Self Publishing for Professionals

Write For You
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Are you an executive with methodologies to share, a professional speaker ready to expand your reach, or a thought leader ready to cement your legacy? This isn't just another "how to write" podcast—it's a comprehensive guide to navigating your entire self-publishing journey. Each episode delivers actionable advice on everything from finding the right ghostwriter and understanding hybrid publishing to effective time management for busy executives, marketing techniques for thought leaders, and avoiding the vanity press trap while maintaining professional credibility. Turn your big ideas into a self published book without the traditional publishing headaches or costly mistakes that plague first-time authors. Join multi-published author and ghostwriter Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis of Write For You as she pulls back the curtain on modern publishing, showing professional speakers, executives, and thought leaders how to transform their expertise into compelling books that build their brand and legacy. Whether you're struggling with impostor syndrome, overwhelmed by publishing options, or worried about maintaining your professional reputation, Lynn tackles these fears head-on with practical solutions and proven strategies. Lynn doesn't just share successes—she dives into failures and missteps so you don't have to learn the hard way. No more wondering if your book will ever see the light of day or worrying about damaging your professional reputation with a subpar publication. Self Publishing for Professionals provides a blueprint for becoming a published author on your own terms, with your credibility intact and enhanced. New episodes drop every week on your favorite podcast player and YouTube!

  1. 5D AGO

    AI Writing Tools and Copyright Law Explained by Intellectual Property Lawyer Gordon Firemark

    In this crucial legal episode, I sit down with Gordon Firemark, intellectual property entertainment and media lawyer, to navigate the Wild West of AI in publishing.  With 50 lawsuits currently underway against AI companies, most dealing with training on pre-existing copyrighted material, Gordon explains that Anthropic just agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement with a group of authors, noting if the trained system outputs material substantially similar to an existing copyrighted work, that is infringement. We can't hold the machine responsible for damages, meaning the person or company who publishes AI generated material bears full liability.  Beyond copyright concerns, AI systems hallucinate, requiring meticulous fact-checking especially for nonfiction work. Gordon shares an alarming example where an AI-generated article about a person with a common name incorrectly attributed a felony conviction from someone in Colorado to an innocent person in Florida, creating defamation liability. Gordon emphasizes that authors cannot own AI-generated work because copyright law has been clear for a century that if the author isn't human, the work gets no copyright protection. Courts have consistently ruled this way with AI-generated images, with one case currently petitioning the Supreme Court for review. However, if human authors show sufficient creative input, they can claim copyright in elements they contributed.  When publishing on Amazon, there's a checkbox requiring disclosure if you used AI to create your material, and failing to check it could result in delisting, violating terms of service, or accusations of fraud. If you use AI and don't disclose it, you can be accused of defrauding the copyright office, invalidating your copyright entirely and leading to damages and penalties if you try to sue for infringement. Those advertisements promising six figures by having AI write your book in one day are misleading because you can't claim copyright infringement if someone else copies, distributes, or creates derivatives. Gordon recommends safe ways to use AI as a tool. His strongest advice: there's nothing like making writing a habit. The act of writing, rereading, rewriting, and reorganizing is what authorship truly is, and while mainstream publishing involves editors and copy editors, they guide the fundamentally human process. Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get Gordon’s online class Easy Legal for Entrepreneurs or Easy Legal for Podcasters Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the...

    28 min

  2. FEB 10

    The Truth About New York Times Bestsellers and Other Publishing Myths Authors Believe

    I sat down with Terry Whalin to debunk common misconceptions that trip up aspiring authors. Terry tackles the biggest misunderstanding among new authors, which is the belief that publishers will sell and promote your book for you.  While publishers invest in marketing, they have hundreds of books published, meaning authors must take 100% responsibility. The person with the greatest investment in your book is you, not your publisher, making author-driven promotion essential regardless of whether you're self-published or working with a publisher.  He also addresses the New York Times bestseller dream, which Terry calls almost like winning an Oscar in the book business. The New York Times list isn't purely numbers-based, but editorial, meaning you need approximately 11,000 copies sold in a seven-day period through their list of brick-and-mortar and online bookstores, plus editorial approval from Times editors who decide whether your book deserves the list. Terry knows authors who sold enough copies but didn't make the list because editors deemed it unsuitable. However, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists are slightly more accessible.  The key is consistency and perseverance in promotion. He warns authors against spending $30,000 on the wrong PR firm and emphasizes building assets you control like your own newsletter, blog, and website rather than relying solely on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Terry demolishes the myth surrounding the glamorous writer's life. Other common mistakes include pitching children's books "for all ages" and submitting 190,000-word manuscripts from first-time authors. Terry stresses that everyone needs professional editors providing developmental feedback, not just AI tools. He warns against using ChatGPT or Claude to edit books because AI-generated phrases slip into your work that you would never write yourself, becoming an immediate cause for rejection.  Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get Terry’s book 10 Publishing Myths Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    30 min

  3. FEB 3

    The Hidden Price of Amateur Book Editing and How It Undermines Your Professional Authority

    This is one of the biggest mistakes I see authors make repeatedly: skipping professional editing or relying solely on AI to edit their work.  I cannot stress this enough—your book creates a first impression you cannot undo! An unprofessionally edited book at a business networking event is like wearing jeans and a t-shirt while everyone else wears business casual. Grammar mistakes, awkward phrasing, and missing transitions signal to readers that you lack professional confidence.  Readers equate writing quality with professional credibility, so a poorly edited book damages years of reputation building in an instant. Professional editing solves problems you cannot see in your own work. Editors tighten prose by eliminating redundancies while ensuring clarity and accessibility for your audience. Sensitivity editing catches cultural, social, and trauma-related issues authors might miss.  Your book is a permanent professional artifact living on Amazon for years, representing you when you're not in the room. Event planners review books before booking speakers, journalists and podcast hosts evaluate credibility through writing quality, and potential clients use books to assess you. If you charge premium prices for your services but present an amateur-quality book, the disconnect destroys credibility and costs you high-paying clients. Professional editing costs between $1,500 and $5,000, which might sound expensive until you consider that one lost media opportunity, speaking engagement, or high-paying client costs more than professional editing. Your ROI includes better speaking fees, more opportunities, improved client acquisition, ability to charge higher prices, and media opportunities that multiply over time. Even professional editors hire other editors for their own books because you cannot effectively edit your own work no matter how skilled you are. I myself am co-writing a fiction book with an editor friend, and we're still paying another editor because we want our book to be well-received.  Whether self-publishing or working with a publisher, professional editing is non-negotiable for protecting your reputation, establishing authority, and safeguarding your income and lead generation. Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and...

    23 min

  4. JAN 27

    The Permafree Book Method Side Hustle Nation's Nick Loper Used to Build an Email List Through Amazon

    Nick Loper is my guest today. Nick is the owner and CEO of Side Hustle Nation. He’s on today to share proven strategies for using your book as a lead generator rather than a revenue source.  Nick's philosophy is simple: most authors will find greater value using their book as a business card and authority builder. He demonstrates this at local vendor fairs where his stack of books carries more weight than his podcast's 30 million downloads.  Nick views Amazon as a top-five search engine and if you can show up through strategic titles and keywords, your book becomes a powerful point of discovery at the top of your funnel. The key is integrating compelling calls-to-action throughout your content. For those just starting, Nick suggests creating quick-start checklists, 30-day implementation guides, or curated lists of tools and resources, bonus points if you can repurpose content. The game-changer in Nick's strategy is his permafree book approach, which has driven over 150,000 free downloads since 2019. While he can't track exact conversions, he's confident these 150,000 readers have become podcast listeners, Facebook group members, and email subscribers. Nick's permafree strategy is fundamentally a search play on Amazon. When potential readers search Amazon and find competing books alongside Nick's free option, they naturally choose the low-friction entry point, capturing them before competitors do. His approach evolved significantly over the years, with his biggest growth coming when he started offering text summaries of podcast episodes as lead magnets. This simple shift took his email list from 1,000 subscribers to 12,000 within a year, creating a content marketing arm for the business he wanted to build. Ready to write your authority-building book? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! 100 Ways to Make $1000: How Real People Make Real Money on the Side (and how you can too) Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    25 min

  5. JAN 20

    Getting on the best seller list with Lisa Jones

    Today I’m with Lisa Jones, president and CEO of Financially Awaken, LLC, who hit Amazon's #1 bestseller list in just six days with her book Financial Seasons: Daily Inspiration About Finance and Our Emotions. What makes Lisa's story impressive is that she accomplished this without a huge social media following, publishing company backing, or extensive marketing team.  Lisa shares the journey that led to writing a 366-day devotional about the emotional side of personal finance, sparked by her and her husband's five-year journey to pay off $300,000 in debt. When she couldn't find a devotional to help her cope with the emotions of their debt payoff journey, she made one herself. She hit publish Monday evening at 8:15 PM, terrified and crying. The book went live and within hours she earned her first #1 new release banner. By day six, she achieved #1 bestseller status. The book stayed at #1 for nearly three weeks and remained in the top 100 for over two years, with one unforgettable moment when her book appeared right next to Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. Lisa created "Road to Bestseller," a weekend course designed specifically for busy professionals. This course is structured for people who are willing to get into the trenches and do the work themselves. Her book, Financial Seasons, became a powerful teaching tool in her wealth strategy coaching sessions, allowing her to connect with clients by saying "I know how you feel" and directing them to relevant stories that show they're not alone in their struggles. Ready to embark on your publishing adventure? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get Lisa’s Road to Bestseller book marketing course today! Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    27 min

  6. JAN 15

    Leverage Podcast Guest Appearances to Maximize Your Book Sales

    I sat down with Nicky Berlou, who has guested on over 800 podcast appearances. He’s generated seven figures in business revenue generated through strategic podcast guesting.  Nicky shares the critical distinction between weak and strong intentions when appearing on podcasts. Nicky teaches a strong approach focused on building relationships, generating leads, creating sales, and attracting ideal clients. This shift in mindset is what transformed his own results from zero conversions in his first 100 shows to consistent revenue generation. The heart of Nicky's methodology is the Triple Threat Intention, which focuses on three key areas: audience, host, and guest. First, bring your A-game and treat your host’s time as sacred. Second, make the host look good by respecting their significant investment in producing their show. Third, use the conversation as an opportunity to build a genuine business relationship. This framework creates a win for everyone and opens doors to unexpected opportunities. Nicky shares two compelling success stories from authors he's coached. Machu Mejuz, a Belgian gardening expert who speaks English as his fourth language, used his book as a business card to attract high-end clients. In just 84 days and 10 podcast appearances, he generated €124,000 in sales by giving his book away for free and using the authority it provided to get ideal clients. Michael Matthew, a tax accountant, appeared on his first show. The host was so impressed she offered to send him business referrals, resulting in 18 referrals with 10 converting into paying clients worth. Both authors demonstrated that your book is your ticket to the show, the show is your ticket to conversations with ideal clients, and those conversations are your ticket to cash in the bank. Without a book, approximately 30% of podcast hosts might be interested in having you as a guest. With a book, you’ll land 90%. Books and strategic podcast guesting creates sustainable business growth! Ready to embark on your publishing adventure? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Connect with Nicky at www.eCircleAcademy.com/appointment Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, guests, and affiliates are not responsible or liable for any decisions made by listeners or actions taken hereto based on the information discussed in this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    26 min

  7. JAN 6

    Secrets to Building a Successful Author Brand

    I'm thrilled to have both returning and new listeners join us as we dive into the captivating world of dark romance writing and self-publishing with our special guest, Bria Rose. Bria is a Disney enthusiast turned dark romance author, whose journey from fairy tale dreams to crafting morally complex narratives is truly inspiring. In this episode, Bria shares her experiences writing her debut novel, "Her Dark Promise," and how she transitioned from collaborative writing to self-publishing. Despite lacking formal writing training, Bria's passion and creativity have fueled her success in the genre. We'll explore Bria's writing process, including her unique approach as a "puzzle writer" and her strategies for overcoming writer's block. Whether it's outlining with physical notes or seeking inspiration from anime and other storytelling mediums, Bria provides valuable insights for aspiring authors looking to ignite their creativity. Additionally, we delve into innovative marketing strategies that can help authors establish a successful brand. From podcast appearances to leveraging platforms like Substack, we uncover effective ways to connect with readers and expand your reach. We'll discuss the importance of defining personal success and the role of media strategists in guiding promotional efforts. For those interested in book marketing, I share tips on targeting the right audience, emphasizing the value of themed conferences and expos over traditional bookstore signings. We also discuss the power of email marketing and how platforms like hot Kit can streamline your campaigns. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of dark romance and self-publishing with Bria Rose, and discover the tools and strategies you need to succeed in today's publishing landscape.  Ready to embark on your publishing adventure? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! (12:02) Overcoming Writer's Block Strategies (16:43) Coping With Writer's Block and Inspiration (22:35) Strategies for Successful Author Marketing (27:35) Book Marketing Strategies and Tips (37:28) Author Marketing Strategies and Discount Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Follow me on Substack Get funded for your creative project using the book 9 Stumbling Blocks Preventing Creatives from Tapping into Grant Funds Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Check out Bria and pick up her cool merch on her Author Website Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily...

    36 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Turning Your Book into an Outreach Powerhouse

    Publishing for Professionals Episode 42 Turning Your Book into an Outreach Powerhouse  Let’s dive deep into the transformative journey of turning your book into a powerful educational outreach tool, with insights from dyslexia expert and author Russell Van Brocklen. We explore effective strategies for engaging schools and securing speaking opportunities that can elevate your book's reach. Russell shares his personal journey and the creation of his impactful book, "Literacy and Reading Turnaround," which has already made a significant difference for homeschooling families. Together, we discuss the nuances of book cover design, the strategic use of QR codes, and crafting compelling author bios and blurbs to captivate readers. Learn how to leverage social media and LinkedIn connections to engage with educational institutions, craft compelling marketing strategies, and explore collaborations with PTAs to further expand your book's impact. Russell offers actionable advice on transitioning from general speaking engagements to keynote roles, underscoring the importance of building a robust online presence. We also touch on the logistics of book publishing, including the potential of hardcovers for key distributions and the significance of platforms like Amazon Kindle. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with practical tips and inspiration to start sharing your knowledge and making a difference in the world of education. Join us in this enlightening conversation, and don't forget to visit Russell's website, dyslexiaclasses.com, for additional resources. Let's empower future generations with our writing! Ready to embark on your publishing adventure? Schedule a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! (00:20) Dyslexia Book Publishing and Promotion (10:19) Book Promotion and Keynote Speaking (24:03) Back Cover and Inside Blurbs Podcast Resources Start on your author journey today by Booking a Discovery Call Follow me on Substack Get funded for your creative project using the book 9 Stumbling Blocks Preventing Creatives from Tapping into Grant Funds Unsure where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Check out Russell on his website Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by the host, guests, and any affiliates is not intended to substitute for professional legal or financial advice or any professional advice specific to your situation. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have. The opinions expressed on the show by the host or guests are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Publishing Company. Unicorn Publishing Company, the host,

    27 min
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About

Are you an executive with methodologies to share, a professional speaker ready to expand your reach, or a thought leader ready to cement your legacy? This isn't just another "how to write" podcast—it's a comprehensive guide to navigating your entire self-publishing journey. Each episode delivers actionable advice on everything from finding the right ghostwriter and understanding hybrid publishing to effective time management for busy executives, marketing techniques for thought leaders, and avoiding the vanity press trap while maintaining professional credibility. Turn your big ideas into a self published book without the traditional publishing headaches or costly mistakes that plague first-time authors. Join multi-published author and ghostwriter Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis of Write For You as she pulls back the curtain on modern publishing, showing professional speakers, executives, and thought leaders how to transform their expertise into compelling books that build their brand and legacy. Whether you're struggling with impostor syndrome, overwhelmed by publishing options, or worried about maintaining your professional reputation, Lynn tackles these fears head-on with practical solutions and proven strategies. Lynn doesn't just share successes—she dives into failures and missteps so you don't have to learn the hard way. No more wondering if your book will ever see the light of day or worrying about damaging your professional reputation with a subpar publication. Self Publishing for Professionals provides a blueprint for becoming a published author on your own terms, with your credibility intact and enhanced. New episodes drop every week on your favorite podcast player and YouTube!

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