11 Years of being a Self-Published Author!

[@deidrewritesromance]

Courtney!!!!! It's so good to see your face on my screen. ELEVEN FREAKING YEARS and what a journey it has been. But guess what, my friend, you are still freaking standing through it all, and you are now stronger, wiser, and freaking happier because of all the bumps and lessons learned along the way. There have been so many times I've thought about quitting over the years, and you were the one to pull me off the ledge just by being unapologetically you. I am so freaking proud of you and grateful for you, and I can't wait to see how you rise over the next decade!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!!! 😭😭 I’m so happy you didn’t quit!

[@lloyla9530]

You have no idea how happy I was to see this wasn’t an old video! You’re one of my favorite creators on here.

[@MargaretPinard]

"This is my legacy and I take that very seriously" this is so great to hear, thank you, Courtney--so good to see you back! 💖💖💖

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!!

[@girlypopgay]

I can’t believe it’s been two years. Katytastic came back this year and now Courtney I’m so happy ☺️

[@Orchidaceous1]

Courtney, I am so happy for you! 🥳👏 I knew you would do amazing things when you announced that you were starting over on your own, and you have. Your videos have been so inspirational for me. I hope whenever you have time, you’ll share more of what the self publishing process is like for you these days. 👍

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I hope to come back soonish and chat about all the things!

[@maryncorkran6746]

Oh my god what a lovely surprise to see your face pop up on my KZbin feed today!!! Loved the update and LOVED the attitude. “Protect your peace” - my goal moving into the new year, and something I know isn’t always easy. Can’t wait to see what you do in 2025!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yay! It's meeee! Protecting your peace isn't easy, but it's totally worth it!

[@katrinamarieauthor]

I'm so freaking proud of you! You are killing it! I've come across readers talking about your books on TT and it always gives me a spark of joy for you. This was inspirational as always. this is my year of turning things around after a rough few years. I'm speaking it into existence. You are my goals! Let's do this!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so so much! Awww, that makes me happy people are talking about the books on Tiktok. This industry is ebb and flow, mountains and valleys...just gotta keep on trucking! You've got this!

[@connielafortune1299]

Congratulations on 11 years and welcome back!!!! You're a Rockstar and I can't wait to see what surprises are in your future. Let'd keep writing all the words together. ❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Oh we'll be writing all the worddssss!!

[@nohea_robertson]

I've been finding it difficult to keep going after I self published my first YA novel and poetry books. I'm the kind of person who always seeks approval from others and I hate it! My self doubt keeps me on the struggle bus, no matter how much I try to encourage myself to get off. Everything that you've said resonates with me. I've wanted to be an author since I was fifteen and here I am at 53, still teaching preschool. My wants and desires have always been put on the back burner because I'm such a people pleaser. I find joy in writing and I need to really put myself first and stop allowing others to steal my joy! Thank you for your encouraging words!

[@Brittn3ySamon3]

Omg! I about dropped my phone when the notification for a new video for you popped up! I can't express how happy I am to see you especially with how incredibly joyful you look! I am happy that you are happy. This video was the motivation I needed. I have been on the struggle bus for the past 2 years with my writing and still am there but I know that it will only go up from here. Thank you for always being you and encouraging us along the way. Missed you!

[@rosalynransawbooks]

courtney project and katytastic coming back in the same month?? so excited to watch! 🙌🏽🎉

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Woohoo!!

[@natashasouliere404]

We MISSED YOU!! You have been so helpful and such an inspiration. I strive to be where you are.

[@Ate_Lissa]

Courtneyyyy!!!! We missed you! Welcome back :) We, at least for me, follow you for being YOU. Been following for 4 years now I think. I love how you shared your journey, good and bad, and shared how you got over obstacles in your life. Congratulations on unlocking another wishlist, for being a hybrid author 🎉🥰

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so so much! :)

[@madebymalayka]

I'm so happy you're back 🥹 You're one of the OG authortubers and your videos are a freaking goldmine for indie authors. I've been watching your older videos to wrap my head around KDP since I'm hoping to debut this year! 🫶🏾 Even if you don't come back fully, I'm happy that you're still writing and that you cut out any sliver of toxicity out of your life ✨️ Kudos to you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! OG means the Original Grandma, HAHAHA! Thank you so much! It means a lot!

[@daisymay5823]

Welcome back!!!!!!! We missed you so much!!!! Party up in here!!!! 🎉 I missed seeing you! I’m so excited to hear about all the new things going on with you.

[@margaretrosebooks]

I’m so happy you’re back!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you! ❤

[@esthermarieandujar]

The way I hit like before even the ad finished before the video played 😂 Out of all the things I could say the one that I want to is Thank You! Thanks to your videos and live streams I’ve met a couple of my closest friends who are also authors. I also find my way back into discipline!!! Thank you so much Courtney and Happy 11th Author Anniversary!!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww this makes me so happy! ❤

[@lisawrites6517]

No matter how much time passes between videos, I'm always going to click on a new upload and watch from beginning to end! You are so inspiring and positive, it always gives me a boost in motivation. Hope you have a great 2025!

[@LauraBurtonAuthor]

I am sitting here nodding and smiling and laughing and just feeling so much joy because I can literally feel how you’re feeling and I’m so happy for you!!! Thank you for everything Courtney. And I hope you continue to enjoy the journey!

[@olivialeann7963]

I've been waiting for your comeback. This is amazing. A great start to 2025.🎉

[@batyaharris6638]

Welcome back!!! Thank you for all that you do. Your presence on YT was missed but totally understandable. Keep shining, queen.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!!! Aww, I'm glad I was missed, lol.

[@mirandathorn]

Yay! I'm glad you made a video! I can't wait to hear all the new things you learned from your experiments! I'm glad you're having a blast with your revamped career. Side note: I DO NOT miss formatting books in Word. When I came back to publishing, learning Atticus and Vellum EXISTED was one of the best things ever.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much for the kind words! It's been a journey. Right, it's our "back in my day" story hahaha!

[@Radiosilence6000]

This video made me so happy. I was wondering why you hadn’t posted. Everything you said really resonated. Congratulations on being a hybrid author, what you said about having a solid foundation is true, as well as clearing out “toxic people” ha ha . Spicy Hallmark 🔥🔥🔥 love that.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!

[@thenadiaeffectnmj]

I’ve missed your videos, and this one came at such a turning point for me. Thank you for sharing, and welcome back! ❤

[@reversebadger]

So happy to see you back!!!! Thank you for everything you've made ❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Thank you for watching!

[@madelinejameswrites]

Very much looking forward to any videos you decide to put out! It was so nice to hear how things are going for you.

[@sojournarchives]

Absolutely missed you in this space!!! So awesome to see your face here again❤️❤️❤️this video definitely found me at the perfect time🥺

[@jennafioreauthor]

What an inspiring video! It’s so great to see you back!

[@Ellemaebooks]

we arw so happy you are back! I've been watching your new pen name with pride and can't believe your success! So well deserved!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww yay!! Thank you so so much! 😍

[@lizjorgensen2772]

Thank you so much for posting this today! Thank you for your words of encouragement for all of us!

[@authorbrookeobrien]

What an inspiring message! You have motivated the heck out of me listening to you, especially just the joy and love radiating from you. So happy for you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!!! You've got this!!

[@turn0n0burn0cowgirl]

My goodness, I’ve missed you so much and this was perfect. I’m so happy that you are thriving and doing so amazing. ❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww thank you!

[@faithfaraday]

My goodness, this was a powerful video! I must confess that I have never heard of you before this video but I love your confidence and your authority. I hope to debut as an author like you soon.

[@Trillian4T2]

I clicked on this so fast! It's so lovely to see you here again. I've been doing this since 2019 and related to this video so much. Just joined your FB group for some extra motivation. :)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Ohhh yes, the group is so much fun! Lots of people always writing in there!

[@ISOShakespeare]

It is so good to see you again!

[@shay494]

I'm so glad to see you again!!

[@yelenafigueroa2497]

So happy to see you! ❤ Proud of you!

[@shawkins79]

Welcome back!!!!! Been missing you on here! I loved this message. This has been my exact thoughts this year: Focus on my readers, focus on having fun, focus on doing things my own way.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yessss! Doing that makes this so much more enjoyable!

[@EmilyOlivieri]

It’s so great to see you back Courtney! 😍

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!!

[@lacyranger8516]

Can I just say how much joy I felt for you and even for myself just watching your video. Thank you for bringing your true authentic self. And I will take the offer of a seat on the sparkly pink limo going straight to the top! Love this so much for you!

[@MalWindsor]

It was such a delightful surprise to see this video! Firstly - CONGRATS ON ELEVEN YEARS!! HECK YEAH! That's astounding and so well deserved. You've always been such a huge inspiration to me in my writing life. During the last couple of years I thought of you often (or at least as often as it's healthy to parasocially think of a stranger, I hope, lol) and just hoped that you were thriving. Once upon a time I left a comment on one of your videos, in response to something you had said, mentioning the recent passing of my father. It was a complicated topic for me but you took a moment out of your day to leave a thoughtful, warm response - you didn't know I was going through a tough time with my "author circles" at the time because I'm a stranger on the internet, but nonetheless, the fact that you were so human in your response to me was truly uplifting and proved to me that there's a wider world of people and I didn't need the folks who didn't match my energy. I would love to see more videos from you again, but even if that's not part of your current or next era, I'm SO glad to have seen this one. Wishing you the absolute best, in everything, always.

[@HeatherSalterPurvesauthor]

I’m so happy to have you back and you have no idea how much I needed to hear this today

[@abigailadu9978]

So good to see you!! Again.

[@TrevorAnthonyBand]

Courtney, it's so wonderful to see your update! All your videos are so authentic and refreshing in your perspectives. THANK YOU for sharing! Best wishes for continued success in your personal and professional endeavors!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I wish you the best as well!

[@a.studios9930]

Glad to see you're back! Please dont go away that long again. You're an inspiration. I can't want to see what else you bring to your channel.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

LOL! Everyone will TRACK ME DOWN if I disappear for two years again bwhaha! Thank you!

[@XenoTUF]

Scones& a new Courtney video---Perfect way to start the day❤ this is exactly what I needed

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Ooh I love scones! Have a good day!

[@juliae.8237]

Wow, that smile - so great to see. Your video caught me on the right day. I was just telling myself how I just didn’t know if I could start over - again. Your enthusiasm is contagious 🙂. You made some compelling comments. Thanks. I am so glad you are in a better place. Congratulations on your contract! Way to go!

[@nicolet2708]

Congrats, Courtney! I was so excited to see the notification that you had a new video. I’m so happy for you and your success. Wishing you a beautiful 2025!

[@fionamclean6533]

Welcome back. I was watching your videos just the other day and was sad to see they were older, so wonderful to get an update

[@TheCourtneyProject]

aww! It's like you manifested me coming back!

[@1MKWilliams]

Congratulations!! What a milestone :)

[@mbwebster1838]

So so glad to see you - I LOVE your boundaries and confidence, and I absolutely needed some of your messages today! Delighted to hear that you're thriving in your new era! 💕

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!!

[@hollyh7202]

Oh Courtney, congrats on your update! 🎉 This video means a lot to me. I'm a previously trad published author who grew disillusioned with how slow and restrictive it was, so I gave up and got a corporate job... Turns out that's so much worse! 😅 I'm about a month away from quitting my job, moving to the countryside and starting again as an indie author. I'm nervous, but man it feels right. Hearing your hope for the future fills me with so much hope of my own. Here's to a magical 2025! (Also, would you consider making a video speaking specifically about the toxic relationships and how you dealt with them? I went through a similar thing in trad publishing, and I worry about how to navigate indie publishing without falling into similar traps)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh goodness, corporate is so toxic. The great thing about being trad and indie is you have the best of both worlds. Trad pub does move slow and it is somewhat restrictive but you can always navigate it. I'm excited for you...quitting your job, moving to the countryside to follow your dreams. LIKE OMG, that sounds incredible! 2025 is going to be sooo magical! ✨ I'd say when it comes to indie publishing, figure out what you want to write and what you want to be known for. Focus on yourself and your books and your brand and just be careful who you let into your inner circle. Everything else is up to you! It's your little corporation where you get to call all the shots and have fun! When it comes to toxic relationships, creating clear boundaries is the only thing that I've found that works. The problem is some people don't respect those boundaries, so I create stricter ones, like no contact and blocking everywhere. Once I reach that point, I live my life as if they don't exist. That could be the virgo in me though. If someone or something's absence brings you peace, you didn't lose anything. I've stopped working with editors, cover designers, PR companies because they didn't respect me. In indie publishing, you support service providers by using your money. Replace them. Anyway hope this helps! Happy New Year! You've got this!

[@hollyh7202]

@TheCourtneyProject I love this! Thank you so much for such an in-depth reply. You're an incredible example to learn from, I really appreciate you sharing your journey!

[@annapayton1630]

Omg!!!!!! You are back ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ae5664]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I was wondering about you and was hoping all was going well. You have inspired me as a writer and I cannot wait to celebrate the Milestones. Yay! So happy to see you!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You've got this! Thank you so much!!!

[@sshelbyshoee]

This came exactly when I needed it. You are such a joy and inspiration. I'm so happy for you! You deserve all the good things you're getting. ❤ Thank you for updating us.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww yay! Thank you so much!

[@bakerbatiste]

Finally! I've been waiting for so long for a new video to pop up from you!

[@katendress6142]

Yay, you're back!

[@hippiecowgirlfarm]

I am so glad to see you on here again!

[@shay494]

I really needed this video, I recently took a break from writing and wondering what I should do. But I want to create something, I want to do something, and it feels like writing is calling me back. It's not easy, and sometimes breaks are needed, or life kicks you hard. But if you're meant to be a writer, it will come back to you ❤ It's good to watch your video and see your excitement about everything. Your videos have always inspired me when I first started this process, and it's giving me the energy to keep going. Thank you so much! ❤❤❤❤

[@emilymyersauthor]

Completly agree! You have to be proud of your books and protect your peace! So happy you're back and doing well!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!

[@havvaalexander9520]

Congratulations and good to see you back!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!

[@tanyabc]

you have such a wonderful energy. always great to see you pop up.

[@joshuakluender]

Truly inspirational from day one and in the end you goto do what you goto do for you. What makes you happy is all that matters in the end. Thank you for everything you share!! There are so many of us that have learned and have grown by watching you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I enjoy this little community we have over here!

[@garnellwallace5594]

This video found me right when I needed it. I wasn't thinking about giving up, but the struggle was getting to me. I needed someone to tell me to keep going when everyone around me can't see that things can be different. You are one of several signs I've had so far in 2025 telling me to set boundaries and protect my peace, and you also made me see the big picture about being in KU, which can sometimes feel so demoralizing. Thank you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I AM YOUR SIGN! You've got this, Garnell!

[@DanicaChristin]

So great to see you!! ❤

[@mrsiz218]

SQUEEEEE!! Courtney!!! So good to see you!!! ❤❤❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

woohoo!!!

[@SongOfTheNecromaner]

Hi Courtney! So nice to hear you're doing well. I hope this year is full of a lot of joy

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks! Right back at you!

[@kristinwritesanovel]

I'm glad you took time to honor your capacity and keep your focus! That's so important. That said, it's so good to see your lovely face again 😄(I've actually been using some of the older livestreams lately to help me get more writing in. ♥ ) "Be yourself while sticking to genre norms." Love that advice. Staying in alignment is huge and something that I think is necessary for a sustainable writing career. I love how empowered you're coming across in this video, Courtney! It's so good to see you living with strong boundaries and focus! 😄 And congratulations again on your publishing deal! That's so exciting and I can't wait to see your book in stores! 💃🏻

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're finding the older live streams helpful.

[@mariavalente6304]

Good to see you. I actually been watching all of your videos again to get ready to publish!! Explain expenses under an llc for writers...

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks! I’d suggest finding an accountant locally to you. Many do consultations and can help you figure out exactly what you need to do for your business.

[@Shaper1977]

Nice to see your face. Glad things are going well with you.

[@ceciliacalder1533]

🖤🎉 shes back 🎉🖤

[@Adeleknightauthor]

Seeing you pop up in my feed was the best way to start the day ❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

aww that makes me so happy!

[@authorchristinabutrum]

🎉 Congratulations!!! And look at that smile!! 😊❤

[@StephanieWhitson]

Awesome video from someone awesome ❤❤❤ great update video and great advice! Never too late to start over!

[@BlockbusterGirl]

Great to see you again. No time to watch right now so saving this for later 😊

[@BlockbusterGirl]

I'm back from walking the dog and have watched 🙂 Big changes for you! I have also had a chaotic last 2 years, including moving house. This year I am finally getting back to writing so it feels like serendipity for you to pop up here again just when I restarted watching videos on writing! If I am the company I keep, then I want to hang out with you more *hugs*

[@ashleyzakrzewski577]

I thought You were gone forever!!!!!! The way I ran when I saw this come up!!!! Yyyyeeessss❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Bwahaha naaaahhh! I've got too much stuff going on in my literary life not to talk about it. My husband is tired of listening to me...HAHA!

[@glennamaynard]

Glad to see you. Yes I started in 2013 and doing our paperback formatting in Word was soo hard. Congrats on 11 years.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh yeah, you know the struggle. LOL! We are so spoiled now, haha! Thank you!

[@HeartBreathings]

So excited to sit down and watch this! Before I even turn it on, though, I just want to say I adore you and I'm so excited for all your success. 🩷 Whew, this is just the beginning!! You're amazing.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Yes, this is just the beginning! So excited we get to do this together!

[@kaylughmanda]

Missed your videos so much! so glad to see some content once again. This was so inspiring. Exactly what I needed to hear going into 2025

[@girlypopgay]

Oh my god she’s back 🎉

[@TheDarqProject]

Glad to see you make an appearance, Courtney! Yes. Get out the Sage9000 to eradicate the negative energy and chase off the unpleasant folks. Operation Sparkly Pink Limo is a go for 2025!

[@MargaretPinard]

I think one of the keys to growth for me is setting aside an emotional budget for 'forging links' along with all the other publishing and marketing stuff...I'm always surprised when I get wiped out and collapse! Aie.

[@TerryeToombs]

I have missed you! This was timely. I've had a rough last year and am looking forward to starting over. I can't wait to see all the exciting things you are going to accomplish in 2025!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I hope 2025 is your best year yet!

[@TerryeToombs]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you! I'm gonna work on it.

[@jeanshelbybooks]

Yay, a Courtney video!! I was literally thinking about you yesterday. ❤ I’m continuing to publish, but I’ve also found a passion in making KZbin videos, cheering people on to go for their goals. Thank you for the message to go for our dreams. ❤😊

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, yesterday? That's magic! Thank you!! So glad you're making videos!

[@jeanshelbybooks]

@ I’m glad you’re doing well and showing your smiling face again. 🤩

[@ELLE_EMM]

Yay. Happy to see you.

[@mickeymiles9394]

You make me believe in myself!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!!!

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Hey lady!! Welcome back!

[@alishaklapheke8073]

I feeeeel this. I'm so in this same space right now as I launch a tightly branded pen name with a sub genre I adore. I don't care if no one likes it but me. And I don't want to really hear anything bad about it. I don't need anyone. I've written well over 30 books. I have the awards. I enjoy having work friends and associates, but I don't require them. I've been doing this since 2017, so I'm not too far behind you. :) Readers keep calling my pen a debut author too. It's actually so fun and exciting! Anyway, you are awesome and here's one gal cheering you on!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Ahh yeah! You get it. 🎉 Thank you!!!

[@Die666Zel]

Courtney are you joking! I screamed out loud when I saw your face pop up on my KZbin and immediately clicked to watch the video!!

[@Millieleighbooks]

I needed this today. Thank you for being you and continuing to show me that I can and there’s hope and that if I want to do something different, I can. I have my first bookfest coming up and I was terrified of being the ‘goth’ table/author. But this video just reminded me… F it all. And if I’m the goth table then good. Because I’ll bring the readers who like that. This is who I am and I can’t wait to see where I go as an author. LETS GOOOO.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

YOU. CAN! Oooh that actually sounds amazing. Being the "goth" table will make you stand out among a crowd. That's a WIN imo and sounds super cool. Your people will find you!

[@Millieleighbooks]

@ thank you thank you!!!!! 🖤

[@stephanne3522]

I'M SO HYPED AHHH

[@stephanne3522]

2025 is the year of my faves coming back to YT

[@TheCourtneyProject]

YAY!!!!!! ✨✨✨

[@jaswriting]

Aaah! This had me sat! 🥹

[@TheCourtneyProject]

awwwww

[@teaganhunter6198]

This video made me so happy. ❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank youuuu!

[@blallydally]

Gonna have to keep this one saved and watch it on the reg for the pep talk wow

[@TheCourtneyProject]

✨✨

[@mignonmykel3571]

I adore you so hard. I've loved watching your phoenix era ❤❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank youuuu!! I adore you too!

[@kaylacross5496]

OMG, 11 years is SOOO AWESOME!!!!! Im so happy for you! Random question, but are you still friends with Racheal? If not, i toally respect you and dont judge, but Im just curious. I really miss when you and her did LIVE writing streams together. I'll still watch your videos and streams either way.🥰🥰🥰

[@MaryEllenQuigley]

It's you!!! We missed you. 🤗

[@authorstephanienicolenorris]

I'm at the beginning of doing some really epic things and I often question myself. Your video gave me the boost I needed to move. Did you know that you were awesome, girl?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You've got this! Question everything, but if you want to do it, do it! I used to say...what do I have to lose. Now I say, what do I have to learn!

[@Millieleighbooks]

AHHHHHHHH A COURTNEY VIDEO!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

WOOHOO!!!

[@mariavalente6304]

Also, I need a bookshelf tour