The Author
Tim Lindsay
Tim Lindsay is the author of The Call to Authorship and the founder of Tellwell Publishing. Since 2015, he and his team have helped more than 5,000 authors write, publish, and promote nonfiction, memoirs, fiction, and children’s books — from entrepreneurs and educators to faith leaders, community builders, and everyday people with something meaningful to share.
Tim believes publishing a book is more than a creative act — it’s a transformational one. Authorship builds clarity, confidence, and credibility. It sharpens ideas and opens doors to speaking, media, and meaningful impact. Writing and publishing a book is also a rewarding journey in itself. In his talks, Tim draws on a decade of hands-on experience helping authors overcome mental roadblocks, navigate busy schedules, and demystify the publishing process — all to help people share their story and serve others through the written word.
He also oversees Tellwell’s Certified Partner and Imprint programs, empowering writing coaches, editors, ghostwriters, and organizations to grow their publishing businesses and better support their clients.
Q&A
Most frequent questions and answers
Every day I see authors pushing to get across the finish line with their books. Their struggles and breakthroughs are constant inspiration.
I believe literacy 1.0 is being able to read and write. Literacy 2.0 is having the audacity to participate—to share, to help others through words and stories. It’s about finding your voice and using it.
Publishing a book is more accessible than ever. More people should seize that opportunity—not just to share knowledge and inspire, but also to grow into more capable, influential versions of themselves.
Most people want to write a book someday, but the vast majority never finish. They put it off, or they get stuck. This book shows how to avoid those traps—how to take small, steady steps and complete a manuscript in months instead of years. Even with a full-time job or family, anyone can do it with consistency and the right guidance. That’s what this book provides: a roadmap from planning and writing through to publishing and promoting.
My purpose is to empower more people to understand and experience the benefits of publishing a book. I want to show the full picture—what’s possible strategically, professionally, and personally.
It’s also about connection. After 10 years of building a business, I’m excited to engage more directly with the community, share what we’ve learned from working with thousands of authors, and contribute to conversations in the publishing industry.
And finally, I knew the process itself would be a teacher. Regardless of how many copies I sell, the learning journey alone makes it worthwhile.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you could actually finish a book, this will show you how. Readers will come away with clarity on their goals, a realistic plan, and a step-by-step process for bringing their book to life.
For those early in the process and feeling unsure about publishing, the first part of the book walks you through creating a Call to Authorship Plan (CTAP). This simple, one-page plan covers all aspects of publishing—your purpose, audience, structure, and strategy—in a clear and manageable way. As you work through the first chapters and complete the short exercises, you’ll come away with a much sharper vision and a step-by-step roadmap to guide your entire publishing journey.
I’ve spent years surrounded by writers and publishing professionals, working with over 5,000 authors. That’s a lot of lessons, successes, as well more than a few mistakes made along the way.
I’m grateful for everything we’ve discovered while partnering with authors and professionals, and I see this book as a way to share those lessons—so others can avoid the pitfalls and make the most of their own publishing journey.
