Speaking

Speaker | Publisher | Ghostwriter | Publishing Industry Authority

Taryn Lee Johnston is an award-winning publisher, ghostwriter, and publishing strategist who has spent more than two decades speaking publicly on publishing, authorship, authority building, and the commercial power of books.

A TEDx speaker and frequent guest on BBC radio, Taryn is recognised for her ability to translate the realities of publishing into clear, practical insight. Her talks combine strategic depth with real-world experience, drawing on her work with bestselling authors, business leaders, and public figures.

As Executive Director of FCM Publishing and Chronos Publishing, Taryn has overseen the publication of a wide range of autobiographies, business books, and fiction titles. Her work sits at the intersection of publishing, positioning, and influence, helping authors use books not simply as creative outputs, but as tools for credibility, visibility, and long-term impact.

She is particularly known for her expertise in ghostwriting and partnership publishing, working closely with founders, professionals, and thought leaders to develop books that strengthen their authority and extend their reach.

Alongside her publishing work, Taryn teaches and mentors authors, advises publishing businesses, and speaks at universities, industry conferences, literary festivals, and professional events across the UK.

Speaking Topics

Taryn delivers keynote talks, panels, and guest lectures across a range of publishing and marketing topics, including:

* The Reality of Publishing Today: Traditional, Partnership, and Independent Model

* Why Every Expert Should Write a Book

* Ghostwriting: The Invisible Industry Behind Influential Books

* Publishing in the Age of AI: What Changes and What Does Not

* How Books Build Authority, Credibility, and Long-Term Influence

* From Manuscript to Market: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes

* The Business of Being an Author

* Marketing Books in a Crowded World

Her talks are tailored to the audience and can be delivered to literary organisations, universities, professional bodies, business groups, and industry conferences.

Speaking Style

Taryn’s speaking style is direct, engaging, and grounded in experience. She brings a rare dual perspective as both a publisher and ghostwriter, offering insight into how decisions are made inside the industry and what truly determines success.

Audiences value her honesty about the realities of publishing, as well as her ability to provide practical, actionable guidance rather than theory alone.

Career Background

Taryn’s career began in marketing, where she developed a deep understanding of audience behaviour, positioning, and what makes a product sell. This commercial foundation underpins everything she does today and gives her a clear, practical perspective on publishing as both a creative and business endeavour.

She is also a published author herself and has spent more than 15 years working in the publishing industry. As Executive Director of FCM Publishing and Chronos Publishing, she has built and led two successful, award-winning independent publishing houses, working with authors across autobiography, fiction, and commercial non-fiction.

In addition, Taryn previously lectured in marketing and advertising at university level. This experience strengthened her ability to communicate clearly, structure ideas effectively, and deliver engaging, high-impact talks to professional audiences.

She now focuses on ghostwriting, publishing, strategic consultancy, and speaking, working with authors, founders, and organisations who want to use books as a powerful tool for credibility and influence.