This month we’re putting the spotlight on one of Tellwell’s dedicated project managers, Reggie. As a key part of the publishing journey he works closely with our authors, guiding them through each stage of the process, keeping projects on track, and ensuring their work is brought to life.
Get to know more of Reggie and his role at Tellwell.
Can you tell us a bit about your role as a project manager at Tellwell, and what a typical day looks like for you?
A typical day starts with me completing urgent tasks such as reviewing design drafts for my authors. After that I move on to answering emails or giving authors a quick call if they need a gentle reminder about their tasks. Overall, my focus is on guiding them closely and effectively throughout the process of completing their book.
You connect with many teams, like editing, design, illustration, distribution, printing, and marketing. How do you make sure everything stays on track for each book?
Communication is key. It gets busy for me at times, but whenever I get the chance I make sure to respond to inquiries and follow up with those departments. They’re also great at addressing questions from my authors that I may not be able to answer. After all, communication is a two-way street.
What do you find most rewarding about helping authors bring their book ideas to life?
From hearing their vision during the orientation call to getting a glimpse of their story and inspiration to seeing the book published and sending out copies, every step feels like an achievement. Celebrating each milestone with the author is incredibly rewarding. Publishing a book is never easy, which is why it’s so fulfilling to see the work we’ve done together finally come to life.
As a self-publishing company, part of the process requires authors to be actively involved. How do you set clear expectations with authors at the start of their journey so they understand the work required on their end?
Getting the facts straight and ensuring the author understands what lies ahead is important. Many authors expect us to handle everything, but it’s helpful to remind them that their book is their brainchild: it needs their care and active involvement. Encouraging and empowering them to make decisions along the way is essential.
What part of the publishing process do authors tend to find most challenging, and how do you help guide them through it?
Many authors struggle with tasks that require technical skills, such as reviewing and editing Word files or adding revision comments to design drafts, especially since these are things they never expected to do before signing up with Tellwell.
What’s the biggest challenge in managing multiple projects at once, and how do you stay on top of everything?
Managing multiple projects is one thing, but managing them while also handling tasks that authors either struggle with or are unable to do adds another layer of challenge.
How do you keep authors feeling supported and confident during the sometimes overwhelming publishing process?
Making sure authors receive timely responses and reassurance that I’m with them goes a long way. Even if I need extra time to research their questions, I always ensure they know I’m on top of their concern and actively working on it.
What skills or qualities do you think make a strong project manager in the publishing industry?
Project managers need to be accommodating, empathetic, understanding, firm, and knowledgeable to be effective. As author-facing representatives, we must show authors that they are welcome and reassure them that we have the information they need to successfully work with us in publishing their book.
What’s something you’ve learned about books, authors, or publishing since joining Tellwell?
I’ve learned that books are more than just pages to flip through or a source of entertainment. They are an individual’s imagination brought to life through literature. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many types of authors: some publish for their profession, others for their families, communities, or personal journeys. What they all share is a deep passion for the purpose behind their books.
When you’re not managing book projects, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I am a physically and mentally active person. I enjoy sports, especially badminton, freediving, running, and working out. I also love to read books. I especially love the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and George Orwell.
