How to make more money with your self-published books WITHOUT writing more!

[@colinbrooksbooks]

As a self-published author who just released my debut novel May 2021, these tips have been so helpful! I’m trying to keep the momentum going and these tips help a lot. Thank you so much for giving us your expertise! 😊

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So glad you're finding the channel helpful and congrats on your debut! Woo!!

[@arielpurkeypile9911]

As always, your generosity of spirit and hard-earned wisdom are both the source and demonstration of your success. I was shocked the other day when you said ppl don't think you outline your videos, because this video (like all your videos) obviously took a lot of time to do it right and give us the real data, not just whatever you feel like is a good to way to make money. That you do this even when your opinions have shifted over time shows your commitment to making this your J-O-B, not just your dream job. You even specify who will do better on KU, when we KNOW your opinions on that platform! Maybe ppl are just taken in by how hard you work to make your videos look so easy to pull off, so mission accomplished. Write all the words, lady!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much, Ariel! ❤️❤️❤️ I try to share what I can to help y’all!

[@wendyscribbles]

Thanks for the tips! The only book I've got out right now is on KU, but the next book won't be. And your advice for instead of a series, just have all the books based in one town always makes me think about how Stephen Kings earlier books are all based around Derry or Castle Rock. In IT, there's a hint to the prison from Shawshank Redemption and Pennywise even says "Here's Johnny" Like Jack does when he goes insane in the shining. He just lays all these little easter eggs around his stories from previous works, making readers go back to his other work to get the reference. anyways, I'm rambling, loved the video and thanks so much for the advice.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! :) Readers love familiarity with setting! It works!

[@ravengulley7039]

Great tips! Another idea to make money with your books is offering large print editions too!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh yes, large editions as well! We have a series in Large Print!

[@joshhall7033]

Glad I found your channel this morning! Great info! You are very good at breaking down the information in a straightforward way while still coming off as friendly and likable. I discovered your channel and watched two other videos this morning before watching this one. You earned a subscriber. Thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much, Josh! :) Glad you're here!

[@TheControversialChristian]

I've been watching your videos for about a month now and I just want to give you some we'll earned kudos on your content. Your videos are not only informative but your personality really shines through. Plus I'm always glad to help a fellow Texan. I think my favorite videos are you comparing people's bookcovers. Thanks for giving direction in what has worked for you. Keep up the good work.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@ReadingAddict1]

I am so glad I found your channel, I've read your books for years and I'm in awe of you and Brooke. I'm a new-ish author. I've published about 10 books/novellas but am struggling to find my footing. I've told many people I'm about a year away from quitting because I'm putting too much into this and not getting any return. I tried to go wide with a baseball series last year, it tanked. Hardcore. I think it was because I have no idea what to do in order to get those readers, and I still have no idea how to get those readers because I hate KU, but I don't have the following to feel confident in jumping into that space. So I'm kind of at a standstill. I have a new series starting in March, but I don't know if going wide would work. But all of these tips are amazing!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hey! I’m so sorry I missed this comment. Have you looked at your covers/blurbs compared to what’s selling right now? Are your keywords/categories all setup correctly? Also, did you just move one series wide? Or all ten of your books? Did you do any promo when you moved them? LOL, I have a lot of questions. I think when you have nothing to lose, it’s the best time to go wide because you have a fresh slate and won’t lose $$$. I’d look at your covers with a critical eye and do updates wherever you can. Keep writing because backlist is king. Moving to the other platforms and having an assortment of things for readers to latch onto is a good thing. Just bringing one series over gives them nothing to move to when they finish. Do a freebie blast on your first book and see what your read through is like. If you’re not seeing people move to the next book, then you have a story issue. It’s hard for me to pinpoint the possible issue without knowing more details, but just know you’re not alone. A lot of this is a part of the growing pains that comes with being new while growing your backlist. ❤️❤️❤️

[@PlayfullyConnectedGames]

You are on fire with all these videos! Thank you for helping so many people!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, thank you! There's enough room for all of us!

[@cloverazar5315]

I’ve worked on two continents, for multinationals, in trad editorial writing, and in sales - and publishing is by far the community with the most mentorship and dispersal of knowledge. Thank you for your candour and your generosity, and may it be matched by your successes!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks so much for the kind words! ❤️❤️

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

Thanks so much, Courtney. I see you and feel like I am taking advice from a friend. I only have 1 book out there but have about 40 waiting at this point. Mt goal is to get 3 more out this year!! 🌟🌟💕💕

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You can do it!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

Thank you! It’s funny how I’m finding that this is my passion. I’ve always wondered, and now that I’ve unleashed it there’s no stopping!

[@carosbookcase]

So many helpful tips that hadn't occurred to me. I love the idea of having alternative covers. The alternative cover of The Two of Us is perfect for reading in public. Plus, it's gorgeous!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yay! I’m so glad I could bring some new insight! We love that cover! The colors just pop!

[@susmithabathula2255]

This was so helpful!! I'm in KU right now, but for the first time, I'm actually considering going wide eventually. Great tips, Courtney!

[@MorningStar-dj9wl]

This is pure gold! I just bought an audible on marketing my books (noob), and bamm! Your video pops up! Ty!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yay! Perfect timing then! :)

[@HowStoriesWork]

Excellent advice! Love all the points here. Will definitely be incorporating them in my own self-published products. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@MargaretPinard]

Great avenues to explore and use as mileposts on our *neverending* indie author journey, Courtney! Thank you for doing this one!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re very welcome!

[@Ariel-Argent]

Hi Courtney! This video was very straightforward and informative. Thanks so much! And I totally agree with you about the kindle unlimited MLM comparison 😌

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Can’t forget the whole “more money you spend (on AMS ads), the more money you make” mantra. 😂😂

[@SunnysNotebook]

This video was incredible!!! So comprehensive and unique points I didn’t even think of, thank you so much! 💕

[@velf1527]

I love your tips. I am just starting to make regular money on my books and your vids always give me some new ideas.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh yay! Congrats on your books and making 💰!!

[@SDHuston]

So many great ideas!! I'm taking notes over here. Thank you so much for this informative video.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

These tips are 🔥🔥🔥 they are all on my bucket list for my books!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yesssss! Do itttt all!

[@john_writing_]

Love this video Courtney! It may be long, but it's packed with information :)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So glad you loved it! Thank you!

[@teralynmitchell5444]

I’ve been doing a lot of learning lately. I’m doing Inkers Con and I’m in a ton of groups… I keep hearing all of these tips + KickStarter. I think it’s time to start listening. I’m essentially starting over. By the second week of February I’ll only have one contemporary novel published and its a world book so I have no control over it. I have plans to use this year to get ahead, soak up knowledge and have things in place so that I do sh*t right this time. I’m trying not to be cheap and cut corners. Hopefully it’ll go okay. I have a duet publishing in the fall and three months after that I’ll publish the first in my series. Your tips, advice, and willingness to answer questions have been a huge help. Thank you! Oh, and I’m all for authors going wide! The money we leave on the table being exclusive to KU hurts my soul.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Lol, I don’t care for Kickstarter but it could be my own bias about it because people abused it back in 2013-2014 to get their debut novels published. There is nothing wrong with being cheap… haha I’M STILL CHEAP even when it comes to publishing. 😂 I’ll never pass up a good deal or a way to save money. Just means more profits in your pocket. You don’t have to spend a bazillion dollars to make more money. ❤️ And I’m glad you’re finding my videos helpful! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@teralynmitchell5444]

@@TheCourtneyProject I didn't know about Kickstarter until I saw some people talking about it in the Wide for the Win Facebook Group. I want to try it for my YA fantasy novels. I'll read the book and try to run a campaign later this year or the beginning of next year. It's just another way to try to publish and fund it, lol. Thank you for saying that! Because I am cheap and always looking for a deal. I try to keep my expenses as low as I can but I don't want to do it to the point where I won't rewrite a book that I know needs it just because I don't want to pay for more copyediting, lol. And I do! They've been helping me for three years now I think! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@AnineVdR]

Once again such a helpful video! I’m looking into self-publishing for the first time soon and your tips are worth SO MUCH. Thank youuuu!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! Good luck on your journey! ❤️❤️

[@stefanievanmol4941]

I love all your videos. I'm a Dutch author and publisher, so I know the pain of working with literary agents. I brought my own books to the English market and would love to bring them as audiobooks, but since I live in Belgium, not all companies are willing to work with me. I'm still searching for a solution. BTW: Looooooooooooooooooove the checkmate series :-)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, thank you!! Have you tried Findaway? I know they distribute to a lot of places, but I’m not sure if they allow international authors. It’s worth looking into!

[@stefanievanmol4941]

@@TheCourtneyProject yes, I did, if I remember correct, they don't do dual narration. But will look it up, for sure.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@stefanievanmol4941 if you hire the narrators outside of Findaway, you might be able to use them to distribute your files.

[@stefanievanmol4941]

@@TheCourtneyProject That's a great tip, any suggestions on where to find a narrator?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@stefanievanmol4941 if you’re on Facebook, there are several groups with narrators!

[@beauregardneville196]

Thank you for the video. I’ve been frustrated for months now trying to figure out the best ways to market my novel and get more readers. This gives me a little more hope on how to move forward.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful. It’s normal to be frustrated. ❤️❤️

[@skyewinterbooks]

I swear whenever I hear you tell us to make our books wide. My brain is like, "That means you, Deidre! Hurry up! Build your backlist and get out 😂😂" /i have a question though, How are you guys selling both the spicy cover and alternate covers on the marketplaces? Is it that only one is available on marketplaces and the other kept as an exclusive product on your website? Or can both be listed on Amazon, for example?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

LOL...yessssssss. Different ISBNs. :) Both are listed, and you can contact author central to get them to linked to your ebook.

[@skyewinterbooks]

@@TheCourtneyProject Oh ok that makes sense.

[@zoeashwood9096]

This is an incredible, informative video! Thank you so much for sharing these.

[@MargaretPinard]

BANK BEFORE RANK til the cows come home!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yasssssss! 🙌🙌🙌

[@roxannawhatever]

This video was extremely helpful. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Awesome! Glad it was! :)

[@inesjohnsonwrites]

The "panini" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Makes it sound cute! LOL

[@storiesbydesirae]

Super helpful!! Thank you for sharing and posting this video!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks so much!

[@tampagirl7533]

Wow! This is incredible! Thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome!

[@shellystar]

Great information! I wrote down copious notes for when I do publish. Thank you for your excellent content 🙂

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yay! You’re welcome! ❤️

[@stephaniedunham4104]

Thank you so much for the tips!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@andreafoster3869]

I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all of your wisdom. ♡

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@jenniferevelynhayes]

OMG, this video is SO helpful, thank you!! Please consider doing a video going in-depth on how to set up your own shop and how the bookselling process happens via your own shop. Also, would you still recommend an author go wide if they publish novella series only, not novel series? Thanks so much!!

[@acaribbeanStories]

This video screamed my name. I just finished my first book and I want to translate it into French and Spanish

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You should totally do it!

[@writingbricks2997]

Speaking on the KU market. Scribd is almost the same. Except if someone reads your book on their platform, they pay you for the whole book!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

If ONLY Amazon went back to that…lol. It’s when it was actually worth being in KU.

[@kimberlymullins5971]

going to try audible book soon--with book 2. Am releasing book 3 soon. One day i will be in sync. I was approached by a German publisher, but it didn't happen-i would love to do it my self.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

It’s the most profitable language other than English!

[@kimberlymullins5971]

where would i start for translators into german?

[@Solve-HomeSolutions]

Also, I'm thinking of selling a box set of 24 books for $24 on Facebook. Nice to hear that box sets of 4-6 books are also selling for $20-$30.

[@writeratplay]

So insightful!! Thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@SpiritHeartsSong]

such great tips; thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome!

[@tenacious2224]

Thanks again for the great content. I have a question. I am about to publish my first book which I am going to put on KU but I am planning to go wide when my blacklist has expanded. I am thinking of going wide at 3 books. Is three books good or do I need more?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I'd try to have two completed series that they can read through so it gives you options to do different sales (bookbub, etc) while you're writing your next one! :)

[@tenacious2224]

Thank you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@tenacious2224 you’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@jmirvinggbooks]

I am a new *fiction* indie author. I love your videos and tips!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!!

[@shawkins79]

This is exactly on time!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Whoop whoop!

[@tomaria100]

Thanks, Courtney!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@tomaria100]

@@TheCourtneyProject Courtney, soon I will be 72. As a young person preparing to write, no one talked to or with me about writing as a business. It was all very artsy and I was clueless too, so this makes what you do all the more amazing.

[@Kk3kk3310]

Would love to know more about your audiobook production process since you moved away from acx!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

We’re still in ACX, but we may eventually move to Findaway. :) We hire narrators outside of ACX though and upload our own files.

[@lunaccodesign]

I’d love to know do you think it’s worth it for a newbie to go wide from the start? I’m bad with comfort zones and I’d kinda like to figure out a strategy that is wide from the get. And on the alternative covers what platform do you release them on? I think amazon doesn’t support alt covers or books with the same interior being uploaded twice.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

It’s really just preference. We started wide from the start with a rapid release schedule and it worked out fantastic for us. Going to KU was one of the biggest mistakes ever. Amazon does support alternate covers. It’s a different ISBN and size, so a different product completely. They even linked it to our ebook. ☺️ Edit to add: the platforms they are currently available on are Amazon, Ingram expanded distribution, and our website.

[@lunaccodesign]

@@TheCourtneyProject that's great to know that that can work. I really don't like the idea of having all my eggs in one basket and am planning on doing rapid release. And good to know with Amazon as well. I had seen a few ppl having issues with alt covers before but maybe they weren't putting under different isbns. Thank you for the info and responding! Your content has been super helpful!!

[@skp2073]

Do you have any recommendations for German, French and Italian translators? And which translation would you pull the trigger on first? Ready to do this!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Unfortunately, I don’t. A lot of them that were recommended to me are booked out until 2023! I’d download the book in the description because I believe she gives different ways to find translators. If we didn’t have contractual obligations, we would’ve started with German.

[@skp2073]

Okay, found a French translator and it appears all three books in my series is going to cost roughly $11K for translation and proofreading. Does that sound in line with market prices? I don’t want to make the mistake I made choosing an editor. But honestly, this is quite a bit more then expected.

[@lissamatthews]

Thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome!

[@karri-z2f]

Great video. I have a question about special edition covers and foreign translations. Do they require separate isbn?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hi! Yes, you do have to have separate ISBNs for each version.

[@mollyohareauthor]

What is the foreign translation group if you don't mind me asking I really want to start that this year? Also, for your special boxset hardback and paperbacks even though you don't put the ebook on amazon have you thought about just putting the special boxset hard/paperback?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I missed this question but I went and looked for the group and I don’t see it anymore. I think it was called translations for authors and it was nothing but romance authors in there. I’ll check when I get on my laptop and see if I have better luck finding it that way. Also about the paperback/hardcover… we do list them on Amazon for people to buy. ☺️☺️ Just not the ebooks when they are worth over $9.99.

[@skp2073]

I was quoted 0.035/word for an English to French translation. Does that sound right?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yep, that sounds in the right range. I’ve seen prices quoted from .01-.08 per word. It all depends on their experience level. ☺️ And just because they are priced higher, doesn’t always mean they’re better translators. I hired someone who owns a translation business/who spoke the language to go through my translator samples and tell me who was the best. That’s who I hired.

[@mariangriffin5197]

Excellent information. Thank you. Does going "wide" mean selling your books on D2D, Apple, and other retailers?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! Yes, so when I refer to being wide, that’s google play, apple, Kobo, Barnes, Amazon (I like going direct on those platforms), then D2D for everything that you’re not direct on. You get more marketing opportunities going to those platforms as opposed to using a distributers like D2D or Smashwords. :)

[@CRPH121]

First, I heart you. You’re amazing. You’re videos are fantastic. I have a question, are you still getting affiliate pay for BN? I thought in 2019 they sent out an email saying they moved the publishers partners to 0% commissions rate so I stopped the process of applying did that change back?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Barnes is the one of the ones we had trouble with. We have our link there, but I don’t believe we’ve received any affiliate money on books in years. You can sign up for the different promos to get a % on in the back office, but it hasn’t been anything we’ve been interested in.

[@CRPH121]

@@TheCourtneyProject thank you. I thought for a moment they started doing the affiliate with books again and got really excited. :) thanks!

[@teralynmitchell5444]

I have another question. You talked about having multiple entry points into your series. I think I’m going to have spin off series from my main series. One will be fireman and the other doctors for now. I was thinking that I should feature one of the firemen in my main series and the same with one of the doctors. So it’ll be like those books are the prequel or lead in to the spin off series. Is this what you mean by having multiple entry points into your series? Like someone could pick up book 3 in my main series and then start on the fireman series if they wanted. Or start with the fireman series and go back to the main series. Let me know if I’m not making any sense.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

No, not spin-offs. It’s entry points in the actual series. So for checkmate: readers can start at book 1, 3, or 5.

[@teralynmitchell5444]

@@TheCourtneyProject Okay! Because they’re standalone so the readers can with any book in the series. Now I understand, lol. Thank you!!

[@sharinichols7039]

Thank you so much for these amazing tips. How can you take advantage of affiliate links if your books are on KU?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You can still use Amazon affiliates. If they click on your link and buy anything as they’re scrolling you get a percentage.

[@andeeharry]

14:58 That's presale type of thing

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yes, totally put those up for preorder! We do!

[@annadollar6114]

God I love these videos

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!

[@ScarlettKol]

Thanks for this Courtney, but I have a question. Do you just sell the discreet covers on your site? I'm confused on how you would be able to sell both on the retailers like the 'Zon since it's the same content (piracy issues), but would love know how it's done. (If you don't mind sharing, of course)

[@TheCourtneyProject]

We have different ISBNs for each version, publish through ingram, and link them to our ebook via author central. We also sell them on our site. It’s not a piracy issue because it’s a different cover and we own the rights.

[@ScarlettKol]

@@TheCourtneyProject Ah! That’s the trick! Makes sense. I just meant piracy because I know people get a ton of grief sometimes when they try to publish things in different forms ‘cause of the bots.

[@camaa_pearl]

Where do you sell special edition covers? On Amazon too? Or a different platform?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Amazon, expanded distribution on Ingram, and on our website. ❤️❤️

[@camaa_pearl]

@@TheCourtneyProject thanks for sharing ❤️🥰🥰🥰

[@therealempress]

Hi Courtney. I just wanted to say thank you for your videos. You have solid experience. Do you know anyway I could get a mentor. I believe that as a newbie, if I get my feet wet with the right Mentor, I can do really well. Thx Courtney😀

[@AngelaHesterBooks]

Thanks for all the great tips. I have one question which is NOT about writing. What in the heck was that pulsing light behind you on the left side of the screen? It looked kind of like a Cricut but mine doesn't do that. lol I'm so nosy! *apologetic grin*

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Haha it’s my HP Tango Printer! 😂😂 It dropped off the network and I needed to reconnect it.

[@andreawood7863]

This may have been asked but can you go wide with a box set if the individual books are in KU?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

No, you can’t. It’s against TOS to have the books in any form on other sites when you’re exclusive to Kindle Unlimited.

[@penguinlover2274]

💜

[@TheCourtneyProject]

❤️

[@christyt3520]

So you would encourage new authors to start on KU?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

It really depends. If you're releasing back to back, I'd say go wide as you build your audience because at that point you don't have an expectation of how much money you'll make. Yes, it's easier to just deal with one platform, but I don't like having all of my eggs in one basket. I understand newbies starting there, making mistakes, and learning for them when launching wide. Haha, I guess either way!

[@christyt3520]

@@TheCourtneyProject thank you for replying. I read only on my Nook so planned on releasing wide so I could have my own book. And I am working on the 3rd book hoping to have at least 3 maybe 4 ready to go when I release. But it does scare me to think of leading multiple platforms all at once. I guess I can start one way and always change if it doesn’t work. But again thank you for responding and giving so much useful information. I know you’re a busy person but you still make time for us.☺️

[@SCIFIVAMPIRE]

Great advice but please don't do permafree/freequel books. You train readers not to value writer's work. It gives the impression that this is a hobby not a career. Doctors and lawyers do not give their work away for free. I know so many people that just download freebies to kill team. They don't buy books.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I’ll have to disagree based on my own personal experience with offering a free series starter. ROI is high with series read through, which can be directly related to the freebie.