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

Self Publishing for Professionals
Self Publishing for Thought Leaders who are Writing a Book
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.

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.