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Author of the Month: Remembering Cindy Cherry — a Daughter’s Tribute, a Lasting Legacy

A loving daughter, animal advocate, and determined storyteller, Cindy Cherry leaves behind a powerful legacy with her final tribute to her father, Don Cherry

While hockey fans may know her as Don Cherry’s daughter, those closest to Cindy remember her as a passionate advocate for animal welfare and health causes. She was a founder of Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation, dedicating much of her life to saving and supporting animals in need.

At Tellwell, our Author of the Month features usually spotlight writers and their creative journeys. This month’s feature is a little different—and deeply special. It’s a tribute to Cynthia Margaret “Cindy” Cherry, an author, daughter, mother, and passionate advocate who left an indelible mark both in print and in life.

Cindy Cherry, the daughter of legendary hockey coach and media personality Don Cherry, passed away unexpectedly on July 15, 2024, at the age of 67. While the loss is felt profoundly by those who loved her, including her father Don, son Del, and brother Tim, it also reverberates through the Canadian literary and sports communities, who had only just begun to discover her voice through her debut book.

Cindy’s book, The Don Cherry Story, is not just another hockey biography. It’s an intimate, unfiltered, and fiercely loyal account of Don Cherry’s life as seen through the eyes of the person who perhaps knew him best. From his coaching days with the Boston Bruins to his decades-long tenure on Hockey Night in Canada, Cindy was there, taking notes and witnessing history unfold.

The book doesn’t shy away from controversy, including a candid account of her father’s highly publicized firing from Coach’s Corner in 2019. In a chapter titled “Poppygate,” Cindy offers her family’s side of the story, one of heartbreak, loyalty, and resilience.

More than a biography, the book is a love letter from a daughter to her father, and to the Canadian hockey culture that shaped them both. Released in April 2025, coinciding with the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the book quickly soared to the top of several Amazon.ca categories, reaching #1 in Hockey Biographies, Memoirs, and New Releases.

While hockey fans may know her as Don Cherry’s daughter, those closest to Cindy remember her as a passionate advocate for animal welfare and health causes. She was a founder of Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation, dedicating much of her life to saving and supporting animals in need. Inspired by a rescue dog named Lucy, Cindy’s compassion extended beyond words and into tireless action.

In her youth, she made a life-changing decision to donate a kidney to her brother Tim, a gesture emblematic of the selflessness that would define her life. Cindy also spent over a decade working with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, championing awareness and support for those battling kidney disease.

Cindy’s passing came just as she was preparing to release not one, but two books. While she didn’t live to see her work in readers’ hands, her son Del and the Cherry family made sure her dream was realized. A second book, planned for release this Christmas, will continue Cindy’s storytelling legacy.

As Del poignantly said, “This is her story, through her eyes.” And through her eyes, we’re invited not only to see Don Cherry as a national figure but as a father, a mentor, and a man deeply rooted in family tradition.

We honour Cindy Cherry not only as an author but as a woman of conviction, compassion, and courage. Her book reminds the importance of telling one’s truth, and to the enduring power of love, compassion, and loyalty.

In her memory, a portion of the proceeds from The Don Cherry Story will support Don Cherry’s Pet Rescue Foundation, ensuring that Cindy’s legacy of kindness lives on.

Cindy Cherry reminded us that stories matter, especially the ones told from the heart. At Tellwell, we’re proud to have been part of her publishing journey and to celebrate her as our Author of the Month.

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Book Giveaways Uncategorized

Your Next Great Read This March—on Us!

This March, let a new book take you on an unforgettable journey! Whether you crave adventure, mystery, or inspiration, there’s a story waiting just for you.

Enchanted tales of love and mystery

Can a princess defy fate and forbidden love to save her kingdom? Discover the secrets of Harbinger by Niah Bach!

In Praetoria, the elite do not have any special talents. Then why is it the only imperial princess is having vision-like nightmares? These dreams foretell the destruction of her world and the death of her family, and every day they gain strength in their horror.


The return of a particular imperial rook changes the tone of her dreams, providing her with much needed relief. But this too is perplexing, for he is a rook and she an elite. The law strictly forbids a union between the two. 


Yet four little female moiohs scheme to bring them together, providing the path to secure their future, a future threatened by traitors who would use the princess as a way to steal her father’s throne.

Click here to get your FREE copy

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Literary Wins of March

This month authors have reached exciting new milestones, from launching books to earning well-deserved recognition. March has been filled with inspiring moments in the literary world—let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Publicity

A story of survival, resilience, and an unbreakable bond. Richard K. Lowy’s Kalman & Leopold: Surviving Mengele’s Auschwitz shares the powerful true story of two boys who endured unthinkable horrors, were separated for 56 years, and found their way back to each other. Featured in North Hollywood news, this book is a vital reminder to preserve history and stand against rising antisemitism.

Amherstburg resident Stacey Davidson has turned a long-held idea into reality with 15 Fishes, her debut children’s book. Inspired by a fleeting moment nearly two decades ago, her story is a testament to the power of creativity. Featured in River Town Times, Davidson shares her journey from inspiration to publication—and she’s just getting started!

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How to Make 2025 the Year You Finally Write (and Publish!) Your Book

As we close the chapter on another year, it’s the perfect time to start a brand new one—literally. Whether you’re working on your first manuscript or ready to self-publish your magnum opus, 2025 is your year to take control of your writing destiny. Think of it as the opening lines of a brand new book, where the plot is in your hands, and the ending? Well, that’s up to you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to help you write, publish, and market your book like a pro. Here’s your blueprint for turning those writing and publishing dreams into a reality next year.

Step 1: Set Clear, Manageable Goals

First things first—write down your goals. Here’s how to break down the massive task of writing and self-publishing into bite-sized, manageable chunks.

  • Be Specific: “Write a book” sounds great, but “Write 2,000 words a week” is something you can actually track. Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  • Create Milestones: Write 10,000 words? Celebrate. Finish your first draft? High five yourself. Set achievable milestones so you can feel a sense of progress along the way.
  • Get Organized: Whether you love spreadsheets, notebooks, or fancy apps, find a system that works for you. Trust us, there’s something magical about crossing things off a list!

Step 2: Prioritize Writing Time (Because Life Doesn’t Stop)

The world won’t pause just because you’re writing a book. Kids, work, laundry (ugh)—life has a way of taking up space. But to make 2025 the year of your book, you need to prioritize writing time.

  • Find Your Best Writing Window: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Embrace your natural rhythm and carve out time during your peak hours.
  • Stop Waiting for “Inspiration”: As much as we would like it to, inspiration isn’t going to knock on your door when you want it to. You’ve got to show up and work. Even if you’re feeling uninspired, write anyway. Sometimes the magic happens when you push through the block.
  • Write Everywhere: Got 10 minutes before your meeting? Jot down a few sentences. Stuck in traffic? Try brainstorming ideas. You’d be surprised how many words you can sneak in between life’s busy moments.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for short, focused writing sessions. Aim for 30-minute bursts of writing. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those words add up.

Step 3: Publish Like a Pro

Now that you’ve written your masterpiece (yay!), it’s time to take the next step: publishing. But no need to panic—the publishing options available in 2025 are diverse and there is something for everyone.

  • Interested in traditional publishing? Do some research and connect with a literary agent who will work to pitch (and sell!) your manuscript to a publisher. Keep in mind that if you sell your manuscript, you’re also relinquishing your rights to the book.
  • Looking to DIY? Amazon KDP is a quick way to get your manuscript to the masses if you aren’t interested in having professional formatting, design, or editing before your book goes to market.
  • Curious about a happy medium? Assisted self-publishing with a reputable company (like us!) allows you to retain your creative control while receiving global distribution and putting your best foot forward through professional design, illustrations, formatting, editing and book marketing services.

Step 4: Market Like You’ve Got a Bestseller (Even If You Don’t . . . Yet)

Okay, so your book is out in the world. Now, how do you get people to notice it? Spoiler alert: writing the book is only half the battle—marketing is where the magic happens.

  • Start Early: Build your author platform before your book is released. Social media, blogs, and newsletters are key to growing your audience. No, you don’t have to post every day, but consistency helps.
  • Network with Other Authors: The author community is huge, and many writers love to support each other. Join Facebook groups, attend online conferences, and collaborate. Cross-promotions and shout-outs can be a game-changer.
  • Leverage Book Reviews: Reviews are the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. Send out ARCs (advanced reader copies) to bloggers, influencers, and readers in exchange for honest reviews. Just don’t forget to thank them afterward!

Pro Tip: Use tools like Goodreads to run promotions. It may take some time to build up momentum, but it’s worth it. Need some extra marketing help? Our Book Marketing Team is always happy to chat.

Step 5: Don’t Get Discouraged—Keep Going

Here’s the thing: you’re going to face setbacks and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going.

  • Celebrate the Small Wins: Finished your manuscript? Celebrate! You deserve it. Received your first review? Text your best friend. Don’t wait for big success to appreciate the journey.
  • Learn from Mistakes: You’ll make them. We all do. Learn from them, grow from them, and keep moving forward.

2025 is your year. Write your book, publish it, and share it with the world. And remember, every bestselling author started just like you—sitting down and writing one word at a time.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make 2025 the year you stop dreaming and start publishing!

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Boost Your Book Launch with Our New Release Date Features!

At Tellwell, we know how important your book release is. It’s more than a date on the calendar, it’s the moment your story meets its readers. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce two exciting new features to give you even more control over your book’s big day!

1. Set a Specific Launch Date for Your Book

Planning your release date just got easier! You can now choose a specific launch date for your book—whether it’s a special day, a milestone, or the perfect timing for your marketing efforts.

Here’s how it works:

  • Pick a date at least 2 weeks in the future.
  • We’ll begin the distribution process 3 days before to help ensure your book is available across platforms when launch day arrives.

With a specific launch date, you can confidently plan your promotions, book events, or online buzz knowing your book will hit the shelves when you’ve planned it to!

2. Pre-Order Setup for Ebooks

If your publishing package includes eBook distribution, you now have the option to set up pre-orders! This powerful tool lets readers place orders for your eBook before your official release date, giving you a head start on sales and creating excitement for your book release.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pre-order process:

Start Date: This is when pre-orders begin. You’ll need to set a start date at least 2 weeks in the future to give everything time to align.

On-Sale Date: This is the big day! Pre-orders are processed and delivered to readers. The on-sale date must be at least 30 days after your pre-order start date.

If you’re also launching a print edition, the on-sale date for your eBook will align with the specific launch date for your book. While we strive to make sure both formats are available simultaneously, please keep in mind that occasional delays can happen due to unforeseen distribution issues.

Why These Features Matter

A planned and strategic release can make all the difference in building buzz, boosting sales, and reaching your readers. With the ability to choose your release date and set up eBook pre-orders, you’ll have the tools you need to make your book release a success.

Ready to plan your perfect launch? Reach out to your Tellwell team to get started today!

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Making the Most of Holiday Book Sales: A Guide for Authors

Maximize Your Book Sales This Holiday Season with Targeted Promotions, Festive Networking, and Creative Marketing Strategies

The holiday season is upon us, and as Christmas decorations light up the streets and people start filling out their shopping lists, the opportunities for book sales abound. As an author, this time of year may seem like the perfect chance to boost your sales, but it can also bring unique challenges.

With countless promotions and competing products flooding the market, your book could risk getting lost in the holiday shuffle. However, with the right strategies you can make the most of the Christmas season and potentially see a significant boost in your book sales. By finding a holiday niche, utilizing your network, and promoting creatively, you can help position your book as a perfect gift option!

Here are some tips to help you maximize your holiday book sales:

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Author of the Month Uncategorized

From Football to Poetry: October’s Author of the Month, Darryl Sampson

Learn about his creative process, reflections on life after sports, and the values driving his work with Yonge Street Mission and Finintel Coaching.

I have always felt that responsibility to give back to the community that I live in what they have given to me.

Darryl Sampson

Darryl Sampson, a former defensive back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has had an illustrious career marked by multiple Grey Cup victories and all-star recognition. After stepping off the field, Darryl has taken on new challenges as a coach, an accountant, and, now, an author. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey from the football field to poetry, the lessons he’s learned from a life of sport, and how his passion for teamwork and giving back continues to shape his work today.

You had an impressive career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning multiple Grey Cups and earning all-star recognition. How did those experiences on the field shape your approach to life after football?

The experiences of my career as a professional football player and the accomplishment of achieving the highest recognitions in the sport taught me that diligent and focused work habits pay off in the long run. It takes perseverance and determination to continue to do something repeatedly until you perfect your craft. It has taught me to stay in the game of life and not give up or I will miss the good things at the end of the tunnel.

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Tellwell Indigenous Voices Grant: Now Accepting Applications!

Now accepting applications for 2024. July 31 deadline.

Tellwell is now accepting applications for our Indigenous Voices book publishing grant. We are seeking Indigenous authors with a book idea or manuscript who need help getting published.

Tellwell is allocating $10,000 of in-kind services towards one or two book projects. These services will cover things like writing coaching, editing, design and layout, illustrations, printing, distribution, and marketing support. The creation of the Indigenous Voices Grant was announced by Tellwell in Fall 2023.

The deadline for applying for the grant is July 31, 2024. Indigenous authors can apply by submitting a simple form at the link below.

APPLY HERE

Books can be in any genre, such as:

  • Illustrated children’s books
  • Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Memoir
  • Multi-author collaborations
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Author of the Month Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews Uncategorized

Author Bryan Cole unveils the complex world of paladins in his fantasy novels ‘Beginning of Arrogance’ & ‘Futility of Defense’

Dive into an exciting interview to discuss the creative process for an epic fantasy series

Cole’s vivid depictions of combat are nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine being entrenched in battle, surrounded by monsters, all the while strategizing to unveil the greater powers at play. Fans of the fantasy genre will find themselves entranced by the myriad magical and supernatural elements skillfully interwoven into the narrative. This book is a veritable treasure trove of fantastical wonders, from teleportation to gods, prophecies, and dragons.

★★★★ Literary Titan

In his compelling fantasy series, critically acclaimed author Bryan Cole delves into the intricate relationship between paladins and the societies they engage with. His book Beginning of Arrogance recently reached #2 on Amazon.com’s Military Fantasy chart and peaked at #20 in Epic Fantasy. His latest novel, Futility of Defense, explores the complexities of divine champions, blending heroism with the disruption of the balance of power. Inspired by a desire to create a world where paladins aren’t just token additions but significant forces with real-world consequences, Cole crafts a captivating narrative. Join us as we dive into the inspiration behind his characters, the challenges they face, and the intriguing blend of classic fantasy elements that shape his storytelling.

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Author of the Month Uncategorized

Sci-fi series author Barry Fellinger shares tips for securing media spotlights and in-person events

Blast off into the inspiring true adventures of one of Tellwell’s sci-fi/children’s authors

Start putting words to paper or screen, even if they are only ideas, maybe just a few sentences. It’s quite possible the more you write, the more the story will start writing itself, or at least help you write it.

Barry Fellinger

Today we have the pleasure of interviewing an incredibly hard-working author and comic book enthusiast, Barry M. Fellinger. Residing in St. Thomas, Ontario, Barry not only works as a director in health care but also teaches leadership courses and seminars. His latest book, The Not so True Adventures of Brandon, Josh, and Adam, reached #1 on Amazon’s Children’s Time Travel Books chart. He is currently on the promotional trail with interviews and appearances in southwestern Ontario. We’re excited to learn more about his journey as an author and his tips for finding inspiration.

Your newest book, The Not so True Adventures of Brandon, Josh, and Adam, is part of a series. What prompted you to create a series instead of standalone stories?

I can’t honestly say it started out that way, but when I ended the first book on a cliffhanger, it kind of demanded a sequel some day. During an email conversation with my Tellwell project manager, Sem, about the possibility of at least the two books possibly being part of a series, we (actually he) came up with the suggestion “True Adventure Series,” which totally resonated with me.  The new book also ends on a cliffhanger, so that lends itself to another book in the series too.

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