How to Plan Your Book, Build Momentum, and Choose the Right Publishing Path

Turn your book idea into a clear plan. Learn how to build momentum, overcome common roadblocks, and choose the right publishing path. Do you have a book idea that won’t leave you alone, but you’re still unsure how to turn it into a finished, published book? Maybe you have scattered notes, half-written chapters, voice memos, or a meaningful story that feels messy and overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve started before and lost momentum, or you’re unsure if your idea is “good enough,” whether it’s worth the effort, or which publishing path makes sense for you. In this practical and encouraging workshop, Tim Lindsay, CEO of Tellwell Publishing, will help you move from confusion and stuckness to clarity and momentum. You’ll learn how to organize your ideas, build a realistic writing plan, and confidently choose the best publishing path for your goals. This session is designed for aspiring authors, early-stage writers, and anyone who has been carrying a book idea for months (or years) but doesn’t know what to do next. You will discover: • The Five Dream-Killers The common traps that keep would-be authors stuck in doubt, distraction, and delay. • The 5-Dimensional Outline Method A powerful framework to organize scattered ideas into a clear, compelling book roadmap. • The First-Draft Finish-Date Formula How to create a realistic schedule and finally move from “someday” to a believable completion date. • The Five Publishing Paths A clear breakdown of traditional, self-publishing, hybrid, and other options so you can choose the right one for your book, timeline, budget, and vision. Your book doesn’t have to stay trapped in scattered notes, self-doubt, and unfinished drafts. This workshop will give you a clear, practical, and achievable path from idea to manuscript, and from manuscript to bookshelf. This in-person workshop is free to attend. However, if you have the means, we invite you to consider a donation to The Word On The Street as a way of helping to keep these arts events accessible for everyone into the future. Presented by The Word On The Street Toronto and Tellwell Publishing Location The WOTS workshops are located in room 310 of Metro Hall, accessible through the festival site at David Pecaut Square. Take the elevator to the third floor and follow the signage. Advance registration is required. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the workshop begins, and bring something to write with! About The Word On The Street The Word On The Street is an annual celebration of storytelling, ideas and imagination, hosting Canada's largest FREE book and magazine festival annually and promoting great books by Indigenous and Canadian authors year-round. The 2026 festival takes place September 26-27, at David Pecaut Square. For more details, please visit our website