Author Program

APPLY to Cohort 2026
Become a Published Author and Launch Your Book Before the New Year

A guided publishing journey designed to help aspiring and experienced writers launch their books before the holiday season.

The Somo Monarks Author Program is a collaborative publishing cohort that begins in May 2026 and guides authors through the process of developing, preparing, and launching their books in November 2026, just in time for the holiday season.

Through this program, authors receive creative support, strategy guidance, and community accountability to move their manuscript from idea to finished book.

MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY
5 Mothers Will Receive FREE Admission Into Our 2026 Author Program

Complete Form Below

Program Timeline

  • Focus: Foundations and planning

    Activities include:

    • Cohort introductions and community building

    • Clarifying each author’s book idea and message

    • Setting writing goals and deadlines

    • Understanding the publishing process and timeline

    Goal: Every author leaves the month with a clear book concept and publishing roadmap.

  • Focus: Building and completing the manuscript

    Activities include:

    • Structured writing goals and accountability check-ins

    • Developing chapters and organizing content

    • Strengthening story structure and message

    • Reviewing progress with the cohort

    • Identifying areas that need refinement

    Goal: Authors complete the first full manuscript draft and prepare it for the editing phase

  • Focus: Preparing the book for publication

    Activities include:

    • Editing and revising the manuscript

    • Preparing the manuscript for formatting

    • Book cover design process

    • Interior formatting for print and digital versions

    • Preparing publishing files

    Goal: The manuscript is finalized and transformed into a professionally designed book ready for publishing.

  • Focus: Preparing for the book launch

    Activities include:

    • Preparing book listings for Amazon

    • Learning how authors can build their own websites using tools like Squarespace

    • Planning launch promotions and outreach

    • Setting up pre-launch visibility

    Goal: Authors prepare for a successful public launch.

  • Focus: Official book publication

    Activities include:

    • Publishing books to the Amazon store

    • Coordinated cohort book launch

    • Promotion through social media and community networks

    • Beginning holiday season marketing

    Goal: Every author becomes a published author before the holiday season.

  • Focus: Maximizing holiday and early post-launch impact

    Activities include:

    • Holiday book promotion strategies

    • Optimizing book listings on Amazon

    • Social media promotion techniques

    • Preparing marketing for end-of-year sales

    Goal: Help authors capitalize on the holiday season and maintain momentum after the launch.

  • Focus: Developing a long-term author identity

    Topics include:

    • Defining your author message and audience

    • Building a simple online presence

    • Learning how authors use platforms like Squarespace to create their own websites

    • Beginning to grow an email list

    Goal: Authors begin establishing their author brand and reader community.

  • Focus: Increasing book visibility

    Activities include:

    • Social media storytelling

    • Collaborating with other authors in the cohort

    • Creating content that promotes the book

    • Building engagement with readers

    Goal: Expand the reach of each author’s book and message.

  • Focus: Connecting with audiences offline and online

    Topics include:

    • Organizing book readings or community events

    • Exploring podcast or interview opportunities

    • Partnering with libraries, schools, and organizations

    • Strengthening author confidence when speaking about their work

    Goal: Help authors position themselves as active voices in their communities.

  • Focus: Preparing for the next phase of the author journey

    Activities include:

    • Reviewing the publishing and launch process

    • Identifying lessons learned from the first book

    • Planning future writing projects

    • Transitioning into the Somo Monarks author community membership

    Goal: Authors complete the full 12-month journey and continue growing within the Somo Monarks ecosystem.

$40/month for 12 months.
After 1 year, continue in the community for $25/month.

What Authors Receive

Authors in the Somo Monarks Author Program receive structured guidance, tools, and community support to successfully move from idea to published book.

Publishing Roadmap and Guidance
A clear month-by-month roadmap guiding authors from concept development through writing, editing, and preparation for publishing.

Professional Book Cover Design
Support and guidance for creating a professional book cover that aligns with the author’s message and market.

Book Formatting Support
Assistance preparing the manuscript for publishing, including interior formatting for print and digital editions.

Amazon Publishing Support
Full support and guidance to help authors successfully publish and launch their book in the Amazon store, including preparing files, setting up the book listing, and navigating the publishing platform.

Marketing Strategy for Launch
Authors learn how to prepare for their November book launch, including strategies for promotion, audience building, and holiday sales opportunities.

Author Education and Tools
Cohort members will learn about platforms such as Canva and Squarespace and other tools that help authors create their own digital presence and manage their brand.

Somo Monarks Author Community
Members gain access to a supportive network of writers and creators committed to completing and publishing their books while growing together as authors.

  • About the Facilitator

    Willie Alvarez is a 3x author, creative director, and storyteller who has spent the last decade helping organizations, businesses, and communities bring their stories to life.

    Through his multimedia work, Willie has helped develop brand narratives, digital platforms, and creative campaigns for businesses, nonprofits, and national initiatives. His work has included building websites, designing digital experiences, and creating storytelling content that helps organizations connect with their audiences and grow their impact.

    As a brand developer and strategist, Willie has spent the last 10 years helping businesses shape their identity, communicate their message, and launch projects that reach people in meaningful ways. His experience spans website design, marketing strategy, creative direction, and community-driven storytelling.

    As an author, Willie understands the journey of turning an idea into a finished book. Through the Somo Monarks Author Program, he guides aspiring and experienced writers through the publishing process, helping them develop their manuscript, prepare their book for publication, and successfully launch their work to readers.

    Willie created the Somo Monarks Author Program to build a supportive community where writers can receive guidance, accountability, and creative support as they move from idea to published author.

Join the Somo Monarks Author Program
Cohort 2026
Applications open now!
Limited seats available for our May 2026 cohort.

Secure your spot to publish before the holiday season.

$40/month for 12 months.
After 1 year, continue in the community for $25/month.

*MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY
5 Mothers Will Receive FREE Admission Into Our 2026 Author Program*

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Cohort 2026 program begins in May 2026. Authors work through writing, publishing preparation, and launch steps throughout the year, with the goal of releasing their books in November 2026. After launch, the program continues with post-launch support through April 2027, helping authors focus on marketing, audience building, and sustaining momentum for their book.

  • The Somo Monarks Author Program is 100 percent online, allowing authors from different cities and states to participate.

    All workshops, guidance sessions, and community discussions take place virtually.

  • Authors participate in weekly virtual cohort meetings on Sundays.

    These meetings provide time for:
    • publishing guidance
    • progress check-ins
    • feedback and support
    • community conversations with other authors

    The goal is to create accountability, momentum, and connection among writers.

  • The program is facilitated by Willie Alvarez, a 3x independently published author and founder of Somo Monarks.

    Willie is the author of:
    • Sleepy the Morning Bat book series
    • Nothing Funny About Being Broke

    Through the cohort, Willie shares practical insights from his own publishing journey to help authors move from manuscript to launch.

  • The Somo Monarks Author Program costs:

    $40 per month for 12 months or

    $480 annually

    Both options provide access to the full program, including publishing guidance, creative support, and the author community.

  • Authors can choose between monthly payments or a one-time annual payment.

    Monthly payments are automatically billed each month through the Somo Monarks website.

    Annual payment allows authors to pay the full program investment upfront.

    Payment setup will be shared after your application is accepted.

  • After completing the program, authors can remain in the Somo Monarks Author Community for $25 per month.

    This continued membership provides:
    • access to the author network
    • collaboration opportunities
    • community discussions
    • ongoing creative resources

    The goal is to create a long-term community where authors continue growing together.

  • No. The program is designed for both aspiring authors and existing authors.

    Some participants will begin with a new idea, while others may already have a manuscript they want to prepare for publication.

    The cohort structure supports both starting and finishing the publishing journey.

  • The Somo Monarks Author Program focuses on community, accountability, and sustainability for writers.

    Instead of working alone, authors move through the publishing process as a cohort, learning from one another while building relationships that continue beyond the program.

  • Yes! The program includes full guidance for preparing and launching your book on Amazon. Authors receive support with formatting, cover design, and publishing steps to ensure their book is ready for release to readers.

  • Cohorts are limited to a small group of authors to ensure personal guidance, meaningful feedback, and strong community connections. This keeps the program collaborative and supportive for every participant.