This January, we’re shining a spotlight on Tracy, a Tellwell project manager and printing specialist, supporting authors by managing book projects and ensuring high-quality print production.
Read on to learn more about Tracy and her role at Tellwell!
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Tellwell and what a typical day looks like for you?
I oversee projects from initial planning through to final publication, ensuring that timelines, quality standards, and author’s expectations are met. A typical day involves coordinating with authors and internal teams, managing booked appointments and print specifications, addressing publication issues, and making sure each project moves smoothly from concept to completion.
2025 was a milestone year for Tellwell! ✨ We celebrated our 10th anniversary, earned the BBB Torch Award for Ethics for the second year in a row, and launched our podcast, Demystifying Self-Publishing. Our first Empowered Author Summit brought together hundreds of writers and experts, while our authors’ books reached over 100,000 readers at Word on the Street Toronto. From awards to events, podcasts, and national showcases, 2025 was all about celebrating our community, empowering authors, and sharing the power of storytelling. Here’s to an even bigger 2026! 💙
Podcast Launch
Tellwell has launched a brand-new podcast, Demystifying Self-Publishing, designed to guide authors through every step of the self-publishing journey. Each episode features interviews with industry experts and successful self-published authors, offering practical advice, insider tips, and real stories to help aspiring and experienced authors navigate formatting, marketing, distribution, and more.
Word on the Street Toronto 2025!
Word on the Street Toronto was a standout highlight of last year, placing Tellwell authors in the heart of Canada’s largest celebration of books and storytelling. With over 100,000 readers gathering downtown, our Tellwell booth showcased a diverse lineup of author titles, giving books prime visibility, hands-on promotion, and direct exposure to an engaged literary audience, all without authors needing to be onsite. It was an incredible opportunity to connect stories with readers and celebrate the power of publishing on a national stage.
Tellwell CEO Tim Lindsay Releases The Call To Authorship
Tim Lindsay, founder and CEO of Tellwell Publishing, released his new book, The Call to Authorship, on November 5, 2025, at the Empowered Author Summit. The book guides nonfiction writers through a 10-step process through planning, writing, publishing, and promoting, drawing on Lindsay’s experience helping thousands of authors write with purpose and impact.
The Empowered Author Summit
The first annual Empowered Author Summit was a free, three-day virtual event held November 5–7, 2025, bringing together 864 attendees and 24 expert speakers from around the world. Designed to educate, empower, and elevate writers at every stage, the summit covered planning, publishing, and promoting, leaving attendees with clarity, confidence, practical tools, and renewed motivation.
Back-to-Back BBB Torch Award Win For Tellwell
Tellwell was honoured to receive the BBB Torch Award for Ethics in the Professional Services category for the second year in a row. This marked our fourth consecutive nomination and second win, recognizing our commitment to integrity, transparency, and author-first publishing. The award was celebrated by members of our team at the BBB gala in Victoria, BC, and reflects the trust of our author community and the dedication of our talented publishing professionals.
Tellwell Celebrates 10 Years
This year, Tellwell proudly marked its 10th anniversary, a milestone reflecting a decade of dedication to authors. What began as a simple idea of supporting writers with transparency, guidance, and 100% royalties has grown into a global publishing company serving authors around the world. From our first office in Victoria to a fully remote team and a network of more than 50 publishing professionals in 2025, our journey has been defined by growth, resilience, and an ever-expanding author community. Above all, this anniversary celebrates the thousands of authors who have trusted Tellwell with their stories and helped shape a decade of success.
January is a great time to highlight our Tellwell authors and their work. This month, we’re sharing a collection of author spotlights and book reviews, celebrating the creativity and dedication that goes into each story.
Through these features, readers can discover engaging new books while learning more about the people behind them. It’s a way to celebrate the talent and passion that bring stories to life.
Author Spotlight
Lucas wants a tarantula—not a toy, not a picture, but a real eight-legged friend! The only problem? Mom is terrified of spiders.
In this sweet and funny story, Lucas uses patience, courage, and plenty of fun facts to win her over. Now featured in KidlioMag, K.M.’s book, Lucas Gets a Tarantula is capturing young readers’ hearts and sparking brave conversations at home. Perfect for kids, parents, and anyone learning that courage sometimes comes with eight legs. 💛
The Adventures of Gregg the Fainting Goat by Steve Mo is also featured in KidlioMag! 🐐
Gregg isn’t your ordinary farm goat—he faints whenever he gets too excited or scared. When he dreams of joining the rodeo, his kindhearted friend Sharon helps him take on the goat-tying event. Full of humor, heart, and farmyard fun, this story shows that what makes you different can also be your greatest strength. Perfect for ages 3 to 7, it’s a tale that will leave kids laughing, cheering, and celebrating themselves.
Discover the magic of The Lonely Dragon: The Adventures of Astrid the Viking by Ruth Tobiassen, now featured in KidlioMag! 🐉
When a lonely dragon meets a brave Viking girl, a story of friendship, courage, and kindness unfolds. This beautifully rhyming tale shows that true friendship begins with understanding and heart. Perfect for bedtime or quiet reading, it blends gentle rhythms, memorable characters, and a message young readers will cherish.
Review
Wendy Maclean’s Santa Also Forgets has earned a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite! Based on true events and inspired by Wendy’s family trips to Santa’s village, this heartwarming story captures the magic of the season and the joy of kindness.
Santa Also Forgets by Wendy Maclean is built around humor, warmth, and relatable holiday moments. The writing is gentle, making it easy for young readers to read, while Amelina Jones’s illustrations bring all the pages to life.
-Readers’ Favorite Book Review
Cody Cole’s Auke-wingeke-tawso, or, ‘Defender of His Country’ has received a five-star review from Reader Views! This detailed account of Charles de Langlade’s life highlights the bravery and endurance of the Green Bay forest settler, whose actions in the French & Indian War earned him lasting respect. Rich in historical detail, the book brings to life a fascinating figure often overlooked in history. Cody Cole, a history enthusiast from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, combines meticulous research with a passion for storytelling to make this remarkable tale accessible to readers today.
Overall, Auke-wingeke-tawso is a solid work of historical scholarship that successfully conveys the history and influence of one of the most important Métis war captains, traders, and diplomats of the colonial era.
This December, Tellwell Publishing is shining a spotlight on one of our talented editors, Melanie. As part of the Tellwell editing team, Melanie works behind the scenes to support authors and guide them through the book-editing process, from manuscript development to final polish.
Get to know Melanie, learn more about what it’s like working with a professional book editor, and read her advice for authors preparing their books for publication.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Tellwell Publishing and what a typical day looks like for you as an editor?
With the various editorial options that Tellwell offers its authors, my role as an editor takes many forms. Each dictates the depth of editing I will perform. Sometimes I get the privilege of being the first eyes on the book to give a brief summary based on a light perusal. I comment on the general shape of the manuscript and advise on the extent of edits that would be most useful to the author. At other times, I’m reading the manuscript in its entirety, looking at the overall structure and quality of a work to be able to deliver a manuscript assessment report, advising the author on the main points for improvement. Still other times, I’m drilling deep down into the manuscript in the form of a substantive edit to strengthen character arcs, conflict, plot points, tension, pacing, and flow. Or, in the case of a non-fiction manuscript, organization and presentation of ideas, instruction or theories. And finally, as a copy editor, I get to go on a treasure hunt, sussing out errors and inconsistencies in capitalization, spelling, and punctuation, and looking for grammatical errors. Ultimately, I’m working hard to make sure the author is reaching their reader with a well-presented, structured story or argument that is professionally polished.
As far as what a typical day looks like for me, well, at any one time I can have any or all of the above types of editing on my task list. It’s these times, when I’m dealing with overlapping deadlines, that I have the freedom and room to choose what branch of editing best suits my mood that day, or I can tailor my day to doing a small job in the morning and a more in-depth job in the afternoon or vice versa. But no matter what my task list looks like, I’m always fully present and engaged in whatever manuscript I’m working on.
The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of books that sparkle with festive cheer? Santa’s Shelf brings together Tellwell’s favorite Christmas reads, each one a perfect gift for cozy winter nights, family storytime, or a moment of seasonal escape. With stunning cover designs by Von Langoyan, these books don’t just tell a story, they capture the magic of the season before you even turn the first page.
Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, playful adventures, or inspiring holiday lessons, Santa’s Shelf has something for every reader. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of cocoa, and explore the pages that make this season truly bright.
The Christmas Quilt Jamboree by Tanya Brown
Through peppermint-striped doors in a house at the top of the world, Mrs. Claus is busy with her favourite tradition: quilting! Each summer she lovingly sews the very first gifts of the season for the nicest of the nice kids on the list. Mrs. Claus brings the heart and Santa brings the magic that make these quilts truly special.
The True Story of Santa’s Sleigh by Christine L. Kotowycz
The True Story of Santa’s Sleigh captures the wonder and magic of Christmas. Set in a snowy countryside, curious children discover a mysterious sleigh and begin receiving letters that reveal a secret connection with Santa. Through these letters, they learn about his northern home, Christmas preparations, and the power of the Christmas Spirit. When Santa gives them a special request, the children discover their own magic, leading to an extraordinary Christmas Eve. With cozy, enchanting illustrations of a Canadian winter, this heartwarming story inspires imagination and festive cheer.
Santa School by Jennifer Andrews
Santa can’t be everywhere all of the time—or can he? For this reason, Santa himself appointed his number 1 elf to teach, tutor, and mentor his best Regional Representatives so that the spirit of giving, happiness, and love could be spread limitlessly throughout the world to kids of all ages. Santa School exists to teach all things Santa to the Santa students for the sole purpose of delivering joy.
Elf Jen, a real life mom, knows what it takes to be a magical and real Santa. In this book, Santa’s head elf shares never before revealed, santa industry, insider information. This book serves as a Santa detection manual for those wanting to know who and where the real Santa is! Elf Jennifer, AKA Dean of Santa School, was asked by Santa to operate this school in his behalf. His best Regional Representatives are trained and immersed in the ways of Santa so that they can fulfill the common goal of spreading Christmas joy to all.
2025 has been a remarkable year for book design, and the covers that graced our shelves didn’t just catch the eye, they told a story before the first page was even turned.
At Tellwell, our talented design team has poured creativity, passion, and careful attention to every detail, crafting covers that are as striking as the stories inside. From bold concepts to subtle nuances, these covers have captured imagination, sparked curiosity, and reminded us of the power of thoughtful design.
We’re excited to showcase our favorite book covers of the year. Each one a testament to creativity, artistry, and the magic of a perfectly designed cover.
The Chasm Between Us by Campbell Anderson
Book Cover Design by Ralph Cavero Sam Cardiff has faced loss before—his grandfather, his ex-girlfriend—but life seems to be settling back on track as he pursues med school. That balance shatters when his cat becomes the victim of a hit-and-run, sending him into a numbing spiral of grief and alcohol. Enter Gracie Goldstone, a down-to-earth surfer whose optimism sparks a connection with Sam. But as their bond deepens, Sam uncovers that Gracie’s past is far from perfect—and confronts truths about himself that push him to the edge of faith. To heal, he must learn what it truly means to love and be loved. Set in Melbourne, Campbell Anderson’s debut novel explores grief, mental health, faith, family, relationships, and the subtle touch of the supernatural.
Echoes of Light: Essays and Reflections by Edwin O. Paña
Book Cover Design by Ralph Cavero
A compelling collection of essays that illuminates the pathways of wisdom, brotherhood, and purpose. Guided by the author’s profound experiences as a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi and his personal journey of growth, this book offers thoughtful reflections on life, leadership, and the pursuit of meaning.
ENSŌ, A Tree Still Grows by Anette Lan
Book Cover Design by: Ralph Cavero
In Enso, Canadian-Japanese author Anette Lan explores the quiet truths we often overlook in the rush of achievement. Inspired by the image of her grandfather painting the enso circle, she reflects on the tension between constant output and the need for stillness. Lan invites readers to reconnect with the human side of themselves—the part that moves with flow, senses the rhythms of life, and nurtures creativity. Through her “Enso Moments,” she guides us across the four natural seasons of inner growth: rooting, rising, releasing, and renewal. This grounded and spacious guide helps you reclaim presence, lead with calm, and trust the quieter, truer parts of yourself. Enso is not about doing more—it’s about pausing, listening, and finding the courage to embrace who you are beneath the titles and expectations.
This December, we’re featuring a Tellwell author whose work has connected with readers in meaningful ways. With incredible book reviews, public recognition, book and author awards, and book events, this feature shares a closer look at their journey and achievements.
It’s an opportunity to learn more about the author and the care behind their books, and to celebrate the creativity that shapes their work.
Awards
We’re thrilled to share that Zlata Prudyus has been named a Finalist for the 2026 Canadian Choice Award in the Authors Category in Edmonton!
Zlata, a creative sixth grader, first wrote Amy and the Magic Forest as a school assignment. The story follows Amy, who discovers a magical realm filled with purple clouds, blue trees, and red-capped mushrooms. Guided by the fairy Freya, Amy learns lessons about friendship, bravery, and kindness while navigating whimsical adventures and reflecting on her own life.
Filled with imagination, colorful settings, and heartwarming lessons, Zlata’s debut showcases her passion for storytelling and inspires young readers to embrace creativity and courage.
This December, we’re offering a treat for our readers. A couple of great books are up for grabs, giving you the perfect excuse to curl up, explore, and escape into a story.
Whether you’re seeking a fresh perspective, a moment of inspiration, or just a little fun between the pages, this giveaway is your chance to find something new to enjoy.
Searching for a Good Christmas Read?
A heartwarming story to bring comfort and hope to little hearts this holiday season.
The Christmas Cardinal, written by Aïda Juodis, is a soft and whimsical tale that was gently crafted to help provide children who have lost a loved one with comfort and warmth during the holiday season.
A poetic journey celebrating love, self-acceptance, and the beauty of living authentically.
Passion Truth is a book of poetry about love and life. It is a way of living or a way of life. Some people struggle how to become true to themselves and how to accept and love themselves. I encourage everyone to have a happy balanced life based on love. Love for oneself and love for others.
Exploring the mystery of Mozart’s music, the genius of Marie Anne, and the research behind a groundbreaking new documentary.
Tellwell Publishing is pleased to highlight Dr. Martin W. B. Jarvis, a scholar who has spent much of his career challenging long-held assumptions about the great composers. His newest novel builds on years of forensic handwriting research and offers a fresh look at Mozart’s life, his music, and the mystery surrounding his final days. The book was also selected for the Publishers Newswire Books to Bookmark list for its unique approach and lively investigation into music history.
Dr. Jarvis’s research is now reaching an even wider audience through the upcoming Sky Originals documentary Mozart’s Sister. The film explores the life and talent of Marie Anne Mozart, who performed with her brother as a child and, as Jarvis argues, may have been the creative voice behind several works traditionally credited to Wolfgang. His involvement in the documentary grew out of work that began when he was only fourteen and studying Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Even then he sensed something unusual in the score, a curiosity that led him to decades of study and the discovery of distinct handwriting traits on key manuscripts.
In the documentary, Jarvis explains how signatures like “W. A. Mozart” differ from those written as “Amadeo Wolfgango Mozart,” and how this evidence points to Marie Anne composing under a different name. The film also highlights the broader history of women in composition, a subject Jarvis has explored before in his research on Anna Magdalena Bach. That earlier work became the book Written by Mrs Bach and later a BBC documentary, which brought even more attention to the hidden role of female composers.
Scammers targeting authors have become more sophisticated than ever—using real staff names, photos, familiar industry language, and convincing emails that mimic legitimate publishing communication. If you’ve ever wondered:
“Is this person really from Tellwell?”
“How do I verify someone contacting me about my book?”
…this guide gives you everything you need to confirm whether someone truly represents Tellwell Publishing.
Below, you’ll find clear steps to identify legitimate communication, verify staff identities, and recognize red flags before they become a problem.
✅ Tellwell’s Official Email Domains
All legitimate communication from Tellwell will only come from the following email domains:
@tellwell.ca
@tellwell.com.au
@tellwellpublishing.com
@mytellwell.com
@tellwell.zendesk.com
@empoweredauthorsummit.com
@publishingmatch.com
If the sender’s email does not match any of these domains, the message is not from Tellwell.
