Not sure. Could it be about writing a novel and getting it published in the NYT? Or perhaps discovering a new author through the NYT? You'll need to clarify for a better response.
Maybe Otis Taylor is a local figure in a certain community. He could be known for his integrity and this phrase is something he often says to encourage others to be truthful. For example, in a small town where he's involved in community affairs, he might use this statement to promote honest communication and transparency among the people.
The sudden strange noises make it scary. Like when you're in a small enclosed space like an elevator and there are unexplained creaking or groaning sounds, it immediately sets an uneasy mood.
Well, if Otis Taylor is a creative person, like a musician or a filmmaker, 'truth is not fiction' might be his way of saying that he wants to capture the real essence of things in his art. He might be against creating works that are just for the sake of entertainment without any real substance. His art could be a medium to convey real emotions, real stories, and real situations, rather than fabricating something that has no connection to reality.
Otis met his end in The Walking dead comic because he got caught in the crossfire during a zombie attack. His fate was sealed when he couldn't escape in time.
I'm not sure exactly who Amos Otis is. It could be a person from a particular profession or a character in a lesser-known story. Maybe he's someone whose story is yet to be widely shared and discovered.