Author Archives: Tellwell Publishing

Tips & Tricks

Should you consider joining a writer’s organization?

Much like running, writing has a tendency to be a lengthy independent exercise. The road can often get lonely and desolate, and it can certainly be reassuring to see some fellow runners, or in this case writers, alongside. Regardless of which publishing route you choose – traditional or self-published, there’s still a long journey of self-promotion that lies ahead.

As a self-published author, you’re essentially taking on a new profession, and if this is your first book, there can be a steep learning curve ahead. But, having an outlet to gain advice and support from other writers can help drive momentum and establish a solid foundation as a writer.

Many authors look to a writer’s organization as an opportunity to turn an independent effort into a team sport. Whether it be a national organization with smaller regional branches, a provincial organization, or a niche specific group, you may want to consider joining one as part of your marketing and promotion strategy.

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Here are some of the advantages of becoming a member of a writer’s organization:

  • Support from a community of writers – In any given writer’s group, you’re guaranteed to have the opportunity to connect and interact with other authors, many of whom will have unique insights to bring to the discussion based on their own publishing experiences. In essence, they’re a great forum to gain feedback from fellow members of your craft.
  • Networking opportunities – Most writer’s organizations arrange events and other interactive opportunities for you to meet with professionals in the publishing industry. Whether they be editors, reviewers, booksellers or other high-profile authors, writer’s organizations offer good settings to increase your author network.
  • “How-To” guides and instructional information – One of the greatest advantages of writer’s groups (particularly at a national level,) is the knowledge base they can provide, especially to newcomers. From contracts and legalities to marketing and promotion, writer’s organizations are a great preliminary source for best practices in publishing.
  • Access to readings programs – Some writer’s organizations provide their members with the opportunities to participate in pre-established events and speaking engagements. These can include subsidies to invite writers to perform at a school or public reading, which can act as a great gateway to showcase your book to appropriate markets.
  • Access to apply for awards – Many writer’s organizations offer awards to recognize contributions to the literary industry, but the committee’s considerations are often limited to members only. By joining one of these organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your work for award consideration.
  • Writer’s Coalition Benefits – Many writer’s organizations include eligibility to participate in the group health and dental benefits plan through the Writer’s Coalition. If your principal profession is writing, it may be worth your while to have access to benefits, which aren’t usually available at a group rate in this trade.
  • Credibility – In the publishing realm, having a membership to a writer’s organization can enhance your status and clout as an author. As a self-published author in particular, this can be an extremely valuable confidence boost when you’re first starting out.
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Author of the Month Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Author Phil Earle shares the story of an unknown Canadian legend in new novel

Phil Earle’s father, Guy Earle, lived an exhilarating life. With his new memoir, I’ll Go the Length of Meself, Phil hopes to showcase his legacy as a great mariner, businessman, humanitarian, and exhibitionist, along with many other attributes.

There will never be another Guy Earle, there couldn’t be.”

This is his story, and Phil is proud to share it.

Never let failure define who you are, but instead, learn about yourself and grow from it.

– Phil Earle, author of I’ll Go the Length of Meself

Tell us about yourself.

From my mother and maternal grandparents, who were wonderful, I grew up believing their high standards for truth, compassion and integrity. From Captain Guy, my father, and my paternal grandparents, I learned to have respect for people and the world, and to have a drive to give the best of whatever life has given me.

What inspired you to write I’ll Go the Length of Meself?

In the beginning, I wanted to tell the story of the remarkable life of my father—this after he had been gone fifty years. And I finally, at the age of seventy, through maturity and wisdom, realized that no one had a life like him.

After finishing the book, it became obvious to me that Skipper Guy was a gifted, brilliant product of the people and culture of his era.

A second story was thus revealed in the book, the story of the great maritime people of the coast of Newfoundland. It became obvious to me that much of what I admired and expressed about my father and the culture of his people is strongly embedded in my character as well.

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Book Giveaways

Free book giveaway: July reads!

The days growing longer (and hotter) just means there’s more time for reading! Make sure to check out the July giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Three authors are hosting giveaways, with books spanning a variety of genres, so there’s a perfect read for everyone!

Are you searching for your next favourite story to tell around the campfire?

Then you won’t want to miss Old Bag of Tricks, the horrifyingly entertaining graphic novel by Kevin J. Cyr.

Most people think Halloween should be called a holiday, but for some it could be a reminder of a tragedy. On that night, the lives of three boys changed forever. Making the decision to go to that one last house proved to be a terrible mistake. Her appearance seems weak and frail, but she’s nobody’s granny—not by a long shot! Psychotic and delusional from lack of taking her much-needed medication, she finally gives closure to that town’s past with their missing children. Being a victim of rape as a young girl, living in a very abusive family home, and learning of her pregnancy were things that she could never make peace with and put behind her. Living as a hermit with her son and never seeing the light of day, she slowly slips into insanity. Those three boys never saw her coming. Who would ever suspect that this sweet old lady was a serial killer? Strong as a ox and limber as a cat, she has plenty of tricks up her sleeve. Enticing the kids inside with all her candy and spiked homemade cupcakes was easy. Out of these three boys, only one makes it out alive to tell the tale.

Are you searching for a story to inspire you?

Then you won’t want to miss My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner, an enriching story about the power of God’s love and how it reaches even those who have given up on life.

Fred was unaware of the poverty he was exposed to while he was growing up. As far as he was concerned, this was normal. His mom, Irene, a single mother, made certain that his two boys, Fred and his older brother Leonard, were well taken care of. After being a captive of a residential school, she came back home to Sturgeon Lake not knowing where she belonged, or where to turn.

Fred holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma from the University of Regina. He was the music director for the Onion Lake Log Church, where Martin Naistus is Pastor, until he was sidelined by kidney complications in August of 2020. Now he spends his time writing from his office at his home in Onion Lake. His life’s story, titled, “My Family, My Relations, My Friends,” will be his first book published. These days Fred spends most of his time tending to his grandchildren. He has accumulated much knowledge throughout his lifetime, and he is not shy about sharing his experience with his readers.

SOME OF THE STORIES YOU WILL READ IN THIS BOOK:
Hoss calls fire down from heaven in Pikangikum, Ontario.
The night Fred meets Jim Felix on an old country road.
The lessons learned from the old Blackfoot preacher, Hartwell North Peigan.
The day Kene Jackson from Sonrise Gospel Band comes for a visit.
The bionic preacher, Ross Maracle, invites us to Deseronto for the R. W. Schambach campmeeting.
Getting blamed for a walkout at Faith Alive Bible College.

Are you searching for your next real-world read?

Then you won’t want to miss What Cops Talk About Over Coffee by Robert Rogalski, featuring stories from police officers across Canada.

This collection of memories from police officers across Canada and some outside jurisdictions, include firsthand accounts of situations they have encountered in their careers from the 1950’s through to 2012. Contributions from RCMP, City Police, Federal and Provincial law enforcement agencies were collected over a 30 year period and pose as a snapshot of the type of conversations or “shop talk” two police officers might have during their coffee break. These accounts are both heartwarming and humorous, some are frightening; others offer some insight into the human spirit…they are real stories told by real heroes.


With so many great choices this month, you can read for free all summer long. Enjoy! And don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads after you’ve finished reading.

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Meet the Team

From the NHL to Tellwell, President Jason Farris shares why indie authors should consider Tellwell

Meet Tellwell’s new president, Jason Farris! A jack of all trades, Jason has worked in the marine world, the banking industry, the software industry, and the NHL before joining us here at Tellwell. Read on to learn about what attracted Jason to the self-publishing industry, and what he wants authors to know about publishing with Tellwell.

Tell us about your role at Tellwell.

I am the president of Tellwell, working closely with our founder to take the wonderful things that have already been built and find ways to take those capabilities and services to new authors. We’re just starting to expand outside of North America, and there’s a whole world out there of authors we can connect with to continue to support creativity and contribute to a broader cultural enrichment, helping to grow the opportunities for new authors, and providing top-notch arts-based jobs.

What did you do beforehand?

Before this, I was in the electric marine world, helping bring to market a 50-horsepower electric outboard motor. We developed a world-leading product, began delivering to our large list of pre-order customers and brought in General Motors as a 25% partner in the business.

Prior to that, I was chief operating officer of the Dallas Stars hockey club, helping bring them out of bankruptcy as part of the management team that rebuilt the franchise in an important market in the US for the National Hockey League. 

I’ve had the benefit of working in a variety of industries before that as well, including banking and software. So, coupled with being a self-published author myself, I’ve had a range of experiences that give me the ability to connect with our authors about what they do and want to accomplish, but also enable me to share my company-building experiences with our employees to help them grow and develop as Tellwell grows.

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Celebrating July’s Tellwell author success stories

Our Tellwell authors are so incredibly talented. We are always proud to highlight their many achievements. Keep reading to see a selection of recent author celebrations, including awards, media mentions, reviews and events.

Awards

Vali Benson’s Blood and Silver won a 2022 International Book Award in the Novella category.

Are you a fan of historical fiction? Get your copy of Blood and Silver here.

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Book Giveaways

Kick off summer with free books

Are you hoping to start summer with a new read? If so, then make sure to check out the June giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel. Seven authors are hosting giveaways, which means that you can add seven books to your digital collection for free. The books span a variety of genres, so everyone can find their perfect summer read. 

Love science fiction?

Then be sure to check out Descent into Darkness, Book 2 in the Chronicles of Deneb series by Zanne Raby.


For space-opera lovers, the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower journey into a universe plagued by human-made pandemics and all-out military warfare.

Descent into Darkness: Mayhem follows the Mayflower in the second book of the Chronicles of Deneb series. Journey along with the crew of the Space Ark Mayflower as they adapt to their new home on the planet Deneb. But along with their struggle to integrate into an alien culture, a new battle sweeps across the planet with the arrival of the human-transmitted Chimera bactovirus, bringing war and fanning the flames of racial intolerance. With a bloody conflict now raging across the planet, the crew of the Mayflower is split between the two factions and embroiled in the chaos and destruction. Descend with the crew into darkness, where the only survivors of a global war will be on the right side of the border.

Learn more and connect with Zanne Raby at zanneraby.com.

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Book Giveaways

Free Books for Summer 2022

Five different authors are hosting book giveaways this month. That’s five new books ready for your digital bookshelf, folks! If you’re looking for something new for your summer reading list, take a look at the May giveaways from these Tellwell authors, all of whom are offering their e-book for free thanks to BookFunnel.

If you like YA Historical Fiction…

Look for Enemy’s Keeper, the first book in the Forbidden Ties YA series by Kyrie Wang.

In a 5/5 star review, Reader’s Favorite said, “A swirling mix of political intrigue, vivid action sequences, and lighthearted romance makes Forbidden Ties a delight for medieval fiction lovers. Author Kyrie Wang’s tale of two people from opposing factions finding themselves forced to work together under extraordinary circumstances is captivating from start to finish.”

The orphaned. The outcast. In a country torn by rebellion, they will rise as heroes.

1075 A.D. England Nine years after the Norman Conquest

Orphaned during a rebellion against William the Conqueror, Heather’s life is just settling down when her childhood sweetheart disappears to save the son of a murdered Norman knight.

This quarrelsome son, Matthew, is determined to destroy the English rebels who decimated his household. Heather stays out of it—until she is accidentally entangled with a young rebel leader named Toby.

As she is whisked off through the forests of medieval England, inhabited by a dangerous but misunderstood tribal society, Heather is forced to take a side. Her decisions will put into peril everything she holds dear.

Learn more at kyriewang.com.

If you’re into philosophy, sociology, and current affairs…

Do not miss your chance to download a copy of Jeff Watson’s new book, Dying to Live: The Cost of Finding Purpose in the “Post-Outcomes” Modern World.

Drawing on insights from his childhood, military service, and central position within the bleeding-edge technologies of our time, author Jeff Watson seeks not to tell you what or how to think, but to challenge you to introspectively analyze your life to better understand why you think, believe, say, and do what you do.

Immensely thought provoking:

“This is a very well written book that challenges us to consider our beliefs and bias and our perspectives that we have; either consciously or unconsciously. It provided an opportunity for me to re examine that which I believe to be true and view power/authority constructs from a different perspective. Eyes wide open! Very thought provoking which left me ready to introspectively analyze my life to better understand why I think, believe, say and do what I do. Highly recommend!” – Amazon Reader Review

Learn more at evergreaterpineapple.com.

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Celebrating Tellwell’s Indie Authors – May Author Success Stories

We’re so proud to celebrate our authors each month and let everyone know how incredible they are when it comes to promoting their books to the masses! And this month is no different!

It’s been an exciting month for quite a few Tellwell authors – from award wins, to interviews with major media outlets, to some incredible reviews! Great work, everyone!

Paul Smyth’s DELIVERIES won the Action/Thriller Fiction award 2021/2022 from the 1st Annual BREW Book Awards, which is run by the book blogger group The Chrysalis BREW Project.

Are you a fan of suspenseful reads? Get your copy of DELIVERIES here.

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson publishes a children’s book with Tellwell

It’s been a big month for media mentions and publicity for quite a few Tellwell authors, including Lamar Jackson, QB for the Baltimore Ravens! We’re happy to share these recent features and interviews with you, as well as a few outstanding reviews. Oh, and did we mention that four Tellwell authors will be at the LA Times Festival of Books? That’s right! Check out the events section to find out who.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Writes Children’s Book

Lamar Jackson published his new children’s book I Dream, You Dream, Let Us Dream! Jackson achieved his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback, and he wants to inspire other young kids to aim high and dream big.

You can learn more through his recent feature on CBS Baltimore. And be sure to take a look at this great interview from Raven Country FanNation!

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