Jemiscoe “Jem” Chambers-Black

Updated December 2025

I am currently building a diverse list of authors and illustrators. I represent Adult genre fiction, YA, MG, and picture book. Basically, I am greedy as hell, and I want all the books! Across the board, and regardless of age group or genre, I am interested in writing that contains authentic emotional resonance–whether it brings on laughter or tears or both. I also really LOVE love stories in any way that love comes, and so if that’s what you’re writing, please send it my way!

What Jem’s looking for:

“At heart, I’m drawn to stories that grip me—whether with laughter, tension, or high emotion. I love fiction that moves fast but leaves a lasting ache that’s unsettling or deeply human. Across genres, I’m most interested in stories that explore identity and connection, and refuse to play it safe.”

ADULT:

THRILLER | HORROR

Looking for twisty, high-stakes stories that don’t just shock, they reveal something about us. She’s drawn to psychological thrillers, social horror, and stories that weaponize truth and perception. Think GET OUT, SINNERS, WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING, THE OTHER BLACK GIRL, or something super disturbed like JULIE CHAN IS DEAD. She loves morally complex characters, explorations into the spectrum of evil, and tension that crackles off the page.

ROMANCE

Heart, humor, and heat! She’s here for it!!!

• Rom com | Contemporary – Something with depth, where charm meets emotional honesty, and something I haven’t quite seen explored before.

• Paranormal romance or Romantasy – Something lush, fast-paced, and extremely cinematic. 

• Action-Adventure – Something where danger and desire collide. Again, something cinematic, and where the chemistry burns. 

UPMARKET | BOOK CLUB FICTION

Emotionally resonant narratives that explore the messiness of being human—family, aging, identity, love, and…REGRET!!! Stories that make readers laugh, cry, and reflect in equal measure (Think MY OLD ASS). If your book could make a book club cry and debate morality, all while drinking wine, Jem will be your best friend!

MYSTERY | COZY MYSTERY

Open to mysteries with strong voice, clever plotting, and found-family energy—something that balances humor with heart. Think FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT or VERA WONG’S UNSOLICITED ADVICE FOR MURDERS. 

YOUNG ADULT:

ROMANCE

Something that sparkles with humor and heart while exploring identity and belonging. Jem is especially looking for something with a speculative or light fantastical twists that elevates the emotion and urgency.

THRILLER | HORROR

Looking for fast-paced, voicey, and cinematic YA thrillers or horror that explore power, fear, or social tension through a teen lens.

GRAPHIC NOVELS:

Open to author-illustrators (ONLY) across all age groups, especially Adult. Looking for work that blends striking, dynamic art with storytelling that’s emotional, bold, or eerie.

• Contemporary or speculative stories

• Psychological horror or thrillers

• Character-driven fiction where color, movement, and linework amplify feeling and theme.

MIDDLE GRADE:

Not open to MG at this time (unless author-illustrated GN).

PICTURE BOOKS:

Not open to PB at this.

ILLUSTRATORS:

Open to artists who want to work in any age category

Submission Guidelines

***I RESPOND TO EVERY QUERY THAT USES THE QUERY FORM BELOW***

• All submissions should include a short Query Letter to that agent introducing yourself and including a description of your work, as well as previous publishing credentials (if any), and publisher submission history. 
• Following your Query Letter, depending on what you are submitting, you will be asked to include:
  • Fiction (chapter books, MG, YA, Adult): first 10 pages typed (or copy/pasted) into the box provided in the QueryManager form
  • Graphic novel (art and text): attach 10-20 sample page spreads in jpg or pdf format, summary/synopsis typed (or copy/pasted) into the box provided in the QueryManager form, and provide link to online portfolio
  • Graphic novel (script only): first 10 pages of script typed (or copy/pasted) into the box provided in the QueryManager form
• Please be sure to enclose a contact phone number as well as your email address.
• Query Form: https://QueryManager.com/Jemiscoe (please note that I do not accept email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin queries)
• Publishers Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/Jemiscoe/

Guidelines & Details