Megan Okonsky
Q What do you do?
“I write full-length fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for clients who want to share their stories with the world.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
— Graduated from Temple University in 2015 with a degree in Strategic Communications
— Worked as a copywriting assistant, and later copywriter, while living the digital nomad life throughout Europe, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America
— Began writing manuscripts for clients on Upwork and through Leaders Press It sounds simple, but the common thread through all of these steps in writing.
That’s what I do, and that’s what I do best.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
— My tone is conversational and accessible. Every manuscript is ready to be made into an audiobook!
— I am one of the few writers that actually like to interview their clients.
— Yes, I’m young, but that has allowed me to adapt to different writing styles and play with different types of writing projects.
— I can connect you with an editor, a hybrid publisher, and other people who can help you publish your manuscript!
Q What are you working on right now?
— Finishing up a manuscript for a former senior manager at a multinational IT company
— Interviewing a pastor and former mortgage banker before the drafting process begins -Drafting my first fiction manuscript (think a Wes Anderson movie, but with lesbians in Buenos Aires)
— Pitching, exploring, and looking for my next project!
Q What’s your style?
As you read this, do you feel like you’re listening to an audiobook right now? Good. In addition to social media content and manuscripts, I’ve written many scripts for YouTube videos. I know how to write and have a conversation at the same time. It’s hard to provide a sample of this because most of my projects are under an NDA, but one of my recent manuscripts was made into an audiobook that became a #1 Amazon best-seller!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Fiction fiction fiction! The process for writing fiction is so different than nonfiction, and although I enjoy both, I wish I had the time to play with character development and dialogue in ways that only pop up in fiction novels.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
That bottom line! I wish I could spend more time on personal projects instead of taking jobs that just pay the bills.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Pitching to potential clients.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my younger self to just have confidence in your writing abilities! For years, I held back, thinking that there was no way I could make a living as a fiction writer. I was wrong.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Pitching to literary agents and publishers
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love any type of manuscript that tells a story, fiction or nonfiction. Recently, I wrote a book for a pastor about his life story: growing up in the projects, working as a mortgage lender, and going to jail. I loved interviewing him every week and helping him put together a book for him and his children to enjoy. Want to tell the story of your life? I'm your writer.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My dream of ghostwriting a real housewife’s memoir. I’m obsessed with reality TV and I believe that there is a lot that can go into these books that you don’t see on TV.
Q: What is your rate?
Full-length manuscripts (around 50,000 words) start at $7,500. That will include up to 15 interviews, one draft, and one round of revisions.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email! Tell me what kind of manuscript you want to write and when you'd like your first draft!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My pals at Eunoia Branding Agency (Daniela Brown, Jessie Bosley, and Learda Shkurti) introduced me to ilovecreatives in our co-working group! Their branding agency has a wonderful mission, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to do branding for me.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Reading, reading, reading!
This member profile was originally published in February 2022.