Jessica Berg
Rosecliff Literary
My Manuscript Wish List®
My Manuscript Wish List® Items
We’re drawn to bold, genre-mashing stories that take unexpected twists, feature larger-than-life characters, or blend adventure with heart-pounding thrills. We’re especially interested in narratives that elevate Jewish queerness, include intergenerational trauma, or offer a unique spin on dark academia—particularly with older protagonists navigating the shadows. Speculative fiction that merges magical realism with grounded plots, and stories that explore curses, haunted objects, or family secrets are exactly what we’re looking for.
Fun facts about me:
I make a mean shakshuka for a crowd and love experimenting with new recipes when I’m not buried in manuscripts.
Long-distance running is my therapy. It’s where I clear my mind and get inspiration for new plot ideas.
Dark academia is my vibe. I’m all about haunted mansions, gothic architecture, and stormy nights.
Vampires over werewolves, always. (Sorry, not sorry)
My cat, Larry, has been to 14 countries. He’s a pretty chill travel buddy and can nap anywhere.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome submissions via Query Tracker.
Please include a query letter and a one-page synopsis. We do not require pages with the initial submission but if interested in your project, we request the full manuscript. We aim to respond within 12 weeks, though we regret that we cannot provide personalized feedback at this time due to the high volume of submissions we receive.
Vital Info
Favorite sub-genres:
Adult Rom Com, Commercial Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Domestic Suspense, Domestic Suspense/Thriller, Fantasy Grounded in Reality, Historical Fantasy, Historical Fantasy; Fantasy Grounded In Reality, Historical Fiction, Historical RomCom, Historical Women's Fiction, Inspirational Memoir, RomCom, Romance, Upmarket Commercial Fiction, Upmarket Fiction, Upmarket Women's Fiction, dark academia, upmarket/book club with female protagonist, witches
I’d like the next…
Pachinko: Multi-generational family saga with historical roots, deep emotional stakes, and complex relationships.
Tomb of Sand: Literary fiction with social commentary, steeped in cultural history, but also filled with magic and surprising twists.
The Death of Jane Lawrence: Gothic romance blending dark academia with supernatural horror, focused on older protagonists.
The Guncle: A heartfelt, humorous, queer narrative with deep family dynamics and character-driven storytelling.
A House with Good Bones: A southern gothic horror with family secrets, curses, and eerie undertones that deliver slow-burn tension.
The Pomegranate Gate: Jewish-inspired fantasy that blends folklore with complex narratives, filled with magic and cultural roots.
The Thick and the Lean: Genre-bending speculative fiction that challenges societal norms and dives into identity and personal discovery.
Our Share of Night: A chilling novel about curses, family legacies, and supernatural darkness with deep emotional and cultural layers.
