Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 57: Part 1 - Bestsellers Get Attention but "Best Helpers" Close Deals

Episode Summary:

Sometimes things don’t go as planned—but the message is too important not to share.

In this Part 1 episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, introduces a powerful concept that’s changing how authors think about success: the difference between a bestseller and a best helper.

Due to a recording issue, this episode takes a slightly different format but what you’ll hear is some of the most valuable real-world examples of authors who are using their books the right way. Instead of chasing rankings alone, they’re leveraging their books as tools to build authority, generate opportunities, and create real business results.

This episode sets the foundation. In Part 2, Renée and Jonathan will break down exactly how to create a best helper and the mindset required to make your book work for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why bestseller status alone doesn’t guarantee success

• The concept of a “best helper” and why it matters

• Real-world author examples using books to generate opportunities

• How one author became a leading authority in cybersecurity using his book

• How another author leveraged his book to land speaking opportunities and host events

• How authors transition into new careers using their book as a tool

• The common thread behind authors who successfully leverage their books

• Why clarity and intention matter more than rankings

Quote to Remember:

“Your book isn’t just something you publish—it’s something you use.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

smartpublishingservices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Next Episode (Part 2):

Renée and Jonathan return to break down the how: how to create a best helper, how to structure your book for impact, and how to shift your mindset from writing a book… to building a tool that drives results.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode Episode 56: Leveraging Your Book Over the Long Term (With Jonathan Lautermilch)

Episode Summary:

Most authors think the hard part is writing the book.

It’s not.

In Episode 56, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, is joined by co-host (and CEO) Jonathan Lautermilch as they break down what actually determines whether your book succeeds: how you leverage it after it’s published.

This episode marks the beginning of a new chapter for the podcast—with Renée and Jonathan now co-hosting—and it dives deep into the strategies authors need to turn their book into a long-term asset.

From defining your end goal before writing, to using your book as a relationship-building tool, to creating real opportunities through consistent visibility, this episode will challenge how you think about your book—and what it’s really capable of doing.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why writing your book is only the beginning of the journey

• The biggest mistake authors make after publishing

• How to define the exact outcome you want your book to create

• Why your book should be designed as a best helper—not just a bestseller

• How to reverse-engineer your book based on your business goals

• The power of giving your book away as a relationship-building tool

• Why your book is the most effective “business card” you’ll ever have

• How to use your book to open doors to speaking, partnerships, and clients

• The concept of “sowing and reaping” in book marketing

• Why consistency and long-term visibility matter more than launch-day hype

Quote to Remember:

“Writing the book is just the beginning—the real impact comes from how you use it.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

The One Hour Author — available on Amazon

SmartPublishingServices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Renée's Email: [email protected]

Jonathan's Email: [email protected]

Jonathan officially joins the podcast as a recurring co-host—bringing deeper insights into marketing, business strategy, and long-term book leverage.

Next Episode:

More real, tactical strategies to help you turn your book into a platform, a pipeline, and a long-term asset.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 55: Building an Ecosystem for Your Book

Episode Summary:

Publishing your book is just the beginning.

In Episode 55, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, breaks down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—strategies in publishing: building an ecosystem around your book.

Too many authors write, publish, and hope their book “takes off”… only to feel disappointed when it doesn’t. In this episode, Renée explains why books don’t succeed in isolation—and how a simple, intentional ecosystem can turn your book into a tool for credibility, leads, speaking opportunities, and revenue.

Whether your goal is to grow your business, build your personal brand, or create new income streams, this episode will help you design a system that supports your book long after launch day.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why publishing a book without a plan leads to disappointment

• The importance of defining your goal before you write

• What a “book ecosystem” actually is (and why you need one)

• Why a CRM is the foundation of your entire strategy

• How to capture reader data (that Amazon will never give you)

• Using QR codes, websites, and free resources to build your audience

• How to turn your book into a lead generator

• Real examples of authors using books to land speaking gigs and coaching clients

• The difference between making money from your book vs. because of your book

• Why your book should always lead your reader somewhere

Quote to Remember:

“Your book isn’t the end product—it’s the entry point.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing resources and author support

RES CRM – Smart Publishing’s all-in-one ecosystem platform

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Next Episode:

A new dynamic begins—Jonathan joins as a recurring co-host to bring deeper insights into marketing, business development, and long-term book strategy.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 54: Does Kindle's Ask This Book Feature Present an IP Risk?

Episode Summary:

AI is moving fast—but the law isn’t.

In Episode 54, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, brings on two intellectual property attorneys to break down one of the most controversial developments in publishing today: Amazon Kindle’s “Ask This Book” feature.

Joined by Michael J. Poropat and Travis J. Stockman, this conversation goes beyond surface-level concerns and dives deep into the legal gray areas surrounding AI, copyright, and author rights. From derivative works and consent to AI-generated content and ownership, this episode unpacks what authors actually need to understand as technology continues to evolve faster than regulation.

If you’ve been wondering whether AI is helping—or quietly undermining—authors, this episode gives you the legal perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

What You’ll Hear:

• What Kindle’s “Ask This Book” feature does—and why it’s controversial

• The legal difference between search vs. derivative work

• Why lack of author consent is a growing concern

• How AI-generated answers could misrepresent your content

• Whether AI training on books qualifies as fair use

• The risks of AI replacing the reading experience

• Why transparency (or lack of it) is a major issue

• The legal implications of using AI to write your book

• Why AI-generated content may not be copyright-protectable

• The difference between AI-assisted vs. AI-generated work

• How authors can think about protecting their intellectual property moving forward

Quote to Remember:“You can’t protect what you didn’t create—and AI is changing what creation even means.”

Guests Featured in This Episode:

Michael J. Poropat, Esq. – Intellectual Property AttorneyTravis J. Stockman, Esq.– Business & Intellectual Property Attorney

Mentioned in This Episode:

Amazon Kindle (KDP platform)

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Next:

A new chapter for the podcast—Jonathan joins as a recurring co-host, bringing deeper insights into marketing, business development, and long-term book strategy.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 53: Don't Be Haunted by Selecting Ghost Categories

Episode Summary:

Choosing the wrong categories on Amazon KDP can quietly sabotage your book’s visibility—and most authors don’t even realize it’s happening.

In Episode 53, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, breaks down one of the most overlooked (and increasingly important) parts of publishing: categories—and specifically, ghost categories. These hidden traps can prevent your book from ranking as a bestseller, limit discoverability, and keep your book buried in Amazon’s ecosystem no matter how many copies you sell.

Renée walks you through what ghost categories are, how to identify them, and how to strategically choose categories that actually work for you—not against you. She also answers real listener questions about category selection, keyword alignment, and why Amazon sometimes overrides your choices.

If you want your book to be seen, found, and ranked—this episode is essential.

What You’ll Hear:

• What Amazon KDP categories actually do (and why they matter)

• What “ghost categories” are—and why they can kill your rankings

• Why you only get 3 category choices (and why that matters more now)

• How Amazon assigns additional categories based on your metadata

• The critical relationship between keywords and categories

• Why duplicating category keywords can hurt your discoverability

• How to identify a ghost category before selecting it

• Why “general” categories are often a hidden trap

• How to choose categories that balance relevance and competitiveness

• Real listener Q&A: why Amazon may change your categories after publishing

Quote to Remember:

“If your categories and keywords aren’t aligned, Amazon will decide for you—and it may not be in your favor.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

SmartPublishingServices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Next:

Episode 54 features two intellectual property attorneys discussing Kindle’s controversial “Ask This Book” AI feature—and what it could mean for authors’ rights.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 52: Securing Speaking Opportunities with Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco

Episode Summary:

Many authors dream about turning their book into speaking opportunities—but very few understand how to actually make that happen.

In this special guest episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, sits down with Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco, a highly connected personal branding expert, entrepreneur, and podcast host who has appeared on over 2,000 (and counting) podcasts.

C-Roc shares how authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders can use their book as a credibility tool to land podcast interviews, grow their authority, and open doors to speaking engagements. From building visibility to positioning yourself as an expert, this conversation breaks down practical strategies for getting your voice—and your message—onto bigger stages.

If writing a book is part of your larger platform strategy, this episode will help you understand how to leverage it for greater reach and influence.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why books and speaking opportunities go hand-in-hand

• How authors can position themselves as experts in their field

• The role of podcasts in building visibility and authority

• How guest appearances can lead to speaking engagements

• Why personal branding matters for authors

• What event organizers and podcast hosts look for in speakers

• How consistent visibility creates momentum for your message

Quote to Remember:

“Your book is more than a product—it’s a platform.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco – entrepreneur, personal branding expert, founder of That1, and host of That1 Podcast

Mentioned in This Episode:

smartpublishingservices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Soon:

More expert conversations and deep dives into publishing, intellectual property, and strategies that help authors amplify their voices.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 51: Audible vs. Spotify — Where Should You Publish Your Audiobook?

Episode Summary:

After the recent Audible AI crackdown discussed in Episode 50, many authors are asking the same question: If not Audible… then where?

In Episode 51, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, breaks down the real differences between Audible (ACX) and Spotify for Authors—from the author experience and publishing process to royalties, analytics, and platform flexibility.

Having now moved her own audiobooks and several publishing partner titles to Spotify, Renée shares what she’s discovered after working inside the platform: why it’s faster, easier to use, more data-driven, and—most importantly—more author-friendly.

If you’re planning to produce an audiobook or deciding where to distribute one, this episode will help you understand the pros, cons, and strategic considerations behind each platform.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Episode 50 set the stage for this comparison

• The biggest usability differences between Audible and Spotify for Authors

• Why Spotify’s publishing workflow is simpler and faster

• The advantage of being able to add team members to your publishing account

• How Spotify’s audience insights and listener data help authors understand their readers

• The 70/30 royalty split for direct audiobook purchases

• How royalties work for Spotify subscribers

• The ability to set your own audiobook price (something Audible doesn’t allow)

• How Spotify integrates distribution through partners like Findaway/INaudio

• Why Spotify’s processing time (up to 72 hours) is dramatically faster than Audible’s

  
  

Quote to Remember:

“Technology should make publishing more accessible for authors—not more restrictive.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Spotify for AuthorsSmartPublishingServices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Next:

Episode 52 features an expert on how authors can secure speaking opportunities—a must-listen for anyone who wants to turn their book into a platform.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 50: This Just In - Audible AI Crackdown

Episode Summary:

Episode 50 was supposed to be a celebration.

Instead, it’s breaking news.

In this milestone episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, dives into Audible’s quiet but significant crackdown on AI voice cloning technology. Without public announcement, ACX (Audible’s production platform) has begun rejecting audiobooks produced using AI text-to-speech voice clones—even when the voice is the author’s own verified clone.

What does this mean for authors?

It means fewer affordable options.It means more financial barriers.And it means a major shift in how audiobooks can be produced and distributed.

Renée breaks down why this move likely isn’t about quality—and what alternative platforms (like Spotify for Authors) are doing differently. If you’re planning to publish an audiobook—or already have one—this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.

What You’ll Hear:

• What Audible quietly changed (and why it matters)

• How AI voice cloning works—and why it’s not inherently harmful

• The real cost of studio-quality audiobook production

• Why this decision impacts independent authors the most

• The financial incentives behind Audible’s narrator marketplace

• Why Spotify for Authors is emerging as a strong alternative

• How Spotify’s royalty structure compares (70/30 split)

• The future of AI in publishing—and why adaptability matters

Quote to Remember:

“I will always advocate for authors. Technology should make publishing more accessible—not more restrictive.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Spotify for Authors

smartpublishingservices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Milestone Note:

50 episodes strong—and still committed to helping authors write, publish, and amplify their voices.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 49: Amazon Reviews, Decoded: The Number That Unlocks Visibility

Episode Summary:

Amazon reviews aren’t just social proof—they’re leverage.

In Episode 49, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, breaks down exactly how Amazon’s algorithm evaluates reviews, ratings, and conversion rates—and what that means for your book’s visibility.

How many reviews do you really need?

Does star rating matter more than volume?

When does the algorithm actually start working in your favor?

Renée walks you through the three critical thresholds (25, 50, and 100+ reviews), explains why conversion—not just review count—drives visibility, and reveals how the “flywheel effect” starts to build real organic momentum.

If you’ve ever wondered why some books seem to take off while others stall out, this episode connects the dots.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Amazon reviews are directly tied to visibility

• The psychological power of social proof

• The 25-review credibility threshold

• What changes at 50 reviews

• Why 100+ reviews can trigger the algorithm flywheel

• Why 4.5 stars is the sweet spot

• How recency impacts ranking

• Why review quality (not just quantity) matters

• The difference between lifetime sales and sales velocity

• How to front-load review acquisition during launch

Quote to Remember:

“Reviews don’t cause visibility. Conversion causes visibility—and reviews increase conversion.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

smartpublishingservices.com – courses, blogs, and publishing resourcesConnect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Up:

Episode 50 — a milestone episode you won’t want to miss.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 48: What You Need to Know About Amazon's Crackdown on Low-Content Books

Episode Summary:

Amazon has been quietly—but aggressively—cracking down on low-content books. In this important episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, breaks down what “low content” actually means on KDP, what qualifies (and what doesn’t), and why thousands of books—and even entire accounts—have been removed.

If you create journals, planners, notebooks, or other minimal-text products, this episode is essential listening. Renée explains how Amazon’s enforcement is less about banning low-content books altogether and more about protecting customer experience and marketplace quality.

From metadata mistakes to copyright issues to the dangers of flooding KDP with near-identical templates, this episode will help you protect your account and publish responsibly.

What You’ll Hear:

• What Amazon actually considers “low content” on KDP

• Why children’s books and coloring books usually don’t qualify

• The real reason Amazon is banning low-content accounts

• How misleading metadata can trigger takedowns

• Why generic, templated interiors are high risk

• The danger of uploading massive volumes of similar titles

• How to upgrade a low-content book to add meaningful value

• Why copyright misuse can permanently ban your account

• The importance of monitoring KDP policy updates

Quote to Remember:

“If you want your book to stay on Amazon, focus on quality, clarity, and customer experience—not shortcuts.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

KDP Help Pages & Community Forums

smartpublishingservices.com – Publishing education and resources

Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world

Email: [email protected]

Coming Soon:

Episode 50 is right around the corner—don’t miss this milestone episode of the Smart Publishing Impact Series.