Meet Alex, Tellwell’s newest Publishing Consultant With a background in journalism, editing, marketing, and book coaching, Alex is passionate about helping authors bring their stories to life.
Get to know more about Alex, her journey into publishing, and what inspires her to help authors turn their book dreams into reality.
First things first, tell us a little about yourself! What would you like us to know about you outside of work?
I love spending time with my family! I’ve been married for 9 years to my husband, Dale, and together we have two daughters, Charlee (7) and Mia (5), a golden retriever, Leo and a black cat, Lola. I also love spending time outdoors in nature, especially taking long hikes.
What drew you to your role as a Publishing Consultant? What do you enjoy most about connecting with aspiring authors?
I’ve been storytelling my whole life! Prior to joining Tellwell I worked as a journalist, editor, marketing consultant and book coach. When I saw the opportunity to join the Tellwell team as a Publishing Consultant it felt like a natural fit. I love hearing all of the diverse stories our authors come to their calls with. Truly no two calls are alike. It’s always so interesting to hear about what inspired them to write. I believe that everyone has a powerful story to tell.
As one of the first people authors connect with at Tellwell, you get to hear all kinds of stories and book ideas. What’s your favourite part of getting to know an author and learning about their project?
I love hearing the why behind their story. Writing a book is no small feat. It’s a big investment of someone’s time and creative energy. It takes commitment and heart to complete a manuscript and I always love to hear about why they’ve taken on their project. It’s fascinating!
Every author has a different vision for their book. How do you get to know their goals and help them explore the self-publishing options that best fit their needs?
This is why the consultation calls are so important. No two authors are alike! Everybody’s reasons for writing and publishing are different and it’s through these conversations that I’m able to understand each author’s vision and how we can collaborate to support them in bringing that to life. Once I understand why they’ve written their book and what their goals for publishing are, I can identify the services they need to help them succeed.
Publishing a book can feel like a big step, especially for first-time authors. How do you help them feel more confident as they begin exploring the process?
Publishing is a big step! It can feel vulnerable and nerve wracking releasing your book out into the world. I always reassure authors that it’s normal to feel intimidated, confused or nervous about the process. I also like to break down each step and take the time to answer any questions that come up, so they leave our initial call feeling clear about their publishing options and what’s best for their book. I also like to remind them that writing the book itself is the hardest part of the journey! If they can get through that, they can absolutely get through the publishing process, especially if they’re enlisting professional help.
Building a connection is an important part of working with authors. How do you approach conversations with authors who may be unsure where to start or what to expect from the publishing journey?
I always love to start by asking them about their book and their goals, this gives me a sense of what the best starting point truly is for them and I can advise from there. I remind them there are no dumb questions and that we are truly there to support them and help them navigate the publishing landscape. Sometimes that means the end up investing in Tellwell’s support, other times it means they choose a different path. But what ultimately matters is helping them figure out the best path forward for them.
What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about self-publishing? What would you want aspiring authors to know
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from authors is that self-publishing might somehow damage their credibility, when that simply is not true. Self-publishing is an option for newer authors, but it’s also a path that established authors, influencers, entrepreneurs and notable figures are taking, because you retain full copyright ownership and creative control over your work. You also receive 100% of your net royalties. Many people still have the mindset that you need a big publisher to back you in order to have a successful book, but that is not the case anymore. Self-publishing is becoming more and more popular across the board and ultimately puts more power and profit in the hands of authors.
What’s the most rewarding part of helping someone take the first steps toward publishing their book? Is there a particular moment or experience that has stuck with you?
Many of the authors I speak with have dreamed of writing and publishing a book for most of their life. To be able to help them make that dream a reality is so rewarding and exciting. I recently supported a woman named Jane, who’s had a long career as a nurse, death investigator and grief educator, move forward with publishing her memoir. I could tell from our conversation how much she cared about her work and how much she had learned working so closely with death, something that touches us all. There was so much value she had to offer the world by sharing her wisdom through her memoir. I can’t wait until her book is released! It’s one I can’t wait to read.
If you could share one piece of advice with someone who has been dreaming about writing or publishing a book but hasn’t taken the leap yet, what would it be?
Go for it! Honestly, what have you got to lose? It has never been easier or more accessible to get your book out into the world. If you feel called to write and tell a powerful story, there is a reason for it. Trust it.
When you’re not connecting with authors, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to spend time with my family, especially getting crafty with my two daughters. I also love to cook! Right now I’m on a fall soup kick…
