About

Katie Otey is an author and poet who has been in love with books since she learned how to read at three years old. Mainly a humorist, her favorite stories can be described as comedies with heart that are mostly inspired by the antics of her five children.

In addition to writing, Katie has also taught Algebra to middle school and high school students. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from the HBCU Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee as well as her Master’s in Teaching from McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. 

Katie’s favorite pastimes are singing, performing skits with her kids, playing double Dutch, practicing her Spanish, traveling, and making others laugh. She joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in 2012  and served as a Network Representative for the organization from 2014 - 2022. Her picture book EVERY OTHER CHRISTMAS debuted from Sky Pony Press in September 2022. It was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Best Children's Book-English category from the 2024 Empowering Latino Futures book awards.

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In addition to realizing her own publishing dreams, Katie is the founder of the independent publishing company, Phoenix Media & Books, LLC. Her debut title, Sister, by Leia M. Johnson and S.J. Winkler, was named a 2024 Best Book by Kirkus Reviews and also won Phoenix Media & Books the Gold Award for Best New Voice in Children's/YA from the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Katie then published her middle grade title, Izzy's (Almost) Epic Day, which was named a Finalist in the 2025 IBPA Book Awards in the Humor category. Through her work with Phoenix Media & Books, Katie is determined to provide opportunities for a diverse array of creators.

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Katie is represented by agent Bonnie Swanson of Fine Print Literary Management and is @katieoteywrites on all social media platforms. Katie resides in southern Illinois with her family.