Announcing the Empowered Author Summit: Your Free 3-Day Virtual Event to Level Up Your Author Journey
Are you an aspiring or established author looking to take your writing career to the next level? Whether you’re just starting to draft your first manuscript or ready to scale your author brand, we’ve got something for you! We’re thrilled to invite you to the Empowered Author Summit, a free, three-day virtual event designed to empower authors at every stage of the publishing journey.
What is the Empowered Author Summit?
This exclusive summit brings together authors, editors, coaches, marketers, and publishing professionals to give you the tools, insights, and confidence to succeed in the world of books. Over three days, you’ll get practical advice, insider tips, and real stories from industry experts who have been where you are and know what it takes to get your book out into the world.
Mark your calendar—the Empowered Author Summit is happening November 5–7, 2025! Here’s what you can expect each day:
Are you passionate about helping authors succeed? We’re looking for dynamic speakers to join us for our first annual Empowered Authors Summit, a 3-day virtual event designed to support indie writers at every stage of their journey.
Event Dates: November 5–7, 2025
Day 1: Plan & Write: Authors will learn how to craft compelling stories, beat writer’s block, and learn how to stay productive and inspired.
Day 2: Publish & Distribute: Authors will learn how to polish and publish their book like a pro, from editing and cover design to choosing the right publishing path.
Day 3: Promote & Profit: Authors will learn how to turn their book into a business with strategies for marketing, branding, and monetization.
We’re inviting authors, coaches, editors, marketers, publishers, and other experts to share insights that empower indie writers.
Presentation Options:
60-minute webinar (including 15 minute Q&A)
Speaker panel
10-minute TEDx-style talk
Ideal Topics Include:
Story structure, memoir, ghostwriting, and productivity
Editing, formatting, publishing models, and design
Author platform-building, email marketing, and branding
Monetization, speaking, business-building for authors
Speaker Perks:
Exposure to 20,000+ authors via Tellwell’s network
Featured on the summit website with bio, links & promo
Full promotional kit and 50% commission on VIP sales via your personal link
Complimentary VIP access to the full event
Recording of your session (and clips for your use)
Calling all Tellwell authors! The Word on the Street Festival is Canada’s largest celebration of storytelling, drawing over 100,000 book lovers each year to downtown Toronto. This year, the 2025 festival will be held September 27–28 at David Pecaut Square, featuring hundreds of publishers, authors, and literary organizations—and we want your book to be part of the action!
We’re offering showcase-only display spots at the Tellwell booth—perfect for authors who want to get their book in front of readers without attending the event.
Showcase-Only Display – $250 CAD
This package includes:
✔️ Display of 10–25 copies of your book at the Tellwell booth on both days ✔️ Tellwell staff handling all sales or giveaways on your behalf ✔️ Personalized signage with your book cover, name, and tagline ✔️ 5–7 event photos + 1 video featuring your book, sent to you post-show ✔️ Feature in Tellwell’s blog and newsletter recap ✔️ Optional giveaways of remaining copies (books not returned unless arranged) ✔️ Sales subject to 8% transaction fee
*You cover the cost of printing & shipping; books must arrive by September 21. Toronto authors may hand-deliver books the morning of Saturday, September 27.
Want us to take care of printing and shipping for you? Just let us know—we’ll coordinate everything to ensure your book is ready and on display.
Optional Add-On: Promotional Materials – $300 CAD
Make a bold impression with customized, professionally designed materials:
25 printed bookmarks
25 printed business cards
One 8.5″ x 11″ poster
Digital files of all designs for your future use Prefer more of one item? You can mix and match (e.g., 50 bookmarks instead of a combo).
Spots are first come, first served—and they’re selling fast!
To secure your showcase-only display spot, fill out the sign-up form here, and we’ll send over your invoice and next steps.
Let’s get your book in front of thousands of readers at Word on the Street Toronto 2025!
In this inspiring conversation, Alyssa sits down with Elaine Alec, Indigenous author, speaker, and thought leader, to explore the powerful journey behind her books Calling My Spirit Back and Coming of Age. Through deeply personal reflections, Elaine shares insights into the creative process, the self-publishing journey, and the healing power of storytelling—especially within Indigenous communities.
Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone navigating your own healing path, Elaine’s wisdom offers valuable guidance on how vulnerability, authenticity, and connection can shape both personal and collective growth.
The Journey of Writing ‘Calling My Spirit Back’
Elaine Alec opens up about the writing process behind Calling My Spirit Back, a memoir that blends personal experience with cultural storytelling. For Elaine, writing wasn’t just about sharing her story—it was a deeply healing act. From confronting intergenerational trauma to reclaiming her voice, every chapter was a step toward spiritual and emotional restoration.
“Writing was a way to bring myself back to myself,” Elaine shares. “To call my spirit back.”
This #InternationalWomensDay, we shine a light on the remarkable women who are breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and leading with unwavering passion.
From authors and advocates to educators and trailblazers, these women redefine what it means to be strong and resilient. Their journeys—marked by courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams—serve as a testament to the power of determination and the impact of lifting others along the way. Today we celebrate their stories, their achievements, and the boundless possibilities they inspire for future generations.
Ali Williams
An inspiring coach and therapist from Adelaide, South Australia. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 45, Ali embarked on a transformative journey of healing in mind, body, and energy. Her experience ignited a passion for helping women do the same. Since 2017, she has been guiding clients worldwide through their own personal transformations. Ali’s journey also led her to write her first book, The Glorious Responsibility of Happiness, sharing the powerful message that happiness is within reach for everyone—often in simpler ways than we expect.
Chelsey Peat
Two Sides to a Face tells the inspiring story of Chelsey, a fierce advocate and educator who has defied the odds. Born with Sturge Weber syndrome, she underwent multiple surgeries, including life-saving brain surgery as an infant. Despite predictions of significant limitations, she has surpassed them all—earning a sociology degree and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With nearly 40 years of experience living with a facial difference, Chelsey channels her journey into powerful advocacy, fighting discrimination and fostering inclusivity through her work with various organizations.
Peta-Ann Wood
An author, healer, and unapologetic trailblazer. After 25 years in media, PR, and communications, Peta-Ann found a new calling as a Holistic Counsellor, Reiki Master, and Colour Therapist. A breast cancer survivor, she chose to stay flat after a bilateral mastectomy—no prosthetics, no reconstruction, just full self-acceptance. Through soul-searching and self-discovery, she realized she didn’t need a “new normal”—she simply needed to celebrate her uniqueness. In What Happens When They Don’t Grow Back, she shares her story with warmth, wisdom, and a refreshingly candid style, inspiring others to embrace themselves fully.
Rasie Bamigbade
A leader, mentor, and bestselling author dedicated to empowering others. As the founder of RB Jumpstart Coaching and RB Jumpstart Mentorship & Youth Leadership Training Society, Rasie helps corporate leaders strengthen their teams and guides aspiring authors from idea to publication. Passionate about uplifting youth, she provides mentorship resources and bridges the opportunity gap in leadership. In Be Not Alone, she shares her insights on self-leadership and personal growth, inspiring lasting change.
Monica Buchanan
Monica, a psychologist, educator, and advocate for community empowerment, authored Outsider, a powerful exploration of resilience, identity, and belonging. With a PhD in psychology and a background in Women’s Studies, she built a long and fulfilling career in counseling, psychotherapy, and coaching. Passionate about uplifting marginalized communities, she now develops strength-based resources to support those in need. An active volunteer, she continues to make a difference while embracing mindfulness, reading, writing, gardening, and meditative walks. Through both her professional and personal life, she inspires others to live with purpose, resilience, and compassion.
Elaine Kozak
An author whose journey has been as rich and varied as the stories she writes. From designing information-retrieval systems to shaping international trade policy and co-founding an award-winning winery, she has embraced each chapter of her life with passion and curiosity. Her vineyard experience led to her debut mystery novel, Root Causes, followed by The Lighthouse and Rhapsody in a Minor Mode. Now based in Victoria, Canada, Elaine continues to craft compelling stories, proving that it’s never too late to pursue new adventures.
Monique Gliozzi
Monique, a psychiatrist, educator, and aviator, has a passion for both medicine and aviation. Based in Perth, she specializes in forensic psychiatry and has served as a Senior Clinical Lecturer at UWA. She also holds a commercial pilot’s license and works as a senior flight instructor. Monique published Foresight, Hunted, Vestige, Diversity, Facets of the Past, Once Is Never Enough, Hidden, and Requittal with Tellwell.
Black History Month is here, and it’s time to celebrate the incredible voices that inspire, educate, and empower!
At Tellwell we’re shining a light on Black authors who have brought powerful stories to life—stories that spark conversation, uplift communities, and leave a lasting impact. Their words deserve to be read, shared, and cherished. Join us in honouring their contributions to literature and beyond!
Philip Pitia Lako
Philip Pitia Lako’s journey is one of unimaginable hardship, resilience, and ultimately, hope. Growing up in a Mundari village, his childhood was shattered at just ten years old when Sudanese rebels took him under the guise of education. Instead, he was thrust into the brutal reality of life as a child soldier, enduring relentless suffering, malnutrition, and the constant threat of attack.
In 2000, he escaped to a refugee camp in Kenya, seeking safety and a fresh start. However, the harsh realities of refugee life soon set in, replacing hope with despair. After four difficult years, he was finally resettled in Australia in 2004, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Lako shares his powerful story in The Ten-Year-Old Man: Unwavering Resilience to Self-Restoration, a memoir that recounts his early years in an African village, the brutal traditions of the Mundari tribe, his harrowing experience as a child soldier, and his journey to freedom. His story sheds light on the trauma of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the long road to healing.
As we step into a new year, we’re filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible accomplishments of our Tellwell authors!
From captivating media features and inspiring author spotlights to well-deserved book awards and unforgettable milestones, their passion and perseverance have truly stood out. It’s been an honour to witness their success stories unfold and to be a part of their journeys.
Let’s celebrate their remarkable achievements as we take a look back at the highlights and milestones our authors achieved over the past year!
Author Spotlight
Tellwell author Joseph Camel’s book,Little Joe in the Big City, is now featured on the iconic Times Square billboard in New York City.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell, the ultimate guide to navigating the world of self-publishing. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or uncertain about how to get your book out into the world, this podcast is for you. Whether you’re an aspiring author or already on your self-publishing journey, our mission is to help you break down the complexities of the industry and provide you with expert insights and practical advice that will help you succeed.
What Can You Expect from ‘Demystifying Self-Publishing’?
The self-publishing industry can often feel overwhelming. With so many options available and countless decisions to make, it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s where Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell comes in. This podcast will guide you through every step of the process, from the initial concept of your book to the final launch and beyond.
Episodes will feature in-depth interviews with industry professionals, successful self-published authors, and publishing experts who have been through it all and can share their valuable knowledge. Whether you’re curious about formatting, marketing, or distribution, or curious about how other self-published authors have found success, we’ve got you covered. Our guests will share their stories, struggles, and triumphs to give you an honest look at the journey of self-publishing.
Why Tune In?
Self-publishing is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it can also be challenging. The landscape has evolved so much over the years that what worked for authors in the past may not be as relevant today. That’s why staying informed is crucial, and Demystifying Self-Publishing aims to keep you up to date with the latest trends and tips.
For anyone looking to make their mark in the self-publishing world, this podcast will offer you everything from inspiration to actionable steps. Every episode is designed to leave you empowered and ready to take the next step in your publishing journey.
What’s Next?
We’re kicking off the podcast with a series of episodes featuring some truly inspiring guests, including Tellwell’s very own founder and CEO, Timothy Lindsay. We can’t wait to introduce you to experts who can provide tips on navigating common challenges and authors who have successfully built their self-publishing careers.
The first episode is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and our full video episodes are available on YouTube. Whether you’re thinking about writing your first book or looking to grow your self-publishing career, Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell is here to help you along the way.
So grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s demystify self-publishing together! Don’t forget to subscribe!
PS: Interested in being a guest? We are looking for authors or industry experts who have thrived in the world of self-publishing, overcome obstacles, or have unique perspectives to share with our audience. Apply now!
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!
Stay connected and inspired by their recent book updates, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes looks at their writing journeys!
Alexandra Labrie
What’s more exciting on vacation than diving into a good book? Tellwell author Alexandra Labrie shares a snapshot from her recent getaway on her Instagram, featuring her book The Shadow of Her!
Karen Harmon
Tellwell author Karen Harmon just shared on her Instagram reel that she has officially submitted her new book manuscript titled Class of ’56!
