Every great story starts with a blank page, and for Sarah Taylor-Malo, that blank page was an invitation to turn her challenges into something extraordinary. Her debut book, Growing Pains, is a testament to resilience and self-discovery—a beautifully crafted narrative born from a time of uncertainty and self-doubt.
In Growing Pains, Sarah opens up about facing anxiety and navigating the weight of unmet expectations. Like many young adults, she found herself questioning her life’s direction and struggling to define her place in the world. But through these moments of doubt, she uncovered inner strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey is not just a personal story; it’s a message of hope for anyone seeking to overcome their own growing pains.
Beyond her work as an author, Sarah wears many creative hats. Her love for storytelling extends to photojournalism, with her work featured in publications like the Toronto Star and the Winnipeg Free Press. Whether through the lens of a camera or the pages of her book, Sarah’s curiosity about the world shines through.
Currently completing her BA in Global Development Studies at Queen’s University, Sarah continues to explore stories that inspire, educate, and connect people. Growing Pains is just the beginning of her journey, and we can’t wait to see where her passion for storytelling takes her next.
Get to know the Tellwell team! Peek behind the scenes to see what fuels our creativity and teamwork as we bring stories to the world.
Meet Melissa:
Meet Melissa Barker, one of Tellwell’s amazing publishing consultants! Melissa takes us behind the scenes of her day, where she helps authors turn their publishing dreams into reality.
Her day is filled with answering inquiries, guiding authors through their publishing journeys, and ensuring they have all the tools they need for success.
When it’s time for lunch, Melissa enjoys delicious food, breathtaking views, and quality time with friends 🐑. Afterward, she dives back into team collaborations, supports fellow consultants, and tackles tasks that bring authors closer to achieving their goals.
Check out Melissa’s day in the life as a Tellwell publishing consultant here.
Meet Mark:
Say hello to Mark, one of Tellwell’s dynamic Book Marketing Associates! Mark works closely with our Book Marketing Consultants, ensuring our authors receive top-notch creative services. He’s also a key player behind Tellwell’s monthly blogs and newsletters, bringing fresh and engaging content to life.
To stay energized, Mark enjoys a quick run outdoors and a peaceful view before tackling the rest of his tasks. From team check-ins to project updates, Mark keeps the day on track with creativity and care.
Take a peek into Mark’s day in the life at Tellwell here!
New month, new book giveaways! From captivating historical romances and insightful non-fiction to empowering self-help reads, there’s something for everyone this November.
Don’t miss your chance to get these incredible reads!
Ready to be swept into a love story that transcends time?
Smelling Daisies by Elysia and Mark Stevens follows Daisy, a modern soldier, as she’s transported to medieval Scotland, where love, danger, and survival tests await. Can she conquer the lioness within?
Whenever things seem to fall apart around Daisy, romance novels are her way of escaping. When immersed in a novel, she can imagine herself in the story as the lead female character. Still, the difference between her and the typical female character in her novels is that she is not your average damsel in distress.
Daisy was raised by a military father who ensured his daughter knew survival skills and how to protect herself. Following in her beloved father’s footsteps, Daisy joined the army and met Justin. Eventually, Daisy’s dreams would come true. While on a decompression stop after a deployment overseas, she finds herself at the Lachlan Castle in Scotland. There, she is thrown back in time to the era she loves to read about, but things are nothing like she imagined.
When Daisy befriends a bonnie Scottish lass, she finds herself in a haven under the roof of the girl’s brother, a laird named Alick. It becomes clear that the laird is constantly challenged by the many nuances of Daisy’s status as a modern-day female soldier as she attempts to navigate the dangerous life in medieval Scotland. While trying her best to fit in, Daisy stumbles upon a psychotic baron named Thomas, who loves to torture women and is fascinated with her.
Both Laird Alick and Baron Thomas want to tame the lioness in Daisy but for different reasons. But Daisy is ill-prepared for medieval love or warfare and must train her heart and head to face what’s coming next.
Curveballs by Gail Taylor inspires self-discovery and living with purpose, blending personal stories, technology, and music to transform lives.
Here you are on the brink of a journey all about self-discovery and chasing dreams. With personal stories and tools that shaped the author’s path, she focuses on embracing authenticity. You’ll explore how living with purpose and passion is achievable. This personal-growth book combines cutting-edge technology and music interaction, reflecting the author’s belief that music can transform and positively impact individuals and communities.
Child Protection: Behind Closed Doors by Jo Cooling exposes the hidden struggles within child protection, from bullying to systemic failures. A powerful, eye-opening read that reveals the truth behind the scenes.
My journey started with a tragedy, which led me to study youth suicide and the impact this has on young people and their families. I was shocked to discover how many young people fell through the cracks of our broken mental health system. Furthermore, young people were also falling through the cracks of many systems, including Child Protection.
If you think you know what Child Protection is all about, think again. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when the public is not watching or listening.
This novel will highlight the difficulties and sometimes dangers workers face. Furthermore, it will shine a spotlight on the bullying that has been prominent within Child Protection for a long time and on Management, which has chosen to ignore it.
My story will also call attention to drug use within Child Protection. As well as Management’s lack of support for workers and why the same people who helped me advance my career were the same people who tried to take me down.
This book also looks at the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre cases I have worked on during my career as a Senior Child Protection Worker.
If you have been a client or are interested in a career in Child Protection, or just want a book you cannot put down, then this novel is for you.
The Art to Online Dating by Fleur Lamot offers a practical guide to navigating online dating with confidence, helping women understand motives, avoid mistakes, and find love.
A step-by-step guide to navigating dating and finding love on the World Wide Web, written by someone with firsthand experience on the topic, and who has also tested the theory on a number of case studies and through research. Authored from a female perspective, directed to a female audience, although potentially an eye opening and helpful read for a male reader too.
This book is not about making you a better person, nor is it a self help book. It is about changing your mindset when embarking on singledom and internet dating to not fear it, by equipping you with the understanding of people’s actions and motives.
Throughout the book you will be guided in setting up your online profile, picking your match, the all important art and the do’s and don’ts through every step of courting someone, all the way to going forward with your ultimate love match!
Reading this book will bring you confidence and or at least clarity. It will make you think about your past experiences and open your eyes to see where they may have gone wrong, and more importantly to ensure the same mistakes don’t happen to you on future experiences.
Financial literacy month is here, and so are the best picks to boost your money smarts!
If you’re ready to level up your financial game, check out this booklist for must-read money guides this November:
Invest Your Way to Financial Freedom by Bradford Woods
Whether you’re new to investing or an experienced stock trader, Invest Your Way to Financial Freedom provides a step-by-step system to maximize returns and minimize risk, following the principles of Ben Graham and Warren Buffett.
Retirement Reimagined by A. Cameron Strong
Retirement Reimagined addresses the financial struggles many Canadians face, from rising costs and debt to concerns about retirement. It offers practical solutions to regain control, plan for healthcare, manage housing costs, and create a retirement strategy that fits your needs, including budgeting for travel and helping loved ones. This book is a guide to establishing financial stability and securing a peaceful, fulfilling retirement.
A Fighting Chance by Doug Allan
A Fighting Chance was created to address the gap in financial literacy education, helping young people gain the knowledge and tools they need to make smart financial decisions. Written by an award-winning Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant, the book offers real examples, strategies, and mindsets that empower youth to leverage their most valuable asset—time. With an approachable tone, it provides a practical financial guide to help readers achieve both their financial and personal goals.
The Wealthy Martian by Karen Cumming
In The Wealthy Martian, Karen Cumming shares her journey from aspiring citizen astronaut to financial literacy advocate. After making it to the Mars 100, Karen realized a deeper issue on Earth: millions of young people are financially illiterate. In this book, Karen embarks on a mission to teach financial literacy, helping readers of all ages learn how to make their money work for them, not the other way around. Through mastering the basics, mindset, and the powerful investment strategy of DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan), Karen shows that financial success isn’t out of reach—it’s just a matter of learning the right tools.
Wealth Strategies for the Everyday Goddess by Reena Hunjan
Wealth Strategies for the Everyday Goddess empowers women to take control of their financial future. With a focus on the basics, Reena offers practical guidance for managing wealth, using relatable stories from women worldwide to illustrate how women can build financial security. As women are set to hold much of the wealth in North America in the coming decade, Reena’s book encourages them to direct their dollars toward causes that make the world a better, more beautiful place for all.
Preserving Wealth by Jack Lumsden
Financial advisor Jack Lumsden offers a clear and accessible guide to managing wealth and preparing for estate transfer. With over $1 trillion in personal wealth expected to pass between generations in Canada, Lumsden emphasizes the importance of planning for growth, capital protection, and minimizing estate taxes. He covers essential strategies for safeguarding inheritances, selecting executors, and having the crucial family discussions to ensure wealth is preserved for future generations. Preserving Wealth is a must-read for anyone looking to manage their financial legacy effectively.
Your Path To Wealth by Brian Thomas
Your Path to Wealth offers a straightforward and practical guide to building wealth, regardless of income or experience. The book emphasizes the importance of mindset, focus, and commitment in achieving financial success. With clear, actionable steps, readers will learn to manage spending, evaluate investment options like property, stocks, and mutual funds, and explore ways to accelerate wealth growth. Packed with tools and real-world experiences, this book empowers readers to set goals, stay on track, and select investments that align with their personal comfort and financial aspirations. Wealth is within your reach—this book shows you how.
L. M. Gregson, the author of Prue’s Journey, shares her incredible journey as a writer, blending the art of storytelling with the realities of daily life. From sparking ideas to refining her manuscripts, she remains deeply committed to her craft, embracing every step of the creative process with determination and joy.
Growing up in a small rural community, L.M. discovered her vivid imagination early on, crafting worlds and characters that would one day evolve into her stories. Her debut novel, Prue’s Journey, introduces readers to the fantastical land of Castalia, where adventure, courage, and magic abound. The Perdilum series, her first published work, is a culmination of her years of writing and a reflection of her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Through her writing, L. M. continues to explore new worlds and share her passion for storytelling, drawing from her own experiences and imagination to create stories that resonate with readers.
With new book launches, glowing reviews, prestigious awards, and public recognition, these success stories are a testament to their talent and dedication.
Join us in celebrating their incredible success stories this month!
Book Awards
A huge congratulations to Tellwell author Peter Gribble for his incredible achievement at the 2024 L.A. BookFest! Peter’s debut novel, Threat, the first installment in his City of the Magicians trilogy, has won Gold in the Literary Sci-Fi category. This thrilling series, which also includes Within and Quickening, has captivated readers with its imaginative storytelling and now boasts a prestigious award for its outstanding debut.
To celebrate his well-deserved win, Peter paid a visit to the Tellwell office, where he was warmly welcomed by our head of marketing and his editor. It was a special moment of recognition for a truly talented author whose work continues to inspire and delight. Congratulations again, Peter—this is only the beginning of an amazing journey!
Tellwell Publishing is thrilled to announce a monumental achievement: winning the prestigious 2024 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Vancouver Island Torch Awardin the Professional Services category. This award underscores Tellwell’s unwavering commitment to integrity, trust, and service excellence in the self-publishing industry.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
After being a finalist for three consecutive years, Tellwell has reached a significant milestone by securing this accolade. The award was graciously accepted by Founder and CEO Tim Lindsay and Head of Marketing Monica Martinez at the November 1 ceremony held at the Union Club of B.C. in Victoria. Reflecting on the honour, Tim Lindsay said:
Winning the Torch Award reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of the Tellwell team. We’re committed to providing a publishing experience grounded in trust and quality, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see these values recognized.
Recognizing Ethical Excellence
The BBB Vancouver Island Torch Awards celebrate local businesses that demonstrate outstanding ethical practices, strong community engagement, and exceptional customer care. Winners are nominated by customers and selected by a panel of judges, ensuring the recognition is rooted in genuine appreciation for the companies’ positive contributions. At the event, BBB President & CEO Rosalind Scott commended the 15 honourees for their dedication to the community, stating:
These businesses embody integrity and make a lasting impact.
Tellwell’s Journey of Trust and Transparency
Founded in 2015, Tellwell Publishing has been a trusted partner to thousands of authors across Canada, the USA, Australia, and the UK. This award reaffirms Tellwell’s mission to uphold the highest standards in publishing, fostering a culture of trust and transparency while delivering expert self-publishing services.
What’s Next for Tellwell?
This recognition is not just a testament to Tellwell’s past achievements but also a motivation to continue raising the bar in self-publishing. The team is inspired to keep providing authors with quality services and an experience rooted in trust and collaboration.
As Tellwell celebrates this milestone, the company extends its heartfelt gratitude to its authors and community for their continued support. This win is shared with everyone who has been part of Tellwell’s journey!
In honour of World Mental Health Day, Tellwell author Lisa Bournelis shares her journeyas the creator of Louie and the Dictator, a book delivering a powerful message about mental health. Inspired by her own child’s experience with OCD during the pandemic, Lisa crafted this story to support children facing anxiety, reminding them they’re the heroes of their own journeys. Her book offers a hopeful reminder that changing how we think can transform our lives.
Meet Tellwell author Alison Williams, a talented artist and storyteller who invites us into her creative journey! With a deep love for storytelling and a gift for visual art, Alison pours intention and heart into every project. For her, writing and illustrating go beyond simply creating books; they’re about building new worlds, embarking on thrilling adventures, and forging connections with readers. Each story she crafts is a reflection of her passion for art and the joy she finds in the creative process.
Tellwell author Karen Harmon shares her inspiring journeywith us—an award-winning writer whose path is as heartfelt as the stories she tells. Karen lives with intention, finding joy in nature, connecting deeply with others, and drawing inspiration from life’s simple, everyday moments. For her, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page; it’s a way to connect, give back, and reflect on what truly matters.
With four impactful books already published through Tellwell—Looking for Normal, Where Is My Happy Ending, Fat and Beautiful, and Class of ’78—Karen now looks forward to sharing her fifth. Each book she crafts is a reminder that stories are not just written—they’re lived. Through her words, she invites readers to experience life as she does, with open hearts and a deep appreciation for the world around them.
