Children’s Author
Editing Services
Critiques for Writers:
I critique easy readers, picture books, magazine pieces, and poetry. For easy readers, picture books, and magazine pieces, I charge $100 (plus user fee for Paypal, Venmo, etc) for two critiques. For poetry, please contact me and we can discuss what you need. Critiques will focus on big picture items like character, story problem, plot, pacing, voice, structure, conflict, and resolution. I’ll also comment on grammar and punctuation. Payment is made via Paypal before we begin working together.
I am a traditionally-published children’s author of over 90 books, both fiction and nonfiction. I am also a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and two long-running picture book critique groups. I have served on picture book panels, at conferences, and as a picture book mentor. I taught College Composition in an earlier life. I love helping others make their writing shine!
To make the most of a paid critique, I recommend you make your manuscript the best it can be by running it past a writing friend or critique group ahead of time. Please note: a paid critique is not a guarantee that you will be able to sell your book to a publisher.
Testimonials:
“Jody is a professional children’s author herself, so you know she’s someone you can trust in her critiques. I sent her two stories, and in both of them, she could pinpoint where the reader would get stuck or lose interest, giving me some sound judgment and advice to help move them forward. It’s been a delight working with her so I know I’ll be doing it again for future stories. I’m happy I found her!” -Stephen W.
“Jody’s knowledge and expertise concerning writing and publishing children’s books is exceptional. She is a true professional and her advice and guidance was so helpful to me. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs direction in navigating the world of children’s book writing and publishing.” -Julie D.
“Jody is wonderful to work with. Her notes and insights were very valuable for my children’s book. I highly recommend her.” -Denise G.
“Jody’s guidance and feedback were invaluable. Her knowledge and personability combine for a quality service. Her ideas are creative and constructive but not imposing. She has a firm grasp of the publishing world and the different options it offers. She is also very easy to work with and quick to respond to inquiries. I highly recommend. “ -Shawn F.
Freelance Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading:
I edit and proofread for publishing companies and book packagers. I use Chicago Manual of Style 17 and Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I am intimately familiar with Microsoft Word and Track Changes. I am detail-oriented and always meet or beat my deadlines. Clients include Teacher Created Materials, Red Line Editorial, and A Child’s World, to name a few. References available upon request.
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early readers, editing, freelance, picture books, proofreading, work for hireAbout
Jody Jensen Shaffer (SHAY-fur) is an award-winning poet and the author of more than 90 books of fiction and nonfiction for children, including Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story (2026 Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award nominee, 2025-2026 Show Me Award/Missouri prelim nominee, Oklahoma’s 2025 Donna Norvell masterlist, 2024 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, 2024 Crystal Kite Winner, 2024 CYBILS Award Finalist Elementary Nonfiction, “Best of 2023” Pennsylvania School Librarians, SLJ starred review), The Last Day Julian was My Best Friend (2025 Crystal Kite Winner, Betsy Bird’s Best of 2024 Readalouds List), Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater (2026-2027 finalist Missouri Show Me Award), Prudence the Part-Time Cow (Missouri Show Me Award finalist, National Book Festival pick), A Chip Off the Old Block (Iowa Goldfinch Award nominee, Amazon Teachers’ Pick), It’s Your First Day of School, Busy Bus! (Amazon best seller and Book Box pick), Sometimes I am Hot Lava, and more. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. Jody lives in Liberty, Missouri, with her family. When she’s not writing, Jody can be found spending time with family, walking her rescue dog, Sophie, and cheering on the Chiefs and Royals. You can find Jody online at jodyjensenshaffer.com, on Twitter and BlueSky @jodywrites4kids, and on LinkedIn.
Proudly represented by @casahasegawa of @the_t2_agency. You can reach Carter at carter@tugeau2.com.
From Jody:
I grew up the youngest of three kids in a northern Missouri college town, where my dad taught anatomy and physiology and my mom taught at the local elementary school. I earned my Bachelor’s in English from William Jewell College and my Master’s in English from Truman State University. After 12 years in the business world, I left to raise my children, and that’s when I fell in love with children’s literature.
10 random facts about me:
1. I am endlessly fascinated by the natural world.
2. I try to walk for exercise most days.
3. I like dogs. A LOT.
4. I am a member of two long-term writing groups. We give each other feedback to make our stories better.
5. I prefer a hoodie over a sweater, tennis shoes over heels.
6. The one food I can’t live without is peanut butter! Yum!
7. I love laughing and funny people and things.
8. I can sing the names of the 50 states in alphabetical order and the preamble to the constitution.
9. I remember the exact moment I learned how to read.
10. I loved being a kid.
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Author Visits, Children's Author, early readers, fiction, nonfiction, picture books, school visitsContact
Follow Jody on Twitter @jodywrites4kids
Email Jody at jodyjensenshaffer @ gmail.com, or fill out the form below. NOTE: Please check your SPAM folder, if you haven’t heard back from Jody within one day!
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author visit, early reader, fiction, nonfiction, picture book, school visit2026-2027 Author Visits
Whether in-person or virtual, exploring fiction or nonfiction, Jody inspires! She loves talking with kids about reading, writing, and books! Just reach out, and she’ll make it happen. Scroll down for pictures and endorsements!
For kindergartners and first graders, Jody shares how books can bring joy, heal hurts, and become friends. For second and third graders, she focuses on taking a great idea, forming it into a story, and then sending it into the world to become a book. Jody explores the writing process with fourth and fifth graders, and gives students a sneak peek into the world of publishing, where students become agents and editors. For second through fifth graders, Jody shares how fun, exhilarating, and oh so cool nonfiction is! Q&A follows each fun, interactive presentation. Want Jody to focus on something else? No problem! Just ask! Printable page 2026-2027 Author Visits with Jody Jensen Shaffer
Looking to include Show Me Finalist Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater in 2026-2027 visits? Let Jody know!
Options:
Title: SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE BOOKS!
Audience: K-1
Length: 30 minutes
Title: HOW A STORY BECOMES A BOOK
Audience: 2-5
Length: 45 minutes
Title: ROCK WHAT YOU WRITE
Audience: 4-5
Length: 45 minutes
Title: CREEP, LEAP, CRUNCH! NONFICTION IS COOL!
Audience: 2-5
Length: 45 minutes
Questions? Want to customize? Focus on a specific book or writing topic? Just ask!
Pricing for library or classroom visits
IN-PERSON FULL-DAY:
3-4 Sessions
$1,800. Up to four schools may share the day, as long as travel time allows.
IN-PERSON HALF-DAY:
2 Sessions (must both be AM or PM)
$1,000
IN-PERSON PUBLIC LIBRARY VISITS, LITERACY NIGHTS, WRITERS’ WORKSHOPS:
One hour $500
Two hours $750
Feel free to coordinate with another school or library in your town!
Travel fees apply to all visits (mileage, airfare, hotel, meals, etc)
VIRTUAL AUTHOR VISITS:
$450 for one 30-minute session
$1,000 for four sessions
NOTE: Jody will send a contract to confirm all details. Fees are payable the first day of her visit. For an assemby, Jody prefers a group size of no more than 175 students and charges the half-day rate. Questions? Email Jody at jodyjensenshaffer@gmail.com.
Think you can’t afford to bring an author to your school? Here are some creative ways others have done it! Successful Author Visits (And How to Pay for Them) and 35 Ways to Fund Author Visits
Endorsements:
“Our students and staff LOVED having Jody visit our building! Her interactive, thoughtful presentation helped expose students to the writing process and her kind, easy-going nature made her visit a breeze! She is welcome back any time!” – Megan Bright, Librarian, Lillian Schumacher Elementary, Liberty Public Schools
“Jody presents very engaging material, teaches them about the writing process, and students love her books!” – Liz Vannelli, Kellybrook Library Media Specialist, Liberty Public Schools
“The kids loved Jody’s visit. She was engaging and funny. Even a teacher came and told me that Jody was her hero!” Debbie B., Librarian, Rose Acres Elementary, Maryland Heights, MO
“Jody is friendly, approachable and she shares her experiences as an author in an encouraging way that inspires the students to write their own stories. The 3-5 group loved the interactive demonstration of how a book gets a publisher.”
“I loved her interaction with students during the publishing process skit. She was an all around amazing presenter…I wish we had had more time for her to keep talking about her books. The kids loved listening to her stories.”
“I loved how she interacted with students. They really liked her and she was very sweet with them. I loved when she brought students up with props to act out a scene. Very fun!”
“We enjoyed how personable Jody was and how she interacted with the students. We also enjoyed that she was local!! What a great experience for our kids!”
“I like the way she explained the publishing process by having students come up and play specific roles. Because they were part of it, they were very engaged!”
#KidsNeedMentors video in Maryland Heights, MO
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11DTufchzIF2myV_RY7Mh72OvLVzFafQa/view
