Carmen DeSousa

Thankfully, when I decided to start my career as a full-time author, I had a few things working for me. First, I'd spent years in sales and marketing, so I knew the importance of building a brand. Eighteen months before I published my first book, I'd already started all my social pages, connected with many like-minded authors, and of course, met other avid-readers who shared my love of reading.  Second, through my ventures, I also met a publisher, which certainly made it easy for me, since I had someone who knew all the ropes when it came to publishing. But, I still needed sales, and let's face it ... even though I met a lot of great people, that would only take my career so far. I needed to meet the masses.  So, I set out with a plan to meet the avid-reading community. That's not as easy as it sounds. Honestly, as I look back, I can tell you the number one way I met readers was through Amazon's Kindle Select program. By offering my firs...

In the past three years, I've done what I never thought was possible. I've published fourteen books, and I've been so close to Nicholas Sparks on the bestseller list that I could shake his hand ... even  while the book I sat next to was in the theatres. I make enough money to eat and put a roof over my head. I absolutely LOVE playing on social media, chatting with my friends, meeting new ones. I now have a great team of editors and beta readers. My previous life I was in sales and marketing, so I know how to launch a book and make it a bestseller the day it releases... So, why would I want an agent? That question wasn't really rhetorical. It's a real question, because I do want an agent! Prior to publishing my first book, I spent every spare minute of my time writing or socializing on social media. See, I knew that even though I wasn't a published author, I needed to build my brand. I had my first cover designed before I even submitt...

Reviews are like tipping… You’ve already paid for the pedicure, hair style, meal, valet, book … whatever, but that extra something is what makes that person’s day. No tip or a one-star review could mean that the person did nothing right at all Ten percent or a two-star review could mean that the person did their job, but not very well Fifteen percent or a three-star review could mean that the person did their job, but didn’t offer anything special, didn’t go out of their way to stand out from other persons in the same profession Eighteen percent or a four-star review could mean that the person did everything they were supposed to, went out of their way to connect with you. Twenty percent is that coveted five-star review. This person did everything they were supposed to do and then some. You connected, you're coming back, you're bringing your friends! And also like tipping … just because you get a FREE or discounted meal, does...

And let's face it, books are an author's product. I just finished reading another article about authors complaining about free and bargain books! I've written on this subject so many times ... pretty much for the same reasons stated in the article... The argument simply doesn't hold water. Before you think that you are losing business from other authors, or if you're a reader, wonder if a book is worth less than a higher priced book because it's on sale, think about this... Any marketing firm will tell you, don't give away the store , but a loss leader works.  If promotions didn't work, advertising ANYTHING wouldn't work. Newspapers, mailers, fliers, radio ads, TV, billboards, and umpteen other places, offer coupons, BOGOs, sale prices, 30-day trials, and freebies to get you to try their product. Whether it's Cocoa Pebbles versus Cocoa Krispies, a Big Mac versus the Whopper, or Ford versus Chevy, retailers know they need t...

It's not that I wouldn't love to put ALL of my books on promotion, I WOULD, believe me. Funny thing that many readers may not know ... most authors actually make more money on books when they offer a book FREE or $0.99 (for a limited time) than when they sell them for $2.99 - $4.99. Offering a book FREE or $0.99 creates a buzz, reaches new readers, and qualifies for great advertising through book blogs such as eReader  News Today and Book Bub. But  the rea son I can't--or don't--is because it does a disservice to many readers. Many readers may not have read the first book in the series ... and sadly, even putting that the book is part of a series on the cover or in the book description, many readers don't read the description when they find the books on a book site ... or they get upset because they have to pay full price for the first book in order to enjoy the book special. This is particularly important when a book is offered FREE. Often, readers simpl...

McDonalds.com Free Books are like Big Macs! Really! Find out how they compare.    As I wrote that line, not only was I reminded of Joe Fox's comment in  You've Got Mail  about vats of olive oil, but I also realized — and this is fitting to the post — not everyone likes Big Macs. Me, eh ... not really, I'd rather have a black-bean burger. But ... I LOVE McDonald's french fries and coffee. I digress ...    The M in McDonald's is probably the most commonly known trademark throughout the world, and yet, McDonald's advertises EVERYWHERE! Radio, TV, Twitter, Facebook, your mailbox…    Yes, even though there's a good chance that you'll go to McDonald's in the near future — umm … for coffee — they still pay millions of dollars to bring you into their lair. And one of their most popular draws is the freebie or discount, often called a "loss leader."   Yes, that lure of a fre...

Not all phantoms are myths... For four thousand years, creatus have concealed themselves from the humans who hunted them almost to extinction. Now, one rogue creatus faction wants the world to know they exist, and o ne woman with nothing to lose plans to stop them. Whatever it takes, she will hunt down and kill the creatus who took her life from her. Haven't started the series yet? Grab the first two books FREE!  The Creatus series is not your normal paranormal story  ...  it's a  realistic  twist of the myths you've heard your entire life. Prepare to believe...  F REE Two-Book Special Edition  - Creatus   Book Two ~  Creatus Rogue Book Three ~ Creatus Eidolon Book Four ~ Creatus Animus OR 5-Book Creatus Series Boxed Set