What I've learned from self-publishing 40 books!

[@AuthorMelodyLoomis]

There’s a quote and I forget who said it, but it says don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle, and I tell myself that when I feel like comparing myself to others. They are further along in the publishing journey, and I will get there one day too. Thanks for your insight, Courtney. You are an inspiration! And congrats on your 40 books! Amazing!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I love that saying so much! Lol, I’ve said it a few times in old videos too because it’s so freaking true! And thank you so much!

[@SuperHappyNotMerry]

13:05 it took me so long to admit to myself that I want to write romance novels because I internalized this opinion so much. I think it has to do with having an older male mentor when I was a young and impressionable woman. he liked literary and so I wrote literary because I wanted to impress him. not to say I don't enjoy writing literary, I actually genuinely do enjoy writing my weird freaky literary works too. but I just have so much _fun_ writing romance, giggling to myself like a maniac as I'm typing or getting in the zone and writing 2k in 90 minutes. so now I've made it my goal to write romance andnbegin my self-publishing journey by the end of 2024! doesn't mean I won't also write literary under my real name, but I just won't have to worry about making money off a genre that is notoriously low in profits.

[@TheSwordandPearl]

This was so encouraging. Thank you and for being so real about trusting people and being cautious. Thank you you're lovely

[@lisapenner-dang9673]

Thank you for this message. 40 books is a huge accomplishment! I have been writing screenplays for over two years ( 17) and now exploring children's picture books. I'm having a friend do collage art for my first one. I will get an LLC and have her get one as well.

[@denanebergall5514]

Great video as usual! The issue I'm having right now is not new, but still annoying. I have a Pre-Order due in December and I'm trying to edit it, but I am sooo over this story and have no interest in working on it. I keep telling myself I have to get through this to get on to another book, but still, my brain is sludge when I go to work on it. I know everyone goes through an "I hate this book" stage so I am trying to stay optimistic, but at the same time I still feel like if I can't be excited about my book, how are the readers going to be? Oh well. It will all work out. Thanks so much for your videos and live writing sprints!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, I’ve been there. Just remember your readers will read it with fresh eyes, not the same eyes that you’ve used to go over it 10+ times. When you wrote it, I bet you were thrilled to be working on it. Edits are hell for me as well because it’s more analytical than creative. To me, that always equals work. Someone once told me…when you’re sick of your story, that means it’s finished. You’re almost there! Once you’ve got your final and it’s formatted, celebrate, and give yourself permission to be proud and excited about what you did. Then reward yourself with a project you’ve been dying to work on! You’ve got this!! I know you do!

[@CareenasAdventures]

I am so in this place right now. But I’ve decided to move through the edits really quickly and stop being obsessive so I can make real progress instead of waiting till I feel like I can make it perfect.

[@ambercrombie789]

dear Dena, No, you can write as many books at once as you like. Creaters need "fresh meat" not carrion. 😄

[@shellystar]

Thank you! I needed this today. I've been bummed because I have to return to a full time job I hate. Add a husband, and a child who's involved in a lot of activities, I'm just not sure when I'll a have time to write. And I'm not getting younger. Keep writing the words - exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for imparting the wisdom you've gained 😀

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I’m so sorry, Shelly. I know how it is to work a job you hate. Remember, this is only temporary and you can do this. You might not be able to pump out a million words in a year (lol…I literally know a handful of people who can and I am NOT one of them!) but writing anything when you’re life is so busy is a WIN! You’re doing the best you can and deserve credit for that. You’ve got this!

[@SylviaUnscripted]

Yes. I agree with everything in this video but especially your advice in points 4 and 10. Good for you for staying true to your self in a humble way and encouraging others to do this. It sucks that sometimes the publishing industry feels like a shark tank but there are so many good people out there too--they're just usually quiet and harder to find. It's great to hear you encouraging other writers like this! So glad I found your channel! I am indie publishing my debut novel (YA historical fiction) and am currently drafting a romance novel under a pen name. As much as I LOVED writing my historical fiction book, I can totally relate to what you said about enjoying what you write--romance is SO MUCH FUN!

[@SDHegyes]

Such great tips. Thank you for making this video. A lot of times, I get caught up in the success of others. I love that they're being successful, and I celebrate every win with those I know. But at the same time, it makes me wonder when I'll have my own success stories like theirs. I'm a quick writer, but a slow editor-I'm actually learning to slow down my writing so there's less editing and cleaner writing the first go-round-and so I'm not publishing as quickly. But with every book I've noticed exactly what you mentioned. Backlist is key. Lovely video. I can't wait until I'm able to say I've published 10 books, then 20, 30, etc. I love the idea of these videos every 10+ books! I can't wait to see your next one after 50 books.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you! Your time is coming and you’re gonna shine like a diamond! ❤️ I’m a fast writer too and spend a lot of time in edits too! It sounds like you’ve got a good plan in place. Also I believe quality/quantity + being consistent is a good formula to help you move to the next level! Backlist is so important along with finishing series. Once you have one complete, using that first book as a reader magnet and doing promotions on it is so beneficial. Can’t wait to celebrate all of your accomplishments with you! ❤️

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

Hey Courtney, nice to see you back on youtube. Loved this video, super motivational. It's helpful to be reminded of all of this advice. Sometimes as an indie we can be bogged down with advice and "expectations" of an author when really we need to look back and focus on why we started writing, and our own career/journey. Hope to "see" you soon!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yesssss! Remembering your “why” and going back to basics is so helpful because there’s so much to get distracted by. 😚😚 I hope to post more the rest of this year! KZbin is a good pallet cleanser. 🥰

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

@@TheCourtneyProject Awesome! :)

[@SDHuston]

Thank you for sharing these tips and ideas!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! Happy you’re here!

[@LucyGMagaldi]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience.💖

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! Thanks for being here!

[@coloneljessop]

7:23 So true and they're usually so-called friends. A great line for a book.

[@teralynmitchell5444]

As I was watching this video I got a message from a friend about an opportunity I’ve wanted for a really long time. It was cool timing. But I’m feeling some of the things you mentioned especially comparison. You see people who started with you or just before you making it and getting things that seem so out of reach and it definitely messes with your head. It makes me forget the good things that have happened and the opportunities I have had just this year. It’s just hard to remember when I’m struggling in other aspects. I asked your advice last year I think about my series. How I didn’t like the first book and wanted to change it. You told me to unpublish it but I had to figure out why I was doing it and if spending that much money. I finally decided it was the right thing to do but it kind of also feels like a set back. I’m just a couple of weeks I’ll go from publishing my 5th book to only having 2 published. It’s a hard pill to swallow but I’m just trying to remember why I’m doing it. This video came at the right time! Every thing you said resonated with me (especially the comparison thing and feeling like I’m being excluded because I’m not at a certain level yet) and I needed to hear all of this. I’m going to try yo put the blinders on and just keep moving forward. As always, I’m sending you hugs, love and all the good vibes! ♥️🖤♥️🖤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, you’ll make the right decision for your brand! The comparison game sucks, but just remember there’s always someone who would trade places with you wherever you are in your journey. They see what you’ve done and wish they could do the same. 🥰

[@teralynmitchell5444]

@@TheCourtneyProject I just have to trust my instincts and do things my way. That’s kind of what I took from your video too. And I never thought of it like that! I guess we’re always a step ahead of someone who wish they could be where we are. I’ll do better with the comparison game. I’m thinking of taking a break from social media because I could use it. ♥️♥️🥰🥰

[@penguinlover2274]

This was so inspirational. I will try and incorporate your advice into my writing journey. Wish you the best! Thank you

[@motoeric]

Excellent video. Thank you. There are times as a writer when you feel like banging your head against the wall. A bit of encouragement goes a long way. Thanks for keeping the engine going.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So glad I could help. ❤️ All we can do is keep going.

[@adultishbooks]

I needed this video today. It’s tough to keep going and not get discouraged.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Awe. It is, but just remember, you're not alone. We all get discouraged at some point. You've got this!

[@skyewinterbooks]

Coourrtney!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ First of all congratulations on 40 freaking books! Whoop Whoop! I needed this video so hard. I just haven't been motivated to push for a while, because I'm struggling with a bunch of these exact issues that seem stupid to so many around me. But it helps so much to be reminded that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I haven't published in a little over a year and the prospect of starting over has been daunting but now I actually feel like I can. Thanks so much, Courtney! Hopefully, you and your family are doing okay ❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Heyyyyyyyyy!!! Aww, I’m sorry you’re struggling! And those things are stupid, they’re your feelings and completely valid. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! You know what they say? The comeback is always stronger than the setback. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh, things are okay! I had a vacation and came back to finding out my grandfather passed away while I had no service and someone tried to rob my mom. 2021 can go to hell at this point. Just taking things one day at a time!

[@skyewinterbooks]

@@TheCourtneyProject Omg this is literally the year from hell. I'm so sorry to hear all these attacks being brought up against your family. But no matter how hard they try you all shall continue to rise, and prosper. My condolences to you and your family. Stay strong. Here's to hoping the latter part of your year will be better.

[@paulmahoney5326]

Great video, informative and inspiring.

[@TheXinchew]

I love love love love this so much. " be happy for other's success!! " so so true. Thank you girl! I love your video so much. Helps me stay in my lane. And keep moving ❤

[@tomaria100]

Thank you, Courtney! This is helpful to me!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You're welcome! So glad you found it helpful! 😁

[@MorningStar-dj9wl]

Thank you! Inspirational!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@anthonyizzoauthor]

Glad I found your channel. Excellent perspectives on writing and self-publishing.

[@kilisitinareddington5983]

Great video, encouraging and inspiring! Congrats on 40 books!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@judyprescottmarshall4713]

Great video! Yes, I'm a huge fan of yours. Love your straight talk. Thanks, Judy.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks Judy! I appreciate it!

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

I loved the staying in your own lane, its so easy to look at others and think they had it made, but hard work and time will get you there, and better to focus on what you're doing than anyone else, and it very much is different for everyone.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yessssss!!! 💯

[@darlenerodriguez9417]

This was a great video. I really needed this today. I've been struggling with 'not staying in my lane' and comparing myself to other authors when I'm not there yet. I also feel like it's hard to make genuine friends.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Glad I could help, Darlene. Writing is a solitary job/hobby and it can be hard to find friends. I found most of my literary friends on Facebook, and some I have been friends with since the very beginning. You’ll find others who are likeminded, I have no doubts! ❤️

[@connielafortune1299]

I needed to hear this today. "Keep going and When you do!" Thanks Courtney, your success is so well deserved and all your hard work is paying off! You Rock!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww thank you so much! Happy it resonated with you! ❤️

[@catcoluccio]

Thank you for such an encouraging video. As a non fiction author wanting to move into fiction, your tips are gold - especially about not comparing yourself.

[@carosbookcase]

Forty books! That's so inspiring, as is this video. Such great, honest advice. I always feel motivated to get to work after listening to you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ I’m so glad to hear that.

[@MariaBaiasHeritage]

Thank you for the information and advice! This is very helpful! And it's so sad to hear that there are people out there want to be your friends only when you reach a certain level of success because it's of use to them.

[@MargaretPinard]

Great collection of learning, Courtney! 💖👏🏼💕🙏🏼

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww thank you!!!!

[@breath888]

It's easy to forget and compare yourself to others with so many distractions online. And it's even easier to fall into the 'lack' state of mind. Once you're in a lack mentality, FUD is ruling your day. I first heard that term relating to the stock market. FUD is fear, uncertainty, and doubt. It's best to look at yourself as unique, like flakes of snow. Everyone has something to offer. Don't even click on videos that say 'the market is saturated'. Great video! Also, how petty of that writer who outed your pen name! smh. Jealousy also leads to FUD ;-)

[@TAC-hq3il]

Subbed! Congrats on 40 books

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!

[@Ellemaebooks]

So happy to see you upload again and especially with great tips like that! Your journey is so inspiring and can't wait to see what you and Brooke do in the next coming years! ❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, thank you so much! We have some amazing things planned and I can’t wait to share when it’s time! ❤️

[@shinaxia7474]

Thanks for the very positive vibes :)

[@PlayfullyConnectedGames]

Love that phrase, "bank over rank!"

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yessss!!

[@kraftymomma1979]

I'm a new subscriber and thrilled to find you.

[@storiesbydesirae]

Thank you for your honesty! This was helpful, motivating, and down-to-earth. I appreciate it!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much for being here!

[@HeatherSalterPurvesauthor]

Thank you so much for Sharing your experience I wasn’t aware of how badly I needed to hear this today.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, I’m glad it was helpful!

[@pattyellis5359]

Hi, I am new here. Can't wait to watch the rest of your vlogs. Can't believe that you have managed to write 40 books in ... maybe almost 10 years. That is truly awesome and amazing. Hope that I can learn more helpful tips from you - since I really want to get out of my day job and become a self-published author.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So glad you're here! I hope I can help too! Thank you!

[@StephanieWhitson]

Great video! I'm finally getting to the end of my series, but I feel like I've lost my momentum. I feel like I get in the rut of but look at all those people who are doing better than me. I have gotten off the right track, but feel like I'm finally in a spot where I feel ready again. If that even makes sense. I like these tips and it's so great to see you back!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

It sounds exactly like you were experiencing burnout, which is 💯 normal when you push so hard! I’m glad you feel like you’re in a good place to get started again! It totally makes sense to me. Excited to see what you do the rest of 2021! Set the stage for 2022! You’ve got this!

[@StephanieWhitson]

@@TheCourtneyProject thank you! I really do appreciate your kind words.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@StephanieWhitson 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@Heart_Health_and_Soul_by_Anika]

Thank you! So valuable & inspirational ❤❤❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you for watching!

[@KarlaDoyleAuthor]

Thanks for this video. Even though I've heard them before, I needed to hear a lot of these things again. Congrats on your achievements! You're an inspiration.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So glad it was helpful! Thank you so much, that's a huge compliment!

[@hitchhiker_1969]

Glad to hear your take on rebranding, as just yesterday I realized a cover and title were not in sync with my book's actual content, and a more specific title and cover are overdue. The question is, how do I keep from confusing my readers? I have a 5-book series, and this book is #4. I don't want loyal readers of the series to think that this is a new book in the series. Also, it gets GREAT reviews on Amazon, so with a new title, won't all those reviews disappear?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

So, if they’ve already purchased the book on Amazon, they won’t have to buy it again. Amazon will send out an update. If you remove the book completely then put a whole new one up, you’d probably want to put a little note at the end of the blurb stating the changes. I’d recover all of them so they match. 🙌

[@SimplyEastTexas]

Thank you for the tips!

[@PlayfullyConnectedGames]

Wow, 40 BOOKS!!! Congrats! So happy you kept pushing and going! Another wonderful video...thank you!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Appreciate it!

[@PlayfullyConnectedGames]

@@TheCourtneyProject You're most welcome! You are inspirational!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

❤️❤️😭😭

[@wyenonahicks8850]

Great advice! Ty!

[@bhsprinkle]

Really great advice to find a genre that you enjoy writing in and to write what you love. I'm not sure that I could ever write something that I wasn't interested in. 40 books is incredible. Congratulations on that! Also, if someone doesn't like someone's genre they don't have to read it if they aren't interested. They can't tell you what genre to write because that's entirely up to you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

That's exactly right! There are so many haters who try to discredit me because I write "romance" and my response is if it's so easy, you do it. lol. Thank you so much!

[@bhsprinkle]

@@TheCourtneyProject I don't read your genre it's my least favorite genre. But you are an incredible person. It doesn't make you any less of a writer because it isn't something I enjoy. You are legit. Anyone who writes...published or not, whatever genre...is legit. Because writers like you pour all your energy and creativity into it. You have done so much and deserve credit for it. Any genre is legit. That's like a nonfiction writer telling us fiction writers that it's not legit because it's fiction. Or someone who writes Horror ragging on Romance or Romance ragging on Scifi. It doesn't matter. As long as you love it. As long as you love what you write and pour your soul into it.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@bhsprinkle absolutely! I never started my channel to find romance readers, but rather to show other authors that making a living being an author is DOABLE. It doesn’t matter the genre, because at the basic level promoting a book is the same. ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it!

[@airleneforce9415]

I love your Bernie Sanders T-shirt. Where did you get it from?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks! I bought it from his website! All the proceeds went to a food bank!

[@bookwormswriter1078]

Can you please do a video for the lessons you've learnt from writing full time. The switch from part time to full time.

[@TaniasWritingRealm]

Were you able to release consistently when you were working a full time job? I find if I write short story ebooks I probably could. Novels are probably a different story

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I released 4 books on average per year before I started co-writing. I did experienced burnout twice right before I finished my first series and before I started co-writing. It was hard to keep up!

[@wayofthewonderer]

lovely listening to you

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Thanks for listening!

[@ScullyPop]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Not sure about the number of the beast on your follow count. Lol.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hahahahaha!! I knowwww! 😈

[@authorjillianliota]

HA! I have that shirt. But as a sweater 💯

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yasss!!

[@rebeccaburns2531]

New subscriber, amazing content 👌 ty

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks so much! Welcome!

[@lindacgrace2973]

AAAH! Linda PANICS! I'm 67 years old, I don't think I HAVE decades left to develop! Jesus! All I want to do is tell some stories, make a contribution, be useful and supplement my pathetic retirement pension. I have to work full time for a DECADE before I hit $1,000 a month in sales? REALLY? Good God. I knew this was going to be hard. I knew taking up writing in retirement would be dicey. I didn't think it would be impossible.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh, I don’t think it’s impossible. There are tons of people who are way more successful than me in less time. It just took ME a decade to make a comfortable salary where I could leave my corporate job and be okay financially. If you’re trying to supplement your income, tell stories you love, and have some fun, it’s more than doable. I just think it’s important for newer authors to understand that it can take time and to expect to make six figures your first year will be very hard. Impossible? I don’t think so. But it won’t be easy either. Unrealistic goals only sets the stage for failure.

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@TheCourtneyProject Whew! I knew I subscribed for a reason! Thank you for the encouragement!

[@pinkchilldivestmentor]

20:47 is righteous

[@teaganhunter6198]

Oof. I really needed to hear some of this.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I got you! 🙌🙌

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

oh man, the drama in self-publishing is something I'm really dreading...

[@TheCourtneyProject]

There is drama in every career. ❤️ Just ignore and surround yourself with likeminded people. I’ve learned not to let it in my space. It’s much easier that way.

[@breath888]

When the publishing, film, music and other industries have snobs that exclude you or become a leech to you - know that it's all about them getting off on their imagined powers of validation as well as arrogance, jealousy, and materialism/greed. It's disgusting and disappointing.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yep!!! 💯

[@megankirrmann6624]

It's a really gross feeling to be used....or abused is the true meaning of the word.....that is WRONG!!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

It really is! So gross!

[@megankirrmann6624]

@@TheCourtneyProject AGREE 👍!!!

[@mullcrumthesage6303]

You are not a Project Courtney..you are a traveler on the way to oblivion.

[@DreamingTruth.author]

❤❤❤