Meet Alyza Alenton, one of Tellwell’s project managers. With a love for books and journaling, Alyza brings dedication and passion to every project she handles. From orientation calls to coordinating with editors and designers, she helps guide authors through each step of their publishing journey.
Read on to learn more about Alyza and her role at Tellwell.
Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you based, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m based in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu. I enjoy reading and collecting books as well as figurines. I also love journaling and playing games with my friends.
How did you get started in publishing, and what led you to Tellwell?
I actually got introduced to Tellwell and publishing from Francis, one of my close friends and now co-workers here at Tellwell.
What does a typical day look like for you as a project manager?
It’s mostly answering emails from authors as well as engaging in meetings and support calls scheduled for the day. I also assess manuscript files and design files from our different teams so that they can be forwarded to the author or endorsed back to the specific editor or designer that needs to work on them.
Can you walk us through your role in an author’s self-publishing journey?
It starts off with our orientation call, which is usually the first time I meet the author. I walk them through the production process here at Tellwell. After that I will help the author through the process, making revision comments for their cover or helping them check their edited files for edits and comments from their editor. I also help them if they need any help with pricing, categorizing, or updating the information of their books.
You work closely with many departments: editing, design, illustration, marketing, distribution, and printing. How do you keep everything coordinated?
I have a lot of notes that I take and I always do my best to update the persons involved as soon as I can. This helps me not forget to get the details of things that need attention.
What’s one part of the publishing process that authors are often surprised by?
From my experience, authors often get surprised by how much work is involved after writing the manuscript. You never realize how many things you need to sign off on when it comes to creating a book. With designing the book cover alone, it takes a couple of revisions and approvals before the team can create the final files for publishing.
What are some common misconceptions authors have about the publishing process, and how do you help manage those expectations?
One of the most common misconceptions I’ve seen is that the publishing process can be rushed. Most people think that once the manuscript is done then everything should be quick. It really takes a good few months to be able to finish all the aspects that are involved in creating a well-rounded and professional book. I’m always up-front with my authors at the first meeting on how long the process can be, and it’s always a give and take when it comes to getting everything finished. It’s as much their job to keep things on track as it is mine.
Publishing a book can be emotional and overwhelming for some authors. How do you support them through moments of doubt or stress?
I find having someone there to talk to about their worries or ease their concerns is always a start. Most of the time having to overthink by yourself is the most detrimental part. Whenever my authors have concerns or worries I always encourage them to reach out, even if the concern may not be resolved right away. Having an ear to listen always helps calm things down.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Any memorable moments or success stories you’d like to share?
I find all my authors’ successes very rewarding. Getting to see their books published and out there into the world makes me as a project manager feel their joy. Being able to share their journey and letting me be a part of it is always gratifying.
What’s one piece of advice you often give to authors going through the publishing process for the first time?
To breathe and have fun. Taking things one step at a time and seeing your progress as you walk through the process is what makes things good, and good things always take time.
Lastly, just for fun, what’s a book you recently read and loved?
I’m in between books at the moment. Currently I’m reading A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. They’re pretty different from each other but I find reading two books at a time lets me have options for when my mood changes.
