The Smart Publishing Impact Series

🎙 Episode 17: The Complete Amazon Bestseller PlaybookIf you've ever wondered what it really takes to hit Amazon bestseller status, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.After seeing one too many authors misled by overpriced “bestseller services,” Renee breaks down the exact strategy Smart Publishing uses to help authors reach the top of the charts—without smoke, mirrors, or wasted money.From category selection to launch day timing, this is your insider guide to making your book a bestseller on Amazon.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why launching all formats at once kills your chances of hitting #1The difference between sales and orders (and why it matters)How to use a Kindle-only release to your advantageWhy “silent publishing” is a bestseller game-changerHow Amazon categories and SEO keywords work together—and how they can sabotage your results if misalignedWhat Amazon’s algorithm might do behind the scenes (and how to work with it, not against it)🎯 Whether you’re self-publishing for the first time or tired of being burned by vague promises, this episode gives you the real playbook.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review if you found this helpful—and connect with Renee directly on Facebook if you have follow-up questions.📲 Learn more at www.smartpublishingbook.com

🎙 Episode 15 – Reclaiming My Authentic Self with Victor FernandesHost: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart PublishingGuest: Victor Fernandes, Author & Founder of Fernandes Fit LLCEpisode Overview:In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Renée sits down with Victor Fernandes—bestselling author of Reclaiming My Authentic Self: A Journey from Fear to Freedom. Victor opens up about his transformative journey of losing 75 pounds, walking away from a 26-year journalism career, and starting a new life—and business—built on passion, purpose, and health.They discuss the moment that changed everything, the generational beliefs that shaped him, and how he ultimately chose to break free, write his story, and share it with the world.What You’ll Learn:What sparked Victor’s decision to completely transform his life at age 48The emotional process of writing about family, fear, and vulnerabilityHow he finally got his book written after decades of delayReal talk about imposter syndrome and overcoming self-doubtTips for leveraging your book after it’s published—from signings to community outreachWhy your story matters—no matter how late you think it is to share itMemorable Quotes:🗣 “Your story matters. And not just to you—it’s going to matter to someone else.”🗣 “I didn’t want to just make a paycheck anymore. I wanted to make an impact.”🗣 “Once I stopped trying to write and started talking, the book finally came out.”Resources Mentioned:📘 Reclaiming My Authentic Self: A Journey from Fear to Freedom by Victor Fernandes – Available on Amazon📍 Fernandes Fit LLC – Learn More (if applicable)Connect with Victor:Instagram: @fernandes_fitFacebook: Victor FernandesSubscribe & Review:If this episode moved you, subscribe to The Smart Publishing Impact Series on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Don’t forget to leave a review and share with someone who needs the reminder: It’s never too late to tell your story.

Episode 16: Handling Burnout (Without Abandoning Your Book) Host: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing Length: ~12 minutesEpisode Summary: Feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or ready to give up on your book? You might be experiencing burnout—and you're not alone. In this solo episode, Renée breaks down what burnout really is, what causes it, and how to overcome it without giving up on your writing goals.Whether you're burned out on just writing or on everything, this episode walks you through practical ways to reset your rhythm, protect your creative energy, and reestablish balance so you can keep moving forward—without sacrificing your sanity.What You’ll Learn:What burnout really means (and the surprising ways it shows up)The difference between “tired of writing” and “burned out on life”A simple (and relatable) sushi analogy that explains how burnout worksWhy your calendar might be your secret weapon against burnout4 actionable tips to regain momentum and make writing sustainableQuote of the Episode:“Burnout is a symptom of imbalance. When everything is work and nothing fills your cup, depletion is inevitable.”Mentioned in This Episode:Upcoming guest: Victor Fernandes, bestselling author and founder of Fernandes FitSubscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more aspiring authors find their way through the book writing journey.Connect with Smart Publishing: 👉 smartpublishingservices.com 👉 Facebook: Smart Publishing

🎙️ Episode 14: How Does Amazon KDP Really Work?Host: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart PublishingPodcast: The Smart Publishing Impact SeriesEpisode Type: SoloOverview:In this episode, Renée takes you behind the scenes of Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)—breaking down exactly how it works, what you need to know as an author, and debunking some common misconceptions. If you’re planning to self-publish or want to understand what makes Amazon the go-to publishing platform for indie authors, this is the episode for you.What You'll Learn:✅ The difference between traditional publishing and on-demand printing✅ Why Amazon KDP has lowered the barrier to entry for authors✅ The three publishing formats available through KDP: Kindle, paperback, and hardcover✅ What a "case laminate" hardcover is (and why Renée prefers it)✅ How royalties work for both Kindle and print books✅ The truth about expanded distribution—why bookstores and libraries may not be as critical as you think✅ Why Kindle sales matter for hitting bestseller status✅ Strategic insights on how to use your book as a business tool (not just a source of royalties)Key Takeaways:No Upfront Fees: Publishing through Amazon KDP is free—no setup costs, no inventory minimums.Print-on-Demand = Flexibility: Books are printed only when ordered, saving time, space, and money.Bestseller Strategy Tip: Kindle is your best bet for hitting bestseller due to how Amazon tracks sales orders.Expanded Distribution ≠ Guaranteed Shelf Space: Libraries and bookstores require a separate marketing effort and shouldn’t be the core focus unless it’s your specific strategy.Royalty Rundown: Kindle = up to 70% (less delivery fees); Paperback = 60% (less print costs).Mentioned in the Episode:Victor Fernandes and his memoir Reclaiming My Authentic Self (guest in an upcoming episode)Smart Publishing Co-founder and podcast guest-to-be: Jonathan LautermilchExamples of children’s books and case laminate hardcovers published through Smart PublishingConnect with Renée & Smart Publishing:🔗 Facebook: @smartpublishingservices👤 Follow Renée: Search "Renée Lautermilch" on Facebook—she’s the only one!💬 DM her with questions or to learn more about publishing your book the smart way.Enjoyed this episode?📲 Subscribe to the podcast⭐️ Leave a review📣 Share with an aspiring author in your lifeAnd remember… Keep writing your story. The world needs your voice.

🎙 Episode 13: How Long Should My Book Be?Host: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart PublishingPresented by: Smart PublishingReferenced Resource: The One-Hour Author: A Simple Guide to Writing and Publishing on a Busy Schedule🎧 Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Renée tackles one of the most common questions aspiring authors ask: “How long should my book be?” Spoiler alert: there’s no magic number—just a few smart guidelines depending on your goals, publishing path, and reader experience.She breaks down:Why traditional publishers impose word count requirements (hint: ROI).The real reason books often feel padded with fluff.What really matters in the indie/self-publishing world.How to think in pages (not words), especially for trim size, spine width, and formatting.This episode is a must-listen if you’re stressing over length instead of focusing on quality and clarity.💡 Key Takeaways:Forget Word Count: Focus on delivering value and clarity. Let your content dictate the length—not arbitrary numbers.100 Pages is a Sweet Spot: Aim for at least ~100 formatted pages to achieve a readable spine and “real book” feel (translates to ~60–65 Word doc pages for a 6x9 trim).Recording > Typing: Recording your content for transcription can be faster than writing—40 minutes of audio can yield 12–13 Word pages.Boost Page Count the Right Way: Add diagrams, charts, journaling prompts, reflection questions, or workbook sections—but only if they improve the reader experience.Amazon KDP Requirements: Minimum is 76 pages, but anything under 97 pages may have a very thin or unreadable spine.✍️ Episode Quote:“Your book should be as long as it needs to be—to provide value, clarity, and a great reader experience. That’s it.”📚 Resources Mentioned:Smart Publishing – End-to-end book coaching, editing, and publishing supportThe One-Hour Author on Amazon – Renée’s bestselling guide for busy aspiring authors👀 Want More?Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeJoin Renée on Facebook: Just search Renée Lautermilch—there’s only one of her!

🎙️ Episode 12: Coming Up with a Title for Your BookHost: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart PublishingWebsite: smartpublishingservices.com📌 Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Renée breaks down one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of writing a nonfiction book: coming up with a powerful title and subtitle. Whether you're brainstorming your first book or working on the next one in your series, you'll walk away from this episode with practical strategies to craft a title that grabs attention and a subtitle that clearly communicates value to your readers.🧠 What You’ll Learn:Why nonfiction books need both a main title and a subtitleHow to think of your main title as a brand (and even make it trademarkable)The role your subtitle plays in book discoverability onlineHow to make sure your title stands out and your subtitle speaks directly to your audienceTips on formatting a subtitle that’s clear, concise, keyword-rich, and benefits-drivenCommon subtitle frameworks that work: “Blueprint,” “Guide,” “Playbook,” numbered steps, etc.How potential readers shop for books—and why your title/subtitle combo needs to do the heavy lifting💡 Pro Tip from Renée:“If you took your book description and boiled it down to one punchy, specific sentence—that’s your subtitle.”🛠️ Resources Mentioned:Smart Publishing blog and resources: smartpublishingservices.comKDP Self-Publishing Course: smartpublishingservices.com/kdp-courseThe One-Hour Author: A Simple Guide to Writing and Publishing on a Busy Schedule (Available on Amazon) 👋 Connect with Renée:Facebook: Renée Lautermilch (DMs welcome!)Subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more authors find it!🖋️ Final Thought:Keep writing your story, because the world needs your voice.

🎙️ Episode Title: The Book Writing On-Ramp 📢 Host: Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor of Smart Publishing and Bestselling Author of The One-Hour Author 🎧 Podcast: The Smart Publishing Impact Series 📅 Episode Type: Solo Episode💡 Episode Summary:In this episode, Renée breaks down the Book Writing On-Ramp—your step-by-step guide to starting your book with clarity, confidence, and a plan that works with a busy schedule. Whether you want to write for impact, business growth, or personal branding, this episode helps you get set up for success from the very beginning.🛣️ What You’ll Learn:Why your goal matters more than your topic at firstThe 3 main reasons people write books—and how to identify yoursHow to choose a topic you’ll actually follow through onWhat a Chapter Map is and why it beats a basic outlineThe key to staying consistent with a one-hour-a-week writing planHow to avoid the trap of “endless editing” and imposter syndrome🧰 Resources Mentioned:💻 Free Chapter Map Template: smartpublishingservices.com/resources📚 The One-Hour Author by Renée Lautermilch – Available on Amazon (Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover)✉️ Connect with Renée:Email: renee@smartpublishingservices.comFacebook: Renée Lautermilch on FacebookWebsite: smartpublishingservices.com🔁 Subscribe & Share:If this episode helped you get clarity on starting your book, share it with a friend who needs that same nudge! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen.🗣️ Your story matters. Keep writing it—the world needs your voice.

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Renée sits down with legal expert Michael Poropat to discuss key legal issues that authors face, specifically:✅ Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)✅ Key differences between Copyright, Trademark, and Patent laws✅ Protecting your creative work from piracy✅ What to know about defamation when writing a bookKey Takeaways1. Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)Copyright protects artistic creations like books, movies, and music.Trademarks protect business names, logos, and branding elements.Patents protect inventions and product designs.💡 Example: An electric toothbrush's unique head shape may have both a design patent and a trademark to protect its brand identity.2. Copyright Essentials for AuthorsCopyright protection begins the moment your work is in a tangible form.An ISBN does not automatically confer copyright protection — it only provides additional proof of the book’s publication date.Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office strengthens your rights and allows you to sue for statutory damages (up to $150,000 per infringement).💡 Tip: Registering your copyright is crucial for stronger enforcement.3. The Truth About ChatGPT and AI-Generated ContentContent created directly by AI (like ChatGPT) cannot be copyrighted as U.S. law requires human authorship.If you heavily guide AI content with detailed prompts, those prompts themselves might be protected under copyright.AI-created content that’s mistakenly registered for copyright can result in costly lawsuits.4. Trademarking for AuthorsTrademarking is vital for protecting distinctive brand elements like book series titles, character names, or logos.The process takes around 14-16 months and costs $350 per class of goods.Trademark protection is strong in court, and platforms like Amazon and YouTube are more likely to respond favorably to trademark disputes.5. Navigating Defamation RisksDefamation occurs when false statements are made public and harm someone’s reputation.Libel = Written defamation; Slander = Spoken defamation.Authors can reduce risk by:Sticking to factual information.Avoiding identifiable details in fictional characters based on real people.Ensuring controversial statements are either true or presented as satire.💡 Tip: Public figures have less privacy protection, making satire a potential defense.Practical Advice for AuthorsPrioritize Copyright Protection for completed works.Consider Trademarking if your book title, series, or branded content is crucial to your platform.Balance legal costs with the value of your content to avoid unnecessary expenses.Always consult with a legal expert to evaluate your specific risks.Connect with Michael PoropatWebsite: stockmanporopat.comSocial Media: @MichaelJPoropatEmail: michael@stockmanporopat.comAdditional Resources for WritersCheck out Renee’s book, The One-Hour Author, available on Amazon.Visit smartpublishingservices.com for more resources and information.

Episode Overview:In Episode 9 of the Smart Publishing Impact Series, Renée Lautermilch explores the essential role of editors and the power of collaboration in the book-writing process. Whether you’re writing your first book or refining your latest project, understanding how editors shape your work—and why collaboration leads to stronger results—is key to publishing success.Renée breaks down the types of editing, explains why you can’t be your own editor, and highlights the valuable role of beta readers in ensuring your book resonates with its audience.If you’re serious about writing a book that makes an impact, this episode is packed with practical advice and actionable insights.What You'll LearnThe different types of editing and how they improve your bookWhy hiring an editor is crucial—even if you’re an experienced writerHow collaboration leads to clearer, stronger contentThe value of beta readers and how they can identify blind spotsWhy trusting an outside perspective is essential for successKey Takeaways & InsightsLine Editing improves sentence flow and clarity.Proofreading eliminates typos, grammar issues, and punctuation errors.Developmental Editing ensures structure, flow, and cohesion.Beta Readers provide invaluable insights from your target audience.Even editors need editors—you’re too close to your own writing to see everything.Practical Advice for Authors:Embrace feedback—editing isn’t about judgment; it’s about improvement.Don’t skip beta readers—they can spot gaps even editors may miss.Collaboration turns your ideas into a stronger, more engaging final product.Resources & Links📖 Read Renée’s Book – The One-Hour Author (Available on Amazon)🖥 Take the KDP Self-Publishing Course – SmartPublishingServices.com📩 Connect with Renée – Email: renee@smartpublishingservices.com💬 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help more aspiring authors achieve publishing success! 🚀

🎙 Episode 8: The 5 Biggest Self-Publishing Mistakes 📢 Hosted by Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart PublishingEpisode Overview:Self-publishing a book is an exciting journey, but many first-time authors unknowingly make mistakes that hurt their sales, credibility, and overall success. In Episode 8 of the Smart Publishing Impact Series, Renée Lautermilch breaks down the five biggest self-publishing mistakes and how to avoid them.If you're planning to self-publish or already have a book out, this episode will help you refine your strategy and maximize your book’s potential. From poor design choices to ineffective launch plans, Renée shares real-world insights and actionable steps to help you succeed in today’s competitive publishing space.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why bad book design and formatting can ruin your credibility ✅ How to optimize your Amazon sales page for more conversions ✅ Why launching a book without a marketing plan leads to failure ✅ The right pricing strategy to boost sales and attract readers ✅ Why format selection and release timing impact bestseller statusKey Takeaways & Stats:📊 Most self-published books fail due to poor marketing and launch strategies. 📊 Professional book design significantly increases sales potential. 📊 A strong Amazon description and A+ content improve conversion rates. 📊 Authors who launch with a $0.99–$1.99 Kindle price see more initial sales. 📊 Staggered book format releases can maximize visibility and ranking.Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes:1️⃣ Poor Book Design & Formatting – Invest in professional cover design and interior formatting. 2️⃣ Weak Amazon Sales Page – Write a compelling book description and use A+ content. 3️⃣ No Marketing or Launch Plan – A book won’t sell itself—create a 60-day launch strategy. 4️⃣ Bad Pricing Strategy – Start low for higher conversion rates and long-term success. 5️⃣ Incorrect Format & Release Strategy – Launch Kindle first, then add print formats later.Resources & Links:📖 Read Renée’s Book – The One-Hour Author (Available on Amazon) 🖥 Take the KDP Self-Publishing Course – SmartPublishingServices.com 📩 Connect with Renée – Email: renee@smartpublishingservices.com💬 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!