Renée Puvvada, Smoking Hot Books — From “Rainwater Girl” to Best-Selling Book Coach
Renée Puvvada is the founder of Smoking Hot Books, a book-marketing consultancy that helps self-published authors turn manuscripts into momentum. In this episode, Renée shares how she went from four early “flops” to a breakout bestseller—and why authenticity beats shortcuts when you’re building a brand with a book.
Renée matters because she teaches authors to own the entire publishing journey: writing a book readers can’t help but share, leveraging Amazon’s algorithm, and using podcasts to amplify reach. Her playbook transforms “nice idea” projects into authority, opportunities, and sales.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Authenticity > Algorithms: Renée’s pivot from a profitable “rainwater” niche to her true calling proves that integrity outperforms quick wins when you want a sustainable business and brand.
Own the Process: Self-publishing forces you to master title, cover, positioning, launch, and distribution—so you control your IP, message, and outcomes.
Amazon + Podcasts = Lift-off: Her Lightning Book Launch method combines Amazon fundamentals with targeted podcast outreach to sell thousands of copies and open doors to speaking, PR, and brand deals.
Relaunches Work: “Flopped” books aren’t dead—tighten the market fit, retune the positioning, and relaunch. Clients have turned quiet releases into media hits (including an NYT editorial review consideration).
Use AI Like a Pro: Treat AI as a thought partner for structure and clarity, not a shortcut for taste. Your lived experience is the differentiator machines can’t replicate.
Memorable Quote:
“AI is not a tastemaker. You’re the tastemaker.”