Marketing a cross-genre book can be challenging, but usually there’s at least some overlap between audiences. Romantic fantasy readers, for example, know exactly what they’re getting. But what happens when your book sits between two completely different markets? That’s the challenge facing this week’s guest, Charles E. Wallace Jr., whose story-driven book has the potential to appeal both to true crime readers and to those looking for practical guidance on protecting elderly parents from financial exploitation. Attempting to target two very different groups at once can dilute your core message, forcing tough decisions about positioning, audience focus, and how to present your book to the world.

In today’s episode, Charles walks us through what he’s learned from navigating that challenge, as we discuss how to identify your primary audience, when to split your marketing versus unify it, and how to avoid getting lost between categories. At the same time, the conversation is driven by the gripping real-life story that led to the book in the first place. As compelling as that story is, it reinforces an important lesson: Even the strongest narrative won’t sell itself without a clear strategy behind it. So for authors working on unconventional or hard-to-categorize books, success comes down to clarity, focus, and making intentional marketing decisions from the start.

Charles E. Wallace Jr.

https://thecaregiversgame.com/

Hidden Gems

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This week on Fully Booked, we’re joined by true crime author and radio host Alan R. Warren for a fascinating discussion on the genre of true crime, and why he believes the most compelling stories are those told through the lens of their time. With nearly 40 books to his name, Alan shares how his work goes far beyond recounting events, focusing instead on the historical, cultural, and social forces that shape both the crime and the people involved. By placing context at the center of every story, his approach reframes true crime as something deeper than a simple sequence of events.

Alan takes us through his process for building these narratives, showing how immersive research and firsthand interviews allow him to recreate the mindset of an era so readers can understand how people thought and behaved at the time. That perspective not only adds depth and authenticity, but often reveals how certain crimes were even possible in the first place. The result is a body of work that continues to resonate with readers, and a compelling reminder that the most powerful true crime stories are not just about what happened, but why they could only have happened when they did.

Alan R. Warren

https://www.alanrwarren.com/

Hidden Gems

Need our help publishing or marketing your book?

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In this episode of Fully Booked, Craig and Roland speak with prolific children’s author Molly Arbuthnott about what it really takes to move from an initial idea to a growing catalog of published work. From making the decision to pursue writing full time to developing stories and themes that connect with young readers, today's conversation explores both the creative and practical sides of writing for children.

The discussion also goes beyond the page, as Molly shares insights into working with illustrators, navigating self-publishing and traditional routes, and balancing creative passion with the business realities of marketing in a competitive space. For practical advice and an honest look at what it takes to build a sustainable career in children’s books, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Molly Arbuthnott

https://www.mollyarbuthnott.co.uk/about/

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