Jess Rothenberg is a literary fiction author, originally from Charleston, South Carolina. She is best known for her 2020 novel, "The Kingdom." Rothenberg developed a love for literature at a young age, growing up in a household filled with books. She pursued her passion for reading and writing at Vassar College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English.
After graduation, Rothenberg began her career in publishing, working as an editor for Penguin Books from 2004 to 2011. During her time at Penguin, she specialized in editing middle grade and teen fiction novels. Some of the titles she worked on include "I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil," "Strange Angels," "Vampire Academy," and "I Want to be Your Class President." After gaining valuable experience and industry knowledge, Rothenberg decided to leave her position at Penguin to focus on her own writing and freelance editing. She now writes full-time from her home in New York City.
In her free time, Rothenberg enjoys engaging in interpretive dance and dreaming of adopting a sheepdog. She is also an active social media user, sharing updates and insights with her followers on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @jessrothenberg. Rothenberg's debut novel for teens, "The Catastrophic History of You & Me," has been translated into over a dozen languages, showcasing her global appeal as a writer.