Self Publishing for Thought Leaders

Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis

Self Publishing for Thought Leaders is the podcast for thought leaders, executives, and experts who are ready to write and self-publish a nonfiction business book that grows their authority and amplifies their message. Hosted by Lynn, a five-time published author, ghostwriter, book editor, and book coach, each episode breaks down the self-publishing process in plain, practical language so you can stop overthinking and start writing. From Amazon KDP to ghostwriting for executives and everything in between, this show gives you the tools and guidance you need to become a published author on your own terms. If you have a book inside you and you are ready to get it out of your head and into the hands of the people who need it, this show was made for you. This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions such as: How do I self-publish a book without a publisher? How do I start writing a nonfiction business book? Should I hire a ghostwriter or write the book myself? What is Amazon KDP, and how does it work? How do I know when my manuscript is ready to publish? What is the difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing? What kind of editing does my book need? Would working with a book coach for executives help me finally get this done? How do I turn my expertise into a thought leadership book that establishes me as a thought leader and author, that opens doors? How do busy professionals and thought leaders find the time to write and publish a book? Let's tackle the mindset that holds most writers back, how Amazon KDP works, how to choose the right keywords and book categories, what self-publishing actually costs, how to format and upload your manuscript, whether hybrid or traditional publishing is right for you, and when hiring a ghostwriter or book coach makes sense. We also cover book cover design, ISBNs, ebook vs. print-on-demand, royalties, and how to build a book launch strategy that actually gets your book in front of readers. And if you're still weighing your options, we explain the advantages of self-publishing. With the right information, you can make the right choice for your book, your goals, and your dreams! If publishing your book has been sitting on your to-do list, consider this your invitation to finally make it happen! Grab your favorite drink and pull up a chair, because your story deserves to be told.

  1. 1d ago

    Decoding Book Formatting Terms So You Hire the Right Professional

    In this essential episode, I clear up the confusing terminology around book formatting since one person says formatting, another says typesetting, and someone else calls it interior design, leaving authors unsure which service they actually need. I break down the five different names for what happens inside your book so you understand what each one means and can hire the right professional with confidence. Book formatting is the practical foundation that makes your files work correctly on publishing platforms like Amazon KDP. Typesetting is the visual craft that makes your pages look polished and enjoyable to read. Book interior design is the holistic artistic approach that creates a cohesive reader experience, working best for more visual projects like art books or coffee table books. Page layout is the precise page-by-page execution of placing every element where it belongs. The book interior layout sits in the sweet spot combining design vision with mechanical execution, which is what I do for my clients. The big takeaway is that each term carries a slightly different emphasis and signals a different level of service. When you know what each one means, you can make smarter hiring decisions and ensure you're getting the type and level of service your book truly deserves. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into 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 agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

  2. Jul 28

    The Secret to Podcast Growth That Most Creators Miss

    I talk with Michael Nguyen, founder of Take This Podcast, a production company that assists real estate and finance creators in growing their shows without burnout. With seven years of experience and successes like Coach Carson's show (130,000+ YouTube subscribers), Michael makes the case for why authors should consider podcasting. Blog readership is declining in the AI era, while the active podcast landscape is far less crowded since most shows fade out before reaching ten episodes. Michael stresses that the first step is identifying your ideal listener, their age, routine, and pain points. We explore two core formats: interview episodes, which create audience cross-pollination through guest swaps and networking, and solo episodes, which let you go deep on a topic and position yourself as the expert. For authors, a book is a goldmine of podcast content, including excerpts, behind-the-scenes stories, character inspiration, and writing process details, all of which act like Amazon's "Look Inside" preview, hooking listeners while leaving them wanting the full book. Consistency is the through-line of the entire conversation. Michael breaks production into three phases and notes that even a 15-minute episode takes far more than 15 minutes to deliver. That workload drives podfade, which is where his production service steps in, handling editing, publishing, and admin so creators can focus on recording. The strongest argument for podcasting is the trust factor. Listeners integrate shows into their daily commutes, meals, and walks, and that recurring presence creates a loyalty that is hard to replicate. Get organized with a content calendar, set mini-deadlines, and commit to a consistent schedule, because consistency and relevancy are key to podcasting success. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get Michael’s free cheat sheet on How to Launch Your Podcast 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.

  3. Jul 21

    How to Use a Book as Your Business Card to Get More Clients with David Barnett

    I sat down with David Barnett, an author of ten books who has spent over a decade helping entrepreneurs buy and sell small businesses. David shares how a simple PDF lead magnet he created in 2014 evolved into his first published book, Invest Local, and how that experience revealed the power of books to serve as a lasting business card—one that opens doors to podcast appearances, speaking engagements, and unsolicited client inquiries from strangers discovering him on Amazon. Since then, he has built an entire catalog of titles, each designed to answer the exact questions his audience is already searching for. David's approach to titling is deliberately data-driven. Several of his books began as free PDF downloads and only became full-length published works once the content expanded enough to justify it. His evergreen titles, like Franchise Warnings, have sold steadily for over a decade with no marketing push, proving that the right book in the right niche can quietly pay dividends year after year. The conversation dives deep into David's 2024 launch strategy for Buying vs. Starting a Small Business, which marked a significant shift from his earlier approach of simply uploading a manuscript and walking away. The campaign revealed a frustrating reality about Amazon's review filter—roughly forty people told him they left a review, but many never appeared on the platform. Reviews from established Amazon reviewers were far more likely to survive the filter, and he repurposed unpublished reviews by placing them directly into the book's front pages, where they're visible in the free "Look Inside" preview and serve as marketing copy for prospective buyers. Beyond book launches, David shares broader lessons from his eleven-year YouTube journey and his philosophy that the right audience matters far more than a large one. He also discusses how he uses transcription tools and AI-assisted editing to turn podcast conversations into case studies for updated book editions. The episode is a practical, grounded look at how a nonfiction author can build authority, generate leads, and create a self-reinforcing body of work without relying on paid advertising or viral moments. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get David’s Free Download about Buying and Selling Small Businesses at https://www.DavidCBarnettList.com 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.

  4. Jul 14

    Use Your Business Book to Fill Your Lead Pipeline

    Ray Hartjen is the author of five published books, including Revenue Orchestration in Today's New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing, to discuss how your business book can drive your inbound sales pipeline. Ray wrote his book because B2B buyers have dramatically changed how they purchase over the last five years, wanting to self-serve part of their buying journey just like they do as B2C consumers, yet most go-to-market teams remain stuck in archaic selling processes. Ray designed his book as a thought leadership piece and calling card rather than a primary revenue source, introducing readers to his concepts as a quick read with his contact information inside. The key to writing a focused book is knowing your avatar or ideal customer profile before you start, then choosing topics within your genuine area of expertise rather than cramming everything you know into one book. A narrow focus lets you share thought leadership that sparks conversations expanding your network and business. Some authors give books away free on LinkedIn as lead magnets while others charge on Amazon, and paperbacks provide a "thud factor" of authority when placed on a table at in-person events. Books also lend themselves to repurposing into website excerpts and tangential content that wins at search and AI answer engine optimization, guiding prospective customers back to your book and into your pipeline. The biggest obstacle is simply getting started. Ray emphasizes that a twenty-thousand-word book written at five hundred words daily takes only about forty days. If you have a pitch deck, you already have a book since the talk track and concepts exist in your slide notes, ready to be translated into written words. Ray and I recommend writing first thing in the morning when energy is fresh, treating your book as a big rock to tackle before smaller tasks like email, blocking out dedicated time on your calendar, and tracking your daily word count for built-in motivation and accountability since creating a business book is a job function, not a hobby. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Visit Ray and get a free gift! https://rayhartjen.com/store/ols/products/outflanked 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 hereafter 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.

  5. Jul 7

    Finish Writing Your Book: Tips to Avoid Writer’s Block

    The key distinction is between creative rest and destructive procrastination, since procrastination involves avoidance and guilt with no end point, while creative breaks involve intention and restoration with defined boundaries. Signs you are procrastinating include endlessly researching without writing, constantly rewriting the same chapter, and waiting for perfect inspiration. Signs you need a creative break include forced mechanical writing, mental fatigue, and feeling disconnected from your story. Creative break ideas include taking a walk, gardening, and journaling by hand, but always set a date to return so you don't fall into the procrastination rabbit hole. For story development, even nonfiction books need a story arc built around transformation showing who your reader is before and after your book, anchored by your inciting moment. Sources of inspiration include recurring client questions, old journals, industry trends, and your contrarian perspective since readers buy your book for your unique framework. Accountability systems make a major difference including writing sprints, a writing partner, a book coach, public goals, and scheduled writing appointments. I recommend weekly goals over daily since life happens, and a word count chart helps you reverse-engineer your target so a 40,000-word book finished in six months requires 310 words daily. Finally, maintain a positive mindset by celebrating small wins, reviewing your why, and practicing self-compassion since finished books can be improved but unfinished books cannot. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline? Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently. 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.

  6. Jun 30

    Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

    Let’s walk through a complete high-level roadmap to self-publish your book from concept to KDP upload, with most steps applying even if you use a hybrid or traditional publisher. Before writing anything, identify four key components: why you are writing, what your focus is, what your message is, and who your target audience is. Your "why" might be becoming a known author, making money, using the book as a business card, or leaving a legacy, and this keeps your book focused. Identifying your target audience requires being specific because if you write for everyone, you write for nobody. Most readers decide whether to buy in less than 10 seconds based on the cover and back description, so speak directly to your ideal reader's situation. When building content, every story must support the point in that specific chapter rather than including random tales. Hiring a professional editor is vital for credibility since unprofessionally edited books receive reviews calling out mistakes that permanently damage your reputation. The four editing types in order are developmental, line, copy, and proofreading. Vet editors to ensure they work in your genre, edit full-time, communicate promptly, and respect your voice. Purchase your own ISBNs through Bowker and buy a set of 10 since you need separate ISBNs for each format. While your editor works, begin book cover design asking for samples and client referrals. Avoid formatters using Microsoft Word, instead using Adobe InDesign, Atticus, or Vellum. For KDP upload you need your final manuscript, ebook cover, paperback cover, and assigned ISBNs, uploading about a week before launch. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline? Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently. 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.

  7. Jun 23

    Can You Query Agents After Hybrid Publishing and Still Get Signed?

    In this Book Blueprint episode, I welcome Bob Martin, a former mob lawyer turned mindfulness teacher and author. Bob shares his origin story of becoming a mob lawyer after hitting the Gambino family's southern branch with a 72-million-dollar racketeering case while working for Janet Reno in Miami. Johnny from the Gambino family walked into his office and offered to send clients since Bob beat their lawyers, teaching him that integrity means doing what you say or saying you won't. Their arrangement worked for years until Johnny's son faced serious charges and Bob refused illegal actions, prompting him to move to North Carolina, where they parted as friends. Bob's publishing history includes a self-published first novel where consultants took advantage of him, then two books accepted by the hybrid publisher Innovative Inc. Now querying agents for his historical fiction, he asks whether mentioning hybrid publishing hurts his chances. Bob's first question addresses a developmental challenge in his sweeping historical drama covering 140 years and three continents about a Hungarian man born in 1898 who came to America pursuing the American dream through popcorn businesses. The antagonist is his grandmother, Julia, who does terrible things because her traumatic past hardened her heart after being married off at 15, having a bastard child, and later projecting shame onto her daughter's illegitimate son. Beta readers nearly put the book down when Bob broke from Martin's engaging story to jump to 1960s New Jersey for Julia's entire backstory, creating too big a consciousness break. I recommend weaving small pieces of grandmother's backstory throughout Martin's story rather than one large dump, or putting her backstory in a three to four-page prologue. I reference All the Water in the World as an example and suggest the Fiction Writers Toolkit podcast and YouTuber Alyssa Matesic for fiction writing guidance. Finally, Bob received an offer from a Hong Kong publisher for his East-West religious book including an advance, asking if he could mention this to agents already queried for the historical fiction. I recommend having a literary lawyer review the contract. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline? Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently. 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 hereafter 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.

  8. Jun 16

    You Don’t Need a Publisher to Get Your Books Into Bookstores with Lisa Rabey

    I welcome Lisa Raby of Nerd Girl Industries to discuss getting books into bookstores beyond Amazon. Lisa explains why bookstores matter, including passive income opportunities, access to new reader communities, free promotion through author events, and bookstores ordering back catalogs. The myth that traditional or hybrid publishers automatically get books into more bookstores is false since publishers only push marketing for a specific percentage of titles, leaving most authors responsible for their own marketing, event scheduling, and social media, regardless of publishing method. Advanced Reader Copies distributed physically or electronically through platforms like NetGalley help booksellers decide whether titles fit their collections, though ARCs cannot legally be sold since they're unfinalized copies. Check bookstore websites for submission information first, then email or call keeping communication short and polite. Create a one-page sell sheet in PDF format including cover image, title, publisher, page count, two to three sentence blurb, and professional reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, or book trade magazines rather than Goodreads or Amazon since booksellers read trade publications for purchasing decisions. Include accolades or awards bringing credibility. Contact bookstores about a month before publication date for new titles, but work with your back catalog first to solidify relationships and prove your books sell before pushing new releases since bookstores plan events up to a year in advance. For authors with multiple genres under different pen names, research each bookstore's collection balance and create separate sell sheets for each book. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Podcast Resources Looking for support to self-publish your book? Join me in my Skool Community filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio. Unsure how to turn your idea into your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline? Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently. Visit Lisa Rabey at https://nerddgirl.net/shop/ and use the coupon code HILISA, to get 20% off! 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.

About

Self Publishing for Thought Leaders is the podcast for thought leaders, executives, and experts who are ready to write and self-publish a nonfiction business book that grows their authority and amplifies their message. Hosted by Lynn, a five-time published author, ghostwriter, book editor, and book coach, each episode breaks down the self-publishing process in plain, practical language so you can stop overthinking and start writing. From Amazon KDP to ghostwriting for executives and everything in between, this show gives you the tools and guidance you need to become a published author on your own terms. If you have a book inside you and you are ready to get it out of your head and into the hands of the people who need it, this show was made for you. This podcast is for you if you find yourself asking questions such as: How do I self-publish a book without a publisher? How do I start writing a nonfiction business book? Should I hire a ghostwriter or write the book myself? What is Amazon KDP, and how does it work? How do I know when my manuscript is ready to publish? What is the difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing? What kind of editing does my book need? Would working with a book coach for executives help me finally get this done? How do I turn my expertise into a thought leadership book that establishes me as a thought leader and author, that opens doors? How do busy professionals and thought leaders find the time to write and publish a book? Let's tackle the mindset that holds most writers back, how Amazon KDP works, how to choose the right keywords and book categories, what self-publishing actually costs, how to format and upload your manuscript, whether hybrid or traditional publishing is right for you, and when hiring a ghostwriter or book coach makes sense. We also cover book cover design, ISBNs, ebook vs. print-on-demand, royalties, and how to build a book launch strategy that actually gets your book in front of readers. And if you're still weighing your options, we explain the advantages of self-publishing. With the right information, you can make the right choice for your book, your goals, and your dreams! If publishing your book has been sitting on your to-do list, consider this your invitation to finally make it happen! Grab your favorite drink and pull up a chair, because your story deserves to be told.