ABOUT US
Phoenix Media and Books, LLC is dedicated to publishing a variety of quality media and books with personalized care. Co-Founders Katie Otey, CEO, and Samantha Winkler, Creative Director, have 20+ years combined experience in many aspects of publishing (writing, editing, and creative artistic direction). As members of the SCBWI, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and the St. Louis Publisher's Association, we strive to provide unique books and novelty items that reflect the diverse nature of the world we all share.
Co-Founder, CEO
Katie Otey is the co-founder and publisher for Phoenix Media and Books, LLC. She is also an author and poet with an affinity for humorist writing. She has been in love with books since she was three years old and has spent the last eight years as a member and Network Representative volunteer for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
She is committed to publishing a wide variety of books for adults and children with a bent toward fun stories written by underrepresented authors.
Katie is a self-proclaimed learn-a-holic and has studied and conquered many different topics. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics from the HBCU Tennessee State University and a Masters in Education from McKendree University. She has worked a wide range of jobs from financial insurance, health insurance, car insurance (at Progressive before Flo became a thing), shipping and receiving, teaching, and government. She has always loved a challenge and is excited to combine her tenacity with her passion for books to ensure Phoenix Media and Books delivers an amazing experience for its authors and readers alike.
Katie met co-founder Samantha at their monthly SCBWI critique meetings. She looked forward to hearing Samantha's unique insight and loved her future partner's artistic ability.
When Katie isn't reading, writing, or publishing, she is singing, traveling, studying Spanish, helping friends with math, trying to jump double dutch without slipping a disk, or performing family skits with her kids.
Creative Director
Samantha Winkler is the Creative Director and an in-house Illustrator for Phoenix Media & Books, LLC. She is also a writer, illustrator, and mixed media artist in love with nature, fantasy, and all things spooky.
She tailored her Bachelor Degrees in English Literature and Art Studio with an added Minor in Creative Writing to embrace her devotion to all aspects of publishing: exploring creative writing processes, editing, collaborative illustration and art direction, storyboarding, graphic & web design, book design, and book binding techniques.
She met Miss Katie during their time as members and Network Representatives for the Southern Illinois Region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
When she isn't reading, writing, or publishing, she is drawing, painting, studying film, or finding any excuse for a nice hike outdoors or a visit to a zoo.
