Episode Title:
The Smart Publishing Impact Series – Episode 43: Planning a Book (Case Study #2)
Episode Summary:
Welcome to part two of Renée’s case study series on how to plan your book the right way. In Episode 42, she broke down why planning is the most important phase of the writing process—and today, she takes you deeper into the practical application. Using a real case study, Renée walks you through how to determine your chapters, organize your story or teaching flow, and structure your manuscript in a way that supports your goals as an author.
Whether your book is instructional, memoir-style, or a blend of both, this episode shows you how to transform ideas into a clear, intentional chapter plan. If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering where to start, this is the episode that will finally unlock your structure.
What You’ll Hear:
Why planning comes before writing—and why skipping it leads to messy books
How your goal (e.g., speaking engagements) determines your writing style
The difference between concept-driven and story-driven chapter structures
How to outline a book using event-based storytelling for maximum engagement
A live demonstration: mapping a book from introduction to conclusion
How to choose 8–12 chapters that fully support your narrative
Why your conclusion and calls-to-action matter for your long-term goals
Quote to Remember:
“The quality of your planning determines the quality of your book. Don’t rush the phase that matters most.”
Mentioned in This Episode:
The One Hour Author by Renée Lautermilch — available on Amazon and Audible
smartpublishingservices.com — blog, courses, tools, and author resources
Connect with Renée on Facebook — she’s the only Renée Lautermilch in the world
Next Week:
Part 3 of the case study series: Renée walks you through the full chapter mapping process so you can build your own clear, writer’s-block-proof plan before you write a single word.
