Building Your Expert Platform With Books and Podcasts – IVA 579

August 31, 2026

Your Podcast And Book Can Get You Into Rooms Your Resume Can’t

Authority isn’t built by accident. It’s a result of strategic moves, confidence in your expertise, and truly supporting your audience. A podcast and book can connect you with the right influencers.

In this episode of Influential Voices of Authority, Erik K. Johnson sits down with Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis, author, ghostwriter, and self-publishing strategist.

Together they uncover what it really takes to transform a podcast into a bestselling book, avoid fatal publishing mistakes, and skyrocket your industry influence.

Important Links:

Join Lynn Smargis’ Skool Community, Self Publishing for Leaders. It is an author support community for new and returning authors.

https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809

Or www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/publishing

Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis’ website: https://www.writeforyou.me

Engage with Lynn “Elikqitie” Smargis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnSmargis/

Lynn’ s Linktree https://linktr.ee/writeforyoughostwriter

Lynn’s LI Company Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/write-for-you-me

Connect with Lynn on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/publishingforprofessionals

Lynn on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/writeforyoughost.bsky.social

Lynn’s Skool Community https://www.skool.com/publishing-for-professionals-9809

Find Lynn on Substack https://publishingforprofessionals.substack.com

Lynn on Twitter https://twitter.com/LynnSmargis

Lynn on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@selfpublishingforleaders

Subscribe to the podcast:

Apple Podcasts: http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/apple

Spotify: http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/spotify

Website: http://www.PodcastTalentCoach.com/podcasts

Episode Segments:

01:31 “The Journey from Celiac Diagnosis to Podcasting”
03:03 “Podcasting and Publishing: A Common Challenge”
04:43 “Editing Mistakes That Cost Thousands”
06:25 “Why You Must Learn the Publishing Process”
08:28 “Book Coach vs Ghostwriter: The Key Differences”
10:13 “High-Level Writing Habits and Flow”
11:20 “How Podcasting Unlocks Big Opportunities”
13:19 “Breaking Through a Saturated Market”
15:24 “Standing Out through High-Touch Support”
16:31 “Building Platform and Attracting Clients”
18:01 “Converting 500+ Podcast Episodes into a Book”
19:07 “Author Community for Personal Support”
20:13 “Events, Masterclasses, and Collaboration”
21:50 “What’s Ahead for Lynn: Books, Grants, Collaboration”

Key Takeaways:

– Secrets to Turning Podcast Episodes into a Book:

Lynn breaks down why simply copying transcripts isn’t enough. Start by mapping out your book’s purpose, building a strategic table of contents, and curating the best podcast content to fit each chapter. Supplement gaps with new recordings or targeted interviews.

– Self-Publishing Myths that Sabotage Success:

Most first-time authors make avoidable errors, such as skipping developmental editing, hiring the wrong editor, or formatting too soon. Lynn shares hard lessons from real client stories and how her “no-fluff, no-BS” approach saves clients time and thousands of dollars.

– Ghostwriter or Book Coach: Which Do You Need?

Discover the clear differences between a book coach (guiding you through writing) and a ghostwriter (writing for you based on your ideas or podcast archives). Lynn’s flexible, high-touch support meets authors wherever they are in their journey.

– Community and Collaboration Fuel Success:

From regular “write with me” sessions to expert masterclasses, Lynn’s Skool community, Self-Publishing for Leaders, provides hands-on support. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your impact with multiple books, there’s a space here to grow.

– Authority that Opens Industry Doors:

Podcasting isn’t just about content; it’s a powerful networking tool. Lynn reveals how her show connected her with mentors and industry influencers she’d never otherwise meet. Authority multiplies when leveraged well.

– Real Productivity for Real Results:

Lynn’s method for writing up to 10,000 words daily (without relying on AI) and building flow can transform even the busiest podcaster into a prolific author.