Fully Booked: The Hidden Gems Author Podcast

Craig Tuch
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

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. 4d ago

    Fully Booked EP244: Choosing the Right Publishing Path

    For many authors, landing a six-figure traditional publishing deal sounds like the ultimate career breakthrough. But as this week’s guest, Elise Chidley, discovered, getting the deal is only the beginning. A two-year wait for publication meant the market had already begun shifting by the time her first novel was released, while decisions by major booksellers further complicated its sales and soured what had once seemed like a dream start to her career. After years of working with agents and pursuing more traditional deals, Elise eventually decided it was time to try a different path. Elise’s eventual move from traditional to hybrid publishing offers a fascinating example of the tradeoffs authors face when deciding how to bring their books to market. Speed and control, upfront costs and royalties, distribution, professional expertise, and the value of having an experienced team behind you can all factor into that decision. Elise’s experience is just one author’s journey, but the priorities that shaped her choices highlight why there is no universally right way to publish. The best path may ultimately depend less on which model looks best on paper and more on understanding what you want from your publishing career.    Elise Chidley https://elisechidley.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 EP244: Choosing the Right Publishing Path

  2. Sep 10

    Fully Booked EP243: How to Host Memorable Author Events Anywhere

    After running into roadblocks trying to organize traditional bookstore appearances for two memoirs published by an independent press, author and creative writing instructor Jennifer Lang took matters into her own hands. Over a two-year period, she organized four extensive book tours and discovered that some of the best opportunities could be found in less conventional places. In this week's episode, Jennifer shares what she learned from taking a DIY approach to book tours, and how tapping into personal networks and seeking out unique venues gave her the freedom to create events that gave readers a reason to show up. As Jennifer explains, today's authors need to think beyond bookstores, with libraries, community organizations, private gatherings, and other spaces connected to the themes of their work often providing opportunities for more creative and engaging events. Simply asking can open unexpected doors, but that doesn't mean authors should be unprepared. Reaching out early, tailoring pitches to individual venues, requesting honorariums, and capturing reader contact information can all help authors make the most of those opportunities and build genuine connections that last beyond the event itself.    Jennifer Lang https://israelwriterstudio.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 EP243: How to Host Memorable Author Events Anywhere

  3. Sep 3

    Fully Booked EP242: Inside an Author Services Scam

    A healthy dose of skepticism is always recommended when doing business online, but with today's AI-powered scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, it's getting more difficult to spot them. Authors are frequent targets, especially those new to self-publishing and looking for ways to bring attention to their books. That's exactly what happened to this week's guest, author Slade Myers, when an unsolicited social media connection led him into an elaborate author services scam involving fake identities, questionable marketing services, thousands of dollars in charges, and eventually someone impersonating Fully Booked host Craig Tuch and this very podcast. In an effort to help other authors avoid falling victim to similar schemes, Slade takes us through how it all unfolded, the red flags he shouldn't have ignored, and the bizarre fake podcast interview that finally led to the whole thing coming undone. By using trusted names and images pulled from the web, along with seemingly legitimate services designed to build credibility, online fraudsters are finding increasingly convincing ways to fool authors into handing over their money and getting little, if anything, in return. Slade's experience offers a firsthand look at how these scams can unfold, along with a variety of warning signs to watch for when navigating the complicated world of self-publishing.    Slade Myers  https://www.youtube.com/@authorslade 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 EP242: Inside an Author Services Scam

  4. Aug 27

    Fully Booked EP241: From TikTok Skits to 300-Page Thrillers

    In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland welcome back returning guest Lauren Carter Riley (known online as Glamour Possum) to explore her unconventional path in self-publishing. Lauren shares updates on her decision to bypass Amazon entirely, opting instead for direct sales via her own storefront. With over 150 pre-orders across eight countries for her upcoming book, All We Have Is Money, she proves that independent authors can cultivate a thriving international fanbase through organic word-of-mouth and targeted social media content. The discussion spans a variety of topics such as character creation, the realities of modern book marketing, the shifts within dark romance and erotica genres, and why self-published authors must embrace authentic self-promotion. Lauren offers advice for aspiring writers on pushing through the difficulties of drafting and editing, pushing past the fear of self-promotion, and finding personal satisfaction in finishing a project. Today's insights are invaluable for any author looking to learn more about direct publishing models, acting techniques applied to writing, and strategies for taking control of your creative work.   Lauren Carter Reilly  https://www.glamourpossum.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 EP241: From TikTok Skits to 300-Page Thrillers

  5. Aug 20

    Fully Booked EP240: Your Book Is Just the Beginning

    For many authors, hitting publish feels like crossing the finish line. But according to media and marketing expert Kristen White, it may actually be just the beginning. With a background in television news and more than two decades of experience helping authors, speakers, and coaches expand their platforms, Kristen has seen how writers can use their books as the foundation for something much bigger. Simply selling more copies isn't the sole goal for every author, with many using their books as a stepping stone to a world of other possibilities. By attracting media attention and building an audience, a book can lead to a variety of lucrative opportunities such as speaking engagements, courses, adaptations, and many other ventures. In this week's episode of Fully Booked, Kristen explains why authors should treat their books as intellectual property with room to grow, along with practical ways to start doing so. Nonfiction authors may be more likely to transform their ideas into new opportunities by increasing their visibility and actively promoting themselves, but these concepts are important for fiction authors as well, who can use them to build communities around their stories and characters. That's why, whenever you're preparing to launch a new book, one of the most important things to consider is where your real finish line lies.    Kristen White https://beyondyourbestseller.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 EP240: Your Book Is Just the Beginning

  6. Aug 13

    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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (100)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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.

Information

You Might Also Like