Tell us about your role at Tellwell.
As a project manager, I help authors move through each step of the publishing process, providing guidance throughout the editing, design, illustration, and distribution steps, and everything in between. My role also includes acting as a liaison between the production and development teams, and I’m excited to be closely involved with producing the publishing webinars for authors that we will be launching very soon!
What did you do beforehand?
Before Tellwell, I worked in logistics and communications for a local non-profit organization, where I helped to produce and promote annual international jazz and blues festivals and other concerts.
How would people describe your personality?
I’ve been described as being very patient, calm, and optimistic. I like to think I’m at least a little bit funny, and like to keep things pretty light-hearted around the office.
What inspires you?
I genuinely love helping people create great work that brings benefit to the world, and I get a lot of satisfaction from finding creative solutions to complex problems. I also draw a lot of inspiration from being in nature, as well as from books, music, films, and great food!
What are you most proud of in your life? Biggest accomplishments?
Some of the accomplishments that come to mind include graduating university, climbing the highest mountain in Poland (it’s not that high), and losing an impressive number of foosball matches here at Tellwell. Also, I recently found a “Most Inspirational Player” award at my parent’s house that I won during my last year playing minor hockey, so that’s a pretty big one as well.
What is on your bucket list?
It’s funny, I don’t really have a bucket list, because I find the list changes pretty much every year. A couple constants are that I’d love to visit every continent and own a piece of waterfront property one day.
What are your favourite books to read and which books would you recommend?
I particularly love philosophical and historical fiction, as well as memoirs. I love reading stories that centre around cultures I don’t know very much about. Right now I’m reading My Struggle (Book 2) by Karl Ove Knaussgard, and my favourite read of late was Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeline Thien.
What advice do you have for authors?
The self-publishing process is an amazing opportunity for pushing the boundaries of what you think you’re capable of, embrace the challenge and don’t rush it! As the author, you are at the centre of the process: it is your book and you alone are ultimately responsible for the final content. You must be your own biggest advocate, so do some of your own research, learn how to market yourself, and proofread, proofread, and proofread again!
Describe your approach to working with authors.
I want to meet every author right where they are at, and treat them with respect and compassion, while being a voice of encouragement towards creating the best possible book. My goal is to share with each individual author how I believe they can get the absolute most value out of the Tellwell process.
What puts on a smile on your face every day?
The amazing team I work with at Tellwell, and all of the talented and unique authors I get to support every day! My partner (and my cat), friends, and family, as well as living in beautiful Victoria, BC are all pretty important to my happiness too!
