Lessons Learned From 9 Years of Self-Publishing: Yearly Reflection
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- Опубліковано 16 січ 2023
- Thanks so much for being here! I can't believe it's been nine years since I self-published my debut novel! Welcome to my channel! My name is Courtney, and I'm a full-time self-published romance author. This is my home on the internet to share my self-publishing journey along with tips and tricks that might help others. Thanks for being here!
Current Books Published: 50 romance books!
My List of Recommended Books for Self-Published Authors:
Dear Writer, You Need to Quit - amzn.to/3at1yyk
Romancing the Beat - amzn.to/38rfc2C
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - amzn.to/34pmNxl
Let's Get Publishing Series - amzn.to/2WvDKBP
Newsletter Ninja - amzn.to/3oPOXwx
Help! My Facebook Ads Suck - amzn.to/3as81IH
//A B O U T M E//
I write under the pen names Lyra Parish, and I am half of the USA Today Bestselling Duo. Kennedy Fox. However, I am no longer co-writing under the pseudonym. I've been involved in the indie publishing scene since 2011 and self-published my first romance novel in 2014. Since then, my solo books have been Top 100 on Amazon, and my co-written books under KF made the USA Today Bestseller List several times.
I unpublished my Lyra Parish backlist in 2020 with zero regrets. You can watch that video here: bit.ly/3k8P6pa
I will be republishing them all again and documenting that journey right here on this channel. That should be happening in 2024.
//Searching for a Motivational Writing Group?//
I have a writing group on Facebook where you can earn stickers for writing 10K in a day or 50K in a month. You can choose your own day. It's a supportive community of writers, and it'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
___
//2023 R E L E A S E S C H E D U L E//
Cruel Beginnings (Dark Romance) - March - Released
Bless Your Heart (Small Town Romance) - June
Color Theory 3 Anthology - August
Cruel Boys (Dark Romance) - August
Valentine Texas Series #2 - August
Valentine Texas Series #3 - October
Cruel Girls (Dark Romance) - December
Also...I'm self-publishing my small-town romances in audio, German, French, and Italian.
___
//S O C I A L M E D I A//
Tiktok→ / lyraparish
Instagram→ / lyraparish
Facebook→ / lyraparishauthor
Twitter→ / lyraparish
Email (business inquiries only)→ hello@lyraparish.com
//RECOMMENDED PUBLISHING THINGS://
Vellum - Best Book Formatting Program EVER!
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Scrivener - Application I use to write!
a.paddle.com/v2/click/49535/1...
Otter - Dictation app I use (get a month of pro-light for free)
otter.ai/referrals/FDSZW8XM
Streamyard - Best Live Streaming Software! (get $10 off!)
streamyard.com?pal=5688077045465088
Flodesk - Newsletter Sender (get 50% off). It's easy to use + affordable!
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affiliate links are used, and they help support the channel
#writer #author #selfpublish #writingadvice #selfpublishing #writingtips #authortube
Oh, my. I spent nearly a year in a "clique" and, man, those people are toxic. There is so much backstabbing among the authors, I just don't need that drama. I have a couple of friends who I share interests with, and that's it. Thank you, Courtney, for your honest opinions.
Oh no, I’m sorry you went through that. You’re better off without it 💯!
@@TheCourtneyProject Agree! Thank you for your reply!
@@ukrisli always ❤
At first I was surprised by all the drama but then I remembered what we do for a living 😂
I keep telling myself one day I’ll be a full time author, and this video helped motivate me to keep working at it. ❤ Congrats on 9 years!
Omg yes. You can do it. ❤
It’s more possible now than ever before! You can do it. I started publishing in the 90s and the opportunities now are so much better
Congrats on 9 years!!! What an accomplishment! This video is exactly what I needed right now, as I start my own publication journey. Looking forward to seeing what 2023 holds for all of us 💜
Thank you so much and congrats on starting your journey. That’s the first step! 2023 is ours! ❤
Gosh, I adore you. I think I needed this video as much as you did. Congrats on 50 books! That's truly incredible. Can't wait to see more of you in 2023!
Thank you, I adore you too, sis! ❤❤❤❤
Courtney, I've missed you so much!!! Congrats on 9 years!!! And thank you for the encouraging words and for always being such a welcoming person!!
Aww, I’ve missed you too. 2023 is ours!
Congratulations on your author journey 🎉 50 books is a milestone! Here’s to the next 100 books! 🍷
Thank you and omggg yessss! Ready!
Thanks for the new video, Court! You are so damn inspiring! It's amazing to hear about your journey of self-reflection and watch you smash your goals. You make us all want to be better writers AND better people! Stay awesome! :)
Thank you so much! Self-reflection is important when things aren’t exactly where you want them to be. We’re all going to DESTROY 2023! Excited for us! ❤
This was such a good post, Courtney. Thank you for being so candid with us.
Congratulations on your 50 published books! ❤
Thank you so much! ❤ Candid is the only way I know 😂
This was powerful! I love that you're protecting your peace and doing the things that make you happy or excited or helping others this year
Thank you so much! 2023 is going to be amazing!!
Been too busy to watch UA-cam until now. So glad to see you back and congrats on 9 years! I love your message. I'm going back to a stressful job but I'm still determined to at least publish 1-2 books this year regardless. Like you said, got to put the work in to fulfill my dream 😀
Finally watched this. A huge congrats on 9 years and looking forward to 2023!
Yay! So happy to see that you're back and feeling better. I missed your videos and your no BS, cheerleading vibes.
Congratulations, Courtney. May you have continued success and write until no longer can or want to. People sometimes only see the end (the goodies) without realizing the between (beginning to ending), the journey, which is what it is all about. While you're writing, life continues and hopefully the writing makes your life richer. I'm inspired to begin again.
Absolutely. It’s about the journey that really matters because our time is limited here, and it will one day come to a halt. Just gotta enjoy the mountains and valleys.
Congratulations on another author year! So inspiring to hear your story and wisdom
Thank you!😘😘😘
Great to see you again and thank you so much for sharing your experiences. You are seriously one of the few 'authortubers' I trust on UA-cam and you deserve so many more subscribers. There's so many out there giving advice who don't have the experience to back up their claims so it's super refreshing to hear from someone who does and is hardworking, honest and real about this business. Congratulations on 9 years. I hope to be where you are in that time!
Thank you, Bee. I appreciate the kind words, they mean a lot! ❤
Congrats on 9 years!! Also, I needed to hear quite a bit of this video and I definitely need to do some self reflection. Thank you for your honesty and inspiration. I look forward to more of your videos and more books!
Thank you so much! So glad it was helpful.
Yaaay to more Courtney in 2023! Congrats on 9 years! I'm excited to see what is accomplished this year as well. Big changes are coming! I feel it.
Lol, I am laughing at this comment because you have no idea. Big changes are indeed OTW. 😂
Courtney, you are DA BEST! Thank you for sharing your honesty, your integrity and your PASSION!
Thank you so much! 😊
Congratulations on 9 years!
As a newer author, this video hit home. Thank you for sharing this. Here's to a great 2023 for you and all of us.
Hi! Thank you! I’m so glad it resonated. 2023 is ours!
Congratulations on 9 years! Thank you for this video! It made me take a good long look at myself. I appreciate you and your honesty. ❤
Thank you so much. Oh yes, I’ve been looking in the mirror a lot lately and ask if some deep questions. It’s really helped, though. Ready for a happy and healthier 2023.
This was such an inspiring and encouraging message. Thank you for sharing your journey, especially how you are rebalancing and refocusing to create that dream life. This is exactly what I needed to hear and didn't know I needed to hear. Thanks for being our Jamie Lee Curtis!
Aww, yay! You can create the life you want, it’s already waiting for you. ❤
Congratulations! Here's to another nine (and more)! Especially nice to watch this video as I just put out my eighth book, and though I'm definitely still at the bottom, I am also a bit obsessed with self-publishing. I absolutely love your channel, both the videos and livestreams. Wishing you a more relaxed, restful (but even more successful!) 2023. And I love the cinema sign in the background, lol, definitely fits the vibe of the video.
Thank you so much and omg, congrats on publishing number 8! That’s amazing!!❤
I admire you so much, Courtney! I only have 2 books published so far but I can’t wait until I’m in my 9th year! Congrats on your 9 years of success! 😊
This is the most inspirational self publishing/ writer success video I may have ever seen. Seeing this skilled wordsmith reach the pinnacle of the industry confirms to me that anyone, literally anyone can do this. Great Job Lisa! Here is to a great 2023! Huzzah!
If you want it, it’s yours! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your struggles and successes! Knowing a realistic vision of what it means to be a writer and publisher is so helpful. I really appreciate your candor, and I'm grateful that you've share your knowlegde with us. 💙💙
Thank you! Having clarity is as powerful as remembering your why. It’s nice when everything aligns the way it’s supposed to. ❤
Thank you so much for your honesty and transparency. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! Can't wait to see how high you fly!
I just love you & your videos, and this is one of the most encouraging videos. As a mom of two under 4y, I am trying to take my time & not where I want to be after 1.5 years, but it’s the long game. I know 2023 has been a crazy year so far, but it’s so great to see you continuing to do things that light you up. Thank you for always bringing the encouragement. Congrats on 9 years!
Thank you for the kind words, Candice! ❤️ I’m rooting for you! 🙌
Thank you for always sharing your insight, Courtney. I’ve learned so much from you!
That makes me so happy. Thank you for being here!
Inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
I love hearing your wisdom! Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Thank you for being here ❤
I really appreciate your updates and all your videos. Thank you so much for your honesty and work ethic. It's an inspiration. :) Here's to 9 more years!
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤
Congrats on such an amazing accomplishment! I love your videos and get so much inspiration from you. Thank you, thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you’re here!
Hey Courtney! First of all, congratulations on your nine-year publishing journey and 50 books! 🎉 That's a massive achievement.
I love how you emphasized the importance of believing in our dreams and never giving up. It's an inspiring message that resonates with me and, I'm sure, with many other aspiring authors. Thank you for being our cheerleader and for bringing such positive energy to the self-publishing community.
I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos; I just happened to stumble upon this one :)
I'm sure your journey will inspire more authors in their publishing process.
Congratulations on 9 years! I love this video! I too am having a "Me" year. Good luck on your journey!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yesssss 2023, the year of me! 🙌
Lady, you rock! This video was exactly what I needed today. You're so right, if they don't want me like I am now, they won't deserve future me. My 2023 goals list literally says (among other things) avoid drama but take no sh*&. Let go of negativity and open myself up to positivity. Here's to a more balanced 2023.
That’s exactly right! If you’re not good enough now, you’re def way better for them later. 🤷♀️ Oh yes, no drama, keep those boundaries, stay assertive ✌️ It’s the magic ingredients of life!
Also LOVE that you are so friendly and welcoming to so many authors. If anyone doesn't like that... they can move on. Congrats on 9 years :)
Thank you so much! ❤
Omg I love the cut! And congratulations on all the success 🎉
Thank you so much ❤❤❤
You've definitely inspired me with this video.
Congratulations on your journey and thank you so much for fueling mine! ❤️🙌🏻
Yay you back!! loved the positive vibes. Can wait for you to write with us again.
Thank you! That’s coming soon!
This is such an inspiring reflection!
I’ve missed watching your videos while folding my laundry! (Don’t ask me why that ends up being the case so often, but… it does. 😂) Happy 2023! And happy 9 year anniversary! 🥳🥳🥳 I loved hearing about your new morning rhythm, taking care of yourself, and really building that lifestyle that’s going to help you thrive. It makes my heart happy to see ! 🥰 I’m looking forward to seeing more of you on YT again! 🎉❤
Congrats on 9 years and 50 books 🎉 Last year was my burnout year too. So bad. But my schedule is lighter this year and already feels better. I’m working hard on self-care this year and getting back into better habits/routines. And this year, I’m damn determined to hit a financial goal I haven’t yet.
Burnout sucks so bad, but there is a rainbow after the storm. I’m glad you’re getting back into and you’ll make all the things happen! I just know it. ❤
Congratulations, Courtney 🎉🎉🎉 Great, insightful video as always ❤️
Thank you so much! Appreciate the kind words!
Sweet Courtney....so happy for you. Celebrating you! 🥳🥳🥳 Amazing!🎉🎉🎉🎉
Thank you so much! ❤❤❤
Nine years is a major accomplishment! I hope you're publishing and writing for many, many more!
Thank you so much! I hope so as well. ❤
Yay! New Video! Happy New Year! Hope you're well!
Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
Love this video! I’ve resonated with lots of what you’ve said. I always enjoy your videos.
Thanks, Steph! I appreciate it! ❤❤❤
Congrats on 9 years 🎉 hope you continue to have a wonderful year after year
Thank you so much! I wish the same for you as well. Cheers! 🎉
What an incredible achievement! Congratulation on 50 books. Wishing you a creative and healthy 2023.
Thank you so much! I hope the same for you! ❤
What a great video! Thank you. I needed this.
Thank you! ❤ I’m glad it resonated with you.
Congrats on 9 years, and 50 books, and achieving that dream job!
And also: the short hair looks great! So clearly 2023’s off to a great start 🎉
Haha thank you! Yessss it is! ❤ 2023 is going to be amazing.
At the beginning of 2020, I started grad school, and within a year and a half, my fiance broke up with me and my uncle, father, and grandfather all passed away within a year and a half. I was doing homework, grieving, and working all at the same time. It was so much. I watched a lot of your videos during that time too. I'm rewatching this after several months and I realized how inspiring your videos were at that time; they really helped me. I have been accomplishing my goals and taking care of myself!!! Thank you for your videos, and for keeping them on here. I've learned a lot from you and am very inspired by what you've shared on here. Thank you for your videos and your work.
I am so happy to see your beautiful, smiling face!! Happy 9th Publiversary and 50 books! That’s amazing and such an inspiring. I’m also glad to hear you’re protecting your peace. Romancelandia has been nuts since last year and it’s ramped up this year. Keeping that drama out is for the best and I need to try that. I’m always rooting for you and I can’t wait to see what the next 9 years bring!! 🎉🎉🎉
I celebrated 5 years last year and it was crazy. Maybe I should have made a video to look back on but it’s a little unbelievable that I’m actually doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing since I was a kid. I also think I need to do some self-reflecting and figure out what I can cut out that’s not giving me joy right now. It’s been such a busy year that flowed from last year and I see no breaks coming until maybe July. I don’t want to get burnt out but I have obligations.
I also wanted to touch on the “clique” and being shunned because you’re not on a certain “level.” I know I’ve been excluded because I haven’t made it yet. One exclusion last year was so hard and it hurt a lot. I’m tired of that feeling but like you said it’s more about them then it is about me. One day I’ll make it. I feel it in my soul that this is what I should be doing and I will be successful. It’s hard but I have to keep pushing forward. I’m focusing on writing and editing and publishing and helping other authors. This month alone I’ve mentored/did consults for two authors and I think I’m helping. Your video really resonated with me because I’ve been feeling off and like some things need to change but I’m not sure what or how. Now I have some reflecting to do and some hard choices to make! Thank you for always being so candid with us and sharing your journey. ♥️😘
You have the power to change what you’re not liking in your career! I’m proud of you and yes you will make this happen. I believe in you 💯💯💯
@@TheCourtneyProject Thank you, Court! I know I do and I need to reevaluate some things soon. I'm just too busy with everything right now to breathe, lol. Your believe in me and the way you're always encouraging means the world and I thank you so much! I'm excited to see what's next for you and how you're going to continue to take this world by storm!!! 🥰❤
The pep talk is great at the beginning! I’ll never give up in making this dream of mine come true and even though we’ve never met, it feels like you’re rooting for me. 😊
I AM ROOTING FOR YOU! Always! 🎉🎉🎉
Happy Dance! Jumping up and down about a new inspiring video from Courtney.
Aww!! 😍😍😍
So happy to see this video and hear your take on things. You're SO inspiring to me! I don't do cliques either, but I have my friends and I love them. I decided to aim for a drama free 2023 (which is such a fun thing to say, nice and rhyming, I want to make it a sticker or something so I can see it all the time). It feels like the last few years have been so heavy in a lot of ways for a lot of people. Time for some fun and joy 😄
Absolutely. I started Marie Kondo-ing a lot of things in my life, and I can’t wait for a drama-free 2023! It’s just so much easier without it. We’ll be walking into 2024 refreshed.
Love everything about this! xo
Awesome work Courtney! Hope you had a lovely time during the holidays 😊
Thank you! Oh man, I slept….A LOT. Lol. I was so burnt out.
@@TheCourtneyProject Sleep is always good ♡
Happy New Year Courtney and Happy publiversary! I love the hair!
Thank you, Nadira! Happy New Year!
Girl, I've missed you! It feels like forever. Happy Publiversary!
And yes, I feel you so much on making changes for 2023. I came into this new year determined to make this one the year I will be happy with my life and myself. I'm working on implementing healthy changes for my body and my mind. I'm going to query later this year so I'm going to edit my last manuscript while also outlining and drafting a new one. I'm working on freelancing and just making all the changes. And yes, that's just it, having a sense of control for once and it feeling powerful. Having direction.
I'm so happy for you and that you're feeling good coming into 2023. Here's to protecting your peace and living each day embracing happiness.
When you’re happy on the inside, amazing things happen on the outside. 2023 is yours and I’m so excited to see how your query journey goes. ❤ You’re going to KILL it! 🎉
@@TheCourtneyProject Yes! Thank you ☺❤
it's very nice to see you again Courtney :) Your hair looks great!
Thank you so much! Glad to be back!
Thank you for sharing❤️
Thank you for being here!
New subscriber here! I loved this video, I didn't know I needed this video, but thank you, excited to see your next videos.
Congrats on 9 years! Also, love the hair!
Thank you, Chelsie! ❤️
Oh my God, when you listen to someone and feel like they are putting into words exactly what you feel😳😭 You really seem like a wonderful person, I'll definitely check out your books!
You know what. I've always thought about getting serious when it comes to writing novels and creating bigger projects outside of the things I usually work on. This video ahs made me feel better aboutstarting
Good for you! Ghanges makes wonders...
You look more relaxed 😊
They really do! ❤
What you said about grieving and leaving a legacy, this is how I feel. I did'nt realise until now until you said the words. Sending love
I’m glad it resonated with you. As much as we’d like to live forever, it’s just not reality. I think my dads passing taught me that, and it’s a reminder of how important the journey is. What we do right now is what matters the most. ❤
Came back to watch videos I missed and this one showed up. I love what you said about not being good enough because you didn't have the 'banner' or whatever meter they were using, then when they were like 'oh you're good enough now' and you were like 'nope' Good for you! I have nine books out and I find myself afraid to step up and talk to folks I view as 'above' me just because they're farther along on the path than I am and I realize that's my own self-doubt blocking me. Comparison sucks. Recently, I've stepped out of that comfort zone and approached them and you know what? They were so nice and welcoming, Those will be the folks I continue to follow. Will I run into that one or two who will snub me? Sure. I'm sure I will, but it doesn't matter anymore so... Thank you for all you do and congratulations on your latest with Meg LaTorre! You guys are such rock stars!
Wow. This was so uplifting and real. Thank you for sharing your experience and being your authentic self. It makes a newbie writer like me feel motivated to join the indie self pub world :)
I'm so glad! Welcome to the community!!
Welcome back to the land of the living! Boosters for the win!!
I stay away from clicks. They tend to be toxic. I don't need "friends" to stab me in the back. I'd rather work in peace. I just love your attitude. 😊
Congratulations on 50 books. It blows my mind. And I love that it's possible to do. You're an inspiration. Here's to the next 50!!
Thank you! We gotta protect our peace 💯💯💯 Glad to be back!
I am all about this! So damn proud of you for everything you've accomplished and everything to come. As you said, we're at the beginning, bring on the rest. 2023 and beyond! I adore you, 1.0. #SnakesInTheBush #IYKYK
Thank you! I love you so much and appreciate you always being in my corner through the ups and downs! ❤
Congratulations on 9 years! Hearing you say that you weren't where you wanted to be when you literally are where I wanna be is just ...wow lol. You are my inspiration!
Aww, thank you! I think it was more of me not being happy with myself, ya know? The outside things that happen, while they’re amazing, if you’re not truly happy within then all that doesn’t matter. I always had this vision of how I would feel when I was doing my dream job and most of the time, it’s great. But sometimes it’s not, and I realized it’s my perspective and mindset that needed to change. Burnout helped me understand that more deeply. ❤
Congratulations on 9yrs! 🎉
Thank you!
So lovely to see your face!! Sorry about the spicy cough--I finally got it for the first time over Xmas, grug... 50 BOOKS!!! 🥳 Congrats!!
Congratulations on 50 books!!! That is amazing!!! Cheering for you from Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦. I one day wish to reach this milestone.
Thank you so much! I’m sure you will!
Loving the short hair look ♥ Missed my Courtney pep talks
Thank you so much! I’m back, baby! 🎉
I'm so glad to see you back here. :) You look really good. I had the same cough that went away right away and no immunization, so I think that particular virus is short-lived.
Thanks so much! Happiness radiates ❤ Glad you were okay!
So happy to see your face!! I just realized that this is my 10th year. Will definitely do a video on it.
Oh man, a whole decade! That’s a long time and a huge accomplishment! You HAVE to do a video! 🎉🎉🎉
Congratulations. You are an inspiration and I love that you said "What is a click?" I agree. No need for that.
❤️❤️ I see so many people say they need that “tribe” and I’m just like noooooooo. You don’t need it!
Amen!
I just have to tell you that your hair looks fab!
Aww, thank you! ❤
Welcome back. We missed you.
Thank you! 💥
Love the shorter hair! You look amazing ☺️
Glad to see you doing well.
Thank you! 😊
Congratulations on your 50 books! HUGE ACHIEVEMENT... HUGE!
p.s. expecting an online party for your 10 year publi-versary 😊
I'm a new writer and my goal for now is to be more efficient with my writing. I'm re-watching all of your videos on the topic of writing!
Oh yay! It really comes with practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember to let creativity take over. 🎉
Looking beautiful girl! I love your hair! Thank you for sharing this awesome wisdom ❤️u r the best! We love you! Congrats!
Thank you so much! ❤️
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Congrats on all your success. This gives me motivation and I wish you wealth and health for 2023!
I remember an older vid you posted about stock photos for book covers. Can you tell me the website you use?
Thank you so much, Jackee! You’ve got this. Oh yes, the stock site is depositphotos and if you check on appsumo sometimes they have amazing deals for 100 photos for $39!
@@TheCourtneyProject wonderful. Thank you!
My fam has been taking extra C, D & zinc & we've been able to dodge the dreaded 'spicy cough' despite kids at 3 different schools. Thanks for making these amazing, inspiring videos.😊
That’s amazing, Cynthia! Taking care of yourself and your immune system. Burning the candle at both ends crushed mine 😂. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2023! ❤
Go Courtney!👊👊👊
I’m new here 🎉loving your energy and accomplishments 😯 wow
Welcome!!!!
When you’re passionate about something, it’s hard not to take things personal because you care about it. It’s not easy to define those boundaries.
forgot to mention the hair!! love it!
Haha thank you! It’s been a big change! Not using quite as much shampoo and conditioner these days. 😂
50 books 📚 🎉👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you! ❤️
Congratulations
I love the hair!!!!!! A new you
Congrats!! Such an inspiring accomplishment.
Asking for a friend: will there be writing sprints in 2023? 😅
Thank you so much! Yes, there will be writing sprints in 2023. Probably very soon!
@@TheCourtneyProject that's awesome, thank you!
Congratulations on longevity in this biz! I have a question - I love your Pinterest platform and see the number of monthly views and followers you have grown to. Can you do a video and speak more to how to best use Pinterest for ebook marketing, how to target/tag your posts and videos, how to track if you're getting sales/reads from Pinterest (attribution link plus a bit ly?) and anything about how/what to do with Pinterest marketing?