Monica Odom

Monica Odom – Editor

Big-picture, market-aware editorial guidance and publishing advice from a literary agent with 15+ years experience.

Overview

Working with me will be very collaborative, at times exploratory, but absolutely goals-focused. I come with 15+ years experience in working with writers, a master's degree in Publishing from NYU, and I'm a frequent guest at writers’ conferences and publishing institutes and universities, delivering keynotes, speaking on panels, and conducting workshops.

I'm the founder of an independently owned and operated literary agency where we prioritize hands-on development, client care, and author career + IP management. I am passionate about demystifying the publishing industry, elevating historically hushed voices and stories, and helping to shape books that move culture forward.

While I love working with my client list, I am keen to further support the writers and creatives whom I am not able to fit on my limited agency list yet whom I yearn to share advice!

I provide:

- editorial assessments and developmental editing on nonfiction book proposals, including memoirs

- editorial assessments and developmental editing on fiction, nonfiction, and illustrated manuscripts

- tailored career consulting for aspiring authors, where I share crucial behind-the-scenes insights on working with an agent and publisher; explorations of the various publishing paths available; discuss book idea viability and best packaging and positioning for success in today’s publishing landscape; plus overall career and IP strategy

*Please note: If you are looking to speak to me about literary representation, this is not the place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!*

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Comics Non-Fiction Humanities & Social Sciences
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels Contemporary Fiction Cultural & Ethnic Literary Fiction Middle Grade
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2019 — Present
I'm a literary agent specializing in nonfiction, fiction, and illustrated works for children and adults.

Montclair State University

Jan, 2023 — Present
I teach an Introduction to Book Publishing course each spring at Montclair State University, via the Creative Writing minor of the English Department, that culminates in the students volunteering at the Montclair Literary Festival - a major cultural event!

Portfolio

Maria, Maria: & Other Stories

Rubio, Marytza K.

Liveright

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
These Ghosts Are Family: A Novel

Card, Maisy

Simon & Schuster

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Out of the Sierra: A Story of Rarámuri Resistance

Blanco, Victoria

Coffee House Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Bodies Are Cool

Feder, Tyler

Rocky Pond Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Dancing at the Pity Party

Feder, Tyler

Rocky Pond Books

Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Caul Baby: A Novel

Jerkins, Morgan

Harper

Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Book Coaching
Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Full of Myself: A Graphic Memoir About Body Image

Gallagher, Siobhán

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching
Curlfriends: New in Town (A Graphic Novel)

Miller, Sharee

Little, Brown Ink

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Book Coaching

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