In this episode of The Author Next Door, Cassie Newell and Angela Haas break down marketing trends for 2026 and what authors should be focusing on moving forward. From authenticity to direct sales, they explore how the marketing landscape is shifting and what that means for indie authors.

They reflect on what worked in 2025, what didn’t, and why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of community building and direct reader relationships. The conversation covers strategic planning, content repurposing, in-person events, and practical tools that help streamline marketing without overwhelming creativity.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why 2026 is the year of direct sales for authors
• How authenticity strengthens long-term reader loyalty
• Repurposing content to save time and increase visibility
• Leveraging in-person events to build community
• Tools and strategies that simplify author marketing

🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/
📬 Sign up for exclusive content: https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell explore how to craft interconnected romance series that keep readers invested across multiple books. From sustaining chemistry to planning character arcs, they break down what makes a series feel cohesive without becoming overwhelming.

They discuss how world-building, setting choices, and emotional continuity shape reader loyalty, and why series don’t have to be long or complex to be effective. Whether you’re writing a duology, a friend-group romance arc, or a sprawling saga, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing interconnected storytelling with standalone readability.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How to sustain chemistry and tension across multiple books
• The role of world-building and setting in romance series
• Designing multi-character friend groups and family dynamics
• Marketing considerations for series versus standalone novels

🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/
📬 Sign up for exclusive content: https://bit.ly/49hvRVp

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas sits down with romance author Holly Lyne to discuss the continued dominance of romance in today’s publishing landscape and what that means for indie authors.

They explore why romance accounts for more than half of the most sold Kindle titles, how reader expectations shape the genre, and why understanding subgenres and tropes is essential for success. The conversation also touches on dark romance, taboo themes, and how authors should approach reviews and reader feedback.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why romance leads today’s Kindle marketplace
• The importance of reader expectations in romance
• What defines dark romance and its appeal
• Why engaging with negative reviews can hurt more than help

🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/
📬 Sign up for exclusive content: https://bit.ly/49hvRVp
➡ Get to know Holly Lyne here: https://hblyne.com/