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Jessica Ciencin Henriquez is a compelling figure in contemporary literature and publishing a Colombian-American writer, editor, teacher, and founder of a progressive literary press. Whether you’re interested in her personal story, her work, or her mission to reshape the publishing industry, here is a deep dive into all you need to know about Jessica Ciencin Henriquez.

Early Life & Background

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez was born on August 27, 1985, and has roots in both Colombia and the United States. She grew up between Barranquilla, Colombia, and Miami, Florida, in a culturally rich and deeply formative environment.

Her academic journey is a blend of education and writing. She earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and Child Psychology from East Carolina University.  Later, she completed an MFA in Creative Non-Fiction and Literary Translation at Columbia University, equipping her with a strong foundation in both storytelling and cross-cultural expression.

Career & Work

Writing Portfolio

Jessica has built a prolific career as a freelance writer, contributing deeply personal, thoughtful, and socially conscious essays to major publications. Her bylines include:

• The New York Times

• Time Magazine

• Self Magazine

• Teen Vogue

• Oprah Magazine

• Parents Magazine, Elle, and more.

Her writing often explores themes such as parenting, mental health, identity, relationships, and spirituality.

Poetry & Literary Work

In addition to nonfiction, Jessica is also a poet. Her debut poetry collection is titled Burn After Reading, set to be published in 2025. The poems navigate grief, transformation, motherhood, spiritual awakening, and self-reclamation.

In one of her poems published in Columbia Journal, she writes poignantly about her grandfather, memory, and loss a beautiful blend of personal and universal experience.

Teaching & Editorial Work

Beyond writing, Jessica teaches memoir and personal essay workshops, sharing her craft with aspiring writers. She’s also worked as a ghostwriter and editor, contributing to children’s books, autobiographical novels, graphic novels, and more lending her voice and expertise to diverse literary projects.

Rev Publishing: A Bold Mission

One of Jessica’s most ambitious and impactful endeavors is Rev Publishing, a boutique literary press she founded. What sets Rev Publishing apart:

• Values-first model: Rather than chasing market trends, Rev centers on truthful, slow-growing voices.

• High writer compensation: Authors are offered two-book deals, generous profit-sharing (60%), and higher-than-average royalties.

• Minimalist public presence: Rev avoids social media hype, book-festival circuit distractions, and aggressive PR. The priority is on craft, not image.

• Intentional output: Instead of flooding the market, Rev publishes a carefully curated, small number of works each year.

Jessica created Rev to challenge what she saw as an “assembly-line approach” in traditional publishing too focused on volume and fast trends, rather than lasting, resonant work.

Personal Life

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez has been in the public eye not only for her literary work but also through her personal life.

• Marriage and Co-Parenting: She was married to actor Josh Lucas (known for Sweet Home Alabama, Glory Road, and more).

• Their son: They share a son, Noah Rev, born in 2012.

• Divorce and relationship dynamics: Their divorce was finalized in 2014. Despite that, they have maintained a bird-nesting co-parenting setup at times, meaning their child stays in one home while they alternate living there to give him stability.

• Public conflict: In 2020, Jessica accused Lucas of cheating during the pandemic, stating “I deserve better than this.”

• Privacy and balance: Though she has a public voice, she also maintains clear boundaries especially around her family and personal life.

Impact & Vision

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez is more than a writer she’s a cultural change-maker. Here are some of the key elements of her impact:

1. Advocacy through storytelling: Through essays and poetry, she brings attention to mental health, motherhood, healing, and identity.

2. Literary democratization: With Rev Publishing, she’s working to democratize publishing: giving authors more control, better pay, and a mission-driven platform.

3. Mentorship & education: By teaching memoir and essay writing, she helps emerging writers find their voices.

4. Cultural bridges: Her Colombian-American background and literary translation work give her a unique perspective, helping to bring diverse stories to the fore.

Notable Achievements

• Her work has appeared in some of the world’s most respected outlets: The New York Times, Time, Teen Vogue, Self, and Oprah Magazine.

• Founding Rev Publishing, which is redefining what a press can be truth-focused, writer-centered, and sustainable.

• Her upcoming book Burn After Reading (2025) is a poetry collection with strong spiritual and emotional resonance.

• She’s taught and shaped many emerging voices through her workshops and classes.

Why She Matters

• Authenticity in her writing: Whether through a deeply personal essay or a poem about loss, Jessica writes with clarity and vulnerability.

• Bold industry innovation: With Rev Publishing, she shows that it’s possible to run a press that doesn’t compromise on ethics or quality.

• Empowering underrepresented voices: Her work elevates voices that often struggle to be heard in mainstream publishing, including Latinx and marginalized writers.

• Bridge-builder: Jessica’s cross-cultural experiences (Colombian roots, U.S. education) bring richness and nuance to her storytelling.

In Conclusion

Jessica Ciencin Henriquez is a force in the literary world someone who combines emotional storytelling, social justice, and entrepreneurial vision. She challenges conventional publishing norms while crafting deeply personal and universal work. Whether you’re interested in her writing, her mission with Rev Publishing, or her journey as a mother and teacher, there is much to admire.

If you’re passionate about writing, publishing, or simply following impactful voices, Jessica’s story is definitely one to watch.