If you've recently decided to publish your book with us, welcome to Tellwell — and thank you for trusting us with your book! Read on below for a few helpful tips on how to prepare and what to expect.
In this article:
- 🤟 Three things to do right away
- 💻 What you'll need on your end
- ✍️ First steps for your Tellwell project
- 📖 Info you need to know
- 🤝 What to do if you need help
- 👍 More info we think you'd like to know
🤟 Three things to do right away:
- Bookmark Octavo at portal.tellwell.ca
- Add support@tellwell.ca to your list of email contacts, so that you don't miss any important notifications.
- Polish and prepare your manuscript according to our guidelines.
💻 What you'll need on your end
Before you dive in, a few basic tools and skills will make your publishing experience much smoother:
- A laptop or desktop computer: a tablet or phone isn't enough for manuscript work or reviewing design proofs.
- Microsoft Word (desktop version): required for reviewing your editor's tracked changes. The free web version handles most edits but doesn't display every type, so the desktop version is the safer bet.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version): used to review and mark up design proofs. Download it here.
- A regularly checked email address: our primary way of reaching you.
- Google Chrome: the recommended browser for Octavo.
You don't need to be especially tech-savvy, but you should be comfortable sending emails, navigating websites, and uploading files on your own. Our team is great at tailoring support to where you are on the tech spectrum, but we don't provide in-person tech support. If computers aren't really your thing, it's a good idea to have a friend or family member on standby to help with any technical bumps along the way.
✍️ First steps for your Tellwell project:
Watch this video to learn how to set your password, log in to Octavo and agree to the terms to start your book project.
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As soon as your first payment has been processed, you will receive a "Welcome Email" via support@tellwell.ca
- This email includes a temporary password you can use to log in to Octavo
- If you don't receive this email after receiving your first payment receipt, check your spam folder for an email with the subject line: "Welcome to Tellwell!"
- You can also simply click here to request a new password if you can't find the email
- You will use your temporary password to log in to Octavo, set your own unique password, then review and accept the terms and conditions.
- Next, complete the Start Project Information task by submitting your book title, genre, author name and any other contributor names.
- Meanwhile, one of our Project Managers will be assigned to your book.
- After both steps 3 & 4 have been completed, you will be sent an email inviting you to book an orientation call with your project manager using their online calendar link.
- You'll be sent two emails prompting you to (1) upload your manuscript and (2) fill in your book set up details like trim size and the interior colour & paper type
- Tellwell will assign the ISBNs to your book, based on the book title you submit.
- Now the fun begins! Depending on the services in your package, you'll be sent questionnaires to kick off the editing, design, or illustrations process.
📖 Info you need to know:
Watch this video to learn more about Tellwell's publishing process.
- Your go-to homepage for your book project is Octavo, Tellwell's 'author portal' that connects you with all of the publishing talent working on your book.
- Check Octavo regularly to find links to any tasks assigned to you under the Current Tasks in Progress heading.
- Your main point of contact throughout the publishing process is your Project Manager, who can be reached at support@tellwell.ca.
- If you’d like to get in touch by phone, you can book a call with your Project Manager using their online calendar link.
- When we need specific information from you, we’ll send you an email prompting you to complete and submit a task in Octavo.
- We respect your right to work on your book at your own pace, so please note that the publishing timelines we give do not include the time it takes you to respond when the ball is in your court.
- Please allow 1-2 business days for a reply from your Project Manager, though we'll always do our best to get back to you in 24 hours or less.
🤝 What to do if you need help:
- Type your question into the search bar at the top of our help centre.
- Log in to Octavo to access any tasks assigned to you under the “Current Tasks in Progress:” heading, where you can also view any other open tasks and who is working on them.
- Email your Project Manager at support@tellwell.ca.
- Book a call with your Project Manager.
*Please note that your Publishing Consultant—the person who helped you select the services included in your package—won't necessarily be familiar with the finer details of the publishing process. All inquiries related to the status of your project should be directed to your Project Manager.
👍 Click the links below for more info we think you might like to know:
- Top 5 Tips for Success
- Where can I find a copy of my contract/invoice?
- How long does it take to publish a book?
- What is Octavo?
- How should I prepare my manuscript for publication?
Our goal is to empower every author we work with so they can make good, informed decisions about their book. For your part, we ask that you think critically and take your time with the various tasks required throughout the process — you retain 100% control and ownership of your book, which also means you're responsible for its content.