Hi, I'm Lynne
I've been surrounded by books my entire life. I read at least 100 a year, and a house doesn't feel like home to me until the shelves are full.
Before I became a publisher and ghostwriter, I worked as a librarian, educator, technical writer, and corporate administrator. I made it most of the way through a Ph.D. before realizing I'd rather write books than a dissertation. In 2002, I self-published my first book, and soon after I left corporate life to work with authors full time.
Since then, I've spent 25 years training aspiring authors to write books that build their businesses, and I stopped counting my students somewhere past 15,000. As a publisher, I've brought more than 450 of their books into print. As a ghostwriter, I've written 65 more for business leaders, and I've mentored writers on six continents. I've also published books under my own name, so I know firsthand what it costs to put your deepest truths where everyone can read them.
That's the part of the journey I focus on now. Writing and publishing are in your control. How people respond is not. I help women authors get ready for that moment, including the readers they're most nervous about. Yes, even Aunt Carol.
On the personal side
I grew up on a Minnesota farm, where I learned to work hard, be kind, tell the truth, and help others. Years of amateur theatre taught me how to find another person's voice, which turned out to be excellent training for ghostwriting. I have no athletic ability whatsoever and compensate with a robust sense of humor.
In 2012, I moved to the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, where I live with a couple of spirited rescue dogs, Chester and Ellie Mae. I'm the proud mom of three sons and grandmother of two. When I'm not reading or writing, you'll find me baking something involving far too much butter, drinking Earl Grey, or planning my next trip.
For hosts and event organizers
Everything you need to introduce me, promote our conversation, or plan a session. For interviews and speaking requests, email lynne@lynneklippel.com.
Introduction to read aloud
Lynne Klippel has ghostwritten 65 books and helped more than 450 authors publish. Along the way, she noticed that writing is rarely what stops women. It's what they fear people will say once the book is out. Today she helps women authors get ready for the world to read their books. Please welcome Lynne Klippel.
Short bio
Lynne Klippel is a ghostwriter, publisher, and author coach who has taught more than 15,000 aspiring writers, ghostwritten 65 books, and helped more than 450 authors publish. She helps women authors prepare for what writing and publishing never covered: being read by reviewers, interviewers, and the people who know them best. She lives in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.
Long bio
Lynne Klippel has spent more than two decades helping people turn what they know into books. A former librarian, educator, and technical writer, she self-published her first book in 2002 and soon left corporate leadership to work as a publisher, book coach, and ghostwriter. She has since taught more than 15,000 aspiring authors to write books that build their businesses, published more than 450 of their books, ghostwritten 65 books for business leaders, and mentored writers on six continents.
Over those years, Lynne noticed a pattern. Talented women finished their manuscripts, then hesitated to publish or promote them, held back by one question: what will people say? Her work now focuses on that moment. She helps women authors build the steadiness to share their books and stand beside them once they're out, including with the family members, colleagues, and critics they're most nervous about.
Lynne is the creator of numerous courses for writers, including Author Armor, and the host of The Stand By Your Book Sessions, a twice-a-year celebration of courageous women authors. She lives in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador with Chester and Ellie Mae, a couple of spirited rescue dogs, and a house full of books. When she isn't working with authors, she's playing in her garden or baking something yummy.
Conversations I love to have
What Will People Say? Getting Ready for the Readers Who Know You
The question that stops more books than bad grammar ever will. Why fear of how a book will be received, especially by family and colleagues, keeps finished books in drawers, and how authors can prepare for those conversations before they happen. Aunt Carol makes an appearance.
I've Been Training Authors Wrong for 25 Years
After helping hundreds of authors write and publish, I realized I had prepared them for the parts they could control and left them alone for the part they couldn't. A candid talk about what happens after publication and what every author deserves to know before her book goes out.
Pre-Shrinking: Why Accomplished Women Make Their Books Smaller
Many women soften their stories, cut the boldest chapter, or play down their expertise before anyone has read a word. We name the pattern, look at what it's protecting, and find practical ways to let the book be as big as it needs to be.
Armor for the Hard Rooms
Interviews, reviews, book clubs, and family dinners can all feel like walking into a hard room. How authors can prepare with armor they put on before the room and take off after, so they stay open everywhere else.
Photos for your show notes and event pages
High-resolution files. Please credit as Lynne Klippel.
“If you intend to write and publish a book, Lynne Klippel is a must-have on your team. She is a consummate professional who is knowledgeable, polished, proactive, thoughtful, and insightful. She makes an otherwise daunting process fun.”
Susan Freeman, author of Step Up Leader“Lynne has a unique ability to understand what will work for you. There is no boilerplate approach. She knows how to listen and how to tailor things to your style. Lynne brings out your best, and shows you how to revel in who you are, as well.”
Babette Ten Haken, author of Do You Mean Business?“I've been in business for over 30 years and consider myself an expert in my field. It was always my dream to write a book and share my knowledge but it just seemed so daunting until I met Lynne. With her mentorship, guidance, wisdom and knowledge, my dream became a reality.”
Denise Simon, author of Parenting in the Spotlight“Lynne was able to hone into the subject I was most passionate about, suggest ways that got my creative juices racing, and added immeasurably to the depth of the book.”
Katie Curtin, author of The Happy Well Fed Artist“I could never have gotten to this point without Lynne's beautifully constructed writing retreats: where we are nurtured, encouraged, and leave feeling confident that our dreams are possible.”
Darlene Chadbourne, author of Freedom Through Numbers“I wasn't sure if publishing a book of my own would ever happen. But Lynne's supportive and encouraging manner made publishing my first book one of my career's most pleasant, problem-free experiences. From concept to final product, Lynne was highly professional and committed to letting the book be ‘mine.’”
Michel Godfrey, author of Without RegretInvite me to your show or stage
For interviews and speaking requests, email lynne@lynneklippel.com. To see the books I've helped bring into the world, visit my ghostwriting site.