picking up a pen for the first time. Some of my clients have been writing for a lifetime and others have just gathered the courage to try. Some clients want to become published traditionally and some want to self-publish—I can help you do either. Whatever your goals and writing background, I will help you write and perfect the story you have your heart set on writing! Bringing stories to life is my life's passion, and if we're fortunate enough to end up working together, you'll get to share in that experience. I hope you do!
If you have any questions, please send me a message. I'm a very hands-on editor, and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Please take the time to read my reviews! Happy writing!
Languages
English (AUS)
English (CAN)
English (NZ)
English (SA)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Middle Grade Fantasy
Picture Books
Young Adult
Work experience
Editor, Children's and Young Adult Literature
Self-employed
September, 2011
–
Present
(over 10 years)
In my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, I run a boutique editorial business, focused on creating gorgeous and engaging books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. My clients include top-notch publishers, literary agencies, and seasoned authors, as well as brand new writers who are trying to break into the market. One of my most recent projects is the middle grade adventure series, Explorer Academy, by Trudi Trueit for National Geographic’s exciting new fiction imprint Under the Stars.
Senior Editor, Children's Fiction and Non-Fiction
Scholastic Inc.
September, 1998
–
September, 2011
(about 13 years)
I grew up with a love of reading and writing, but my interest in publishing really began as a Children’s bookseller at Joseph Beth Booksellers, a wonderful neighborhood independent where I gained a true education of the Children’s book market inside and out, from a customer-based handselling level. From there, I started my editing career at Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc., a top-tier commercial publishing house dedicated to Children's literature, literacy, and entertainment. I read stacks of manuscripts, learned the intricacies of production and design, worked with sales and marketing to ensure successful campaigns for our books, forged relationships with authors, agents, and industry professionals, and began acquiring and editing my own projects, from picture books, to middle grade novels, to young adult fiction. At Scholastic Press, I edited bestselling and award-winning books, such as Suzanne Collins’ unparalleled Hunger Games series, Craig Hatkoff’s powerful Owen and Mzee, Wendy Mass' hilarious and thought-provoking 11 Birthdays series, and Michael Morpurgo’s unforgettable War Horse. I also worked with such talent as Jordan Sonnenblick, Sarah Darer Littman, Sara Varon, Rachel Vail, Matthew Cordell, James Proimos, David Kirk, Carole Boston Weatherford, R. Gregory Christie, Coleen Murtagh Paratore, Brandon Sanderson, and Philip Reeve. In addition, I traveled extensively across the US, speaking to Children’s writing organizations such as SCBWI.
Portfolio (42 selected works)
Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret
Trudi Trueit
Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at t... read more
The Hunger Games Trilogy
Suzanne Collins
The stunning Hunger Games trilogy is complete!The extraordinary, ground breaking New York Times bestsellers The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, along with the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay, are available for the first time ever in e-book. Stunning, gripping, and powerful. The trilogy is now complete!
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)
Collins, Suzanne
Explorer Academy: The Dragon's Blood (Book 6)
Trueit, Trudi
Explorer Academy: The Tiger's Nest (Book 5)
Trueit, Trudi
Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes (Book 4)
Trueit, Trudi
Explorer Academy: The Double Helix (Book 3)
Trueit, Trudi
Explorer Academy: The Falcon's Feather (Book 2)
Trueit, Trudi
Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 3)
Collins, Suzanne
Catching Fire (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 2)
Collins, Suzanne
The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy, Book 1)
Collins, Suzanne
Marco Swift and the Mirror of Souls: A Middle-Grade Fantasy Adventure
Cunningham, D. E.
War Horse
Michael Morpurgo
A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero's journey--now available in paperback!In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage ... read more
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie
Jordan Sonnenblick
From first-time novelist Jordan Sonnenblick, a brave and beautiful story that will make readers laugh and break their hearts at the same time. Thirteen-year-old Steven has a totally normal life: he plays drums in the All-Star Jazz band, has a crush on the hottest girl in the school, and is constantly annoyed by his five-year-old brother, Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, St... read more
11 Birthdays: A Wish Novel
Wendy Mass
It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited---after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, s... read more
Dreamsleeves
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
A powerful, radiant story about a girl who wears her dreams on her sleeve . . . Aislinn is a girl with a lot of dreams, but due to family issues (caused mostly by her hard-drinking father), there's a lot standing in her way. While she should be enjoying the summer with friends, Aislinn is kept under lock and key and put in charge of her younger siblings. The average girl might give up, but not... read more
Chicken And Cat
Sara Varon
Friendship has never been sweeter with this charming picture book by emerging artist Sara Varon.Cat comes to the big city to stay with best friend, Chicken. The city is exciting (and there's so much to do!) but after a while Cat pines for the country with its trees and bright colors. Chicken takes Cat on fun adventures but Cat remains blue. How can Chicken make the city a brighter and happier ... read more
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Craig Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff
The amazing true story of the orphaned baby hippo and 130-year-old giant turtle whose remarkable friendship touched millions around the world.The inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee (Mm-ZAY). When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone's amazeme... read more
Dear Mr. Rosenwald
Carole Boston Weatherford
Based on the true story of the Rosenwald schools built in the rural African-American South in the 1920s, award winning writer and poet Carol Boston Weatherford tells the lyrical story of third grader Ovella as her family and community help each other build a new, and much-prayed for, school. Renowned, award winning illustrator Gregory Christie joins Weatherford with provocative gouache illustr... read more
Righty & Lefty
Rachel Vail
A charming and funny picture book about the value of irreplaceable friendships.Righty and Lefty, an adorable pair of feet, can't seem to agree on anything. Righty wakes up early, while Lefty likes to sleep in; Righty dreams of wearing fancy footwear, but Lefty swears by galoshes. This is the tale of two feet who, despite walking different walks, learn in the end how to get along without trippi... read more
Little Miss Spider: 25th Anniversary Edition
David Kirk
New 25th Anniversary Edition: This adorable book takes us back in time to the very first day of Miss Spider's life! Little Miss Spider has just popped out of her egg and is wondering where her mother could be. The spiderling's plaintive cries are heard by a passing beetle, who offers her kind assistance. The search continues, and suddenly our heroine finds herself in harrowing danger. Will the... read more
Swim! Swim!
Lerch
A snazzy story about friendship and true love!Lerch is one sassy, snazzy fish who seems to have it all: good looks, charm, a great sense of humor, and a perfect smile. But he's lonely (the bubbles and the pebbles ain't talkin'!) and wants to find a friend. But where? Then, with the help of an unexpected "admirer," Lerch meets Dinah, and it's true love from first glance.
Hallelujah Handel
Douglas Cowling
A stunning picture book inspired by the beloved "Hallelujah Chorus," and the remarkable story of Handel's personal mission to spread peace and joy.Somewhere in a darkened room behind London's famous Opera House there is a young, orphaned boy with a mysterious past and an extraordinary talent: he sings like an angel, but refuses to speak. Through the generosity and and kindness of George Freder... read more
Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again
Hatkoff, Craig, Hatkoff, Juliana, Hatkoff, Isabella, Yates, David
You Are Beautiful Forever and Always
Nesteroff, Michael, Ely, Rebekah
Not Like Other Bears
Shelby Huff
The Friendly Bookshelf
Brickley, Katherine, Brickley, Caroline, Pérez-Duarte, Daniela
Purge
Littman, Sarah Darer
No Such Thing As Dragons
Philip Reeve
A thrilling new adventure from award-winning master storyteller Philip Reeve!Ansel is a mute boy whose master is a dragon-slayer. Brock has shining armor, and scars that prove his heroic stories. Ansel suspects there are no such things as dragons. So what is the man-eating monster that haunts the crags of Dragon Mountain?
Sunny Holiday: Book 1
Coleen Paratore, Coleen Murtagh Paratore
The first book in this fantastic new series from the author of THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER is now available in paperback!Sunny Holiday thinks that every month should have a kid-friendly holiday. Valentine's Day, July 4th, and Christmas definitely fit the bill--but months like January and August are lacking. So Sunny takes it upon herself to make new holidays for the months that need them, g... read more
Just a Drop of Water
Kerry O'Malley Cerra
A touching middle grade story about a boy trying to process the events of September 11 and how they impact his friendships Jake wants to be a soldier and wants to outsmart his school’s rival cross country team After September 11, Jake is torn between defending his best friend and standing with his parents In this story about growing up in a difficult part of America’s history, Jake Green is in... read more
Split! Splat!
Amy Gibson
A delightful, rainy day celebration!I sing a little rain song, a simple song, a plain song, a pitter-patter-tip-tap-on-the-windowpane song. Drip drop, plip plop, pit pat, split splat! Put down your umbrella! Take off your galoshes! It's time to sing and dance in the rain. When one little girl and her adorable dog venture out on a rainy, spring day, the neighborhood joins her and what results i... read more
What's the Punctuation, Iguana?
Jennie Tammar
Alligator, Bunny, and Crabby are enjoying a day at the beach when large punctuation marks create chaos for the group. Their friend Iguana has trouble writing periods. Can the friends help Iguana? Or will these punctuation marks take over?
Protector of the Ocean
Chlebek, Alyssa Nicole, Pham, Melissa
A Kite for Melia
Narh, Samuel, Narh, Freda, Suria, Valeria
Survival Colony 9
Joshua David Bellin
In a future world of dust and ruin,fourteen-year-old Querry Genn struggles to recover the lost memory thatmight save the human race.Querry is a member ofSurvival Colony Nine, one of the small, roving groups of people whooutlived the wars and environmental catastrophes that destroyed the oldworld. The commander of Survival Colony Nine is his father, Laman Genn,who runs the camp with an iron wil... read more
Henge (Le Fay Series Book 1)
Realm Lovejoy
"Camelot meets Hogwarts meets Panem in this intriguing, well-written beginning to a planned YA series."--Kirkus Reviews_____________Inspired by one of the greatest legends of all time… Modern-day Camelot. Where knights no longer carry swords. Magic is dangerous. And those who seek control are not to be trusted. Sixteen-year-old Morgan le Fay is a fire user. An ordinary girl with an extraordina... read more
The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade
Jordan Sonnenblick
In sixth grade, bad things can happen to good kids. Bullies will find your weakness and jump on it. Teachers will say you did something wrong when really didn't mean to do anything wrong. The kids who joke the loudest can drown out the quieter, nicer kids.Maverick wants to change all that. One of the last things his father left him was a toy sheriff's badge, back when Maverick was little. Now ... read more
Evolving Elizah: Initiatum
Hall, C J
Aeturnum: Evolving Elizah Book 2
Hall, C.J.
The Juju Girl
Marsh, Nikki
Jennifer has 679 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Jennifer has been perfectly patient and informative each step of the way, especially with me, a new writer. She has an eye for character development, timing, humor, and how the reader will feel and react to each character. Her edits and guidance keep the target audience in mind, and her manuscript notes have helped spur more creativity and action in my story. I couldn't imagine going on this jo...
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Lori Tchen, May 2022
I cannot recommend Jennifer highly enough! I am thrilled with the work that we are doing together and I feel so supported and capable with her by my side during this process. She has the perfect amount of positive enthusiasm and constructive feedback to help any budding author achieve their goals. I would feel honoured and fortunate to have the opportunity to work with her again and again on fu...
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Jenna Verster, May 2022
I appreciated Jennifer’s prompt responses to my questions and submissions. She offered helpful feedback and was flexible with her schedule. I liked that she offered specific suggestions about adding a lesson to my story. It was a helpful addition and gave the story more character and meaning.
Mary Blakeslee, May 2022
Working with Jennifer was a pleasure! It was a month long wait to get started but after that everything was pretty quick. She always responded right away to any questions and was always courteous and professional.
Laurel Vornovitsky, May 2022
Jennifer was the creme de la creme!!! I couldn't have asked for a better editor. Super professional and punctual and even squeezed me in a little earlier than I originally thought possible with her calendar. Her feedback was really candid and she gave me such incredible and direct comments. I'm beyond happy with how my final edit turned out! Would 1000% work with her again and wholeheartedly re...
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Jessica Davidoff, May 2022
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