Tips for Writing Romance Novels that Sell! | Self-Publishing

Today we're going to discuss writing romance novels that sell in a market that tends to be very saturated. These are my personal opinions on what it takes based on my experience. I hope you find this video helpful and if you're writing romance, just remember very few authors break out on their first book (even their 2nd, 3rd, 4th so on). Your goal is to write books that help you build your audience as you continue to grow your backlist. If you love a good love story like me, it just might be the genre for you.
Good luck on your self-publishing journey and if you have more questions, please leave them below! Don't forget to like and subscribe if you found the information in this video helpful. Thank you!
Snail Mail:
Courtney Young | PO BOX 697 | Groves, TX 77619
Do you have a question about self-publishing?
ASK ME ANYTHING FOR MY Q&A MONDAY SERIES: forms.gle/fVbKesmhhCcUDBeP7
//A B O U T M E//
Pen names: Lyra Parish & Kennedy Fox (we're an author duo!)
I've been in the indie scene since 2011. I published my first romance novel in 2014 (Weak for Him). Under Kennedy Fox, we've made USA Today 4 times since 2017. With Lyra Parish, I've made top 100 several times on Amazon. I unpublished my Lyra Parish backlist in 2020 with zero regrets. You can watch that video here: bit.ly/3k8P6pa
Want to find our Kennedy Fox Books? Visit: www.kennedyfoxbooks.com
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//Other News //
I'm currently a co-host for the monthly youtube show Publishable (Self-publishing versus Traditional Publishing) You can watch our videos on this playlist: bit.ly/2ZvKNwq
___
//Searching for a Motivational Writing Group? //
I have a writing group on facebook where you can earn stickers each month if you write 10K in a day or 50K in a month. You can choose your own day. It's a supportive community that's also fun. If you're international, feel free to join! I've sent stickers to people all around the world since July 2019!
groups/write10kinaday
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//2021 R E L E A S E S C H E D U L E//
Pushing You Away - February
Holding You Close - March
Bossing the Cowboy - May
Kissing the Cowboy - June
Winning the Cowboy - July
Forcing You Away - October
Wanting You Close - November
The End of Us - December
___
//S O C I A L M E D I A//
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→ instagram:
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→facebook:
/ lyraparishauthor
/ kennedyfoxbooks
→ twitter:
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→ email: [e-mail]
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Recommended Books to Read:
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#selfpublish #writingadvice #selfpublishing #writingtips #authortube

[@robertnewberry5886]

I am a man that is dying to write romance. I feel handicapped since I am a man and straight. However, I am a hopeless romantic and tears flow easy. This was so encouraging to me. Courtney, hugs for your sorrows my dear. God has a sweet plan for your life. You touched my heart. Your a healing soul...

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks for the kind words, Robert. I know many successful straight men who write amazing romance. Don’t let that be one of the reasons why you’re held back. ❤️

[@TheLittlechicthings]

Do it

[@rollypolypress]

Just use a different pen name! You don’t have to use your name!

[@thomasberg3309]

The book Memoirs of a Geisha was written 1st person POV by a man! You can do it dude bro!

[@FoodNerds]

Oh that is so awesome 😎

[@faabyy21]

“Characters are like onions” 🤔✍🏼 make shrek your main character

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hahahaha!!

[@Nothereforit174]

Or just give them layers...

[@idongesitusen5764]

Peel one layer, find another. Keep going till you get the core, even though you may cry.

[@FieryFlamingFajitas]

ogres to lovers, yassssss

[@sherricewilliamsauthor]

I just wanted to reach out and let you know how much you’ve helped me in the short period of time since I’ve discovered your channel. Your videos have helped me figure out so much. I’m just getting started in my author career and have been flip flopping on what to write. I knew I needed to write fast, and looked into dictation to do that, and that’s how I found your channel. And I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have done so! I published some romance short reads under a pen name earlier this year and LOVE writing romance. I thrive in that genre. But because of all the stigmas and blah, blah, blah… I was afraid to make that the bulk of my career. After binge watching a ton of your videos, and seeing how proud you are of writing your books, it breathed a new life into me. It makes me feel silly to say I was embarrassed about writing in a genre I hold so dear… but I know deep down that my career would flourish if I just write what I love to read. And I am a sucker for romance! So I just want to thank you for your candid videos. So many times I watch other authors talk about this career, but their advice seems disingenuous, like canned responses to the real questions. You being open and honest is so refreshing and helpful. I really appreciate it. So thank you again. I’m sorry this comment is so long, but I just wanted you to be aware that what you’re doing is awesome. I know it’s tough to keep going in times of hurt, but you will get through it. Don’t rush it. Grieve as long as you need to (you never really stop, by the way, it just gets different as you go along). And please don’t stop being the open and honest person you are. It’s amazing!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Wow, Sherrice! Thank you so much for the kind comment. Sometimes I ask myself WHY I continue to make KZbin videos. If it’s a waste of my time or if I should be doing something else, but then comments like yours remind me why I keep doing this. I appreciate it so much, you have no idea. ❤️ If you love writing romance, screw what anyone else thinks. They’re not your audience. I’ve found there are a lot of haters when it comes to my genre but I don’t care because at the end of the day I have to write what makes me happy and what I enjoy writing. Otherwise, I’d never finish projects. ❤️❤️ Sending you all the success in your literary journey! Thank you again!

[@kevywilliams3304]

Start with your punctuation. Commas have 1 space after. Periods 2 spaces. Also the sentences shouldn’t be an entire paragraph .

[@caroldutton9194]

Hi Courtney, this is the first video I have seen of yours and I am so grateful to have found you. Your advice is just brilliant. Honest, direct and practical, delivered with such warmth and passion. I was particularly touched how you have shared the grief you are currently experiencing that is clearly very raw for you. I obviously don't know what has happened, I am going to assume you have lost a loved one, apologies if I am incorrect. Someone once gave me some advice after my beloved mum died (I was her carer for 10 years and we were incredibly close) my GP told me that, "We never get over loss, we just learn to walk beside it as we go forward in life.' I found the simplicity of that statement so profound and it saved me. You have to find what works best for you and I hope that by sharing your heart the way you do, that you find comfort and strength from this virtual world and its people, because behind the screens we are all just humans doing the best we can. I wish you well on your journey forward and look forward very much to watching more of your videos and reading your work. You seem like the loveliest of people with a very big heart. You will get through.

[@OllieOllieOxenfr33]

I just found you and your video is AMAZING!! I’m so sorry for your loss💔 Thank you for showing up and helping us!!

[@rbilleaud]

Go for it. I'm a 58 year old hetero male and I wanted to push my own boundaries. I seem to have a knack for this genre. If you feel called, do it.

[@lp4265]

There is no time limit on grieving. None. My mom died from cancer in 1993 and I miss her every single day. You have an amazing loving support team…those who are touched by your generous soul….,and you will never be alone. I had a near death experience in 1991, and I saw my grandparents who died 20 years before and my brothers dog who had died two weeks earlier. All were happy, pain free and it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. We spoke briefly and then I was wooshed back to hear my doctor say “we have a pulse!” What I experienced gave me such peace knowing we WILL see our loved ones again. And they are with us every day watching over us. Sending hugs and keeping you in my prayers. I am so sorry you are sad and in pain but , as I found, the deep pain I felt was slowly replaced by beautiful memories. It helped. 🙏🏻🌹

[@Berley63]

Thank you for this video, Courtney. Your advice is so helpful. Grieving is an individual experience and you are entitled to work through the process your way. I for one am happy to see you on KZbin.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@nightlady2001]

Hello. Thank you for all the tips. Just discovered you from my writers group. And subscribed! So sorry to hear your difficulties but hope things are better for you now. Wishing u all the best!

[@esthermarieandujar]

Another video full of wisdom and great information about the Romance Genre. Sending you lots of hugs and remember even if it's years you cant still grieve. Each person grieves differently and I hope you allow yourself the time, however long it takes, to grieve your loss. I'm pretty sure we will still be here! Thank you for all the information you so readily share!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@user-cr9qp4vu9e]

I LOVED this video -- thank you for your very specific tips and the encouragement.

[@kimberlymullins5971]

Love your return!! i was watching old videos waiting for you. sending much love.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww thank you! ❤️

[@rebeccakapjon5107]

Thanks for the tips. I love your channel. I’m happy to see you are back. I like that you are so genuine with your followers.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks so much, Rebecca! I appreciate it!

[@janishajacobs4329]

You are so strong. It might not feel like that right now, but the kind of courage it takes to come on here and be so open and vulnerable requires a strength not many people have. Praying for you and sending you all positive thoughts Courtney 🤗🤗

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!!

[@kellyspagnoletti2339]

Thank you for this video. You talk like a normal human being. It seems like a whole lot of people on KZbin talk with a cutsie, fake voice that I avoid at all costs. Thank you for being normal and vulnerable. I am unfamiliar with what happened to you this past year but I pray that things are getting better. You are a wonderful person.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I try to be as authentic as I can. ❤️ Appreciate the kind words.

[@jessicabee7703]

Thank you for this! It helped affirm what I was doing right and what I need to adjust and work on! Looking forward to watching more videos of yours!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Oh yay! You’re welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

[@harryblack460]

Nice tips💀 it will be my first time writing romance and im glad i found your channel, you're providing value for sure🔥 keep going 🔥 amazing stuff

[@deedotcom]

This video is amazing! I’ve always wanted to write and I’m going for it . Just doing a bit of research . Thank you for your tips , tricks and advice ❤

[@lyssadawn7664]

I love your channel, Courtney. I'm glad to see you coming back around, but you never need to hold back the tears for us. Grief is hard.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!

[@daisymay5823]

Thank you! It's great to see your pretty smile and laugh again. When I lost my dad and bff a year and two days apart, I couldn't function. I was existing day by day, not living each day. Please get help, online or in person, if you need it. There is grief groups that meet weekly. Depression sucks. Thank you for keeping me entertained and feeling the giddy sensation every time I read your books❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! I 💯 need to start therapy because it is a lot. I’m in some grief groups but it honestly triggers me because I’m emotionally vulnerable. So glad you’re here and I’m so sorry you lost two important people in your life so close together. You’re so strong! ❤️

[@ericarowanarts]

These are such great tips! Your passion and enthusiasm for the genre is contagious! Thank you for putting this out there. Also, taking grief day by day is the only way through it. Like you said, you're still looking for your new normal. And it isn't that things get better, but it does get easier to bear the weight of that grief. Take your time. Hour by hour, day by day.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you! I love my genre probably a little too much at times. Haha I’m often trying to reel it in. And thank you for the kinds words! ❤️

[@michaljaroslavmajan]

Thank you very much for your help ! You are likeable, intelligent and just human. And that is something I cherish on every person I meet, or know. So, thank you and keep up. Your are strong enough. ( Sorry for my bad grammar, I´m from Slovakia )

[@PlayfullyConnectedGames]

Thank you for letting us know you are ok. Sending hugs to you! 💜💜💜 Another great video full of excellent tips!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!!!

[@therealempress]

😍😍😍😍😍Yes, please share more. I really need an outline, for writing romance, that's what would help me. Thanks for the video.

[@desireeandrews6710]

Thank you! It’s great to see you.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

😘😘😘😘

[@SDHuston]

Thank you for this video. If I ever decide to do romance, this is very helpful!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️❤️

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

Such great tips, and so sorry for your loss, I can completely understand getting emotional. Sending you hugs from here 💜💜💜

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thanks Joey!!! Hugs have been virtually received. :)

[@julianarenfroe5872]

This video is so underrated!! I love this♥️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much!

[@celisewillis]

I've watched this video so many times the past few years! I watch it before I write to pump me up 💪

[@RVWriterMom]

Thank you for sharing these tips! I've been considering writing romance and these tips were great. Also, I think everyone processes grief differently and everyone does things differently.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Glad they were helpful! ❤️❤️❤️

[@CultivatingHome]

I'd love to see your writing process from beginning to end, including the indie publishing elements! Your videos are awesome!

[@thatshowiroll1952]

I'm so happy I found this channel 😊

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Me too! ❤️❤️

[@brrryan2908]

This is the 1st video I've seen of you. (I surfed: "Mystery romance" to find tips.) Whatever made you cry... I hope you are better now. (2 years later) Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Peace. :)

[@danastorino9247]

This was great. Thank you so much!

[@AuthorMelodyLoomis]

Thanks for sharing, Courtney! I hope to publish my romance next year and this is so helpful! I always cringe when people call Nicholas Sparks a “romance writer,’” because not all of his books end happily. If it doesn’t have a HEA or HFN, it’s not a romance! I would love a video about all the different romance tropes and more about what your favorites are if you haven’t done one like that already. My favorite trope is friends to lovers! Love, love, love. Glad you are hanging in there. Sending hugs!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Haha right! The Notebook, I mean, kinda happy but also like WTF, THEY DIE? I read the book before the movie released and was legit not a happy 18 year old. 😂 I’m going to do a video on tropes, I think. ❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Also, friends to lovers is chef’s kiss!

[@AuthorMelodyLoomis]

@@TheCourtneyProject Yeah, he’s the only author that I google the ending of the book to find out if I want to read it or not lol.

[@shinaxia7474]

I just came across your channel and enjoyed your tips. I don't mean what you said, because to me it's obvious, but the way you said it, which just encourages authors to write something of their own. But writing something of your own is not easy, it requires not only ingenuity, but courage. Actually I don't want to say anything specific, I just leave a comment because the video was cool.

[@joem80003]

I just did a search for how to write a romance novel, your the frist hit I came too. I am a straight man in the 60s Ive been contemplating writing a romance novels. I jumped in mid-stream Lord give you want to you need. Your a great woman

[@teralynmitchell5444]

I’m glad to see you back and sharing your wisdom with us. Just do this at your pace. We’re here and aren’t going anywhere. Grief is tricky and it really is a long game like others have said. Take it one day at a time and do what you can do. And be sure to take time away if you need it. As always, sending you love and hugs ♥️♥️♥️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

😘

[@aprilkayauthor]

These are all wonderful tips, and I think the analogy of it being like an onion you peel the layers back on is so true and such a good one, but I cannot rest until I tell you that all I could think of was Shrek and Donkey and I’m so sorry. I’m happy to hear you’re doing better, and I’m still sending so much love. I don’t think there are any rules to the grieving process, and while I’m not a big fan of Marvel, WandaVision hit me with a quote that really helped me a little while ago: “What is grief, if not love persevering?” And it came at a time when I really needed it, and I don’t expect a random out-of-context quote to like, perform miracles or anything, but I would’ve regretted not sharing it. 💖

[@TheCourtneyProject]

That’s an amazing quote. It really is! Also, everyone keeps making these Shrek references and I don’t get it! LOL! I was older when those movies released and watched the first one a longgggggg time ago. Haha!! ❤️❤️

[@ssarlenaa_lee]

hello, i’m still a quite young girl (23 years old) and i have been writing since when i was 12 years old, over the years i have of course learned much more about writing but it’s still kinda hard for me because i always feel like my writing it’s not mature enough, i don’t know why. anyway, just discovered your channel and i’m so glad i did! thank you!✨✨❤️

[@alykgirl10]

Thank you so much for this !!!

[@nyahj2735]

Hey Courtney, I love your channel and I write romance stories as well.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! And yay! 🤜 🤛

[@JBLoveisLove]

I lost my brother six months ago. I’m still deeply grieving. I hate this new reality of mine, of never seeing my brother again or talking to him. A lot of us , sadly, can understand 🙏🏻 May all who we have lost, Rest in Peace, and may we all have the strength to move forward 🙏🏻

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I’m thinking about you and sending you tight hugs. Losing someone I love is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But our strength is forged in the fire of our human experiences. Please take care of yourself. ❤️

[@dadtype2339]

I don't know you, I don't know who your Brother was, your comment popped up and it caught my eye, I read it and I would like to offer you a prayer. My God, you knew us before we were born, you know our prayers before they are spoken, you are a God of love and peace and get we find ourselves, struggling, far from peace and a heart like a broken bucket leaking tears and never healing, but we are, you my God are not a liar, you stand on your word and keep and kept your promises, and in your word you say you collect our tears, so that you know them and why we cry you cry with us, it's never easy to say good bye parting ways, especially when we leave this world behind and we are left behind to remember. I ask you, My loving God, for your collection upon the heart mind and soul of this person who lost a Brother, that you comfort will come like the rising Sun up from the East and as it sets in the West, the glory of that light a reminder that they all day are loved, while here, we stand as a reminder to others those we lost her, I pray a joy is found sharing to others who the Brother was, and as the rain falls to wash and renew, it has never been forgotten you didn't forget about us, there is more, of spirit of comfort, bring in the love that is we do not sah goodbye, but we say, in peace, until we meet again, Amen! ❤🙏 To you this week, we may never heal, but that just means we never forget, it's okay to speak to them, hear them in heart or dream, your Brother is part of you, you carry his memory and genes onwards into the World for others to know him. It's not goodbye, it's Until we meet again. I pray this and others for you, be well, and be safe. ❤ You are not alone, just take one day at a time. That's all we can do. Thank you for reading. My prayers continue for you and your family.

[@lynnfendlason4277]

Can you provide a couple of good examples about specializing/personalizing tropes to make them special for readers?

[@celisewillis]

I think what Courtney was getting at, was putting your personal touch on the tropes to make them fresh for readers! List out which tropes you like, and write underneath all the things you enjoy about those tropes. While you're writing that out, you might realize you went through something similar to the trope in your life, and you can add that authenticity in your writing. Maybe you've always wanted to see enemies-to-lovers books turn out a little differently; you can make that dream come true in your story! And readers will probably love that little twist of freshness you've put into your story :)

[@jackeeB]

I've learned a lot from your videos and hope you find peace in your life. 🙂

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Happy to help!

[@ThatGirlChelee]

Love you Courtney ❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Back at you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@skyewinterbooks]

Aww Courtney *Virtual Hug* letting it out is A okay. There is no set timeframe for grief. I still cry for my grandma from time to time and it been almost 6 years. You're doing great because you get up everyday and you press on and that's enough! Thank you for the tips you shared I'm still trying to figure out the line between writing to market and following the trends I see. I may need to stop reading romance while I write because I find everything I read ends up in my book somehow haha.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww, thank you! Trends are more pinpoint, I believe. So when 50 shades was happening, everyone was writing office romance with the brooding alpha male boss. When stepbrothers became super popular, there were thousands of stepbrother books published. A year ago, it was bully romances. Once went mega viral and others wanted to jump on it. During the twilight era? Tons of vampire books. And while those are tropes, they became very oversaturated because that was the hot potato at the moment. The trend may stay around for a month, it could stay around for six months. You never know when the readers will be burned out. Trends are what everyone is talking about, the new flavor of the week, and you try to jump on that. Writing to market is slightly different because you’re writing a book in a trope that might not be super popular right now, but it’s sellable, and something YOU like. Readers may not know that they want it at this moment because there are so many other trends going on right now. It also is picking a trope that typically is easy to put a label on, like friends to lovers. It might not be hot at this moment, but it’s a classic trope that people (including the writer) loves. It’s still very sellable. What’s awesome about writing to market is trends change and you never know when the trend will reach the book you wrote to market. Then, just pop some ads on it, repackage to the current trend, and push it out to those who haven’t found you yet. It gives you more tools in your toolbox because when trends die, they typically die hard. And it takes years for us to go back to it.

[@skyewinterbooks]

@@TheCourtneyProject ok it makes more sense to me now. So it's still the same tropes but not necessarily what is the it thing now. I think that's the part I didnt get before. 😔 I would spend hours that I should be writing watching Amazon and studying what people are doing now even though it may not necessarily be what I love or even wanna write. Then be so unmotivated to actually write the books. So, I was definitely doing it wrong. Lol 😆 I'll step away from the recent release lists now 🤣. Maybe now I can actually get time to write. Thanks Courtney 😊.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@skyewinterbooks yay! I’m glad I explained it okay! Trends are what’s on fire. Market is what still sells but what you want to write and readers will read. YOU GOT THIS GIRL! Trend chasing is HARD AF and it’s very easy to get burnt out because you’re trying to chase a fire that will eventually burn out, you just don’t know when. ❤️❤️❤️

[@britw701]

Thank you so much Courtney. I lost my father when I was almost 13 and and 17 years later it's still rough. That hole will never be fulfilled and I've come to terms with it, but I also know that he loved me unconditionally when he was alive. It's okay to just be okay some days. I'm getting emotional writing this.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Aww Britt. I’m sending you hugs. I can’t image losing my dad at a young age. You’re so strong and I’m sure he’s very proud of you. Thank you and much love! ❤️

[@britw701]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thanks and right back at you.

[@agl5132]

This was my first time watching you. Thank you for the tips. I didn't know what had happened in your life so I went back to your other post. I am sorry to hear about your father. There is no time limit to grief. The first year is really hard with all those "first" such as holidays, birthdays, etc. I do understand. Grief is a club we get thrown into, one we certainly did not ask to join. Back in 2018, my sister died. I moved abroad a few months later. I was still adjusting to a new country and 10 months after my sister's death her daughter/my niece died. Two weeks after that, my father died. Several years before I had already lost my mum and my boyfriend. It's a numbness that can cripple you. I chose however to honor their memory by living my best life. It took a while but I was able to move forward and continue on this journey we call life. I have my father's sense of adventure and even though I'm older it's never too late to live your dream. I have moved again (in MX for a year) building my online business and finally going to write those stories that have always been with me itching to get out of my head and onto paper. My heart and blessings go out to you. Take your time. Move at your own pace, and know your viewers are happy to see you when you are able. Hugs, April

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you, AGL. I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. My heart is breaking for you. I always think that it could be worst for me that I should be happy, but I'm working through that with time. Thanks again for the kind message. Makes me feel like I'm not so alone in all this.

[@agl5132]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you. No, do not beat yourself up. This is fresh and only a couple of months in. Don't let anyone or your inner critic tell you how you "should be acting" as it's your heart that is healing. This wasn't an acquaintance this was your father. Blessings & Hugs Courtney. Feel free to reach out any time.

[@jordanskyvlogs4053]

This is such good advice

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you! ❤️

[@creativecareer1133]

Thank you for a super helpful video

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@ScullyPopASMR]

This is a great book channel.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Awe, thank you! Means a lot!

[@rachelledellavecchia4951]

I lost my childhood Sweetheart who was 15 when I was 17. I never greived when he passed and shoved it down deep. It has been over 20 years and last year I finally greived. It took me a whole year not to burst into tears at the thought of him. In the beginning I was crying gut wrenching sorrow filled crying everyday for like 3 months. I discovered you cannot interrupt the process of grief, you will always pick up were you left off till you walk through that process. While you go through the process just be kind to yourself.

[@AnineVdR]

Sending you all the hugs!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you!

[@komalyadav-mi8fg]

You are amazing, thank you so much Keep smiling, god bless

[@squeakyscauldron]

I came here from a video that started out with her saying "I don't write romance and I don't really know what I'm talking about" 🙄 so your intro was spookily on point 😅

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hahahaha! Omg. That’s funny.

[@julialednicky7542]

That you for the info!!!❤

[@TheCourtneyProject]

You’re welcome! ❤️

[@arielpurkeypile9911]

Hey Courtney! I've got a playlist of you going while I do my nails and getting some work done. I just wanted to say hi for the YT gremlins, they see everything. Hey YT gremlins, send me more Courtney!!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Omg yay! Thanks for hanging out with me!

[@guillaumemaurice3503]

Brilliant video! 😀 Thank you for sharing it that was great information. 🤩 I would like to share that I am a full-time fictional author & I write different genres but my main genre is Erotic-Comedy i.e. funny erotica; I have written one Romantic fiction. Currently at this time I am writing my 3rd French-Spy novel but, when I finish that I will be planning to write a Romance novel. 💞

[@Theboxingobserver]

Great video! What PC/monitor is that you are using? Unreal size!

[@louisemoulin4704]

Great insight. What word count are your books in average? Do you ever do short books of say, 10k, have you a sweet spot time versus word count? What is your turn around from start to publish?

[@hannahi9355]

Hey could you do a video on when to break the tension and how to keep the story interesting after the fact?

[@artofapril]

I love your channel already! I really feel like this is the perfect move for me . This week some urgent family medical expenses came up. I’m in school full time and work but I need to do something more. I already have a couple freelance clients and one published book but I’ve struggled to focus and find a niche so I can get more. Can you send me any other resources or tips you have to get started writing romance or erotica?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Checkout Romancing the Beats! I can’t say enough good things about it… and just start writing the story that’s on your heart!

[@sandyjamjom2716]

Thank you very much

[@Corrans]

New viewer here, what a great video!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you so much! Welcome! Glad you’re here!

[@charlespage255]

Thank you.

[@LexiLG]

If you have any tips on cover design (since I seem to remember that you said you guys use exclusive images but perhaps I'm wrong) I'd love to hear them. I honestly don't know where to start with things like that but I feel like it would be amazing to have images that I know readers won't see on a million other books because it's a stock image - if that makes sense. Although I must say that I love every piece of advice you give. Sending love

[@8bitjiggy]

I used to write alot when i was younger and when i showed my friend my writings she demanded me to make a book. She likes romance books so i really want to impress her with this one

[@FantasticalDreams78]

Hello! ✌️🥰🌸 First of all. Love the video! Thank you. I do have a question. My readers love my graphic content… which means I’m more of an exotic writer 😅🌸… I love JRWard and Anne Rice writings ❤… but I’m currently a nurse 👩🏻‍⚕️ and want to cross over or at least publish a book and see if I can do this. Lol … Where would I go to get started as an exotic writer? 🤔🌸 I appreciate the help! Have a beautiful day! ✌️🥰🌸🌞

[@jetto9644]

@TheCourtneyproject Thank you for the honest tips. I know its an old video hope your doing great, wishing you lots of laughs and great times.

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

What is 'wish'? Would love a video on navigating self-publishing for a first time author, things to avoid and must do. I've written novels outside of romance and have been immensely frustrated/de-motivated by the traditional publishing/agent route. I love a good love story/romance but I wonder why it is that a huge portion for romance I read is kind of just...hitting all the beats and generally uninspired in terms of character development and dialogue, yet they do so so well in terms of reviews? [ Re:grief, this is my first video of yours I'm seeing, don't know the context but it took a couple of years before I could talk to anyone except my closest friends about my brother without losing it..and I'm a pretty stoic person, at least I was until that event ]

[@masoodjamily]

Thank you so much and this is a huge help for me get my writing staryed.

[@BrekkeEl]

Are you still considering traditional publishing? And if so, how do you plan on balancing a traditional career with your Indie career? I have an interest in writing some fantasy romance that I don’t think has a market in traditional publishing but I think would work really well in Indie, but I also want to write books for teenagers that are traditionally published since indie books don’t usually make it to libraries. How are you negotiating these two worlds, and do you have any advice for someone looking at having a hybrid career? Thank you so much! Your videos are really encouraging!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Yep, I’m still considering it. I haven’t started the process yet so don’t really have any experience as of now. I plan to plot it out in November and start writing to pitch to agents by the summer of 2022 or at least that’s goal. I’d self-publish things that aren’t commercially sellable on a trad pub scale. If the indie books have adult themes and the trad pub are geared more toward YA, I’d use two different pen names so then there’s no competition between the two.

[@ilovegreen0150]

Wonderful information. What if your story has multiple Tropes. The Tropes change as the story changes & the character grows.

[@shadowsparda5152]

I love the onion analogy. Right as you mentioned onion, I knew you were gonna mention layers, cause... Shrek.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

LOL!

[@chsunshinegirl9829]

Can you talk about how to write lgbtqia+ romance?

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

2:04 Agreed. 3:00 Again, agreed! There needs to be character development.

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

5:10 Honestly? If my stupid book only pleases 20 people, and is then forgotten forever, well, that isn't ideal. But it DID impact 20 people! And it made their lives slightly better!

[@maryearly3259]

Hello. I'm new to your channel. Condolences to you for whom ever you lost. It's not easy. My question is do you know anyone talking about how best to write Paranormal or M/M romances? I know that these subgeneres all rely on the basics of a romance but they also require certian things beyond that. i hope you find this comment soon since I just realized that the video is a tad old. Either way I hope you have a great holiday!

[@entrepreneurcity3317]

New subbie huny

[@AngelikaDV]

Thanks a bundle, Courtney! Just wondering if you have any insight on the best word count for Romance books?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Our books are typically between 60k-100k. We have written word counts at both ends of that spectrum. So we have books that are in the 50ks and some that are well over 100k. I’ve found the sweet spot to be somewhere in the 75k range, but honestly I wouldn’t worry with it too much if you’re self-publishing. I have friends who sell novellas (38k) for $4.99 who make bestseller lists each time they release. ❤️ If you’re going the trad pub route I would do more research on what that expectation is. I believe it’s 50-100k though. 😂 I’ve heard most agents don’t want anything over 100k when it comes to romance, so I’d personally write somewhere between 65-75k for trad pub! I haven’t gotten there yet, but I will eventually pitch a romance book at some point! ❤️

[@AngelikaDV]

@@TheCourtneyProject Thanks so much! ❤❤❤ I come from a completely different genre so the romance realm is still a bit of a mystery to me - and thanks to you I have no more questions ☺

[@VideoGamePhilosopher]

What are good examples of proximity romance?

[@rachaelnyambura2179]

thanks for the tips. id like to know how spice it up a bit. Wish you hugs and kisses.

[@rbilleaud]

I have a question i have never seen addressed. I believe women over 40 are an underserved demographic. There really don't seem to be a lot of books where the heroine is more mature. They always seem to be pretty young things, but older readers might want to see more characters that are like them. Sex and romance doesn't die after 40 - or 50. So what's your opinion on writing older female leads who are more independent and experienced and know what they want?

[@catelyngrace6903]

Id say even 30s

[@Latriise]

My father passed last September and grief is hard. Take the time you need.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️

[@rollypolypress]

Hi can you tell me what type of book is Titanic?

[@hpfchamber]

I know you write romance as a genre, but I wanted to know if you had any tips for those that work romantic subplots into their novels!

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Ooh, so there is a romance arc behind the main one? I’d say you’d plot the arc nearly the same though it’s not the focus of the story. There’s a book called Romancing the Beats that I think could be really helpful.

[@Hannahcarmona]

As a fellow romance author I can't believe you managed to talk about the climax of a book without giggling...just me? lol

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Hahahah! It happens! 😂😂

[@mikewhitewhite6062]

Good

[@mykinders8399]

What about Message in a bottle... It had a sad ending

[@lovelovelove5744]

❤

[@authorjoannawhite]

How do you keep the story from being predictable if it always has a happy ending? I'm new to romance. I mostly write fantasy with some romantic elements in there. I love tragic romances and hate writing and reading books where I can guess that oh they'll end up together and open up and all this is gonna happen lol. I also prefer things that are more realistic so as someone who comes from parents who are divorced... romance doesn't always have a happy ending and I like books that reflect that. But I do get that you have to do what the market wants in order to sell books.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Genre expectation is the couple gets a HEA. Without that, you’re not writing romance, you’re writing in a different genre, like women’s fiction. The quickest and easiest way to be written off by readers is to market a book as romance and kill one of the MC off or make it where they don’t get a HEA or HFN. I think you have to take what you prefer out of the equation and look at genre expectations. 😊

[@authorjoannawhite]

@@TheCourtneyProject oh wow. Thanks for replying. I wasnt expecting that! Lol. I get what you're saying. Although I also write what I'm passionate about cause you have to like your story lol. But I'm also wondering what genre that would be cuz amazon doesnt have a listing for tragic romance or anything like that. So in a book with a plot that is entirely romantic that ends tragically what category should it be put in? Because it seems genre-less. Also how do you keep the book from being predictable because you know they're always going to get together in the end?

[@TheCourtneyProject]

@@authorjoannawhite the ending of every romance books is predictable, so it’s not an issue. You make it hard for the couple to get together and that’s where the unpredictability in the genre comes in, not with the overall ending of the story. I’d say if it ends in tragedy, I’d classify it as women’s fiction or contemporary fiction with romantic elements, but I wouldn’t categorize it as romance. Because at the end of the day, it goes outside of genre norms and without the HEA, most romance readers will drop you.

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

0:42 I'm aromantic, and even _I_ know this isn't true. Besides, what if the plot requires they not stay together? Besides, people read stuff like _Lord of the Flies_ which is very much NOT a "feel good novel" yet many still enjoy it.

[@PaulaScardamalia]

There is no time limit on grief. No deadlines. It's a personal journey. I hope you are being gentle with yourself.

[@TheCourtneyProject]

Thank you, Paula! There really isn’t. ❤️

[@franksburgers4969]

Hello

[@taylortimeless]

2:17 ooof b-but what if it’s the love interest rather than the main character? 👀 (Don’t worry, there will be major flaws)

[@Youngfreshy464]

I write my own romance novels

[@renjiai]

don't worry, i understand the onion analogy because i watched shrek

[@thedisabledshowingtheworld2098]

I have cerebral palsy and I want to be married but it’s kind hard for me so I write romance novels

[@PinkbubblegumPop]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheCourtneyProject]

💖✨💖✨💖