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.
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.
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.
Tim Lindsay, founder and CEO of Tellwell Publishing, officially released his new book, The Call to Authorship: How and Why to Write, Publish and Promote a Nonfiction Book, on November 5, 2025, at the Empowered Author Summit. The event brought together over 20 speakers and 800 aspiring and published authors committed to sharing their stories and making a meaningful impact through books.
“A book is more than a product to earn royalties—it’s a way of being of service, a process of becoming, and for some a powerful business tool. Most people want to write a book some day, but most never do. This book is my way of helping others navigate that process with clarity,” said Lindsay.
Tim Lindsay hosted live, in-person workshops entitled 10 Steps to Turn Life Lessons Into a Book, teaching some of the practical lessons from the book.
Ten years ago, Tellwell began with a simple idea: authors deserve dedicated guidance and support, transparency, and 100% royalties. What started as a side hustle for our founder, Tim Lindsay, quickly grew into something much bigger. Within just a couple of months—and an early wave of author sign-ups—Tellwell became a full-time venture, complete with a small but passionate publishing team and our very first office on Fort Street in Victoria.
Meet Ben Belding. As Tellwell’s Business Development Manager, Ben is all about finding new ways to support authors and grow the company.
He works on building meaningful partnerships, developing new programs, and helping publishing professionals and imprint leaders connect with the right tools and support. Ben’s goal is to make the publishing journey more accessible and community-driven.
Read more to see how Ben is helping authors succeed through smart ideas and strong relationships.
About the Role
Can you tell us about your role at Tellwell and what your typical workday looks like?
As Business Development Manager, I’m focused on expanding Tellwell’s reach by identifying new opportunities and building strategic relationships that support both our growth and our authors’ success. My days vary widely—they might involve exploring a new partnership idea, course and program development, publishing consultant, organizing a conference presence, or meeting with a potential imprint leader. At the heart of it all is the goal of making publishing more accessible, guided, and community-driven for authors.
Avoid common pitfalls and craft a series that hooks readers from book 1 to the final page
Photo by Daniil Kondrashin
Photo by Nikita Skripnik
Photo by Craig Adderley
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of playoff season—and nothing quite like the anticipation of writing your dream book series. Authoring a series is a bold move and, like hockey’s iconic hat-trick, there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling off three strong books (or more!) that keep audiences cheering.
But just as no hockey star makes it to the top without strategy and discipline, series authors need more than creativity and ambition—they need a game plan. At Tellwell we love helping authors develop that winning strategy, and we’ve seen the challenges that can throw even the most passionate writers off their game.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a trilogy or plotting a ten-book saga, here are three common mistakes authors make when writing a series—and how to avoid them like a pro.
Mistake #1: Skating in Without a Character Arc
It’s tempting to jump into book 1 and let the story and characters unfold organically, especially for first-time writers. But without a clear vision for the series you could find yourself rewriting the first book halfway through book 3.
Why it Matters Characters grow. Plotlines twist. Themes deepen. But if your first book doesn’t lay a strong foundation, the rest can feel shaky. That’s why we always recommend knowing how your characters will grow. It’s easy to imagine how a story impacts an audience, but what are the story’s effects on its own characters? They should experience meaningful growth.
Pro Tips to Score Big
Create character sheets: Outline their core beliefs, internal struggles, and potential growth arcs. If each book features a different lead, show how they weave into the broader narrative.
Map out major turning points: Know where your story starts, where it’s going, and how each book builds the momentum.
Use contradictions: A character who’s loyal but craves freedom? That internal conflict can drive entire arcs if planned well.
Mistake #2: Saving All the Good Stuff for Later
If you’re promoting book 1 and someone asks, “What’s your favourite part of the story?” and you respond with something like, “Well, in book 2, which isn’t done yet . . .” you will have issues.
We get it. You’ve got amazing plot twists planned for book 2 and a jaw-dropping finale in book 3, but if book 1 doesn’t shine, readers probably won’t get there.
Why it Matters Book 1 is your first impression—your handshake, your game opener. It has to hook readers, stand alone, and offer a satisfying story. If there’s no spark in the opening period, you won’t be making the playoffs.
Pro Tips to Score Big
Build a self-contained plot within book one: It can tease future developments, but it must feel complete and satisfying.
Include your favourite scenes: Don’t save the magic—use it to entice readers now.
Test your pitch: If someone asks, “What’s your favourite part?” your answer should light up book 1, not a future draft.
Mistake #3: Forgetting to Market While You Write
We know many authors are deep in their manuscripts, and enjoy the writing process. But if no one knows book 1 exists, books 2 and 3 will be harder to push.
Why it Matters Marketing is part of your storytelling journey. It helps readers discover you, builds anticipation, and makes book launches feel like events—not surprises.
Pro Tips to Score Big
Start small: Even brief marketing sprints between drafts help build momentum.
Keep book 1 in the spotlight: It’s the gateway to your series—giveaways, excerpts, and promo posts can all funnel new readers into your world.
Think long game: Every reader who loves book 1 is a potential fan waiting to follow you through the whole series.
Final Whistle
Writing a series is a commitment, and a chance to build a world your readers never want to leave. With planning, pacing, and promotional power plays, you’ll be scoring your own author hat-trick in no time.
And remember: at Tellwell we love working with series authors. Whether you’re plotting your sequel or pitching a multi-book project, we’re here to coach, cheer, and champion your publishing goals.
From Opera to Espionage: Kay Sparling shares her inspiration behind Mission THAW and the power of independent publishing
Kay Sparling’s Mission THAW is a gripping spy thriller that blends high-stakes espionage with the world of opera. Drawing from her own journey from an Iowa farm to performing in Vienna, Sparling brings authenticity and depth to her protagonist, Kaitlyn Stewart. In this interview, she shares how her personal experiences shaped the novel, the challenges of tackling dark themes, and why she chose the independent publishing route. From the elegance of the Viennese opera scene to the pulse-pounding dangers, Mission THAW delivers action and adventure.
Kaitlyn Stewart’s journey from a farm in Iowa to an opera star in Vienna is unique. What inspired you to create such an ambitious character?
Well, those are actual facts about my own life. I grew up in Midwest farmland surrounded by soybean and corn fields, and went to a small school in the nearest tiny town twenty miles away. I left to go to college and voice training at the age of 17 and ended up in Europe as an opera singer 12 years later. When I was in middle school, my dad bought me a map of NYC. I put it up on my bedroom wall and pinned the location of all the famous Broadway theatres and the Metropolitan Opera. I guess you could say I was a goal-driven kid.
Vienna plays a central role in the story. How does the city’s cultural heritage and high society influence the narrative and Kaitlyn’s journey?
Since Kaitlyn is an opera singer, the Wien Staatsoper is a perfect venue to set the story. Viennese culture eats and breathes opera and classical music. The famous cafes lend a spark of romance for the opera aficionados to meet and gossip about the latest diva debut and hope that they get a glimpse of her sitting with a famous maestro. One persistent possible stumbling block for Kaitlyn is to always keep up with all the high-society manners and traditions. A high demand for an American farm girl. But, in order to infiltrate the trafficking cartel, she must be convincing that she is one of them. Kaitlyn is always relieved to come home at the end of the day, kick off her shoes, and eat a BLT. The upper-class nonsense makes her teeth itch.
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!
