Querying is a nightmare. Honestly, most writers feel like they’re shouting into a void filled with form rejections and "not a right fit" emails. Then there’s Jessica Berg.
She’s the founder of Rosecliff Literary, and she doesn't exactly fit the mold of the "ivory tower" agent. If you’ve spent any time on the 2026 conference circuit—places like the San Diego or Cincinnati Writing Workshops—you’ve probably seen her. She’s the one talking about "feral encouragement" and why your book needs to feel like it belongs in a candlelit room while a storm is raging outside.
It’s a vibe. But is it a business strategy that gets books on shelves?
The Rosecliff Philosophy: Beyond the Gatekeeper
Jessica Berg isn't just an agent; she’s an author herself, represented by Amy Collins at Talcott Notch. That perspective matters. When she founded Rosecliff Literary, she did it with the explicit goal of being the "emotionally intelligent big sister" of the publishing world.
Think about that for a second.
The industry usually feels cold. Corporate. Berg’s approach is the opposite. She leans into the messy, chaotic part of the creative process. She’s known for being "in the Google Doc" with her clients, providing the kind of deep developmental editing that most big-box agencies just don’t have time for anymore.
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What She’s Actually Looking For
If you’re thinking of querying her, don't send a generic space opera or a formulaic romance. She’ll pass. Berg is incredibly specific about her "Manuscript Wishlist" (MSWL), and it shifts with the seasons.
Right now, she’s hunting for:
- Gothic Thrillers: Especially female-led stories with "feral vibes" and generational secrets.
- Supernatural Suspense: Think atmospheric, haunting, and emotionally heavy.
- Upmarket Fiction: Stories with high-concept hooks but literary-leaning prose.
- Unique Nonfiction: She has a weirdly specific (and cool) interest in cookbooks with fresh takes and memoirs involving military women or those adjacent to military life.
She’s famously said she wants books with "bite." If your manuscript doesn't have a sharp edge or a voice that demands to be heard, it’s probably not for her. She wants the stories that explore grief, longing, and survival in ways that make a reader feel slightly uncomfortable—but unable to look away.
The Reality Check: Sales and Standing
Let’s get real. In the publishing world, vibes don't pay the bills—sales do.
Rosecliff is a boutique agency, which means they don't have a 50-year backlist of Pulitzer winners (yet). However, Berg has been proving her mettle. A notable recent win involves author Lisa Roe. Berg brokered a "nice deal" with Harper for Roe’s book Big & Lily, a midlife survival story set in Alaska, slated for a Summer 2026 release.
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She also represents names like Vincent Zandri and Arizona Bell.
Critics on forums like Absolute Write sometimes point out that she’s a newer face in the agenting world. And yeah, that’s true. She doesn't have the decades of corporate tenure at a "Big Five" house. But for many debut authors, that’s actually the draw. You aren't client #400 on a list where the agent only calls you when there's bad news. You’re getting someone who is actively building a legacy.
How to Get Her Attention (Without Annoying Her)
Jessica Berg is a fan of Query Manager. Don't try to "hack" the system by DMing her on social media or emailing her personal account. Use the portal.
The Pitch Formula
She’s a stickler for a good pitch. In fact, she spends a lot of her time teaching writers how to do it through "The Writers Bridge" and various workshops. Her advice is usually simple: stop being cryptic.
Tell her exactly what the stakes are. Who is the character? What do they want? What happens if they don't get it?
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And for the love of all things holy, get your comp titles right. Berg uses comp titles (comparative titles) to see if you actually know where your book sits on a bookstore shelf. If you say your book is "The Great Gatsby meets Harry Potter," she’s probably going to roll her eyes. Be nuanced. Find books published in the last three years that share your tone or structure.
The 2026 Landscape
Publishing is changing. Fast. We’re seeing a massive shift toward "voice-forward" fiction—stories where the way the tale is told is just as important as the plot itself. This is Berg's home turf.
She is a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA), which gives her some serious industry street cred despite Rosecliff being a younger agency. She isn't just a rogue agent; she’s plugged into the professional standards of the business.
Is She the Right Agent for You?
Honestly? Maybe not.
If you want an agent who just handles the contract and stays out of your creative hair, Jessica Berg might be too "hands-on" for you. She’s an editor at heart (holding an MFA from Spalding University). She’s going to have opinions. She’s going to ask you to dig deeper into your protagonist’s trauma.
But if you’re a writer who feels "unseen" by the traditional machine—or if your work is a weird, beautiful genre-mashup that doesn't fit in a neat box—she might be exactly the champion you need.
Actionable Next Steps for Writers:
- Audit Your Manuscript's "Bite": Before querying Rosecliff, ask yourself if your story is "polite." If it is, Berg will likely pass. Look for ways to sharpen the emotional stakes and lean into the atmospheric elements.
- Check Her Current Status: Jessica Berg often closes to fiction queries to catch up on her "slush pile." Always check the Rosecliff Literary website or her Query Manager link before hitting send.
- Refine Your Comp Titles: Find two books published between 2023 and 2025 that match the feeling of your work. This shows her you’re a professional who understands the current market.
- Attend a Workshop: Berg is incredibly active in 2026. If you’re nervous about querying, find one of her online sessions through The Writer's Center or Writing Day Workshops. Hearing her speak often demystifies the process and helps you tailor your pitch to her specific tastes.