Self Publishing for Professionals

Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis
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Self Publishing for Professionals 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. 3D AGO

    Transform Your Expertise into a Bestselling Book

    Ready to transform your expertise into a bestselling book that resonates and sells with your target readers? Your expertise and voice make your book unique even if similar topics exist, but expertise alone doesn't create a good book without the right strategy. I cover mining your expertise for book-worthy content including years of professional experience, repeated client questions, frameworks or methodologies you've developed, industry insights others lack, case studies, success stories, and mistakes you've learned that others can avoid. The key is identifying what people consistently seek your advice about, what problems you solve better than others in your industry, what knowledge gaps you can fill, and where your passion intersects with market need. The right angle requires focused topics rather than broad expertise since niching down doesn't lose authority but attracts audiences who love your specific brand of work. I use my book From Idea to Outline as an example, designed specifically for busy professionals outlining their books in a weekend rather than generalizing for bigger audiences. Structure your expertise into a book framework by moving from knowledge to narrative since readers need a journey from point A to point B, not just information dumps. Create signature frameworks that are memorable and actionable ensuring the framework becomes associated with your brand. Organize chapters with logical flow building on complexity, keeping chapters under 6000 words and total chapter count ideally under 15 for nonfiction business books. Balance theory with practical application through exercises, worksheets, action steps, and pro tips. Choose clarity over cleverness for titles and subtitles using keywords your audience searches, testing three options with target audiences, and understanding that Amazon keyword rules prohibit using any words from your title or subtitle in your keyword fields since those words won't show up for purchase discovery. 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 where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!

    20 min

  2. MAY 12

    How to Market Your Book Before It's Even Finished

    I’ve got another Book Blueprint episode for you, today! Welcome Stephanie Jordan, author and speaker who retired from her 27-year cosmetology career and has written multiple books including The Narcissistic Bride of Christ and her upcoming Legacy Builders. Stephanie asks how to get people interested in your book. I explain the ideal approach is to start marketing three to six months before your publishing date since you don't need a finished book to market. The critical foundation is knowing your audience, which is why I created my Book Clarity Blueprint, helping authors flesh out their purpose, message, and target reader before investing time and money. When you publish as an expert without professional editing, readers see errors and lose trust in your credibility, questioning why they should hire your services if you won't invest in a professional book. Remember, damaged reputations are harder to rebuild than the upfront editing investment. Stephanie shares her nightmare first editor experience where the editor sent scathing emails about hating her book and would have destroyed it if Stephanie hadn't protected her voice. This never should have happened—editors who dislike your genre shouldn't accept projects, and authors can send 500-word samples for free editing to test compatibility before committing. She asks how long should you promote a book before moving on to the next one? That depends on your goals and whether you have a single book or series. For her situation, I recommend continuing to promote her book at conferences and events matching her "flavor" of Christianity rather than Barnes and Noble. In addition, she should start marketing her new book in May, telling current followers they can pre-order on Amazon, creating natural overlap where fans of the first book discover the second. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!

    24 min

  3. MAY 5

    How to Win Book Awards and Use Them to Skyrocket Your Author Credibility with Melanie Johnson from Elite Online Publishing

    Melanie Trela Johnson, the visionary founder of Elite Online Publishing, has taken over 3000 authors to number one bestseller status and is herself an 18-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Melanie explains how Elite Online Publishing differs from traditional publishers by providing high-level service throughout the entire publishing journey, handling the publishing triathlon of writing, publishing, and marketing so authors can use their books as credibility and marketing tools. She emphasizes that finishing your book isn't the finish line; you’ll need to promote your book. Book awards involve applying to specific competitions where groups of readers evaluate your book alongside others in the category and decide if your work merits gold, silver, or bronze recognition, with even silver awards meaning you're above everyone else in that category just like Olympic medalists. The key is researching thousands of available awards to find ones with categories matching your book's niche, then applying to multiple categories within each award to maximize chances. Most awards charge fees and require physical books since evaluators spend time reading submissions. Awards provide lifelong credibility since this title further distinguishes you from authors without awards. Books are never too old for awards as long as content remains current, so authors can use awards for a new announcement, which reignites interest. Awards don't happen immediately, like bestseller launches, since many competitions announce results five to six months later, creating natural promotional opportunities. Basic requirements include quality professionally edited content, beautiful covers, proper titles and subtitles, professional formatting, established sales and reviews. Elite Online Publishing works with authors to provide book awards services, bestseller launches. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a 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 where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Visit Melanie at Elite Online Publishing 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

  4. APR 28

    Traditional vs Hybrid Publishing Explained by a Professional Book Editor

    In this special Book Blueprint episode, I welcome Dave Letterfly-Notar, a five-time published author with three memoirs and two guidebooks who takes readers into the traveling circus world through his passion for horsemanship, adventure, and artwork. Dave started writing as catharsis 37 years ago, evolved into marketing essays for his art career, then, he was encouraged by professors who helped him craft his first book ten years ago in his mid-forties. Now he's completed his next manuscript about his relationship with a horse and their adventures together, professionally edited and ready, but he wants to publish through traditional publishing rather than self-publishing again. My first advice for finding an agent is checking Publishers Weekly for reputable agents. The critical factor is finding an agent who specializes in your genre and subgenre. Traditional publishing takes three to five years, even with an agent, so patience is essential. I also introduce the hybrid publisher option where authors maintain more creative control including choosing editors. Dave doesn't need an agent to submit to publishers, though agents shortcut the process by knowing which companies want specific book types. The mindset shift Dave needs is keeping his animated, passionate storytelling approach, since that sells publishers. His advantage is understanding the publishing process as a seasoned professional, making him easier for publishers to work with. I offer book coaching services for author support since promoting books is harder than writing them, and Dave's positive service-minded paradigm from his recovery journey 37 years ago drives his mission helping readers transform obstacles into growth. Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a 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 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 agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    27 min

  5. APR 21

    Never Hire the Wrong Book Editor With This 22-Question Checklist

    Here are the 22 crucial questions to ask before hiring a book editor, based on a thorough questionnaire a prospective client sent me that covers major considerations when vetting professional editors for your self-published book. The fundamental questions covered in this episode include: genre expertise, comparable books edited, and what excites editors about your manuscript, though many ghostwriters have NDAs preventing public client lists. Voice preservation questions are critical, including how editors maintain your voice while strengthening clarity, pacing, and story structure. My process involves onboarding sessions, listening to podcasts if available, editing chapter one, then meeting to make corrections before continuing to ensure I capture voice accurately. This prevents the devastating mistake where authors hire editors, don't see them until the book is finished, then discover their book isn't what they wanted, requiring complete rewrites. Practical business questions address turnaround time, flat fee versus hourly rates, availability, contracts, NDAs, communication preferences, and references. I work on flat fees including two passes and three 30-minute meetings, typically book two to three weeks out, provide contracts through client intake forms, sign NDAs since confidentiality is key, stay available via text for quick questions and email during standard work hours, and provide references once prospects shortlist me. The dealbreaker question reveals what makes editors turn down projects. I'm easy to work with as a fellow author and creative who gives clients final say in their books, preserving voice while offering professional advice they can accept or decline because the author always has the last call on which content stays in their book. Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born!

    17 min

  6. APR 14

    How You Actually Finish Writing a Book While Working Full-Time

    I recently had another podcaster in a coaching group ask me about how to break down the overwhelming process of writing a self-published book into manageable, smaller goals. The core problem: the thought of writing a book paralyzes aspiring authors because it's an undefined goal with no clear starting point, creating blank page paralysis compounded by comparing themselves to finished books with bestsellers and awards rather than focusing on next steps. The critical mindset shift I teach is moving from "I need to write a book" to "what is my very next step?” Our brains want to resist undefined, enormous tasks but respond well to small, clear milestones, where you can see measurable progress and celebrate small wins! Stop thinking about bestseller lists and awards—simply focus on why you want to write your book and how you'll get there one step at a time. Your goal isn't finishing the entire book. Your goal is to complete your next milestone. Whether that's your chapter outline, brainstorming topics, creating a mind map, or writing 15 minutes three times weekly. Establish a realistic writing schedule by honestly assessing your available time and protecting the time you are blocking off to write. And fiercely protect that time! Unprotected time ends up going towards our life’s daily tasks, only pushing off what we really want to do: completing our self-published book. Complete your first draft by writing one chapter at a time, but you don’t have to write them in order! Start with whatever chapter feels easiest and save your introduction for last, since it will likely change after developmental editing. The absolute non-negotiable milestone is hiring a professional editor—never hire friends or family members as one client hired her 18-year-old niece and it sounded like a high schooler wrote her book, requiring complete re-editing at an additional cost to her. I’ve seen unprofessionally edited books getting called out in Amazon book reviews, with one author receiving four reviews specifically mentioning she clearly didn't hire a professional editor. Complete all editing before formatting and use a book formatter who doesn't work in Word. Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Podcast Resources Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! Get the support you need for self-publishing your book in my community, Publishing for Leaders. Join today while membership is still free! 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 agree to release Unicorn Publishing Company, the host, affiliates, and guests from any liability.

    26 min

  7. APR 7

    Four Secrets to Never Experience Writer's Block From Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Dr. David Grueder

    Dr. David Gruder, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of eight books and award-winning psychologist, shares his four secrets to never experiencing writer's block. David's unique writing gift came from childhood when his father, an accomplished technical writer, and his mother, a published poet, mercilessly edited his homework with input that drove him crazy but ultimately gifted him the rare ability to write with precision yet poetically. Learning that books serve as front-ends for deeper engagement, he shifted his approach to say less while delivering huge value, leaving readers wanting more. David cured any possibility of writer's block as executive editor of his college newspaper when he consistently had 20 minutes before drop-dead deadline to write his weekly column with zero prep time, teaching him to write final copy without the luxury of writer's block. One of David’s secrets he reveals is marathoning rather than sprinting, where David goes into seclusion for week-long writing sessions from wake to sleep because marathoning keeps everything fully present while sprinting causes him to lose connections between details. I’ve marathoned my own book on a two-week Atlantic cruise sitting poolside. David's wife uses sprints and data dumping information onto sticky notes, clustering themes together which reveals chapters and sequence, creating a literal paper trail. Writing becomes much easier through flow state, where all effort vanishes and content channels through, using the criterion that if what comes through isn't smarter than him, then it goes in the trash. David triggers flow state by uttering his favorite four-letter word "help" and surrendering to ask higher resources to channel through him, or by playing and listening to music, always using soothing instrumental background music like light jazz, classical, or new age when actually writing since vocal music with words prevents the brain from processing writing efficiently. I recently discovered lo-fi music acts like a metronome for your brain helping regulate brain waves, particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals by calming the brain for deeper flowstate. Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a 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 where to start when it comes to writing your book? Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today! Get a Free Copy of the first two books in Dr. David Grueder’s SPARC Trilogy! 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

  8. MAR 31

    How to Build Your Email List to 50,000 Subscribers for Book Marketing Success with Scott Carson

    In this game-changing episode, I sit down with Scott Carson, nationally recognized note investing authority, who built his email list to 50,000 subscribers using strategies any author can apply. Scott opens with a powerful American Marketing Association statistic showing email marketing delivers 4,400% ROI, earning $44 for every dollar spent. The critical insight: you only truly own three platforms—your email list, website, and RSS feed—while social media platforms can shut you down anytime, making email list building essential for authors wanting marketing control. Scott's journey began over 20 years ago when his coach advised treating networking events as list-building opportunities, turning business card collection into a competitive game aiming to collect one-tenth of attendee cards from each event. His genius strategy involved business cards with blank backs so when people lacked cards, he gave them to him to fill out and return, never missing connections. Every night after events, he meticulously transferred contacts into Excel spreadsheets recording names, emails, niche focus, and conversation notes for personalized outreach. The immediate follow-up email thanked people for meeting with conversation details. Then he strategically sent second follow-ups on Tuesday after weekend events, avoiding Monday when people travel, offering value through podcast links, free books, or class invitations because 80% of sales happen after the fifth contact. Scott's success foundation came from genuinely helping solve problems rather than pushing sales, asking attendees about challenges and offering solutions through content, connections, or resources without expecting immediate returns. His book strategy involved converting titles to free PDF lead magnets in exchange for email addresses, building his list while establishing authority. Scott's strategies translate into book marketing gold. Authors can replicate his process by starting small, staying consistent, and focusing on genuine relationship building, making it a game while maintaining discipline to follow up when others won't. Until next time, keep writing, dreaming, and creating—your book is waiting to be born! Ready to write your authority-building book? Book a discovery call and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book! 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! Chat with Scott Carson or sign up for one of his virtual classes here! 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.

    28 min
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About

Self Publishing for Professionals 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis
  • Show Website
    Self Publishing for Professionals