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 statusKey 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.co💬 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!
