Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell

In this episode, Julie Broad, founder of BookLaunchers and bestselling author, shares the real strategies behind successful self-publishing. We dive into why strategic positioning matters from day one, how marketing should begin before your book is finished, and how to turn your book into a powerful business asset that builds authority and generates revenue. Julie breaks down the truth about Amazon bestseller status, the evolving world of self-publishing, and how AI is opening new doors of opportunity for authors willing to adapt. If you're an entrepreneur, coach, or aspiring author who wants to write a book that actually drives impact and income, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can implement right away.

Are you feeling called to write a book but unsure where to start or how to move forward? In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa sits down with Dinah Laprairie to unpack the real journey of writing a book. From first spark to finished manuscript, they explore the mindset shifts, structural decisions, and publishing choices that every aspiring author must face. If you’ve ever: -Finished a first draft and felt completely stuck -Struggled with organizing your ideas -Wondered whether self-publishing or traditional publishing is right for you -Felt fear about putting your story into the world -Questioned whether you need a book coach …this conversation is for you. Alyssa and Dinah dive into the importance of self-awareness in the writing process, gaining clarity about your reader, and structuring your manuscript in a way that keeps readers engaged. They also discuss how fear of exposure can quietly hold writers back and how to move through it with confidence. Whether you're drafting your first book or refining your publishing strategy, this episode will help you approach your writing journey with clarity, courage, and intention.

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa interviews Nataly Restokian, a multi-award-winning author and life coach. They discuss Natalie's journey from a television journalist to an author, her experiences with self-publishing, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Natalie shares her insights on overcoming fear, the significance of personal growth, and the impact of social media on authorship. The conversation also touches on the challenges of writing, the awards process for self-published authors, and the healing power of writing. Throughout the episode, Natalie emphasizes the need for authors to connect with their audience and the importance of sharing their unique stories.

What if the most dangerous books today aren’t the ones being banned in public—but the ones quietly reshaped, shelved, or never acquired at all?In this fireside chat, we sit down with writer and cultural critic Adam Szetela, author of the incendiary new book That Book Is Dangerous! How Moral Panic, Social Media, and the Culture Wars Are Remaking Publishing. Drawing on years of research and interviews inside major publishing houses, literary agencies, and MFA programs, Szetela takes us behind closed doors to reveal how fear, moral panic, and the politics of “sensitivity” are transforming what stories get told—and which ones never see the light of day.Together, we explore the tension at the heart of contemporary publishing: the urgent push for more diverse voices alongside a growing culture of self-censorship, silence, and ideological policing. From sensitivity reading and representation statistics to social-media pile-ons, cancel culture, and the resurgence of moral panics reminiscent of the comic book scares of the 1950s, this conversation asks a provocative question: can a literary culture survive when everyone is afraid of saying the wrong thing?

Get Julie's ultimate guide for non-fiction writing and publishing - Self Publish and Succeed: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/d5dcdw2icq Get our FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.co... Are you trying to decide the best way to publish your book? In today’s Fireside Chat, we’re breaking down the three major publishing paths — traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing — so you can choose the route that truly aligns with your goals as an author. We’re joined by Julie Broad, Amazon #1 bestselling author, founder of Book Launchers, creator of the #NoBoringBooks method, and host of a YouTube channel with over 70,000 subscribers. ---- Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Publishing Paths 03:00 - Julie's Journey to Publishing 09:00 - Understanding Traditional Publishing 15:00 - Exploring Self-Publishing 21:00 - The Hybrid Publishing Model 27:00 - Avoiding Vanity Publishing Pitfalls 33:00 - Defining Author Goals and Success 39:00 - The Role of Platforms and Marketing ---- 📚 Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review! Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa speaks with twin sisters Ashley and Brianna, who share their inspiring journey into self-publishing. They discuss their early creative projects, the importance of collaboration, and their motivations for writing a children's book that promotes self-confidence and mental health awareness. The sisters detail their self-publishing experience, the challenges they faced, and their marketing strategies to reach young readers. They emphasize the significance of storytelling as a tool for empowerment and express their aspirations for future projects.

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa interviews young author Zlata, who shares her journey of writing 'Amy and the Magic Forest.' Zlata discusses her inspirations, the creative process, and how writing has helped her manage anxiety and ADHD. The conversation highlights the importance of support from family, the challenges of presenting her work, and the relatable themes in her story. Zlata also shares her future aspirations as a writer.

Get your FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.com/self-publish-youtube/In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa speaks with Julie Colvin, a bestselling author and book coach, about the intersection of wellness and storytelling. They explore how writing can be a therapeutic process, the importance of vulnerability in impactful storytelling, and the role of crowdfunding in helping indie authors bring their projects to life. Julie shares her personal journey and insights on how to effectively navigate the self-publishing landscape while maintaining creative rights. ---- Chapters 00:00 The Healing Power of Writing 09:03 Crafting Impactful Stories 14:09 The Role of Crowdfunding in Publishing 21:05 Encouragement for Aspiring Authors

Get your FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.com/self-publish-youtube/In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa speaks with author Joe Lyons about his debut book, 'Pain Remixed,' which explores themes of trauma, grief, and mental health through personal storytelling and practical advice. Joe shares his journey of writing the book, the emotional challenges he faced, and the importance of having a supportive network. He discusses the shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing, emphasizing the creative control it offers. The conversation also touches on the integration of music into his work and the marketing strategies he employed to reach a wider audience. Joe highlights the significance of mental health advocacy, particularly for men, and shares his future projects.

Get your FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.com/self-publish-youtube/ In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Dr. Mark Tyndall discusses his journey as an advocate for harm reduction and the writing of his book on vaping. He explores the challenges of public perception, the cultural differences in vaping acceptance, and the regulatory hurdles faced in promoting safer nicotine products. Tyndall emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information and the potential of vaping as a public health revolution.📚 Don't forget to: 👍 Give 5 stars🔔 Subscribe to the podcast for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share your experiences with self-publishing online. I’d love to hear your insights! Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa interviews Kay Sparling, author of 'Mission: Thaw', a Cold War thriller that intertwines historical facts with fiction. Kay shares her unique premise of an opera singer turned CIA operative, the historical context of her story, and her personal experiences that inspired her writing. She discusses her journey through self-publishing, the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, and her marketing strategies. Kay also reveals her plans for future projects and the expansion of her series.---- 📚 Don't forget to: 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Leave us a review below!Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwell.ca

Get your FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.com/self-publish-youtube/ Join Alyssa as she sits down with Ben Belding, Tellwell's Business Development Manager, to discuss the exciting initiatives Tellwell has planned during its 10-year anniversary. From the launch of a new partnership program to showcasing authors at Word on the Street, Canada's largest literary festival, and the soft-launch of The Empowered Authors (Virtual) Summit, this episode is packed with exciting news for writers, authors and industry professionals alike.----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

Get your FREE guide to self-publishing: https://publish.tellwellpublishing.com/self-publish-youtube/In this poignant episode of "Demystifying Self Publishing," host Alyssa sits down with Heather Shtuka, author of the powerful memoir "Missing From Me." Heather shares her heart-wrenching journey of transforming personal grief into a beacon of hope and advocacy for families with missing loved ones. Discover how Heather's unwavering love for her son Ryan, who vanished in 2018, inspired her to write a book that resonates with readers across the globe. Join us as we explore the emotional labor of writing, the importance of legacy, and the impact of community support in the face of unimaginable loss. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about love, resilience, and the power of storytelling.----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

Join us as we dive into the creative world of Monika Blichar, a self-published children's author and artist. Discover how Monika transformed her passion for storytelling and art into a thriving business, complete with books, merchandise, and more. Learn about her unique approach to self-publishing, marketing strategies, crowdfunding, and the magic of keeping creativity alive.----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, host Alyssa interviews Blaise Hunter, a self-published author and speaker, who shares her journey of writing through pain and finding her voice. Blaise discusses the importance of vulnerability in storytelling, the power of connection, and how her experiences with infertility and loss inspired her to write. She emphasizes the need for authenticity in both personal and professional realms, and how storytelling can serve as a form of activism for women. The conversation also touches on navigating self-love, building community in the digital age, and the challenges of being vulnerable online. In this conversation, Alyssa and Blaise explore the transformative journey of Blaise from author to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, leveraging personal experiences, and her advocacy for reproductive health rights. They discuss the significance of creating safe spaces for engagement, the evolution of publishing paradigms, and the power of self-publishing. Blaise shares insights on how to effectively market a book and the importance of using one's voice for advocacy and connection. Tune in now!----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this conversation, Alyssa interviews Elaine Alec, an Indigenous author and speaker, about her journey in writing 'Calling My Spirit Back.' Elaine shares her experiences with self-publishing, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the role of vulnerability in connecting with readers. She emphasizes the responsibility of storytellers, the significance of listening with discipline, and the healing power of writing. The discussion also touches on the challenges of traditional publishing and the necessity of sharing one's knowledge and experiences. In this conversation, Elaine also shares her journey in marketing her books authentically, highlighting the significance of sharing personal stories to connect with audiences. The discussion concludes with a look at future storytelling aspirations and the ongoing journey of self-publishing.----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa and Monica delve into the world of manifestation, exploring its significance in personal and professional growth. Monica shares her journey in real estate investing and how manifestation has played a crucial role in her success. They discuss the importance of aligning thoughts, emotions, and actions for effective manifestation, as well as practical strategies and daily rituals to enhance the process. The conversation also touches on overcoming mental blocks, the power of community support, and shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. In this conversation, Monica and Alyssa explore the intricacies of manifestation, focusing on overcoming negative beliefs, the power of language, and the balance between intuition and practicality. They discuss how to start a manifestation journey, the importance of self-awareness, and the significance of surrendering to the process. Listen now!----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

n this episode of Demystifying Self Publishing, host Alyssa and Tellwell Founder & CEO Tim Lindsay speak with Tim Cherry about his late sister Cindy's book, 'The Don Cherry Story.' They explore themes of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling, particularly in the context of the Cherry family's experiences in the hockey world. Tim shares personal anecdotes about growing up in a hockey family, the impact of Cindy's kidney transplant, and the family's advocacy for organ donation. The conversation also delves into the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the various business ventures the Cherry family has undertaken. Tim reflects on the controversies surrounding Don Cherry and emphasizes the importance of understanding his legacy beyond the headlines. Listen now!----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa chats with Tellwell's Founder & CEO Tim Lindsay and Head of Marketing, Monica Martinez. The conversation discusses their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges they faced, and the decisions that shaped the business. They share insights on international expansion, the importance of transparency in company culture, and personal rituals that help them maintain balance. The conversation highlights the lessons learned through their experiences and the dynamics of working together as partners in both life and business. In this conversation, Alyssa, Monica, and Tim explore the profound impact of storytelling, the importance of living with purpose, and the balance between family life and running a business. They share inspiring author stories, discuss the role of community in the publishing industry, and reflect on their personal journeys and dreams for the future. The dialogue emphasizes resilience, the cathartic nature of writing, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for authors. Check it out now!----📚 Don't forget to: Rate this podcast so others can find it!🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more self-publishing tips and resources. 💬 Share this episode with friends Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @tellwellpublishing Check out our website at https://tellwellpublishing.com

In this episode of Demystifying Self-Publishing, Alyssa interviews ghostwriter Tobi Nifesi, who shares insights into the world of ghostwriting. They discuss the collaborative nature of ghostwriting, the ethical considerations, and common misconceptions surrounding the profession. Tobi explains the detailed process he follows when working with authors, including interviews, outlining, and revisions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the author's voice and perspective. The conversation also touches on red flags to watch for when hiring a ghostwriter and the typical timelines for projects. In this conversation, Tobi Nifesi shares insights into the ghostwriting process, emphasizing the importance of proofreading, building trust with authors, and understanding their emotional journeys. He discusses the therapeutic nature of writing, the significance of asking the right questions, and the transformative experiences of clients throughout the writing process. Tobi also offers advice for aspiring authors on how to bring their ideas to life and the value of collaborating with a ghostwriter.