The Smokin' Hot Books® Show

Howdy business authors,

In this interview we highlight Valerie Demont, entrepreneur, author, and 1:1 VIP client of Smokin’ Hot Books.

In this conversation, we talk about:

* Valérie’s mission to help burned-out entrepreneurs find inner peace & stability

* Her new book: Being is the New Doing (to help you run your business from more sovereignty and less sabotage)

* Valérie’s experience as a 1:1 VIP client of Smokin’ Hot Books (the truth)

* What’s working for her, and her journey towards bestselling author

* Grab a FREE advance-reader copy of Being is the New Doing here.

* Entrepreneurs: ditch the cold showers and 2-hour morning routines. What you need is to get in alignment. In just 10 minutes a day, use Val’s signature FLUIDE Living Kit to turn on abundance and create abundance in your world. Just comment down below and you will get your free bonus just for mentioning it.

Rooting for you.

Renee

Howdy business authors,

Today was the last day of our 3-day workshop, but not to fret, we will be continuing the energy for the rest of the week in our workshop after-party (Thursday & Friday). 🥳

Apply for 1:1 book coaching & book launch mentorship here — $10k-$30k

Enroll in group coaching here (price goes up 11:59 Eastern Sunday night) - $6500 $2997

Key Takeaways

* The 10k Copies System is a repeatable formula: It combines a proven Amazon strategy (the “masculine”) with your unique origin story (the “feminine”) to create virality.

* Pre-launch is the launch: The 4–6 months before your book goes live are critical for building momentum. This includes podcasting, forming an Advanced Reader Group (ARG), and securing bulk orders.

* The first 30 days on Amazon are decisive: Hitting targets of ~100 reviews and ~500 sales/downloads signals demand to Amazon, triggering its algorithm to promote your book. This is the “flywheel” effect.

* The book is a business asset: Use launch momentum for a 12-month “tour” to secure speaking gigs, media appearances, and high-value clients, leveraging your bestseller status as a credential.

Topics

Common Launch Failures

* Global Distribution ≠ Global Demand: Hybrid publishers often promise distribution without a strategy to create demand.

* Poor Execution: Publishers often lack a proven, sequential launch formula, leading to ineffective results.

* No Pre-Launch Strategy: Launching without a “runway” of pre-work means the book goes live with zero momentum.

* Weak Amazon Profile: A confusing title, cover, or lack of reviews creates a “perfect storm” that kills sales, even for a good book.

The 10,000 Copies System: Marketing Alchemy

* The system combines two forces for virality:

* Masculine (Structure): A proven, repeatable strategy (Amazon, podcasting, ads, bonuses, bulk orders).

* Feminine (Story): Your unique, magnetic origin story that builds a “cult of personality.”

* Result → Word-of-Mouth Virality: This combination creates organic buzz, as seen with client Amy, whose book is outselling Robert Kiyosaki and has already sold over 1,300 copies.

Phase 1: Podcast Pitching (Pre-Launch)

* Goal: Build buzz and drive sales by leveraging the strong overlap between podcast listeners and nonfiction book buyers (67% have purchased a book heard on a podcast).

* Strategy: Reverse-engineer the outcome.

* Define Goal: Secure 15–30 top-tier podcasts before launch.

* Craft CTA: Develop a bonus (e.g., workbook) to incentivize purchases via a unique link in the show notes.

* Create “Set List”: Develop a repeatable signature story/masterclass.

* Pitch Aligned Shows: Target podcasts where your story and CTA resonate.

* Tactic: Record episodes pre-launch and ask hosts to release them around your launch date to create a “bomb” of publicity.

Phase 2: Advanced Reader Group (ARG)

* Goal: Form a “book army” (500–1,000 readers) to generate the critical mass of early reviews and social proof needed for Amazon’s algorithm.

* Process:

* Recruit: Use a landing page to offer free PDFs of the book. The “VIP” status of getting an early copy is a powerful incentive.

* Timeline: Send PDFs 3–6 months pre-launch to give readers ample time.

* Nurture: Maintain communication with the ARG to keep the book top-of-mind.

* Dual Benefit: The ARG also serves as a focus group for feedback on the manuscript, cover, and title, and can significantly grow your email list (client Beth doubled hers from 100 subscribers).

Phase 3: Amazon Virality (Launch)

* Goal: Trigger Amazon’s algorithm to promote your book by proving demand in the first 30 days.

* The 30-Day Window: Amazon’s algorithm prioritizes books with early traction. Success leads to long-term visibility; failure results in the “Amazon graveyard.”

* Key Metrics: Target ~100 reviews and ~500 sales/downloads in the first 30 days.

* Launch Sequence:

* Free Promotion: Offer the ebook free for 5 days to chart on the free lists and generate downloads.

* 99¢ Sale: Price the ebook at 99¢ to make it an easy purchase for your ARG.

* Amazon Ads: Once momentum is established, use ads to “pour gasoline on the fire” and multiply sales.

Phase 4: Long-Term ROI

* Goal: Leverage bestseller status as a credential for a 12-month “tour” to secure high-value opportunities.

* Examples:

* Media: Client Beth used her #1 bestseller status to get on statewide TV with only 200 Instagram followers.

* Speaking: Client Nika doubled her speaking fee from $5k to $10k and landed more gigs.

* High-Value Clients: Client Amy closed a six-figure contract by giving a prospect a copy of her book.

Smokin’ Hot Books Offerings

* 1-on-1 VIP Mentorship: Custom strategy and execution support (starts at $10k, application only).

* Viral Author Academy: Group mentorship program (currently $3,000, price increases Sunday at midnight).

* Includes: Twice-weekly group calls, public speaking training, and a private community.

* Fast-Action Bonus: Sign up by Sunday night for Renee’s email swipe file.

Apply for 1:1 book coaching & book launch mentorship here — $10k-$30k

Enroll in group coaching here (price goes up 11:59 Eastern Sunday night) - $6500 $2997

Rooting for you.

Renee

Key Takeaways

* 94% of books flop because authors market them like a brand, not a product. Success requires a strategic launch “runway” to build demand before release.

* Publishers don’t market books; authors do. They provide packaging and distribution, but the author is responsible for all marketing. Self-publishing offers full rights and higher royalties.

* A book’s success is a repeatable science. The formula for Amazon Virality is 500 downloads + 100 reviews in 30 days, which triggers the algorithm to promote the book.

* The “10,000 Copies Book Launch System” creates a flywheel effect. It uses a bonus strategy to convert readers into email leads, building a sustainable ecosystem for long-term business growth.

Topics

The Problem: Why 94% of Books Flop

* Statistic: Only 6% of books sell >1,000 copies/year.

* Core Issue: Authors market books like a brand (passive social media posts), not a product (strategic launch).

* Solution: A “runway” period before launch to build demand, similar to Beyonce’s Sacred haircare line.

* Key Tactic: An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) team provides early reviews.

* Goal: Secure ~100 reviews before launch, as buyers are hesitant to purchase books with few reviews.

The Publisher vs. Author Marketing Myth

* Publisher’s Role: Project management, packaging (cover, title), and distribution.

* Author’s Role: All marketing and demand generation.

* Traditional vs. Self-Publishing:

* Traditional: Offers perceived prestige and an advance, but the author loses rights and earns lower royalties.

* Self-Publishing (”Full Rights Publishing”): Author retains all rights and earns higher royalties, but covers all upfront costs.

* Recommendation: Self-publishing is generally better for entrepreneurs, as it provides full control over the asset.

The Solution: The 10,000 Copies Book Launch System

* Core Principle: Amazon’s algorithm is a repeatable science that can be mastered.

* Amazon Virality Formula: 500 downloads + 100 reviews in 30 days.

* The Flywheel Effect: Initial energy creates momentum that becomes self-sustaining, making marketing easier over time.

* Key Components for Success:

* Market-First Title & Cover: Test these with the target audience before launch to ensure clarity and conversion. Confused buyers don’t buy.

* Outstanding Amazon Profile: The book’s profile is a high-value brand asset and must be optimized for conversion.

* 5 Components: Cover, Title/Subtitle, 100+ Reviews, Sales-Oriented Description, Supplemental Graphics/Editorial Reviews.

* Strategic Ecosystem: Avoid “spaghetti at the wall” marketing.

* Bonus Strategy: Offer a valuable bonus for purchasing the book. This captures the reader’s email, converting a one-time sale into a lead for future offers.

* Podcast Funnel: Use podcasts to drive book sales and lead capture.

* Internal Funnel: Include a link inside the book to claim a bonus, capturing leads from organic readers.

How to Work Together

* 1-on-1 VIP Mentorship (Starts at $10k):

* Book Coaching: Turn your signature method into a quality book.

* Custom Launch Strategy: A full Notion-based plan (timeline, bonus strategy, ad strategy, 50 podcast pitches).

* Execution Support: Done-for-you launch management.

* Viral Author Academy ($2,997):

* Group Mentorship: Lifetime access to the system and all updates.

* Coaching: 2x weekly group calls.

* Training: Monthly public speaking and confidence sessions.

* Community: Private group of author experts.

* Fast Action Bonus (Enroll by Jan 27): Swipe file of proven book launch email sequences.

Next Steps

* Attendees:

* Identify which of the four problems is most relevant to your book launch.

* Attend Day 3 to see the detailed 10,000 Copies Book Launch System.

* Interested Authors:

* For 1-on-1 Mentorship: Apply here: https://smokin-hotbooks.com/get-in-touch

* For Viral Author Academy: Enroll here to secure fast-action bonus: https://smokin-hotbooks.com/academy-enroll

Key Takeaways

* Market your book as a product, not a brand. Build social proof before launch by distributing Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and running a 99¢ bestseller campaign to generate reviews and sales momentum.

* Frame your origin story around a “low point” to build intimacy. This humanizes your expertise, making your method more compelling than a list of credentials.

* Use the “Viral Book Formula” for structure. This framework (Story → Method → Action) creates a reliable, engaging reader experience that drives word-of-mouth.

* This system is for nonfiction only. Fiction marketing is a different game; this strategy does not apply.

Topics

The Problem: Why Most Book Launches Fail

* Most authors market their book like a brand, not a product, leading to poor sales.

* Common Mistakes:

* Relying on social media for sales (e.g., Amy’s book launch to 45k TikTok followers yielded poor results).

* Running ineffective ads (e.g., Facebook ads often fail for books; Amazon ads require mastery).

* Launching without pre-built social proof.

* The Result: The average self-published author sells only ~250 copies over the book’s lifetime.

The Solution: Product-Based Marketing

* Strategy: Build social proof before the public launch to create momentum.

* Pre-Launch Timeline (6–12 months):

* Distribute ARCs: Send free digital copies (PDFs) to a trusted network for early reviews.

* Book Podcast Appearances: Schedule interviews to drop on or near launch day.

* Launch Day:

* Run a 99¢ Bestseller Campaign: Drive a high volume of sales in a single week to hit bestseller lists and generate more reviews.

* Follow Up Aggressively: Canvass ARC readers to ensure they post their reviews on Amazon.

* Post-Launch:

* Leverage Social Proof: Use the bestseller status and reviews to book higher-tier media and speaking engagements.

* Run Targeted Amazon Ads: Use ads as “gasoline on the fire” to scale sales, but only after the initial momentum is built.

The Foundation: Your Magnetic Origin Story

* Core Principle: People buy connection and experience, not just information. Your story builds the intimacy required for trust.

* Framework (from Steve Harrison):

* Cruising Along: Your life/career before the turning point.

* Something Bad Happened: The “low point” that forced a change.

* Developed a Solution: The method you created to solve your own problem.

* Shared the Solution: How you began helping others with your method.

* Examples:

* Mike Michalowicz (Profit First): Bankruptcy → Created Profit First accounting method.

* Ann Beiler (Auntie Anne’s Pretzels): Personal trauma → Built a business to fund marriage counseling.

The Structure: The Viral Book Formula

* Purpose: A consistent chapter structure that creates a reliable, engaging reader experience.

* Chapter Framework:

* Third-Party Evidence: Quote or statistic.

* Relevant Story: Personal anecdote connected to the chapter’s theme.

* Core Content: Your signature method.

* Quick Win Action Guide: Simple, actionable steps (e.g., journal prompts) that provide small wins and encourage word-of-mouth.

Next Steps

* Subscribe to The 10,000 Copies Book Launch System workshop thread to get access to exclusive chat threads and juicy prizes. See you there.

Many of us here have experienced burnout.

Burnout in our businesses, our careers, and possibly even relationships.

What happens when we realize our pace is no longer sustainable?

Are there better questions we can ask of ourselves?

Rather than asking the Universe, “What do I need to do?”

— perhaps we can ask “Who do I need to be?”

In this Substack Live, we go deep into:

* A look at the invisible emotional, energetic, and identity costs most entrepreneurs pay on their way to success

* How to distinguish between the saboteur in your mind vs. your soul

* What the World Economic Forum has to say on the emotional skills needed to thrive in the coming decade of AI & rapid tech change

* Grab your FREE advance-copy of Being is the New Doing (before it goes live to the public!) here: https://www.beingisthenewdoing.com/

* Learn how to launch books and share your work like Valérie at the 10,000 Copies Book Launch System workshop (Jan 26-28, 12-1 PM Eastern) here: https://www.addevent.com/event/6525st2ll3fh

Love,

Renee

* What are the current trends with marketing your self-published business book?

* Is Tiktok Shop worth it or a fleeting trend?

* What’s the #1 mistake authors make when it comes to growing a business with their book?

We answer all of these (and more!) inside today’s interview with the inimitable Natasha Tynes.

With 2026 around the corner, are you prepared for the new year (or will the new year sneak up on you this time around?)

Rooting for you and your book success!

Renee

Lilian Ledoux is a talented PR strategist who specializes in helping authors craft stories that help more people.

In this live, we discuss:

* The difference between PR, marketing, and social media (and when to use what)

* Why it’s NOT a good idea for The Today Show to be your first TV appearance (and a more sustainable approach to visibility)

* Common limiting beliefs that hold authors back from sharing their story (and how to practice setting those down)

* Tips for crafting unique story angles that can land you in top publications like Cosmo and PopSugar

If you enjoyed Lilian’s PR tips for authors, you can follow and learn more about her work here:

* Instagram: instagram.com/liliansueprcoach

* Facebook: facebook.com/groups/bookedfeaturedpaid

* Facebook: facebook.com/liliansue23

* LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liliansue

The deadline to enroll in VAA has been extended. 🥳

You can now enroll by Tuesday, November 25, 11:59 PM Eastern to unlock enrollment at $6500 $2497.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Tune into Day 2 of our workshop afterparty 🥳

Enroll in Viral Author Academy by tonight at midnight at the fast-action discount price.

✨ Fast-Action Bonus:

Those who enroll by tomorrow midnight will unlock:

* Enrollment at $6500 $2497 (last time this price will be offered)

* Ticket to the Substack Launch Lab Workshop (or, How I Closed a $19k Month in September Using Only Substack) ($277 value)

Have a great Sunday ✨

Renee