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Publishing for Professionals

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by Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis

5.0(4 reviews)
68 episodes
Updated Daily
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55

Podcast Authority

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Podcast Overview

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.

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Publishing Since

1/14/2025

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

June 30, 2026

Your Roadmap to Self-Publishing

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!</strong></p><p><strong>Ready to write your authority-building book? </strong><u><a href="https://cal.com/write-for-you/discovery-call" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call</a></u> and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!</p><p><strong>Podcast Resources</strong></p><p><strong>Looking for support to self-publish your book? </strong><u><a href="https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join me in my Skool Community</a></u> filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.</p><p><strong>Unsure how to turn your idea into your book?</strong> <u><a href="https://write-for-you-ghostwriting.kit.com/book-clarity-blueprint" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!</a></u></p><p><strong>Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline?</strong> <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Idea-Outline-step-step-professionals/dp/B0GVNTS58Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently.</a></u></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

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

June 23, 2026

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

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!</strong></p><p><strong>Ready to write your authority-building book? </strong><u><a href="https://cal.com/write-for-you/discovery-call" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call</a></u> and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!</p><p><strong>Podcast Resources</strong></p><p><strong>Looking for support to self-publish your book? </strong><u><a href="https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join me in my Skool Community</a></u> filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.</p><p><strong>Unsure how to turn your idea into your book?</strong> <u><a href="https://write-for-you-ghostwriting.kit.com/book-clarity-blueprint" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!</a></u></p><p><strong>Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline?</strong> <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Idea-Outline-step-step-professionals/dp/B0GVNTS58Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently.</a></u></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

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

June 16, 2026

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

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep creating. Your book is waiting to be born!</strong></p><p><strong>Ready to write your authority-building book? </strong><u><a href="https://cal.com/write-for-you/discovery-call" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book a Path to Publishing Discovery Call</a></u> and take the next step to moving one step closer to writing and publishing your book!</p><p><strong>Podcast Resources</strong></p><p><strong>Looking for support to self-publish your book? </strong><u><a href="https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join me in my Skool Community</a></u> filled with leaders who are adding “author” to their bio.</p><p><strong>Unsure how to turn your idea into your book?</strong> <u><a href="https://write-for-you-ghostwriting.kit.com/book-clarity-blueprint" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download your Book Clarity Blueprint today!</a></u></p><p><strong>Ready to take your book idea and create your book framework and outline?</strong> <u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Idea-Outline-step-step-professionals/dp/B0GVNTS58Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get my latest publication, From Idea to Outline, made for busy professionals who want to setup their book quickly and efficiently.</a></u></p><p><strong>Visit Lisa Rabey at https://nerddgirl.net/shop/ </strong>and use the coupon code HILISA, to get 20% off!</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>

68 total episodes available

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Lisa Jones

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LINDSAY PHILLIPS

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Larry Benjamin

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Brad Elder

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What is Publishing for Professionals?

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.

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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