Hey Reader,

If you like a great dystopian story, with so many plot twists you're having to watch every recap to keep up with the story line, then I would highly recommend watching SILO on Apple TV.

Not giving away any spoilers, but I will say this: The actress they chose for the main protagonist, Juliette, is phenomenal, as are many of the cast members. They are truly believable! Excellent plot, fabulous acting, and a world so immersive you'll find yourself thinking about it long after the episode ends.

But here's what struck me most as a writer: the storytelling. Every reveal is earned, every twist is planted early and paid off later. It's a masterclass in how to keep an audience hooked, and it reminded me why the fundamentals of great storytelling matter just as much for authors as they do for screenwriters.

Speaking of great storytelling, let's get into this week's newsletter. 🦫

💭 🤔💭 🤔 💭 🤔💭 🤔 Imagine this scenario... 💭 🤔💭 🤔 💭 🤔💭 🤔

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​You're writing your book with a community of supportive authors cheering you on, expert guidance at your fingertips, and a clear path forward. No more guessing. No more going it alone. No more stress-induced spirals wondering if you're doing it right.

That's not a fantasy. It's exactly what happens when authors receive real support and professional guidance. In fact, the most successful authors (and the least stressed ones) are almost always the ones who don't try to do everything themselves.

When you join Self Publishing for Leaders, you become part of a positive, supportive author community that has your back at every stage. You'll also get access to a free monthly coaching workshop designed to move your book forward. And don't miss our Author's Brew, our monthly chat about writing and publishing where you can come in, ask questions, share your wins, and celebrate your published book with people who truly get it.

Stop writing in isolation. Start writing with support. 🦫

Your website is working right now, are you sure it's working for you?

Here's something worth sitting with: while you're reading this, your author website is out there making impressions on your behalf. Readers, event planners, and maybe even publishers are landing on your page and forming an opinion about you in seconds.

The question is, are they seeing the version of you that opens doors? Or are they clicking away because your site left them confused about who you are and why your book matters?

Last week I told you about our upcoming workshop with Laura from Tertulia. Since then, I've had authors reach out realizing their websites might be quietly costing them opportunities. One admitted her bio still read like a corporate resume. Another confessed she'd never thought about whether her site actually spoke to her ideal reader.

If that resonates, here's your reminder to join us: Stop Guessing: What Your Author Website Actually Needs.

Because here's the truth: you don't want to attract everyone. A website built for everyone connects with no one. The goal is to stand out and draw in the specific people who care about your niche, your brand, and your message. That's what turns casual visitors into loyal readers.

Laura will show us the essential elements every author website needs, the mistakes most authors make without realizing it, and the small changes that dramatically shift how people perceive you online.

This is live and interactive, so bring your questions. You'll leave knowing exactly what to fix, not guessing at generic advice you could find anywhere.

Don't let another week go by with a website that isn't pulling its weight.

Join the workshop inside my community, Self Publishing for​ Leaders, a free author support community.

Stuck on an Idea for Your Book?

I recently published "From Idea to Outline in One Weekend," so that new and returning authors can take the right steps to find out their niche. Stop wasting time and overthinking, because you're better off choosing a niche that fits your message and using the time you would have spent overthinking to write your book.

​Get a complete playbook that walks you through every decision, every exercise, and every step from concept to finished outline in three days.​

Your book idea has been waiting long enough. Grab your copy today!

📖 📝 ✍️ 📖 📝 ✍️ 📖 📝 ✍️ 📖 📝 ✍️ 📖 📝 ✍️

Here's what you need to know... 📌

➡️ When a stranger finds your platform, do they stay or do they scroll away? First impressions happen in seconds. If your message doesn't immediately answer "what do you do and who is this for," you've already lost them. Here's the hard truth: a vague, catch-all platform doesn't come across as welcoming. Unclear messaging never converts into subscribers, followers, or readers.

➡️ What if the idea you're avoiding is exactly what your audience is craving? So many authors resist niching down because it feels like slamming the door on potential readers. But that instinct backfires. When you try to speak to everyone, your message becomes so watered down that it resonates with no one. The authors who build devoted, engaged followings aren't the ones shouting into the void hoping something sticks. They're the ones who speak directly to a specific person, their ideal reader, so clearly that the right people think, "This is exactly what I needed."

➡️ What could you accomplish if you stopped debating your message and started writing? Here's a question worth sitting with. Every hour you spend agonizing over whether your platform is too focused, too salesy, or not quite right is an hour stolen from your actual book. Perfectionism disguised as strategy is still procrastination. Clarity doesn't come from endlessly analyzing the question. It comes from doing the work and figuring out your message as you develop your brand.

Your readers are waiting for your book. Stop circling and start building. 🦫

🔰💪🔰 Turning Your Content into a Book 🔰💪🔰

Do you already have content? A podcast or a video channel? Then checkout my episode on how to mine your current content to create your book. While you're on YouTube, make sure to subscribe to my channel to get no-fluff info on writing and publishing.

👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯 👍🌟💯

🤝 Client Testimonial of the Week

Thank you Lynn. I truly appreciate the clarity you helped me to reach today. The most valuable part surrounded the self publishing and design options you shared. I look forward to becoming a member of your online community to focus on other topics you have to share.

-Reygan Bourgault

Ready to take your book content to the next level?

Join my upcoming Masterclass: Jumpstart Your Author Journey on October 19th.

This cohort is designed for authors who want direction in writing their book, without spending the next three to six months guessing what to write.

What you get:

*Eight live group coaching sessions with me to answer your questions around writing and finishing your book
*A special edition, spiral bound copy of From Idea to Outline
*An online course that guides you through 24 exercises, which is the framework I use for my ghostwriting clients

You can get in for the introductory price of $59 for VIP monthly membership or $197 one-time payment.

Jump in now, because once the doors close, you won't be able to get in on this offer.

😊Want to learn more? Join my community, Self Publishing for Leaders. Once you're in, click on courses and purchase Jumpstart Your Author's Journey today!

Your Publishing Partner,

Lynn "Elikqitie" Smargis

P.S. – Are you looking for a fresh set of eyes on your manuscript for a review? Grab a spot on my Self-Publishing Discovery Call calendar to find out how quick and easy this process can be!