Episode 18

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Published on:

27th May 2025

What is a Ghostwriter and When Should You Hire One?

Publishing for Professionals

Episode 18

What is a Ghostwriter and When Should You Hire One?

In this episode, we demystify the world of ghostwriting and explore when it makes sense to bring in professional writing support. A ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates content under your name, capturing your voice, expertise, and unique perspective while remaining invisible to your audience. Unlike traditional content creators who build their own brands, ghostwriters are skilled chameleons who adapt their writing style to match yours perfectly, becoming an extension of your thought leadership rather than replacing it.


The decision to hire a ghostwriter typically stems from a common dilemma: you have valuable insights to share and a personal brand to build, but lack the time or writing expertise to consistently produce high-quality content. This situation is particularly common among busy executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, and subject matter experts who understand the importance of content marketing but struggle to maintain a regular publishing schedule. Other scenarios include preparing for major speaking engagements, launching thought leadership campaigns, or scaling content production across multiple platforms while maintaining consistency.


We dive deep into the key indicators that suggest you're ready for ghostwriting support, including having clear expertise and opinions to share, a defined target audience, and the budget to invest in professional writing services. The episode explores different types of ghostwriting arrangements, from occasional article support to comprehensive content strategies, and discusses how to evaluate whether you have enough material and perspective to sustain ongoing ghostwritten content. We also address common concerns about authenticity and how the best ghostwriting relationships actually help amplify your genuine voice rather than replace it.


Podcast Resources


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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.

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About the Podcast

Publishing for Professionals
Editing, Writing and Self-Publishing for Speakers, Executives, Leaders who are writing a book to self-publish
Turn your big ideas into a published book - without the traditional publishing headaches or the costly mistakes that plague first-time authors.

Join multi-published author and ghostwriter Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis of Unicorn Publishing Company as she pulls back the curtain on the world of modern publishing, showing professional speakers, executives, and thought leaders how to transform their expertise into compelling books that build their brand and legacy.

Have you been struggling with impostor syndrome, wondering if your story is worth telling? Overwhelmed by the sheer number of publishing options? Worried about investing thousands in a book that might never find its audience? Or are you concerned about maintaining your professional reputation while sharing personal stories? Tune in each week as Lynn tackles these fears head-on, providing practical solutions and proven strategies.

In a world where traditional publishers are increasingly selective, and self-publishing can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, Publishing for Professionals offers a refreshing roadmap for busy professionals who know they have a book in them but don't know where to start. Lynn serves up straight talk and insider secrets each week, addressing the real challenges that keep those brilliant ideas trapped in notebooks or laptop folders.

Are you an?
*Executive or CEO with methodologies to share?
*Professional speaker ready to expand their reach?
*Consultant looking to scale their impact?
*Industry leader with valuable insights?
*Entrepreneur with an inspiring journey?
*Thought leader ready to cement their legacy?

Your story matters. Your experience has value. And with the proper guidance, your book can change lives - starting with yours. Tune into Publishing for Professionals and find out:

*Whether a ghostwriter is right for you (and how to find one who truly gets your voice)
*The truth about hybrid publishing
*How to create effective time-management strategies for executives who need to write
*The secret to structuring your book to resonate with your target audience
*Marketing techniques that work for thought leaders and executives
*The real costs of publishing - from editing to design to distribution
*Ways to leverage your book for speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, and brand-building

Whether you're a CEO sitting on a methodology that could revolutionize your industry, a speaker whose message needs to reach beyond the stage, or a leader ready to share your hard-won wisdom, each episode delivers actionable advice wrapped in engaging stories and a healthy dose of humor. Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis also dives into the failures and missteps of publishing, so you don't have to learn the hard way.

This isn't just another "how to write" podcast. It's a comprehensive guide to navigating the entire publishing journey, from the first draft to the final marketing plan. Lynn will be your guide to walk you through self-publishing, the benefits of ghostwriting, what you need to know about editing your book, and how to configure and launch a book marketing plan so your book gets seen in front of the right audience.

No more wondering if your book will ever see the light of day. No more confusion about the next step in the process. No more worry about damaging your professional reputation with a sub-par publication. Publishing for Professionals gives you the blueprint for becoming a published author on your own terms, with your credibility intact and enhanced.

Subscribe now and join a community of ambitious professionals turning their expertise into powerful published works. Your readers are waiting, and your impact is needed.

Let's make your book happen!

About your host

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Lynn Smargis

Lynn is a ghostwriter, author, writer, podcast producer, artist, all around creative and ideator and is the founder of Unicorn 🦄 Publishing Company.

On a typical day of content creation, she can produce 2,000 to 8,000 words. She started her creative journey at the age of five, creating and performing dance routines at Ms. Ruth’s dance studio in her home town of Philadelphia. She discovered the world of recording audio in middle school creating mixtapes in the 80s and videos in the 90s. As an adult, podcasting is her new creative medium that is second only to writing and publishing.

As a professional, Lynn works closely with leaders, executives, and consultants to elevate their platforms through ghostwriting their non-fiction books. In addition to publishing client books (and her own books) Lynn works on collaborative book projects with podcast industry leaders. She is also the author and co-author of several books, including The Guide To Traveling Gluten Free, Senior Solutions, and How to Repurpose Your Podcast into a Book. In addition to writing books for herself and her clients, Lynn hosts and produces the podcasts Caring for Your Aging Parents, and Travel Gluten Free, which are available on all major podcast players.

Lynn enjoys spending time on her olive farm in McMinnville, Oregon. When she isn't writing or farming, Lynn enjoys gardening, studying astronomy, playing with her two dogs, Minnow and Lily, snuggling her two cats, Hemingway and Jack, traveling, painting, reading tarot, studying Buddhism, and experiencing the outdoors.