In this month’s Meet the Team feature, we’re introducing Bruce, one of Tellwell’s Publishing Consultants. From helping aspiring authors navigate their publishing options to hearing the stories and motivations behind their books, Bruce plays an important role in helping authors take their first steps toward publication.
Get to know Bruce, his journey into publishing, what he enjoys most about working with authors, and the advice he has for anyone considering publishing a book.
For those who may not know you yet, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role at Tellwell?
Hi, my name is Bruce Navarro, and I’m a Publishing Consultant at Tellwell. I’m often one of the first people authors interact with when they’re exploring their publishing options, so my role is really about helping authors understand the publishing process and figuring out how we can help bring their books to life.
What first sparked your interest in book publishing, and what led you to Tellwell?
I never imagined that I would work for a book publishing company, but I’m really glad I did. One of our Project Managers recommended that I apply to Tellwell, and I decided to give it a shot. Looking back, I’m very happy that I did. It’s been great discovering how much goes into publishing and getting the opportunity to work with so many different authors and their stories.
What does a typical day look like for you as an In-House Book Publishing Consultant?
My day usually starts with checking my calendar and reviewing the appointments I have scheduled. I make sure I have all the information I need so I can properly prepare for each conversation.
From there, I’m checking emails and speaking with potential authors who may be ready to publish soon, while also talking with authors who may just be planning for the future.
A big part of my role is making sure authors have the information they need to make an informed decision. I always say, “An informed author is a better author.”
What do you enjoy most about working with authors and being part of their publishing journey?
What I enjoy most is hearing the stories behind the books. Every author has a different reason for writing. Some simply want an outlet for their creativity, some want to leave a legacy for themselves or their family, and others want to make the world a little better by sharing an experience, an idea, or a story.
What I find rewarding is knowing that their book might reach one person, hundreds of people, thousands of people, or even more. You never really know whose life a story might impact.
What is one of the most common questions or concerns authors have when they begin the publishing process?
“How much does it cost to publish?” Haha, I’m half kidding, because that’s obviously part of a lot of my conversations.
But honestly, a lot of the authors we work with are first-time authors, and they don’t always know what they’re supposed to do next. So I try to share as much information as I can—not just about our services, but about publishing in general.
What advice would you give to an author who is just starting their publishing journey?
My biggest advice would be to gather as much information as you can before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’ve had authors come to me with what feels like a test paper’s worth of questions, and honestly, I’m happy to answer every one of them.
I always tell authors that if they have more questions, I’d love to hear them. You really can’t have too much information when you’re making a big decision like publishing a book. The more informed you are, the more confident you can be in the path you choose.
Is there an author or publishing project you’ve worked on that has been particularly memorable for you?
There are honestly a lot of books from authors I’ve spoken with that I wish I could mention them all. But off the top of my head, a few come to mind.
Water Your Flowers With Love: A Collection of Poems by Koula Hadjitooulou is one that stands out. It’s a beautiful collection centered around love, growth, and the things we sometimes need to remind ourselves of.
Hardy the Best Boy by Karly Sidman is another memorable one. I think stories about the connection between pets and their owners can really resonate with people, especially when that bond is such a big part of someone’s life.
And definitely keep an eye out for If Minerals Could Talk: Every Crystal Has a Story to Tell by Khadijat Muhammed, the first book in the Crystal Craze Collection. I think it’s a really fun way to introduce children to geology and the stories behind the world around them.
What do you think makes working with Tellwell a unique experience for authors?
I think one of the things that makes Tellwell unique is how collaborative and transparent we try to be with our authors.
We don’t want to lead someone into a false sense of what publishing is going to be like or make promises just to get them started. We want authors to understand the process from the beginning and know what to expect along the way.
At the end of the day, we want them to feel like they can trust us—from that first conversation all the way until their book is published.
What is one thing about the publishing industry that you wish more aspiring authors knew?
That publishing a book isn’t easy. There are a lot of steps you need to take—and I want to emphasize the word need.
Sometimes people want to take shortcuts because they just want to get to the finish line and see their book published. But I always think of it like building a house. You don’t want to take shortcuts just because it’s faster—you want to make sure the house you’re building is actually up to code.
The same goes for publishing. Take the time to do things properly. Writing, editing, design, and all the other steps are there for a reason. You don’t just want to publish a book for the sake of saying you published one—you want to put out the best book you can.
Outside of your work at Tellwell, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Honestly, I’m trying to stop myself from my addiction to social media! So I try to keep myself busy with other things.
I enjoy sports like pickleball, running, and billiards. I’m also into video games and music. I play the piano and do a bit of DJing as well. So whenever I’m not working, I’m usually trying to do one of those things—or trying not to spend too much time scrolling on my phone!
What is a book that has made an impact on you, and why?
A book I recently read that really made an impact on me was Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. What I found interesting about it was the idea that sometimes our instincts and first impressions are based on things we recognize or process without even realizing it. It made me think more about how we make decisions and when we should trust our gut.
Of course, I’m not saying we should make every decision on a whim—but I think the book made me appreciate that sometimes we know more than we realize, even if we can’t immediately explain why.
Finally, what would you like to say to authors who are considering taking the next step in their publishing journey?
Honestly? Call me! Haha.
But seriously, if you’re considering taking the next step in your publishing journey, just be ready to learn and take in as much information as you can. Ask questions, do your research, and don’t be afraid to take your time making decisions.
Publishing a book is a big journey, and there will definitely be a lot to learn along the way. But if you have a story you believe in, I genuinely think the journey is worth it.
