Author of the Month Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

How authors can overcome imposter syndrome

May 25,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Tips to unleash your inner Goddess/God with Tellwell author of the month, Rita Kakati-Shah

Rita Kakati-Shah, the author of The Goddess of Go-Getting, holds many roles both in the business world as an entrepreneur, founder & CEO, public speaker, media contributor and, now, author. She is an award-winning gender, diversity, and inclusion career strategist, speaker and coach. She founded and runs, Uma, a company that provides strategic expertise in those areas to Fortune 500 companies.

The Goddess of Go-Getting was launched on International Woman’s Day by the Consul General of India in New York and has become the number one bestseller across three categories on Amazon.

Kakati-Shah was born and raised in London, England and is from Assam heritage. She now lives in New York City with her husband and children.

You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!
Rita Kakati-Shah, author of The Goddess of Go-Getting

Authors may battle imposter syndrome, question their ideas and talent, and struggle to let go of fears. How can authors unleash their inner Goddess/God to overcome their fears?

Love this question! First and foremost, you have to remember that as an author you have your own voice. Even if two authors were to recount the exact same story, their prose and expression would be different. You have a unique voice, so tell the story in your voice, not in someone else’s. Once you find your voice, you’ll feel the passion and your writing will flow!

What habits or rituals have you adopted that have helped you overcome fears and unleash your inner goddess?

Book Giveaways

Free Books for Summer 2022

May 20,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

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.”

Download Enemy’s Keeper

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.

Download Dying to Live

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.

Meet the Team

MEET THE TEAM: Tellwell Designer, Michael!

May 20,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

Meet Tellwell’s interior book designer and quality assurance specialist, Michael! Read on to learn about the importance of a good book interior and how you can best prepare for this crucial step in your publishing journey.

What inspired you to work in publishing?
My passion in design inspired me to pursue a career in publishing. I am really happy to be able to get to continue to challenge myself in designing more interesting books.

How do you define your role at Tellwell?
Being a QA (quality assurance specialist) is a huge responsibility to carry on your shoulders. One mistake can potentially affect our relationship with the author or can affect our company’s reputation. I am very keen on details to make sure we can deliver the best results. At the end of the day, it is fun, challenging, and fulfilling at the same time.

Where do you draw creative inspiration from?
Internet and social media. I also check other designers’ work whom I admire the most.

Why is it important for an author to take their time to consider and review the interior of their book?
A successful book is more than just a manuscript thrown between a cover. One of the key elements to success is a professional interior design that adheres to industry standards, and to mimic what readers, retailers, and reviewers expect. So, it’s really important for the author to take the time to consider and review the book and for us to generate an aesthetically pleasing interior.

Everyone thinks design is just about the cover but it’s so much more. How does interior design help elevate a book?
Interior design helps elevate the book through these key elements; space, line, forms, light, color, texture, and pattern; creative-interesting design and keeping them balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing interior.

Also, a well laid out interior plays a crucial role in the overall reading experience, and can even impact your ability to get a bookseller’s attention.

Celebrating Tellwell’s Indie Authors – May Author Success Stories

May 20,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

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.

Design Showcase

10 Book Cover Design Trends for 2022

May 14,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Book covers are extremely important in capturing readers’ attention and evoking a feeling, mood, and overall sense of the book’s content. A great book cover will entice a reader to pick up your book and read it. The cover is the first impression of your book, a visual depiction of the contents inside.

Here are some of the biggest trends in book cover designs for 2022.

All of the book covers shown here were created by Tellwell.

1. Surrealism: One of the biggest cover design trends in 2022 is surrealism. 2020 and 2021 did feel like a dream after all, so it’s not surprising many books, and their covers, are creating a sense of an unreal, altered, and strange reality.

2. Partially hidden titles: Book titles that are partially blurred, blocked, cracked, and hidden to create a sense of mystique and suspense.

Meet the Team

Why self-publishing is not vanity publishing

Apr 19,2022 / By Monica Martinez / No Comment

Australian publishing consultant Despina Maclaren dispels the most common myth about self-publishing

Tell us about your role at Tellwell.

My role at Tellwell is to help authors navigate the publishing landscape, so they are able to make informed and educated decisions about the options available to them, and to guide them on what is best for their needs as well as their budget. I adore assisting authors, the day-to-day diversity of my role, and [discovering the] reasons and motivation behind what makes an author want to publish their book. It is a joy to assist them in understanding the process and expectations, offering them advice from my own years of experience in the book trade.

Tell us about your previous publishing experience.

I’ve been in the book industry for thirty-five years, and started out working as a bookseller at Angus & Robertsons’ flagship store in Melbourne on Elizabeth Street. I moved on to work as a bookseller across Melbourne and later became the rep there for Penguin Books. I decided to move to the UK, and worked for Penguin UK and other global and independent publishers, selling all kinds of genres, from mass-market fiction to non-fiction to children’s, education, academic, and professional books.

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

Apr 14,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

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!

Author of the Month

“Good Morning, Blake: Growing Up Autistic and Being Okay” author shares his secrets to media success!

Apr 14,2022 / By Tellwell Publishing / No Comment

Blake “Crash” Priddle has appeared on CTV News, the CBC and City News Calgary to talk about his inspiring and vulnerable memoir.

Always be a leader, not a follower
Bud Priddle, Grandfather of Blake “Crash” Priddle

Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am 28 years old and I currently work as a radio announcer and news reporter in Northern Manitoba for Arctic Radio. I am on the autism spectrum.

If you want to learn more about my life and my career you will have to get a copy of the book, or visit my website and go to the FAQ section!

Your story is definitely an inspiring one! What was it like opening up about the vulnerable parts of your life, and why did you feel they were important to include in your book?

It was difficult reliving some painful memories from my childhood, and as an adult. This includes issues I had with anxiety and depression. For the most part, writing has been cathartic, like journalling. Putting words down on paper releases the pain and also lets you relive the good memories too. I think sharing my vulnerability helps others realize they are not alone in their journey which might give people on the autism spectrum and their families hope.

Book Giveaways Tellwell Books

April Free Books Giveaway!

Apr 8,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

Jump into Spring with FREE BOOKS!

Grab a copy of two talented Tellwell authors’ books,

PLUS free books by other accomplished authors!

If you like …

Historical Fiction

Historical Fantasy

Medieval History

Then you’ll enjoy … Princes and Kings by Sydney Williams

In the year 1240 AD, the land of Gwynedd Wales found themselves without a leader when their king, Llywelyn the Great, died at a ripe old age.

With the new weight of responsibility thrust upon his shoulders, Llywelyn rode home at the head of the army to find that his world had changed. Now not only was his father gone but his mother as well, and the land of Gwynedd was once again without a leader. It became clear that the best man for the job was Llywelyn himself, and he decided that there was nothing else to do but become the new ruler. He would do anything to keep his people safe, even if that meant taking on a responsibility that he felt he was too young for. He would never abandon his people for anything and let the English take everything from him.

ESCAPE INTO HISTORY & DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE!

Giveaway is open April 01 – 30, 2022

If you like …

Books about Mental Health

Fictitious Memoir-styled Novels

Philosophical Biographies

Then you’ll enjoy … The King Who Would Be Man: Book One in ‘The King Who Would Be Man’ series by Brian A. Plank

Author of the Month

Tellwell children’s author Rishma Govani talks diversity, equity and inclusion!

Mar 22,2022 / By Katie Hennessey / No Comment

Rishma Govani is an experienced communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. She is passionate about creating tangible change in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the author of the children’s book, Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations, and is currently working on her second children’s book, Bright Lights & Forever Flights, a journey of loss, love and hope around the world. She is the proud mother of her two kids Khalil, and Mila and their puppy, Hero.

Rishma has been featured by several media outlets, including Global News, Reading With Your Kids Podcast & Salaam Storytime! Her social media presence is booming and her work with popular creators and influencers has provided visibility for her book Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations!

Read on to learn what advice she has for authors!

What inspired you to write Sushi & Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations?

The genesis behind Sushi & Samosas is a little dinner club idea called TFLC which stands for Toronto Food Luck Club. The club’s mission was to try a different ethnic cuisine once a month. The club was active for 13 years trying over 100+ cuisines in the GTA with over 150 members.

The dinners started to slow down when our children were born but the essence of the book remained true for our children – try something new and your world expands!

Check out Toronto Food Luck Club.

How have your personal experiences influenced your book?

I was born a traveler, literally and of perspective – of word, of food, of music. I consider myself a world citizen and I am determined to raise our children as growing humanitarians who are open to every possibility that exists globally.

The book sets out on a journey of changing perceptions by the mouthful. I know first hand that knowing a bit about other cultures, about your neighbours, about different cuisines allows the ease of talking to strangers and bringing the world close together. It connects and unites us by our similarities and does away with our differences. I personally live by this ethos and my experiences have influenced the book.

What has the author’s journey been like for you? What are some successful and challenging moments?

It’s been a very long journey from start to finish. At times, it’s been exhausting especially during the recent publicity blitz I’ve been on, but I’m very proud of the book and the central message of it. It’s timeless and universal. I’ve been successful getting the word out through school readings and other media opportunities.