In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas explores how color theory can strengthen author branding and help writers create a more memorable, cohesive visual identity.

She breaks down how colors shape reader perception, signal genre and mood, and influence the overall experience readers have with your books, website, and event materials. From book covers to merchandising, this episode offers practical guidance for authors who want their branding to feel intentional and instantly recognizable.

In this episode, she discusses:

•  How color theory affects branding and reader perception 
•  The role color plays in signaling genre and mood 
•  Common color mistakes authors make in branding and merchandising 
•  Why consistency matters across covers, websites, and events 
•  How to create the right visual vibe for your author brand 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Color Wheel and Color Theory Basics: https://www.color-meanings.com/color-wheel/
Pinterest for Color Palettes: https://www.pinterest.com/
Color Palette Inspiration from Paint Samples: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/color-schemes
Color Psychology in Marketing: https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824

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 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with fitness expert Fitz Koehler to talk about resilience, longevity, and how movement can transform both your health and your mindset.

Fitz shares her powerful journey through cancer recovery and explains how fitness helped her rebuild strength, energy, and perspective. The conversation explores practical strategies for staying active while managing busy schedules, along with the role of nutrition, discipline, and mental resilience in long-term health.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Fitz Koehler’s inspiring cancer comeback story
• The four pillars of fitness: strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance
• Simple ways to incorporate movement into a busy daily routine
• Why nutrition matters for energy and longevity
• How discipline and resilience shape long-term wellness

🚀 Learn more about Fitz Koehler:
 https://www.instagram.com/fitzkoehler/

📚 Fitz Koehler’s books:
 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fitz+Koehler

🎗️ The Cancer Comeback Series:
 https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cancer+Comeback+Series

🎙️ Fitz Koehler Podcast:
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fitz-koehler-podcast/id1471234567

💪 Hottie Body Fitzness Challenge Community:
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/hottiebodyfitness

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 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas sits down with Cassie Newell to talk about her journey into traditional publishing and what authors need to know about querying, researching agents, and navigating rejection.

They explore the realities of balancing indie, hybrid, and traditional publishing paths, along with practical strategies for researching agents, pitching effectively, and understanding what opportunities are worth pursuing. 

In this episode, they discuss:

• How to research agents using tools like QueryTracker and Publishers Marketplace
• What authors should know before entering the query process
• How to handle rejection, ghosting, and the emotional side of querying
• Balancing indie, hybrid, and traditional publishing goals

🔗 Connect with Cassie Newell:
https://ckdarling.com/

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
Publishers Marketplace: https://www.publishersmarketplace.com/
QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net/
Joanna Penn on AI: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/

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 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with bestselling author and indie publishing expert Kevin Tumlinson, of Author Anchor, to talk about scaling your author business with virtual assistants.

Kevin shares how authors can move beyond doing everything themselves and start building systems, hiring support, and treating writing like a business. From onboarding and communication to leveraging tools like AI, this conversation offers practical strategies for increasing productivity, streamlining marketing, and creating long-term growth.

In this episode, they discuss:

• When it’s time to hire a virtual assistant and scale your author business
• How to find, onboard, and build strong relationships with VAs using Author Anchor
• Why documenting your processes is key to growth
• Using AI and tools to enhance productivity and marketing
• Shifting your mindset from writer to business owner

🚀 Learn more about Author Anchor:
https://authoranchor.com/home

🔗 Connect with Kevin Tumlinson:
 Website: https://kevintumlinson.com/

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 Book Brush: https://bookbrush.com/
LastPass: https://www.lastpass.com/

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https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with Aimee Ravichandran of Abundantly Social to talk about what actually works in social media and book marketing right now — and how authors can stop feeling so overwhelmed by all the noise.

They discuss consistency, audience fatigue, platform selection, community building, and the difference between chasing vanity metrics versus cultivating real reader relationships. The conversation also dives into Facebook groups, Instagram engagement, newsletter growth, paid ads, and why authors need to think long-term when it comes to marketing their books.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why consistency matters more than chasing every algorithm change
• How authors can show up online without feeling like content machines
• Which metrics actually matter when measuring marketing success
• Why authentic community beats follower count every time
• How social media, promotions, and paid ads work together over time

✨ Learn more about Aimee and Abundantly Social:
 https://abundantlysocial.com/

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In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas sits down with Sam Namias and Tom Papaspyros, founders of Crewfiction, to talk about one of the biggest hurdles indie authors face after publishing their first book: marketing.

They explore why so many authors feel overwhelmed once the writing is done, how simplifying marketing systems can unlock creativity, and why connection—not complexity—is the key to long-term success. The conversation dives into email marketing, reader segmentation, collaboration between authors, and how tools like Crewfiction aim to streamline the process so authors can focus on storytelling.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Why marketing is often the point where authors quit
• The importance of building authentic connections with readers
• How email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for authors
• The value of collaboration and community among indie writers
• Why simplifying marketing systems can increase creativity and consistency

🚀 To learn more about Crew Fiction, sign up here:
 https://l.gourl.es/l/151d0af4f3b6d6862eb94997a0d25f20268f1c48?u=11689812

(Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you choose to sign up, it helps support the podcast at no additional cost to you.)

🎙️ Learn more about the show: https://theauthornextdoor.com/
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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

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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

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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/
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➡ Get to know Holly Lyne here: https://hblyne.com/

In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell sit down with bestselling contemporary romance author Danika Bloom to talk about her journey into romance writing, the power of representation, and why the genre deserves far more respect than it often gets.

Content note: This episode includes brief discussion of sexual assault and explicit themes in the context of romance writing and personal experience. Listener discretion is advised.

They explore how real-life experiences shape romantic storytelling, why conversations about sex in romance matter beyond the page, and how mentorship and community play a critical role in helping authors grow. The conversation also looks at how romance continues to evolve as more diverse voices enter the genre, creating space for deeper connection and empowerment for readers and writers alike.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Danika Bloom found her way into romance writing in 2020
• Why romance is a powerful vehicle for representation and empowerment
• The challenges and importance of writing sex scenes as part of character development
• How open conversations about sex in romance normalize real-life communication
• The role of mentorship and community in supporting romance authors
• Why finding your niche in romance is a deeply personal journey

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💋 Check out Danika's work here: https://www.danikabloom.com/
👉 Explore Author Ever After: https://www.authoreverafter.com/