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.
Program Timeline
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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 authorsThe goal is to create accountability, momentum, and connection among writers.
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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 BrokeThrough the cohort, Willie shares practical insights from his own publishing journey to help authors move from manuscript to launch.
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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.
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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.
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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 resourcesThe goal is to create a long-term community where authors continue growing together.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.