O’DONNELL LITERARY
Collaborating with writers to create captivating stories.
WELCOME
At O'Donnell Literary, we are reimagining the traditional literary agency model. Founded by Sandra O'Donnell, our boutique agency specializes in nurturing exceptional talent and delivering polished, market-ready manuscripts to the publishing industry.
Our Unique Approach
We believe that the finest writing emerges from a collaborative process. Rather than simply representing finished works, we engage with our authors from the earliest stages of their projects. Sandra works closely with each writer, providing hands-on guidance to develop compelling narratives, multi-dimensional characters, and prose that captivates readers.
This intensive, one-on-one approach typically involves multiple drafts, ensuring that every manuscript we present to publishers is as close to perfection as possible. Our process not only enhances the quality of the writing but also significantly streamlines the editorial process for publishing houses.
Beyond the Manuscript
Understanding that a great book is just the beginning, we also focus on developing our authors' professional skills. Sandra guides each writer through the intricacies of building an online presence, growing their audience, and navigating the business side of publishing. This comprehensive approach ensures that our authors are well-prepared for the demands of a successful writing career.
A Community of Excellence
Central to our philosophy is the power of community. We've cultivated a supportive environment where writers, agents, and book coaches come together in a year-long intensive program. This "writing bootcamp" provides weekly opportunities for authors to present their work and receive invaluable feedback, fostering continuous improvement and professional growth.
Industry Impact
With two decades of experience in publishing, O'Donnell Literary has developed a reputation for presenting exceptionally crafted manuscripts and well-prepared authors to the industry. Our selective approach allows us to focus on books we believe will make a significant impact—stories that resonate deeply with readers and have strong commercial potential.
We don't accept unsolicited submissions, we actively seek new talent through workshops, book festivals, and industry events. This approach ensures that we maintain our high standards while continually introducing fresh, exciting voices to the literary world.
At O'Donnell Literary, we're committed to bridging the gap between literary excellence and commercial success. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with industry professionals to bring remarkable stories to readers worldwide.
Sandra is a seasoned book coach, working with authors to take them from draft to polished manuscript. As a creative consultant, Sandra has designed author websites, created marketing campaigns, planned and executed book launches, and with the help of her former agenting partner, developed a pitch deck and shot a demo for a show pitched to HBO, Amazon, and Hulu about two brothers transforming the real estate market in Nashville.
Many of the authors she’s worked with went on to find excellent agents, editors, and publishing partners. However, she also saw projects languished once they left her charge. Frustrated authors asked her time and again to guide them through the next stage of the publishing process with the love and care she’d shown during the development phase of their books. She occasionally represents books as an agent.
Below are a few of the books she is grateful to have helped nurture into being.
Your First Fifteen Pages
Knowing she couldn't work with everyone, Sandra wrote Your First Fifteen Pages: An agent's guide to writing a book editors will publish, and readers will love. The book, the limited podcast, and all the resources provided on the Your First Fifteen Pages Patreon page provide writers with the knowledge and experience Sandra has developed over the past 20 years.
“The job of the writer is not to merely string words together on a page but to place those words so artfully, so strategically that readers keep asking for more by turning the page. Writing should propel us to the next scene by urging us to read just one more chapter even when we have work to do, kids to pick up, deadlines to finish, and dinners to prepare. That is the hallmark of excellent writing – a book that is impossible to put down.”
J.V.
“Sandra O'Donnell gives us an inside track into what agents and publishers are looking for - and it can always be found in the first fifteen pages, if you've done your job as a storyteller.”
Click a player below to listen to the Your First Fifteen Pages podcast.
2024 Sandra O'Donnell -- all rights reserved.