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In this week's episode, Craig and Roland unveil all the details about Hidden Gems' newest initiative, the Self-Pub Growth Hub. Launching in January 2025, this innovative service is designed to support authors on their self-publishing journey through regular video meetings focused on key topics. They explain how the program works, outline the three specialized groups available—Advertising & Marketing, General Self-Publishing Tips, and AI for Authors—and share everything you need to know about these dynamic and collaborative sessions.
Being an independent author can often feel isolating, as Craig and Roland both know, having often emphasized how much their own careers have benefited from learning alongside their peers. Navigating the industry alone can be both daunting and limiting, but these groups are designed to help keep you on track through expert-led discussions that encourage collaboration and sharing among members. This format allows authors to network with their peers, explore the latest industry trends, tools, and strategies, ask pressing questions, and thrive within a supportive and engaged community.
Join the Self-Pub Growth Hub today!
https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/self-pub-growth-hub/
Hidden Gems
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On this week’s episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by writer and filmmaker Mark Edlitz, whose career as a television and film writer led him to write a series of books about movies and superheroes that have attracted international attention.
Mark discusses his path from filmmaking to the written word, including making the shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing. He also outlines the unique challenges presented when writing non-fiction books about intellectual property and popular franchises, but balances that by exploring the ways pop culture writing can connect authors with a unique audience of superfans that can amplify the impact of their work.
Mark Edlitz
http://www.markedlitz.com/
Hidden Gems
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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If you haven’t yet established your presence as an author in a way that brings your audience to your book, it’s time to focus on meeting readers where they already are. That’s exactly what Military Academy author Karl Smith has done. Drawing on his digital media expertise and personal experiences, Karl shares how creating multi-platform content and engaging with existing communities transformed his ability to connect with readers. From blogging about the Naval and Air Force Academies to hosting playlists and podcasts, Karl reveals how these creative strategies helped him find his people and bring them to his work.
As Karl explains, engaging with readers where they already gather and adding value to their community—rather than simply promoting your book—creates authentic, lasting connections. In his experience, this approach is a powerful long-term strategy that can even outperform traditional advertising in terms of building a loyal fanbase. For authors aiming to build and strengthen meaningful, organic relationships with their readers, the insights Karl shares in today’s episode are truly invaluable.
Karl Smith
https://karlsmithconnect.com
Hidden Gems
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Joining us on this episode of Fully Booked is Keith Riegert, CEO of Ulysses Press and Perfect Bound, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the publishing industry. Ulysses Press is already harnessing AI to analyze large volumes of data, enabling them to identify emerging market trends before they become mainstream. Combined with the AI led productivity gains achieved through streamlining book production and marketing processes, Ulysses Press has been able to enhance their profitability while still remaining adaptable to new opportunities.
By treating AI as an intelligent assistant, Keith explains how traditional publishers, authors, and self-publishers can simplify their workflows without compromising their creativity or ethics. He also offers a fascinating glimpse into emerging AI tools and platforms designed to help authors manage and build upon their creative work. For anyone curious about the future of books and publishing, Keith provides valuable insights and tips on how AI can make your job more efficient and innovative.
Ulysses Press
https://ulyssespress.com/
Hidden Gems
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Over the past few months, Craig and Roland have been mentoring author Michelle Hazen to improve the sales of one of her rockstar romance series of novels. Despite not releasing any new books in the series, Michelle achieved a tenfold increase in sales by the end of the mentorship. Through the mentorship, she made data-driven changes to her advertising strategy and Amazon product pages to help reach new readers—such as optimizing her covers, writing new blurbs, and adding A+ content. Through her journey she also gained a greater mastery over the intricacies of Facebook advertising and how to make it more effective.
In this episode of Fully Booked, Michelle looks back across the mentorship and shares the remarkable results of her shift in strategies—breaking down the things she’d learned that made the biggest impact. From decoding metrics like CTR, CPC, and conversion rates to knowing when and how to change your pricing and product pages, Michelle’s story demonstrates how the support and coaching of subject-matter experts like Craig and Roland can empower authors to take more control over their self-publishing career and achieve sustainable growth.
Michelle Hazenhttps://michellehazenbooks.com/
Hidden Gems
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Audiobooks are more than just a narrated version of a book—they are a performance brought to life through a complex mix of technical expertise and creative artistry. In this week’s episode, Craig and Roland are joined by author, artist, and activist Franke James, who shares her firsthand experience of transforming her award-winning book into an audiobook that has gone on to win numerous accolades of its own.
From casting professional voice actors to tackling the challenges of studio recording, Franke details out everything she did right—and wrong—throughout the process. Whether it’s overcoming unexpected technical hurdles or discovering the importance of hiring the right talent, this conversation is packed with invaluable advice for any author considering turning their own story into an immersive auditory experience.
Franke James
https://freeingteresa.com/listen/
Hidden Gems
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Whether you're aiming to land a traditional publisher, attract a literary agent, or promote your self-published book, knowing how to effectively pitch yourself and your work can be the difference between obscurity and a thriving writing career. Today’s guest, author and speaker David Stanley, shares invaluable insights on what makes a pitch stand out, from highlighting what’s unique about your book to crafting hooks that capture attention and curiosity.
But drafting the perfect pitch is only the beginning. David explains how authors need to maximize their personal networks and social media presence to truly get the word out. Most importantly, he encourages listeners not to fear the rejections that are part of the journey, as setbacks in this industry are essential stepping stones toward success. Whether you're pitching to the media, building connections with readers, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers essential guidance to make your book shine.
David Stanley
http://dstanley.substack.com/
Hidden Gems
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In today's episode of Fully Booked, we explore the impact of book endorsements and recommendations with author, speaker, and educator Ben Cooper. Ben, who has successfully attracted notable names to endorse his own work, walks us through his journey and offers practical steps for securing endorsements that elevate an author’s credibility and visibility. For indie authors especially, recommendations can be game-changing—more than just a marketing strategy, they’re a powerful way to build trust and connection with readers.
Ben’s approach, outlined in his “BRASH” method, provides a step-by-step guide for tackling the endorsement process with boldness and purpose. From identifying influential endorsers to making authentic connections with those aligned with your book’s message, Ben’s insights are invaluable for any author ready to take their work to the next level. Even if you’ve never pursued an endorsement before, Ben’s detailed blueprint will make the process feel achievable and might just give you the confidence to give it a try.
Ben Cooperhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/288469048346429
Hidden Gems
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In this week’s episode, Craig and Roland take on a topic essential for any indie author aiming for success: the importance of treating self-publishing as a business. To help with this discussion, they’re joined by romance author and podcaster Gigi Meier, who shares her insights on balancing the creative and business demands of self-publishing. Together, they discuss why authors need more than just storytelling skills to succeed—they also need a strategic mindset, effective marketing, and a solid plan to reach and retain readers.
Gigi highlights the importance of reader engagement, branding, and thoughtful time management, providing a roadmap for long-term success. She also shares practical tips on everything from establishing a productive writing routine to managing social media and building a direct sales funnel. For any author still wrestling with the logistics of self-publishing, this episode is packed with actionable advice on running your business without sacrificing creativity and growth.
GiGi Meier
www.gigimeier.com
Hidden Gems
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Inspired by a recent move from Taylor Swift to snub traditional publishers for her forthcoming Eras Tour book, hosts Craig and Roland discuss whether or not self-publishing has gone mainstream. Swift isn't the only high-profile figure to embrace self-publishing, and with each big name that moves away from the big 5, the power dynamic increasingly shifts to self-publishing. Retailers are becoming more open to selling self-published books, Kickstarter campaigns are finding greater success, and new distribution channels and marketing tools are starting to service the community as a whole.
While big stars like Swift have built-in fan bases that assure a successful book launch, their choice to self-publish adds legitimacy to the model that helps to open new doors for the rest of us, allowing for greater creative control and higher revenue potential. Whereas self-publishing used to be a secondary option, it is starting to emerge as the true future of publishing itself.
Hidden Gems
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In this week's episode, we explore some essential strategies for boosting your visibility as an author, focusing on the role of author websites, SEO, and a range of marketing techniques. Our guest, Jennifer Vance, marketing director of Books Forward, shares her expertise on how authors can make the most of their online presence. While many authors understand the need for a website, not all are using them to effectively drive traffic, attract new readers, and increase overall visibility. Even a well-designed site can be limited if it’s not easily discoverable.
Jennifer breaks down SEO (Search Engine Optimization), a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of online marketing, explaining how even a basic understanding can mean the difference between a thriving website and one that fades into obscurity. But she also stresses that having a strong website is just one piece of the puzzle. Diversifying your marketing approach—whether through social media, collaborations, or targeted ads—is key to building your author brand and ensuring long-term success.
Jenn Vancehttps://booksforward.com/
Hidden Gems
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Today, we’re exploring the world of true crime, a popular genre that delves into real criminal events, the people involved, and the impact on those around them. Our guest, author Pepper Anne, was drawn to true crime through a personal connection, and has since become well versed in turning these complex stories into gripping narratives.
Pepper walks us through the research required of writing true crime, from digging through court records and interviewing victims to working closely with law enforcement. Keeping readers hooked can be challenging, especially when dealing with popular cases that readers may already be familiar with, so it is important to introduce new facts and explore unreported angles. But doing all this can sometimes be dangerous, and there is often a fine balance between presenting new information and respecting the ethical issues that come from dealing with real people and actual events. So if you've ever wondered what it takes to write a compelling true crime story, this episode is a must-listen.
Pepper Annehttps://www.pepperanneauthor.com
Hidden Gems
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With Halloween just around the corner, there's no better time to explore the art of crafting the perfect spooky story. To help with that, Craig and Roland sit down with Beth Castrodale, an experienced author who specializes in writing eerie and atmospheric novels. According to Beth, creating a truly haunting tale comes down to managing the delicate balance between psychological tension, unsettling settings, and building empathy for your characters—even the villains!
Adding that spine-tingling feeling to your horrors requires learning how to pace your stories properly and understanding how small, subtle details can amplify suspense. From creating otherworldly environments to developing rich, relatable characters, this episode touches on the many ways authors of spooky tales can draw their readers in—only to keep them up at night.
Beth Castrodalehttps://www.bethcastrodale.com/
Hidden Gems
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Once in a while, hosts Craig and Roland comb through the latest happenings in the ever-evolving world of self-publishing. In this episode, they’re joined by author, self-publishing expert, and well-known YouTube star Dale L. Roberts for a roundtable discussion. Dale, always on top of the hottest trends affecting authors, brings fresh insights to the conversation, leading to a lively discussion on the rise of AI in publishing, maximizing engagement through targeted content creation, and recent issues surrounding KDP blocking books.
The episode doesn’t shy away from big questions, such as how AI is reshaping the writing world and what that means for authors moving forward. Drawing on a recent Draft2Digital AI survey, the conversation explores the controversial role AI plays in writing, the debate over selling access to author works for AI training, and the potential implications for future publishing models. Whether you’re for or against AI, this episode offers a balanced look at both sides of the debate, providing you with valuable insights to make informed decisions about using AI in your own career.
Dale L. Robertshttps://selfpublishingwithdale.com/
Draft2Digital 2024 AI Training Survey Resultshttps://www.draft2digital.com/blog/2024-ai-training-survey-results/
Hidden Gems
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Well-written stories are driven by the choices characters make, and understanding why the characters made those choices is crucial if you want them to seem believable and authentic. That’s where psychology can come in.
In this week’s episode of Fully Booked, journalist and High Fantasy author Steffanie Costigan joins Craig and Roland to discuss how she uses elements from the classic Myers-Briggs Type Indicator when she develops her characters, because she believes it offers a powerful guide into how each of them might think, act, and interact with each other.
Inspired by the work of Carl Jung, this personality index ranks traits like extraversion, empathy, intuition, and perception and then assigns one of 16 personality types to the result - mapping out characteristics that particular type of person is best known for. Steffanie explores how assigning these personality types has helped her gain a deeper understanding of her characters, and made them more compelling and engaging for the readers of her work.
Steffanie Costiganhttps://landofthedragon.ca/about/
Hidden GemsNeed our help publishing or marketing your book? https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/author-services/All episode details and links: https://www.hiddengemsbooks.com/podcast
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You might have heard influential figures in self-publishing declare that Direct Sales are “the next big trend” - but is selling your ebooks directly to your readers really a better option than using a tried-and-tested platform like Amazon?
Today, Craig and Roland sit down to discuss exactly that, using Roland’s months of experience selling his books directly to provide a real-life example. They discuss the challenges of setting up an effective sales funnel, how much technical knowledge you’ll require, the difficulty of turning a profit, and they weigh the pros and cons against more traditional self-publishing options like Amazon.
One thing’s for sure: Direct sales isn’t for everybody. However, you’ll be in a good position to consider that option after listening to this discussion, and have a good place to start planning out your own direct sales system.
Roland Hulmehttps://www.youtube.com/c/RolandHulme
Hidden Gems
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It’s tough enough to find a traditional publisher for your first book, but even tougher when that book is about a controversial topic. Yet, when today’s guest Ariel Anderssen decided to publish a memoir about her career as a submissive BDSM model, she topped from the bottom and refused to take “no” for an answer. The result of those efforts, her book “Playing to Lose,” is available now.
Ariel’s unique publishing journey is the subject of today’s discussion. She shares with Craig and Roland the challenges of finding a publisher when one of the core topics of her memoir was so scandalous, and how she leveraged her existing following to help crowdfund the book through a non-traditional indie publishing house.
Ariel’s story is one of tenacity and unbound thinking, and delivers much that aspiring authors can learn or find inspiration from.
Ariel Anderssenhttps://www.arielanderssenauthor.com/
Hidden Gems
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In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are exploring the concept of the "zero draft," a powerful tool for writers at any stage of their manuscript. Guest Cara Stevens, an experienced editor, book coach, and writer, explains how the zero draft differs from other drafts and why it's an essential part of the writing process. Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, the zero draft helps you clarify your story, providing a scaffold that supports the development of your narrative without the pressure of crafting a perfect first draft.
Cara shares practical insights on how to approach a zero draft, emphasizing its role as a private, author-focused draft where you tell yourself the story. This process allows writers to uncover connections, themes, and story elements that might not emerge in a more formal draft. If you've ever felt stuck in the "messy middle" of your manuscript or found yourself endlessly editing without making progress, today's discussion is for you.
Cara Stevenshttps://carajstevens.com/
Hidden Gems
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In this week's episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland are joined by Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Zack Morrison for a hard look at the challenges of breaking into the television industry and the unconventional path he's taken in trying to sell his own comedy pilot. Despite his impressive credentials, including work on shows like SNL and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Zack reveals that in today’s market, even the most talented writers need more than just a great script to succeed. He discusses the importance of initiative and creativity in transforming an idea from paper to screen, and how essential it is to go beyond traditional methods.
Zack shares his unique journey, illustrating how success often requires creating your own opportunities rather than waiting for the industry to come to you. He’s not just theorizing—Zack put his filmmaking skills to the test by independently shooting the pilot for his script, and he offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at how he made it happen. Through engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, Zack underscores the importance of adaptability and creativity in standing out from the crowd, ultimately encouraging listeners to take control of their creative destinies.
Zack Morrisonhttps://www.zackmorrison.com/
Hidden Gems
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Even though he didn’t start publishing until he was in his sixties, travel writer Emil Rem has always set his own definition of success when it comes to his writing - and in this week’s episode of Fully Booked, he sits down with Craig and Roland to discuss the five essential attributes he believes are critical for writers hoping to share his satisfaction at engaging with readers and sharing his stories with the world.
Using examples drawn from his own globe-trotting history, Emil outlines core concepts like relentless self-belief, unwavering tenacity in your work ethic, finding a way to discriminate between useful and un-useful feedback, methods for finding your own unique voice in your writing, and one of the biggest factors of all - a willingness to take risks. This episode will be a breath of fresh air for authors struggling to get out of their own way and move the needle in their self-publishing career.
Emil Remhttps://emilrem.ca/
Hidden Gems
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