Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 66: A Book Is Your Greatest Marketing Asset

Episode Summary:

Many people think a book is something you write after you've built a successful business.

What if it's actually one of the things that helps you build it?

In this solo episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, challenges one of the most common misconceptions authors and entrepreneurs have about publishing. Instead of viewing a book as a milestone or personal accomplishment, Renée explains why a strategically written book is one of the most powerful marketing assets a business owner can have.

Through real-world examples and practical insights, she breaks down how books create credibility, shorten the sales cycle, establish authority, and help business owners stand out in crowded markets. Whether your goal is speaking opportunities, consulting engagements, lead generation, or simply becoming the obvious choice in your industry, this episode will help you see your book in an entirely different light.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why most people misunderstand the purpose of a business book

• The difference between making money off your book and because of your book

• Why books outperform traditional marketing assets in building credibility

• How a book helps prospects know, like, and trust you before a sales conversation

• The psychological advantages of being a published author

• Why waiting until your business is "big enough" to write a book is often a mistake

• Real examples of authors landing consulting, speaking, and business opportunities through their books

• How books position you as the authority in your space

• Why fewer than 1% of people ever publish a book—and why that matters

• How to use a book to separate yourself from competitors with websites and business cards alone

Quote to Remember:“Your book shouldn’t be viewed as a milestone in your business. It should be viewed as one of the tools that helps build it.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Data Security in the Age of AI

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support

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

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Key Takeaway:

A book is more than a product. When structured intentionally, it becomes a credibility builder, a sales tool, a lead generator, and one of the most powerful marketing assets you can own.

Coming Next:

A series of special guest episodes featuring upcoming authors who share their publishing journeys, lessons learned, and the impact their books are already creating.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 65: Success Leaves Clues - Lessons from 10 Upcoming Authors

Episode Summary:

What do successful authors have in common?

In Episode 65, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, pull back the curtain on a dozen upcoming book releases and share the patterns they’ve noticed among authors who consistently move forward, finish strong, and create impactful books.

From first-time authors to seasoned professionals, each person featured in this episode approached the publishing journey differently. Yet despite their different backgrounds, industries, and writing styles, they all demonstrated key habits that helped them make meaningful progress.

Through real-world examples, Renée and Jonathan discuss the importance of collaboration, consistency, clarity, accountability, storytelling, branding, and creating systems that support long-term success. Whether you're just starting your book or stuck somewhere in the middle, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why successful authors rarely try to do everything alone

• The power of collaboration and trusting the publishing process

• How consistency beats inspiration every time

• Why blocking dedicated writing time matters

• The role of accountability in finishing a manuscript

• How strong storytelling creates memorable books

• Why clarity about your end goal changes everything

• The importance of creating a book ecosystem, not just a book

• How branding can extend the life and impact of your message

• Why some authors finish quickly while others stay stuck for years

• Creative ways authors are fitting book writing into busy schedules

• The common success principles shared by multiple publishing partners

Authors Featured in This Episode:

• Josh Smith

• Scott Bunn

• Jeremy Doran

• Matthew Stevens

• Alex Holt

• Jason T. Powell

• Eliza Lake

• Sherman & Blake (Lasso)

• Matthew Jenkins

• David Altman

Quote to Remember:

“Success leaves clues. Sometimes one small shift is all it takes to unlock your next step.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

NeuroConversant Leadership by Jeremy Doran

The Wise Path of Homeownership by Matthew Stevens

The Character Code by Alex Holt

Compete to Live and Laughs to Leadership by Jason T. Powell

The Third Option by Eliza LakeThe Full Gym by Sherman & Blake

TreeHouseTradeSchool.com – Scott Bunn

SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing education and author support

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

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Quote to Remember:

“There’s more than one way to write a book—but success leaves clues.”

Coming Next:

More practical publishing lessons, author success stories, and strategies to help you turn your expertise into a book that creates real opportunities.

Episode Title: The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 64: The Most Common Book Pitfalls

Episode Summary:

Why do some books create opportunities, attract readers, and build authority—while others disappear almost as soon as they launch?

In this solo episode, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, pulls back the curtain on the most common mistakes she sees when authors come to her asking one question:

"What went wrong?"

From weak titles and amateur covers to poor launch strategies and unclear goals, Renée walks through the recurring issues that prevent otherwise great books from reaching their potential. Drawing from real-world publishing audits and years of experience helping authors launch bestselling books, she explains how small mistakes compound into major missed opportunities.

Whether you're currently writing your first book or looking to relaunch an existing one, this episode serves as a practical checklist of what to avoid—and what to do instead.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why your title and subtitle matter more than you think

• The biggest mistakes authors make with book covers

• How weak book descriptions hurt sales and discoverability

• Why clarity always beats cleverness in marketing

• The role of Amazon A+ Content in boosting credibility

• Why publishing only in Kindle or only in paperback is a mistake

• How poor editing and formatting can destroy reader trust

• The best day of the week to launch your book

• Why category selection impacts bestseller potential

• The pricing mistake that hurts most book launches

• How podcasts and influencers can amplify your reach

• Why most authors fail to create a long-term leverage strategy

• The importance of reverse-engineering your book from the desired outcome

Quote to Remember:“Start with the end in mind. Your book should be intentionally designed to create the opportunities you want.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

NeuroConversant Leadership by Jeremy Doran

Amazon KDP and A+ Content

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and author support

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

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on Facebook and LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Key Takeaway:

A successful book isn't just well written—it’s strategically positioned, professionally presented, intentionally launched, and actively leveraged long after release day.

Coming Next:

More practical publishing insights to help authors avoid costly mistakes, build authority, and create lasting impact with their books.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 63: Interview with Dr. Carter Check on Releasing His Second Book and Making Massive Moves with His First

Episode Summary:

What happens when faith becomes performance instead of presence?

In this special guest episode, Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, sits down with publishing partner Dr. Carter Check to discuss the heart behind his upcoming book, Plagiarizing the Gospel: When Familiar Faith Replaces Living Relationship.

This conversation goes far beyond publishing.

Carter opens up about the personal convictions, spiritual wrestling, and moments in the “secret place” that led him to write this deeply vulnerable and faith-centered book. Together, Jonathan and Carter explore the difference between knowing about God and actually walking with Him, why so many believers feel spiritually exhausted, and how performance-based Christianity quietly disconnects people from authentic relationships.

They also dive into the writing process itself—how books born from scars carry a different kind of power, why vulnerability matters in leadership, and how writing can become a form of healing and personal transformation.

Whether you’re a faith leader, aspiring author, or someone trying to reconnect with purpose and presence, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a deeply meaningful perspective.

What You’ll Hear:

• The story behind Plagiarizing the Gospel

• Why Carter says many believers are “quoting the gospel accurately but living something else”

• The difference between reading scripture for reference vs. relationship

• How “performance Christianity” quietly drains people spiritually

• Why vulnerability creates deeper connection and healing

• The concept of writing from a scar instead of an open wound

• Why many leaders suffer silently without safe spaces to be honest

• The role of the “secret place” in hearing God clearly

• How writing a book can expose areas of personal growth and repentance

• Why books create opportunities far beyond royalties and sales

Quote to Remember:

“The presence is the practice—not performance.”

Guest Featured in This Episode:

Dr. Carter Check – clinical chaplain, ethicist, professor, and author of Healing in the Wild and Plagiarizing the Gospel

Mentioned in This Episode:

Healing in the Wild by Dr. Carter Check

Plagiarizing the Gospel: When Familiar Faith Replaces Living Relationship

ThePresenceGym.org

PlagiarizingTheGospel.com

SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing resources and support

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Special Discussion Topics:

• Why some books are written from platforms—and others from wounds

• The “Kintsugi” analogy: how brokenness can become beauty

• How Healing in the Wild expanded into Arabic translations and global humanitarian impact

• Why authors should focus on their calling and let experts handle the publishing ecosystem

Coming Next:

More conversations with publishing partners, bestselling authors, and thought leaders on how books create transformation, authority, and long-term impact.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 62: Why Some Books Stay With You Forever - The Structure Behind Great Books

Episode Summary:

What separates a forgettable book from one that changes your life?

In Episode 62, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and co-host Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, take a deep dive into the books that shaped them—not just as readers, but as publishers.

From childhood favorites like Goosebumps and The Chronicles of Narnia to impactful nonfiction works like Think and Grow Rich, Blue Ocean Strategy, and Extreme Ownership, this episode breaks down the storytelling techniques, structures, principles, and reader experiences that make certain books unforgettable.

But this isn’t just a nostalgia episode.

Renée and Jonathan unpack why these books work—from immersive storytelling and emotional connection to clear principles, strong structure, case studies, and actionable takeaways. They also discuss the common mistakes authors make when trying to write impactful nonfiction—and why perspective, editing, and intentional structure matter so much.

Whether you’re writing memoir, business, self-help, faith-based content, or thought leadership, this episode will help you think differently about how to create a book people actually remember.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why certain books stay with us for decades

• The storytelling techniques that create emotional immersion

• Why strong principles and actionable takeaways matter in nonfiction

• How books like Extreme Ownership balance story + practical application

• The power of case studies in persuasive or educational books

• Why memoir writing needs scene-building and dialogue

• The danger of filler content and forced page counts

• How to structure books differently depending on the genre

• Why authors are often too close to their own material

• The importance of outside perspective and editing in shaping a great book

Books Discussed in This Episode:

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

• Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

• Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne

• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

• Wild Swans by Jung Chang

• Gary Habermas’ work on the historical case for the resurrection

Quote to Remember:“Great books don’t just give information—they create an experience.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

• smartpublishingservices.com – publishing resources and support
• Connect with Renée Lautermilch on Facebook – she’s the only one in the world
• Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Coming Next:

Dr. Carter Check joins the podcast to talk about leveraging books, publishing momentum, and what it really looks like to become a prolific author.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 61: Serving on the Level You’re On

Episode Summary:

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your book… is the belief that you’re not qualified enough to write it?

In Episode 61, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and co-host Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, dive deep into one of the most common struggles authors face: imposter syndrome.

From personal stories and publishing experiences to practical strategies for writing a book that genuinely helps people, this episode unpacks why so many aspiring authors underestimate the value of their own experiences—and how to finally break through the fear of “not being enough.”

Jonathan introduces a powerful concept: “You serve on the level you’re on until you serve on the level you belong.” Together, he and Renée explore what it means to lean into your current level of wisdom, stop waiting for permission, and start serving the people you are uniquely equipped to help right now.

The episode also breaks down how to structure a book that creates real transformation for readers—and how to create clear calls-to-action (CTAs) that naturally lead readers deeper into your ecosystem.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why imposter syndrome shows up most when you’re about to grow

• The meaning behind “serve on the level you’re on”

• Why your experience already has value—even if you don’t see it yet

• The danger of comparing your beginning to someone else’s legacy

• How mission-focused thinking defeats self-focus and fear

• Why passion and authenticity often outperform experience alone

• The importance of giving readers simple, actionable wins

• How to create a “best helper” book that drives real transformation

• What makes a strong CTA (call-to-action) inside your book

• Why your book should naturally lead readers into your world

Quote to Remember:

“You are qualified to serve. That’s why you’re here.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

The One Hour Author — available on Amazon

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing education and resources

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

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Bonus Topics in This Episode:

• Renée’s editor rant: why chapters do not need to all be the same length

• Why section headers matter more than chapter symmetry

• How simple action steps create momentum for readers

Next Episode:

More tactical publishing and business-growth strategies to help authors turn their message into meaningful impact.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 60: The Power of Collaboration

Episode Summary:

What if your next book didn’t have to be written alone?

In this milestone Episode 60, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and co-host Jonathan Lautermilch, CEO of Smart Publishing, break down one of the most powerful (and underrated) strategies in publishing: collaboration.

From multi-author books to strategic partnerships within your own book, this episode explores how leveraging relationships can expand your reach, increase credibility, and create opportunities far beyond what most authors achieve on their own.

You’ll hear how collaboration lowers the barrier to entry for first-time authors, how it can fast-track authority and exposure, and why thinking abundantly instead of competitively can completely change your results.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book—but felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start—this episode might open a completely new path forward.

What You’ll Hear:

• What a collaboration book is (and why it works so well)

• How multi-author books expand reach through shared audiences

• Why collaboration is a powerful entry point for first-time authors

• How contributing a chapter can lead to your own full-length book

• The marketing advantage of “many hands, many networks”

• How to use influencer quotes and forewords to boost credibility

• Strategies for getting high-level contributors into your book

• The difference between abundance vs. scarcity thinking in publishing

• Common collaboration pitfalls (including scams to avoid)

• Why your book should be treated as a relationship-building tool

Quote to Remember:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Restoring the Broken by Larry Brandt

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing resources and support

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

Connect with Jonathan Lautermilch on LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

Milestone Note:

60 episodes in—and still focused on helping authors turn their books into real opportunities, not just finished projects.

Next Episode:

More real-world strategies to help you write smarter, publish with intention, and leverage your book for long-term growth.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 59: Part 2 - Bestsellers Get Attention but "Best Helpers" Close Deals

Episode Summary:

Most authors get stuck before they even begin—because they don’t know how to structure their book.

In Episode 59, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, and co-host Jonathan Lautermilch break down one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of writing a book: structure.

From defining who your book is for to building chapters around clear principles, this episode walks you through how to create a book that doesn’t just share stories—but actually delivers value, drives action, and creates opportunities.

You’ll also hear why starting with your story can lead to confusion, how to reverse-engineer your content for clarity, and why the best books act as a bridge between your reader’s problem and your solution.

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book—or you’ve started but feel stuck—this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

What You’ll Hear:

• The two critical questions you must answer before writing your book

• Why vague “I want to help people” books don’t work

• How to define who your book is for and what problem it solves

• The difference between story-first vs. principle-first writing

• Why starting with principles creates clarity and structure

• How to use storytelling to support (not replace) your message

• The structure behind highly impactful books like Extreme Ownership

• How your book can act as a natural funnel for your business

• The concept of “result of the result” and why it matters

• Why books should be built as attraction tools—not just products

Quote to Remember: “Clarity creates speed—without it, you’ll stay stuck or build something that doesn’t work.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

smartpublishingservices.com – publishing resources and support

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:

More tactical strategies on how to turn your book into a client acquisition and authority-building tool—not just something you publish and forget.

Episode Title:

The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 58: Best Helper Interlude — Listener Questions About AI

Episode Summary:

AI is everywhere—and authors are asking the same question: Should I be using it to write my book?

In this solo Best Helper Interlude, Renée Lautermilch, Chief Editor at Smart Publishing, answers one of the most common (and most misunderstood) topics in publishing today: the role of AI in writing a book.

Drawing from real listener questions and firsthand experience reviewing manuscripts, Renée breaks down where AI can be helpful—and where it can quietly create major problems. From copyright risks to credibility issues, this episode offers a clear, no-fluff perspective on how to use AI strategically without compromising the quality, ownership, or impact of your book.

If you’re thinking about using AI in your writing process, this is an episode you need to hear before you start.

What You’ll Hear:

• The right way to use AI in the book-writing process

• Why AI-generated books may not be copyright-protected

• The hidden risk of plagiarism and copyright infringement

• Why AI-written content often feels generic and lifeless

• How readers can easily recognize AI-generated writing

• The credibility risk of “pressing the easy button”

• The best alternative: recording your book and using transcription

• How editors turn raw ideas into structured, professional chapters

• Why authenticity and personal voice still matter more than ever

Quote to Remember:“AI can help you think—but it shouldn’t replace your voice.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

SmartPublishingServices.com – publishing resources and support

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

Email: [email protected]

Special Shoutout:

Congratulations to Richard G. Powell on hitting bestseller with All This Before 30 🎉

Next Episode:

Part 2 of the Best Helper series—Renée and Jonathan return to break down exactly how to create a book that drives real results.

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.