Understanding your writing style is essential as it can greatly influence both your productivity and the pleasure you get from writing. When writers operate in a way that aligns with how their brains work, writing feels more natural and sustainable. That confidence shows in the work—and makes the writing habit easier to maintain.

Every writer is different, but determining whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or plantser can help you tailor your writing (and editing) routine, set realistic goals, and find techniques that work best for you.

Updated July 24, 2026

Romance and romantasy have become defining forces in today’s publishing landscape, drawing devoted readers and reshaping what audiences are looking for in fiction. As bestselling titles climb the charts and reader excitement spreads across social media, interest in emotionally rich, immersive storytelling continues to grow.

When you're creating your marketing strategy and thinking of all the ways in which you can promote your book, it's likely that Pinterest isn't at the top of your list. It's been around for years, it's not known for the bells and whistles that some platforms offer, and it's been primarily known as the the home of crafts and DIY projects. However, you're actually doing yourself a great disservice by overlooking the promotional possibilities that exist with Pinterest. 

When you think about how to promote your book around the holidays, your mind very likely goes straight to the traditional season of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the December holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. You may even include New Year's Day, since so many people are looking to start the new year with new habits and a positive outlook. However, what about all those other holidays we observe during the rest of the year? Never underestimate the power of a good promotional opportunity!

Let’s be honest: breaking through the noise as an indie author is tough. You’ve got a great story, solid writing, and a gorgeous cover—but so do thousands of other people. So, how can you stand out? One word: augmented reality (AR).

According to Backlinko, in the U.S., an estimated 158 million consumers listened to a podcast in the last month (as of 2025)—with the most popular podcast platforms being YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. That's an increase from 135 million monthly listeners in the U.S. in 2024. Obviously, people's interest in podcasts isn't slowing down.

So, what does that mean to you as a self-published author?

Self-publishing is evolving fast—and it's now more exciting than ever. From printed edges and interactive formats to game-changing tools like AI editing and augmented reality (AR), indie authors have more ways than ever to stand out. Those who embrace these trends are not only keeping up with what readers really want, but they're also helping shape the future of publishing. 

Let's take a look at some of the biggest trends making waves now, along with some of those set to grow in the coming years. 

In a world overflowing with travel apps and blog posts, a thoughtfully crafted travel guide still stands out. It’s tangible, trustworthy, and easy to use on the go—no batteries or signal required. Whether you're passionate about a local destination or want to share your global adventures, creating your own guidebook can be incredibly rewarding. Once it’s written, the next big step is getting your guide into travelers’ hands.

In today’s crowded book market, attention is everything. For self-published authors, standing out isn’t just an option—it's absolutely essential. One powerful promotional tool that you might not have considered yet is the book trailer. Maybe hiring a professional to create one isn't in your budget, and/or maybe you don't feel like you have the technical skills necessary to make your own… but, did you know that producing a professional quality book trailer is now faster, easier, and more affordable than ever?