Angela McKenna, Founder of Omera Press, on Empowering Serious Indie Authors to Build Visible, Lasting Publishing Careers

Angela McKenna is the founder of Omera Press, an independent Canadian publishing and marketing platform built for serious indie authors with serious stories to tell. An award-winning writer and Publishing & Marketing Strategist, Angela blends science-rooted logic, business strategy, and creative storytelling to help authors move from manuscript to meaningful careers.

Built on the belief that Indie Doesn’t Mean Invisible, Omera Press supports writers who are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional publishers—offering publishing, marketing, and visibility strategies that position independent voices to compete on a global stage.

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I am an award-winning writer, Publishing & Marketing Strategist, and founder of Omera Press—an independent Canadian publishing platform built for serious indie authors with serious stories to tell. My movement: Indie Doesn't Mean Invisible. If we've done it right, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with traditional publishers. With a background in science (yes, I once spoke fluent Petri dish), a career in sales, and a lifelong love of storytelling, I blend creativity with strategy to help authors turn passion into publishing power.

Under the pen name Annie Mack, I am a published, International Impact Award-winning, middle grade author, and through Omera, I offer publishing, marketing, and visibility secrets that get books and their authors noticed. My mission? To help writers build real careers—not just one-off books—and to make sure indie voices are seen, heard, and taken seriously… with a little fun along the way.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

Absolutely. I knew that if I wanted to make a meaningful entrance into the publishing world, I had to show up where the industry gathers—so I invested in a booth at one of the biggest trade shows in the world: the London Book Fair.

It was the perfect fit. I had collaborated with my father on The Chronicles of Burning Candles, a middle grade series we both believed in before and during COVID. Writing had always connected us.

Sadly, he passed away during COVID before the series launched. But something powerful happened. My dad was born in England. He passed on March 11, 2022. The London Book Fair? The first day opened on March 11. Standing at that booth, I felt his presence—like he was still part of it all, watching over me.

That moment became more than a launch—it became a legacy.

And while the emotional impact was huge, the business return was just as real. The ROI from that event was over 3000%. I gained several incredible clients who’ve gone on to publish with Omera, and it firmly positioned us on the map as a serious player in the indie publishing space.

So no, it didn’t go exactly as planned. It went even better.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes—I’ve known since my university days that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I remember telling myself that by the time I was 55, I’d leave the corporate world behind and run my own thriving business. It wasn’t just a daydream—it was a promise I carried with me through every stage of my career.

I’m proud to say I’ve achieved that goal. Not without challenges, and certainly not alone. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to have family, mentors, colleagues, and supporters who helped shape the journey—and I’m deeply grateful for all of it. Building Omera Press wasn’t just about launching a business. It was about stepping fully into the vision I’d held for years: empowering other writers to do the same.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

Without question, it’s building Omera Press from the ground up and seeing it become a trusted publishing and marketing platform for serious indie authors. What started as a deeply personal vision—born from frustration with traditional gatekeeping and a desire to help writers like myself—has grown into a real, working model that helps authors get noticed, get published, and build lasting careers. Its foundation stems from the relationships I've built along the way. But more than anything, I’m proud that Omera has stayed true to its mission: Independent doesn’t mean invisible. Seeing that tagline in action—watching authors step into the spotlight and own their voice—makes everything worth it.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

That success doesn’t come from saying yes to everything—it comes from protecting your clarity.

In the beginning, I thought I had to prove myself by doing it all: every opportunity, every client, every request. But I’ve learned that focus is a form of power. The clearer you are on who you serve, what you stand for, and what you’re building, the easier it is to make aligned decisions—and the faster your business grows.

I wish I’d known that “no” can be just as strategic as “yes.” Boundaries are the blueprint.

What did you do before starting your own business?

My background is a bit of an unusual mix—science, sales, and storytelling. I hold a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph, with additional studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from Sheridan College. But as I like to say, “you can’t talk to a Petri dish.” While I’ve always loved the structure and logic of science, I was far more drawn to people—and to the challenge of translating complex ideas into meaningful stories.

That led me into sales and business development, where I spent over 15 years leading high-performing teams, negotiating multimillion-dollar deals, and building long-term client relationships. I became known for being able to connect dots that others missed—turning abstract value into clear, compelling results. And now, I bring those same skills into the world of publishing.

But beneath the business suit, I’ve always been a storyteller.

While building a corporate career, I carved out time to write. I spent four years studying children’s literature at the Institute of Children’s Literature, learning to craft stories that blended curiosity, science, humour, and heart for middle grade readers. Under the pen name Annie Mack, I began writing books that encouraged kids to explore the world around them and find their place within it.

In 2005, while living in British Columbia, I founded Mountainview Literary Agency to help other new writers navigate the often impossible path to traditional publishing. But over time, I saw the industry changing—and realized that “breaking in” shouldn’t be the only option.

In 2021, after years of experience, missteps, pivots, and hard-earned clarity, I relaunched Mountainview as Omera Press—an independent Canadian publishing and marketing platform created for serious indie authors. The name Omera comes from the Slavic word Omerga, meaning renewal and rebirth—which felt fitting. Because that’s what I aim to offer: a place where authors can breathe life into their stories, on their own terms.

Today, I combine my science-rooted logic, strategic business lens, and creative voice to help indie writers not only publish great books—but build real careers and real visibility. Through Omera, I offer professional publishing, marketing, and visibility secrets with one mission: to ensure independent voices are seen, heard, and taken seriously.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I took the leap to start my own business when I realized I was spending all my time selling other people’s products—while my own voice, and the voices of so many talented writers around me, were being overlooked.

I had built a successful career in business development, led strong sales teams, and negotiated deals that looked great on paper—but something was missing. The creative part of me kept pulling forward. I was still writing, still imagining, still holding onto the belief that stories matter. But I also knew firsthand how hard it was to break into traditional publishing, especially if you didn’t have the right connections or the right look on paper.

That frustration became fuel. And that fuel became the focus.

I didn’t want to just write books—I wanted to build a platform where other writers could be seen, heard, and taken seriously. So I brought together everything I’d learned—sales strategy, branding, storytelling, publishing—and built Omera Press. A place where independence doesn’t mean invisible. Where serious indie authors can grow their careers, not just launch a book.

It wasn’t just a leap. It was a return—to the kind of work that feels meaningful, and the kind of legacy I actually want to leave.

Do you have any recent wins?

It’s been an incredible year, and I’m proud of the momentum we’re building—not just for Omera, but for the authors we serve.

On a personal note, I was honoured to receive the International Impact Award for Children’s Science Fiction, which was a full-circle moment for me as both a writer and publisher.

For my clients, the wins have been just as meaningful. We’ve turned powerful stories into 5-star and Golden Quill Award-winning books, with glowing reviews from Kirkus, BookViral, and BookLife. Several of our authors’ titles have even made their way into the Oscars and Emmys gift lounges, putting indie books into the hands of major industry names.

Perhaps most exciting—Omera, Annie Mack, and many of our authors have been featured in Publishers Weekly, with some landing right on the front cover. It’s proof that when you blend great storytelling with the right strategy, independent voices can absolutely compete on a global stage.

And we’re just getting started.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Notes. Hands down.

It’s the MVP of my day. Whether it’s a book title idea, a marketing hook, a random quote, or a 2AM storyline twist—I’m always jotting things down. My Notes app is full of half-written captions, content drafts, business strategies, character names, and the occasional grocery list.

It’s where inspiration meets execution. It’s messy, brilliant, and always with me. I’d be lost without it.

Who are your customers?

Omera’s customers are serious indie authors who are committed to building lasting careers—not just publishing one-off books. They range from first-time writers feeling overwhelmed by the publishing process, to experienced authors looking to level up their visibility, brand, and sales. Many have strong manuscripts but need strategic support—from editing and design to metadata, marketing, and distribution. Omera also works with small indie publishers and boutique imprints who want help with author development and collective marketing power. Some clients come to Omera after being burned by vanity presses or underwhelming self-publishing results, seeking a trusted, transparent partner. Others are thought leaders, entrepreneurs, or professionals who want to write and launch a book that expands their influence and brand. Across the board, Omera authors are passionate, purpose-driven, and looking for real guidance—not cookie-cutter services—as they bring their stories to life and into the world.

What's your top productivity tip?

Know your energy, not just your hours.

I’ve learned that productivity isn’t about filling the calendar—it’s about protecting your creative bandwidth. Some tasks need strategy. Others need flow. I block my days accordingly. Mornings are for high-focus work like writing, content, or strategy. Afternoons are for calls, admin, or creative collaboration.

And here’s the non-negotiable: I schedule thinking time. White space is where my best ideas—and solutions—show up. If everything is booked, nothing can breathe.

So my tip? Treat your energy like a resource. Plan for what fuels you, not just what fills your time.

What's your favorite business tool?

Canva—without a doubt.

As a publisher and marketer, visuals matter. Canva gives me the flexibility to create everything from pitch decks and media kits to Instagram carousels and event banners—quickly, beautifully, and without needing a full design team. It helps me keep Omera’s branding consistent and professional, and it’s user-friendly enough that I can jump in with an idea and bring it to life in minutes.

For a visual business like mine, it’s a game-changer. Clean, strategic, and endlessly creative.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

Honestly? I don’t believe in “work-life balance.” That’s a myth. Life isn’t split into neat compartments—it’s messy, layered, and constantly shifting. For me, it’s about being intentional with my time and present in whatever moment I’m in.

When I’m working, I’m all in. When I’m with family or taking time for myself, I try to be just as focused. It’s not about achieving perfect balance—it’s about setting clear priorities, checking in often, and giving yourself permission to shift gears without guilt.

Integration over balance. Presence over perfection.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much—it often comes from doing too much of the wrong things for too long.

To avoid it, I check in regularly: Is this still aligned? Is it still mine to carry? If the answer is no, I delegate, pause, or pivot. I also protect my creative time like it’s revenue-generating—because it is. When you're building something you care deeply about, it's easy to overwork under the banner of “passion.” But passion without boundaries will burn you out just as fast as pressure.

And honestly? I make space for joy. A walk with my partner. A drink and great conversation with a friend. Date night — going to some of our favourite spots. Those moments don’t take time away from the business—they give it back to me in clarity and stamina.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, the perfect timing, or a risk-free plan—and that’s okay. The real magic happens when you move anyway.

Be clear on your why, open to suggestions, and don’t be afraid to do things differently. The traditional path isn’t the only one that leads to success. Protect your vision, trust your instincts, and don’t underestimate the value of RELATIONSHIPS. The right people can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

And remember: no one else can build your dream the way you can. So get moving.

Angela McKenna’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is often a return—to creativity, to purpose, and to the legacy we want to build. Through Omera Press, she has created a platform where independent authors are not only published, but seen, heard, and taken seriously.

If you’re a woman founder building something meaningful and looking for real relationships, strategic clarity, and direct access to opportunities that help you grow, Entreprenista was built for you. Learn more about joining Entreprenista League.