Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Craig Tuch
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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. 2d ago

    Fully Booked EP239: What Authors Should Know About Screenwriting

    For authors curious about screenwriting, knowing how to write for the screen is only part of the equation. Writing for the screen is entirely different from putting a novel together, and there is an entire industry surrounding the process that brings its own opportunities, challenges, and often unpredictable paths to success. This week, Craig and Roland explore that world with writer and Emmy-winning producer Elliot Blake, whose decades-long career has taken him down a winding path through animation, television, audio drama, and prose. Elliot shares how he found his way into the entertainment industry, what it really takes to get a project from idea to screen, and why persistence and patience can be just as important as writing talent. The conversation not only covers the differences between writing for the page and writing for the screen, or what happens when stories move between mediums, but also the realities of the industry itself. Developing a project can involve far more than just the writer, with producers, studios, artists, and other collaborators all playing a role in bringing a story to life. Elliot generously shares lessons he’s learned throughout his career, such as how to work within the rules without getting trapped by them, the importance of studying successful scripts, and why you should never assume you’ve learned everything you need to know. Any author curious about screenwriting will find this discussion a fascinating and candid look at both the creative process and the industry surrounding it.    Elliot Blake https://elliotblake.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

    Fully Booked EP239: What Authors Should Know About Screenwriting

  2. Aug 6

    Fully Booked EP238: Why Readers Buy Authors Not Just Books

    Marketing a book is one thing, but building an author career is something else entirely. This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with publishing professional and author brand strategist Jessica Sorentino to explore why the most successful authors focus on building and maintaining relationships with their readers that start long before launch and continue between every release. Today's readers are buying you as an author just as much as your book, which is why your marketing should focus on building trust and recognition over time, not simply promoting whatever your latest project happens to be. To help with that, Jessica shares actionable strategies for creating a memorable brand, avoiding the biggest mistakes she sees writers make on social media, and turning the overwhelming chore of marketing into an opportunity to create genuine connections with readers. Along the way, the discussion also explores immersive book promotion, how to measure what actually works, and why your email list should be your biggest marketing priority. Consistent visibility that extends far beyond release day is the key to long term success, and this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on what it really takes to build an author career that lasts.    Jessica Sorentino https://jessicasorentino.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

    Fully Booked EP238: Why Readers Buy Authors Not Just Books

  3. Jul 30

    Fully Booked EP237: Crafting Stories That Shape Young Minds

    Children's books may look simple on the surface, but creating one that resonates with young readers takes far more than a good idea. This week on Fully Booked, educator and children's author Bridget Gengler explains why writing for children requires purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of what young readers truly need. She argues that writing for young minds is about more than entertaining or teaching in the moment, but about inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Drawing on more than 30 years in the classroom, Bridget shares how she uses her students as beta readers, what their reactions have taught her about refining a story, and why the strongest children's books balance meaningful messages with engaging storytelling. From collaborating with illustrators to learning how young readers interact with every page, today's conversation is packed with practical insights for authors hoping to connect more deeply with young minds and keep them coming back for more.    Bridget Gengler https://bridgetgengler.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

    Fully Booked EP237: Crafting Stories That Shape Young Minds

  4. Jul 23

    Fully Booked EP236: Turn Casual Scrollers into Dedicated Readers

    Social media can feel like one more thing on an author's endless to do list, but what if it could become one of your most effective marketing tools? This week, social media strategist Karlyn Ankrom joins us to explain how authors can stop chasing algorithms and start building genuine connections that turn casual followers into loyal readers. From choosing the right platform to creating content that keeps working long after launch day, she shares practical strategies any author can put into action. Today's conversation explores why relationship building matters more than going viral, how to create engaging content without spending hours online, and simple techniques like documenting your writing journey, repurposing your existing work, and using "one page, one line, one post" to generate an endless stream of ideas. Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, this conversation is packed with realistic advice to help you grow your audience, keep readers engaged, and make social media feel a little less overwhelming.    Karlyn Ankrom https://ohsnapsocial.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

    Fully Booked EP236: Turn Casual Scrollers into Dedicated Readers

  5. Jul 16

    Fully Booked EP235: Writing Authentic Military & Political Thrillers

    In this episode of Fully Booked, Roland and Craig are joined by Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke, a 28 year U.S. Army veteran, West Point graduate, former Defense Attaché to France, and author of the Major Jake Forina thriller series. Rick shares how a career spent commanding troops, working with NATO, leading counterterrorism efforts, and building international partnerships has shaped the stories he writes today. From deadly virus outbreaks to the Russia Ukraine conflict, he explains how real world experience helps him create fast paced thrillers that feel both authentic and cinematic. The conversation also explores Rick's approach to the writing process, including what he learned from James Patterson, Dan Brown, and Ken Follett, why he combines planning with discovery as he writes, and how short chapters and strong cliffhangers keep readers turning the page. Rick also shares insights from his writing journey, including how he balances realism with entertainment and the realities of publishing on Amazon. Whether you're writing your own thriller or simply enjoy stories inspired by today's global events, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.   Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke https://ricksteinke.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

    Fully Booked EP235: Writing Authentic Military & Political Thrillers

  6. Jul 9

    Fully Booked EP234: Making Genre Mashups Work

    Blending genres is one thing, but making readers believe they belong together is something else entirely. And when you're combining supernatural elements with crime fiction, there are even more considerations. This week's guest, Caryn McCann, explains how mythology can deepen a mystery by raising the stakes, shaping character motivations, and driving the narrative, but if the supernatural becomes the solution to the mystery, readers can feel cheated. Caryn shares how she carefully combined Chinese mythology with crime fiction while keeping every investigation grounded in evidence, logic, and procedural credibility. That commitment to authenticity didn't just strengthen the stories. It also gave Caryn unexpected marketing advantages, opening the door to creative partnerships and helping her reach readers in ways traditional advertising couldn't. Her experience is a reminder that the qualities that make your book different can also become your greatest marketing asset.    Caryn McCann https://carynmccann.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

    Fully Booked EP234: Making Genre Mashups Work

  7. Jul 2

    Fully Booked EP233: Stop Marketing Like Everyone Else

    Every author is looking for the next marketing strategy that will help their book break through the noise. This week's guest, JD Barker, believes that instead of copying what successful authors are already doing, the real opportunity lies in finding the ideas nobody else has thought of yet. That unconventional mindset has helped him build an international bestselling career, launching books in unexpected ways and creating publicity that readers and the media can't ignore. This week's conversation isn't about running better ads or tweaking your Amazon keywords, but rather approaching book promotion from an entirely different perspective. Through a variety of real-world examples, JD explains why authors should think of themselves as a brand, challenge conventional publishing wisdom, and constantly look for opportunities to stand apart from the crowd. If you're struggling to get your books noticed in today's increasingly crowded marketplace, this episode may change the way you think about marketing your next release.    J.D. Barker https://jdbarker.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

    Fully Booked EP233: Stop Marketing Like Everyone Else

  8. Jun 25

    Fully Booked EP232: Why Memoirs Matter

    What makes a memoir different from an autobiography, and why do some personal stories resonate so deeply with readers? This week on Fully Booked, Craig and Roland sit down with memoir coach Ally Berthiaume to explore the power of personal storytelling. From uncovering the deeper meaning behind life's defining moments to understanding why memoirs so often focus on resilience, adversity, and growth, Ally explains what separates a memoir from a simple retelling of events. As a memoir coach, Ally understands both the practical and emotional realities of writing about your own life and shares her insights on navigating difficult memories, overcoming emotional roadblocks, and balancing honesty with the challenges of writing about the real people who are part of our stories. Whether you're considering telling your own story or simply curious about the memoir genre, this conversation highlights why memoirs matter and how they create meaningful connections between writers and readers.    Ally Berthiaume https://thewriteplacerighttime.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

    Fully Booked EP232: Why Memoirs Matter
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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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