Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Craig Tuch
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Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Author Craig Tuch has written a large number of books under a variety of pseudonyms, which have collectively sold hundreds of thousands of copies and had close to 100 million page reads. In 2016, he started HiddenGemsBooks.com as a way to help new and established self-published authors navigate the complex and often-changing world of self-publishing. Since then, Hidden Gems has become well known and respected for helping thousands of authors market their books more effectively and sell more copies through a variety of services, free tools, and a weekly blog. Roland Hulme’s 15+ years as an advertising executive in New York and London gave him an advantage when he turned his hand to writing, because no matter how good your stories are, you can’t sell any copies of a book that no one knows about. His targeted ads have led to his novels being bought and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers. If you’re interested in ways to improve as a writer, or in learning about new or better ways to market, advertise and sell your books, then join Craig and Roland every Thursday as they talk with each other and their guests about a wide range of topics relevant to self-publishing and writing.

  1. Fully Booked EP164: Project Managing Your Book from Idea to Bestseller

    5D AGO

    Fully Booked EP164: Project Managing Your Book from Idea to Bestseller

    Writing a book is one thing—getting it published and into readers’ hands is another challenge entirely. For first-time authors, the process can feel overwhelming, but today’s guest, business consultant and author Jennifer Musser, shares a strategy to make it manageable. By breaking the writing and publishing process into smaller components—outlining, drafting, cover design, formatting, marketing, and more—Jennifer explains how authors can stay organized and on track rather than feeling lost in the many moving parts of self-publishing. Her methodical approach offers a roadmap for moving forward with confidence, especially for authors who feel stuck when faced with too many tasks between them and a finished book. In addition to her step-by-step strategy, Jennifer also shares insights and actionable advice on striking a balance between creative expression and market expectations, ensuring your book not only stands out but also connects with the right audience. By applying a project management mindset, she shows how writers can tackle the publishing process with clarity and structure—turning an overwhelming task into a series of achievable steps.   Jennifer Musser https://jlmaconsulting.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    47 min
  2. Fully Booked EP163: The Power of Firsthand Research in Writing

    FEB 27

    Fully Booked EP163: The Power of Firsthand Research in Writing

    From visiting unfamiliar locations to speaking directly with locals, nothing beats experiencing key elements of your story firsthand. When possible, this kind of immersive research can make the difference between a good book and one that truly transports readers. In today’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with award-winning author Dr. Randy Overbeck to explore how direct, on-the-ground research enhances storytelling. Overbeck, a former educator turned award-winning mystery author, shares how traveling to real settings, consulting experts, and even participating in activities like sailing or dune buggy rides has helped him craft compelling, authentic narratives. As Overbeck explains, firsthand research does more than just help set the scene—it strengthens character development, enriches historical details, and adds depth to complex social themes. He has spent years refining his approach by connecting with local experts, securing permissions for real-world references, and weaving his findings into gripping mysteries. But not every detail can be uncovered in person, and even Overbeck relies on traditional research methods to fill in the gaps. By blending fieldwork with more conventional research, authors can create immersive, believable stories—whether they can visit their book’s setting or not.   Dr. Randy Overbeck https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    46 min
  3. Fully Booked EP162: Write Your Way to Professional Credibility

    FEB 20

    Fully Booked EP162: Write Your Way to Professional Credibility

    Can writing a book transform your career? In this episode of Fully Booked, we sit down with author and technologist R.D.D. Smith to explore how professionals can use writing as a powerful tool to build credibility and open new opportunities. Drawing from personal experience, Roger shares how writing books helped him gain industry recognition, secure career-changing roles, and even land a prestigious CTO position. No matter your industry, Roger’s actionable strategies will help you identify your specific niche, overcome imposter syndrome, and turn your unique expertise into impactful books. Whether you're a part-time writer with a full-time job or a professional looking to stand out in your field, this discussion is packed with inspiration and practical advice on using the written word to stand out from your peers and boost your career.   R.D.D. Smith https://rddsmith.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    47 min
  4. Fully Booked EP161: Heroes, Villains, and the Gray Areas In-Between

    FEB 13

    Fully Booked EP161: Heroes, Villains, and the Gray Areas In-Between

    Conflict drives every great story, but what truly makes a hero compelling? And why are villains often the most captivating characters on the page? In today’s episode of Fully Booked, we delve into the intricate "hero-villain dance" with novelist and former educator Lori Paul Johnson. By exploring the moral complexity of antagonists and the archetypal struggles of heroes, Lori breaks down storytelling techniques that keep readers hooked—revealing how a well-crafted villain doesn’t just oppose the hero but elevates the entire narrative. Using a variety of vivid examples, Lori illustrates how heroes are forged in the fire of conflict—whether facing a formidable enemy, an unforgiving environment, or their own inner demons. But storytelling is rarely as simple as good versus evil. By embracing moral ambiguity and crafting anti-heroes, authors can create relatable and multifaceted villains who are as compelling as the protagonists they challenge. So whether you’re writing thrillers, mysteries, or character-driven dramas, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you create dynamic, page-turning conflict between richly developed characters—both "good" and "bad."   Lori Pollard-Johnson https://www.sistersincrime.org/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    50 min
  5. Fully Booked EP160: How AI Tools Can Empower Authors, Not Replace Them

    FEB 6

    Fully Booked EP160: How AI Tools Can Empower Authors, Not Replace Them

    While some self-published authors are keen to embrace tools that leverage artificial intelligence, others continue to have concerns about AI erasing the importance of a writer’s work, and degrading the publishing industry as a whole - concerns addressed by this week’s guest, Dan Curran. Dan is the co-founder of Chapters.io, a company that provides a structured approach to content creation by capturing an authors' ideas through recorded interviews, using cutting-edge AI to organize, structure, and refine their words, and finally using a human editor to bring it all together. This innovative process aims to remove the stress and barriers that prevent many experts and thought leaders from writing their first book, while still ensuring their authenticity remains intact. Today's discussion also spans the broader publishing landscape and how, as today's AI agents become more sophisticated, authors have access to an assortment of powerful tools that can be used to streamline everything from manuscript development to marketing strategies. Dan also shares his insights into why holding onto your intellectual property is crucial, and the variety of ways they can lead to revenue streams beyond simple books sales. Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this episode is full of ideas of how AI can be used to enhance, rather than diminish, the role of human creativity in publishing.   Dan Curran https://www.chapters.io/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    48 min
  6. Fully Booked EP159: Asking "What if...?" to Develop Creative Concepts for your Novel

    JAN 30

    Fully Booked EP159: Asking "What if...?" to Develop Creative Concepts for your Novel

    On this week's episode, Craig and Roland are joined by thriller author John Bukowski, who asks the provocative question: “What if…?”  John argues that posing the question of “What if…?” is one of the best ways to come up with ideas and concepts guaranteed to hook new readers. It’s the question which inspired the first of his novels, the provocative Project Suicide, and it was the compelling answer he came up with which led to the book being snatched up by an eager publisher. Whether it’s introducing conflicting new characters, shattering the status quo with unexpected events, or presenting protagonists with seemingly impossible choices to make, the answer to your own “What if…?” could be just the thing to elevate your writing to the next level, and make your book stand out amid the competition.   John Bukowski www.thrillerjohnb.net   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    45 min
  7. Fully Booked EP158: How and Why You Should Submit Your Books for an Award

    JAN 23

    Fully Booked EP158: How and Why You Should Submit Your Books for an Award

    In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by author and journalist Renee Garrison, the former president of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and a passionate advocate for entering your books into some of the many award competitions held across America each year. Renee argues that winning or being nominated for a book award can provide invaluable credibility to your writing, inspire many new readers to take a chance on your work, and deliver powerful free publicity that can help your books stand out among the millions of new titles being published each year. Renee offers practical advice on identifying legitimate awards, understanding the submission process, and strategically incorporating awards into your marketing plan. From cost-saving tips during the application process, to leveraging the power of networking to amplify your reach, Renee demonstrates how seeking literary recognition through book award competitions should be a key part of every author’s publishing strategy.   Renee Garrison https://www.reneegarrison.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/ All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    50 min
  8. Fully Booked EP157: Writing, Publishing and Marketing a Non-Traditional Book

    JAN 16

    Fully Booked EP157: Writing, Publishing and Marketing a Non-Traditional Book

    Much of the conventional wisdom we discuss on this podcast around writing and publishing applies best to books that follow traditional formats and genres. But what happens when your story demands a new and unique format or perspective? And how do you market a book when your audience doesn't fit neatly into easily targeted categories or genres? These are the challenges faced by today’s guest, author H.H. Rune, whose one-of-a-kind book series is as innovative as it is compelling. From the spark of her original idea to the obstacles she encountered in writing, publishing, and marketing her work, H.H. shares an inspiring journey full of tips for authors pursuing their own unconventional paths. While some of her inventive strategies might not work for all types of books, they still illustrate how thinking outside the box is just as important for marketing and publishing as it is for storytelling. For anyone crafting a unique story, this episode is a reminder to embrace the creative challenge of bringing your work to the right audience in a way only you can.   H.H. Rune https://hhrune.com/   Hidden Gems Need our help publishing or marketing your book?  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/   All episode details and links:  https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast

    48 min
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About

Author Craig Tuch has written a large number of books under a variety of pseudonyms, which have collectively sold hundreds of thousands of copies and had close to 100 million page reads. In 2016, he started HiddenGemsBooks.com as a way to help new and established self-published authors navigate the complex and often-changing world of self-publishing. Since then, Hidden Gems has become well known and respected for helping thousands of authors market their books more effectively and sell more copies through a variety of services, free tools, and a weekly blog. Roland Hulme’s 15+ years as an advertising executive in New York and London gave him an advantage when he turned his hand to writing, because no matter how good your stories are, you can’t sell any copies of a book that no one knows about. His targeted ads have led to his novels being bought and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of readers. If you’re interested in ways to improve as a writer, or in learning about new or better ways to market, advertise and sell your books, then join Craig and Roland every Thursday as they talk with each other and their guests about a wide range of topics relevant to self-publishing and writing.

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