🎙 Episode 8: The 5 Biggest Self-Publishing Mistakes 📢 Hosted by Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing
Episode 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 status
Key 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
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