July 2026 Meeting: Jessica Berg on High Concept Fiction

High Concept Fiction: What It Actually Means & Why You Need to Know

You’ve heard agents and editors talk about “high concept,” but what does that actually mean for you and for the genre you write?

In this presentation, Jessica Berg, literary agent and founder of Rosecliff Literary will demystify one of publishing’s most-used (and most-confusing) terms. We’ll look at what high concept really means, how it functions differently across genres, and why understanding whether your book has it changes how you approach all aspects of publishing, no matter if you’re pursuing traditional or indie publication.

You’ll learn:

• The clear definition of high concept (and what it’s not)
• How to recognize it in your own work
• Why it looks different in literary fiction vs. romance vs. thriller vs. SFF
• What to do if your book isn’t high concept – and why that’s okay
• How this understanding shapes your query strategy

This session is for writers who:

• Want to understand industry language without the mystification
• Are preparing to query and need clarity on how to position their work
• Write across genres and wonder how this term applies to different projects
• Want to make strategic decisions based on their book’s actual strength

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.

Free download: How to Pitch Your Book in 30 Seconds at https://www.jessicaberg.me/the-30-second-book-pitch.