Jessica Berg (Agent)
REGISTRATION LINK FOR JESSICA BERG (active when registration opens September 10 for members)
Jessica Berg is the founder and agency director of Rosecliff Literary, a boutique agency built on the belief that ambitious writers deserve transparency, strategy, and a seat at the table. She earned her MFA from Spalding University and brings more than a decade of experience to her work with clients.
In addition to her agency role, Jessica serves as a contributing editor for Writer’s Digest, where she writes and consults on topics related to querying, craft, comp titles, and the business of authorship. She teaches globally on query letters, positioning, and sustainable author careers. Jessica serves on the board of the Historical Novel Society and is a chair for the National Women’s Book Association.
She lives online at @jessica__berg, where she talks about querying, writing life, and the realities of publishing with transparency, humor, and a touch of glam. Connect with Rosecliff at @roseclifflit.
Jessica Berg's Availability During Manuscript Mart Week:
Zoom Meetings with Jessica will be scheduled within these time periods (all EST), but are subject to change. If Jessica must make a change to this schedule, we will arrange a mutually agreeable Zoom time outside of Manuscript Mart Week.
- Wednesday, November 11: 10:00–1:00 EST
- Thursday, November 12: 10:00–1:00 EST
Please register with Jessica Berg ONLY if you can be available within the time windows above.
What I'm Looking For
I’m currently seeking both fiction and nonfiction projects with strong voice, emotional resonance, and something subversive at their core. In fiction, I’m drawn to genre-blending work that confidently sits in one lane. I have an eye out right now for horror of all types, as well as historical fiction, women’s fiction, upmarket, and bookclub novels.
As always, I'd love to see more upmarket book club fiction with big feelings and big hooks. I’m always looking for stories from queer, trans, and BIPOC authors, especially those exploring identity, longing, ambition, or survival.
In nonfiction, I’m looking for narrative projects with a wide reach: untold histories, true crime, pop culture, women’s health, wellness and career books for women, and smart self-help or personal development.
Across all genres, I prioritize platformed authors, distinctive voice, and projects that feel urgent, resonant, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Sample Titles or Authors
BIG & LILY, by Lisa Roe
MILL CITY MURDER, by Trisha Blanchet
A UKRAINIAN, by Katia Sinchenko (forthcoming 2027)
Specializes In / Will Consider
Specializes In:
FICTION: Commercial Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Thrillers/Suspense, Horror
NONFICTION: Cultural/Social Issues, Current Affairs, Food & Lifestyle, Military/War, Women's Concerns, Spirituality
Will Consider:
FICTION: Family Saga, LGBTQIA+
NONFICTION: History, Self Help