The publishing industry has shifted 180° in the decade plus I’ve worked in it as a developmental editor and author. The traditional route is no longer the only way to become a legitimate published author, and self publishing is no longer a dirty little secret. As an author, should you travel the traditional or self published route? Become A Successful Author does not tell you to pick one over the other or pit one against the other. Become A Successful Author gives you steps to capitalize on the strengths of both to build a strong brand readers can’t get enough of.
What is branding? How do you grow a large, loyal reader base? How do you break into traditional publishing? How do you publish your backlist? How do you format a book? How do you find your target audience? How do you market your books? It’s all in there and a whole lot more.
With the advances in technology, anyone can be a published author, but not all authors are successful. Keep your focus: Increase quality, credibility and visibility of your brand.
Become A Successful Author Table Of Contents
Purchase the eBook ($4.99) or print ($9.99) from: Amazon (US), Barnes & Noble
Deatri also writes women’s fiction as Deatri King-Bey and a dangerously sexy suspense series with a partner under the name L. L. Reaper.
 |
Bryanna Martin has given up on finding her happily ever after. The only way she’ll fall in love and marry is if God sends her Mr. Right to her door. Since she doesn’t believe that will happen, she devotes her life to her adopted son and career. Then the impossible happens, the perfect man literally shows up at her door. Drawn to the handsome stranger, Bryanna wonders if this is one impossible that can become possible.Alejandro Montenegro, CEO of a Global 500 corporation, dropped everything to catch a flight and claim a son he didn’t know about. When he arrives, he discovers his child is not in foster care being abused, but in the loving care of a golden goddess. To spare his son from losing the only mother he has ever known, Alejandro decides to remain silent about his son’s paternity and pursue Bryanna, but then the impossible happens. He falls in love and knows she will leave him if she discovers his secret.Purchase your copy today: Print and eBook (Kindle, ePub via Barnes & Noble) |
 |
Old coots need love, too! At least that’s what Tyler Write believes, and he’s determined to get his great-uncle married. Yeah, Uncle Joe is crotchety, but he’s lovable, and Tyler knows just the right woman to become his bride. Uncle Joe shared seventy blissful years with his beloved Jessie before she passed, and he couldn’t imagine ever falling in love again. Then Hattie reentered his life, and everything changed. Awestruck, he can’t believe he’s fallen for Jessie’s best friend. Now if he could only get Hattie, and a few others, to overcome their misgivings about their relationship, she will be the next Mrs. Write. Available in print and ebook from Amazon or Barnes & Noble Don’t know who I’m talking about? Catch up on the Write family: Sons 4 Sale Note: This traditional romance is part of the Second Chances series which features heroines over the age of 40! |
 |
The madness must end. All Abigail wants for Christmas is to be left alone. She has grown tired of her family’s horrible matchmaking schemes and her daughters’ deceptive plans to get her to take her ex-husband back. It’s not that she doesn’t want a relationship. She’s more than ready for Mr. Right to sweep her off her feet. She’s just come to the realization that there may not be a Mr. Right out there for her—and that’s okay. Now if she could only convince her family of that.Jeff is all work and no play, which is why he found himself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a blizzard quickly approaching. Desperate for cover, he spots a house in the distance. Upon meeting the kindhearted, gorgeous owner of the home, he deems Abigail his Christmas Angel, and thanks Santa for the early gift. But is she too good to be true?Get Your Copy Today! Print, Kindle and ePub (via Barnes & Noble)Note: This traditional romance is part of the Second Chances series which features heroines over the age of 40! |
 |
Sane upwardly-mobile women don’t agree to enter into arranged marriages… Or do they? Control freak Jonah Tazi comes from a long line of arranged marriages, but the thought of his parents picking his bride never sat well with him. Time is working against Jonah, so he reluctantly agrees to allow his father to find him a proper bride. Then he meets Isis and becomes infatuated with the vibrant, funny, and talented woman. A powerful man used to getting exactly what he wants, exactly when he wants it, he is unprepared when Isis doesn’t agree to his proposal immediately. Now he is determined to convince her (and everyone else) that he and Isis belong together. Jonah intends to be her only option. Isis Michaels has always been sheltered by her father. The tables have turned, and now she must shelter him. Isis rearranges her life and will do whatever it takes to please her father during the time he has left—almost anything. It becomes clear that he wants to see her settled before he passes. Is marrying Jonah, a man she’s emotionally and physically attracted to but just met, her only option? Available in Print, Kindle, and Nook/ePub (via Barnes & Noble) Note: This traditional romance is part of the Second Chances series which features heroines over the age of 40! |
 |
Things aren’t always as they seem. Gloria Write knows that better than anyone. When the love of her life left her to raise their four sons on her own, that should have been the end of their chance at a happily ever after.Secrets, abandonment, love, betrayal, lies. When Tex Delgado sets his mind on reclaiming his wife, she fights him every step of the way, but this time he has no intention of walking away.Kindle, NookNote: I suggest reading the Write Brothers series before reading this title. All four titles are included in Sons 4 Sale. Note: This traditional romance is part of the Second Chances series which features heroines over the age of 40! |
 |
What happens when the heart’s desire of the most dangerous assassin on the planet is stolen from him? Roman “Sandman” Tate does not take it well. Not at all.The anguish of not being able to stop the kidnapping of his dangerously-sexy counterpart, Jeanette “Black Widow” Mason, is only half the story. The Black Widow has her own brand of fury to unleash on those unfortunate enough to violate her world.Discover just how risky it is to disturb her web.Purchase the eBook ($4.99) Amazon, Barnes & Noble (ePub), Print ($9.99)Purchase the Black Widow and the Sandman eSet today, which includes both dangerously-sexy suspense novels, and save $3. Now that’s a fantastic deal:Amazon, Barnes & Noble (ePub) |
 |
Desperate times call for desperate measures!In the midst of a desperate time, Taylor Paige reverts to a life of crime; however, the tables have turned and it’s Taylor who ends up missing a most valuable possession. She falls in love with her target, and he steals her heart.As CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, Mike Hughes appears to be at the top of the world. In reality, he longs for something he has never had, a loving family. When Taylor Paige drops into his life he thinks his prayers have been answered, but then he discovers her extra-curricular activities and sets out to save the woman he loves from herself. The problem—she doesn’t believe she needs saving.Purchase in the following formats: Kindle, Nook or Print |
 Book 4 of the Write Brothers Series |
After Eva caught her fiancé in bed with her cousin, she swore she’d never be played for the fool again. Now the ultimate bed-hopper—Tyler Write, has set his sights on her and she’s having difficulty resisting him.Tyler can have any woman except the one he truly wants—Eva Simpson. Smooth lines and sweet talk won’t work with her. To have a chance at Eva’s heart, he’ll have to show her who he really is Click here to view an excerpt. Purchase this eBook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble. The print version is a double header with Third Time’s A Charm. |
 |
SONS 4 SALE (Write Brothers Series eBox Set): If Gloria Write hears “There are no good Black men…” one more time, she’ll scream. She has four sons who fit the bill and not one is married. Desperate times call for desperate action. During the course of four novels, Gloria sets out to ensure her sons marry. The eBox set includes all four Write Brother novels.Purchase the eBox set for $7.99 or each novel for $2.99 from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. |
 |
Dr. Ashton Tolliver has known Linda Shell his entire life, so knows she doesn’t have children. When Linda is in a car accident and pleads with Ashton to go to her farm and watch after her daughter, he is sure he is about to make the trip to see a beloved pet. The beautiful, vivacious woman who answers the door is definitely not a pet. Ashton sets out to save Jodie, but soon finds he is fighting against love.Jodie has never left her family farm, never heard of print media or many of the technologies of the modern society, and never knew love until Ashton Tolliver came her way.Purchase from Amazon (ebook or print), Barnes & Noble (Nook) |
 |
FREE READ (SHORT STORY) I created this short story for a group I belong to. They requested a story with drama, street, and erotic elements and this is the result. What’s it about? The title says it all. Enjoy…Download this free read from Smashwords in most formats or from Barnes & Noble |
 Book 3 of the Write Brothers Series |
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Twice a fool for love, Desiree Young learned her lesson a little late, but she’ll never forget it—Just say no to romantic relationships! Work has become her life, and she honestly loves every minute of it until… Until nepotism rears its ugly head, and she may lose everything she’s worked so hard for to the most irritatingly-sexy grouch ever.Two failed marriages have taught Dallas Write a valuable lesson—There is no such thing as happily ever after. Work is dependable, and he loves what he does. After his beloved great uncle leaves his business to him, Dallas must give up his true love—being a master chef—to learn and run the business. Dallas lost both of his businesses to divorce and won’t allow his uncle’s business to be taken over by an outsider—no matter how intelligent, gorgeous and perfect for him she may be. Two work-aholics, burned twice by love. Well, you know what they say: Third Time’s A Charm.Purchase this eBook from Barnes & Noble, Amazon Note, this title will come out in print after the 4th book of the series is released. The print version is a double header with Tease. |
 |
FREE READ (SHORT STORY) Jeanette Mason always knew she’d kill one day; she’d just wanted it to be on her terms, and definitely not today. Now she had a dead man on her kitchen floor and no idea how to get out of this situation. One thing for sure, she needed to ditch the body before people noticed he was missing.This 4000 word stand-alone story is a prequel from the Black Widow and the Sandman dangerously-sexy suspense series.Download Kindle, Nook, PDF, Sony… formats from Smashwords for free. |
 |
FREE READ (SHORT STORY) Ever wonder who is called when the hero fails? Meet Roman “The Sandman” Tate.Hard-assed, lethal and fearless, this military-trained assassin, dubbed the best on the planet, is the man to call. Beware. Calling on him can be as dangerous as being targeted by him.
Note: This 1700 word stand-alone story is a prequel from the Black Widow and the Sandman dangerously-sexy suspense series.
Visit Smashwords to download for Nook, Kindle, Sony, PDF… for free
|
 |
Diana Johnson witnessed her father’s execution. To disappear from the drug world and the man who framed her father, she starts a new life with a new identity in San Diego. Glad to finally be free, she allows herself to fall in love with Ashton Powell—a dream of a man who allowed her to cry on his shoulder during her flight to a new life.DEA Agent Ashton Powell’s undercover assignment is to befriend Diana and find evidence to use against a powerful drug lord. From day one, Ashton is attracted to Diana, but he believes she is a drug lord’s ex-lover. Fearing she will choose to return to the drug world, he fights against his growing love for her.Purchase the eBook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble. Order the Print version. |
 Book 2 of the Write Brothers Series |
Marybeth Write is a kindergartner on a mission many deem impossible—to see her dad marry their neighbor by Christmas. To accomplish this mission, she’ll have to go straight to the top—her grandmother and the big guy himself—Santa! A kid’s gotta do what a kid’s gotta do.Five years ago when District Attorney Houston Write lost his wife to breast cancer, he began going through the motions of life without truly living. Then choreographer Sabrina Ingles moved in across the street and reignited a fire within him he thought was long gone. Now Houston is ready to live again and give his child the mother she deserves.When Sabrina Ingles’ marriage went down in flames, she swore off relationships and the trouble that accompanies them. But how could she shield herself against the most adorable little girl ever? Marybeth quickly became a part of Sabrina’s heart as Sabrina’s undeniable attraction to Houston grew stronger. Guarding her heart against the type of man fantasies are jealous of has become a full-time job, but she refuses to be burned again.Purchase the eBook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble. The print version is available as a double header with Tell Her How You Feel. |
 |
Once upon a time there was a beast who dwelled in a mansion in the far outskirts of Chicago. Rarely did the beast leave his safe haven, for he’d given up on the outside world years ago. When the woman he has always loved is violently attacked, the beast must return to save her. Many see Bruce Maxwell as a beast, but to Nefertiti Townes, he is Prince Charming.After Nefertiti is released from the hospital, she goes to the one place she feels safe-Maxwell Manor. Being under the protection of the man she loves should be a dream come true for Nefertiti, but their personal demons strive for a nightmare. As Nefertiti and Bruce fight their attraction for each other, they discover there was nothing random about the attack on Nefertiti. Kindle Edition, Nook Edition, print edition from Amazon |
 |
When Sweetie (Monica Fuller) caught her fiancé in bed with another woman, she swore never to allow any man to get close enough to hurt her again Celibacy and her adult “toy Box” had suited her fine until Gabriel Windahl called her office. Sinfully seductive, his voice aroused needs in her that no toy could fill. Since he was thousands of miles away, she thought it was safe to indulge in late night calls that left her in a state of orgasmic euphoria. Then one morning he showed up in her office, and the real fun began.2008 Emma Award for Best Steamy Romance of the Year Winner. Kindle Edition, Nook Edition, Print edition Amazon |
 Book 1 of the Write Brothers Series |
Latifah Azimi discovered “too good to be true” literally meant “too good to be true” the hard way. Lesson learned, she swore never to make that mistake again. Then “all too right” Austin Write came along, tempting her to believe in love again.The impossible happened—control freak Austin Write lost control and fell in love. infortunately, the object of his affection has good cause to be leery of love and him. With love and affection, Austin plans to show Latifah what they can have isn’t too good to be true, but their dream come true.Purchase eBook from: Amazon, Barnes & Noble The print version is available as a double header with Santa’s Helper. |
 |
The publishing industry has shifted 180° in the decade I’ve worked in it as a developmental editor and author. The traditional route is no longer the only way to become a legitimate published author, and self publishing is no longer a dirty little secret. As an author, should you travel the traditional or self published route? Become A Successful Author does not tell you to pick one over the other or pit one against the other. Become A Successful Authorgives you steps to capitalize on the strengths of both to build a strong brand readers can’t get enough of.What is branding? How do you grow a large, loyal reader base? How do you break into traditional publishing? How do you publish your backlist? How do you format a book? How do you find your target audience? How do you market your books? It’s all in there and a whole lot more.With the advances in technology, anyone can be a published author, but not all authors are successful. Keep your focus: Increase quality, credibility and visibility of your brand.Become A Successful Author Table of ContentsPurchase the eBook from: Amazon (US), Amazon (UK), Barnes & Noble |
 Book 1 of the Series |
Children in Cuba are suffering an agonizing death. The cause, a toxin released by a terrorist organization hell bent on genocide. The scientific community is at a loss, and the Cuban government can no longer hide the truth from its citizens. Cuba’s only chance lies in the capable hands of a reclusive scientist from the country they believe is behind this terrorist attack, the United States of America. Roman “The Sandman ” Tate is the most sought after mercenary in the world. When he is ordered to protect scientist Jeanette “Black Widow ” Mason, he finds she is much more than scientific equations. The two join forces to create an antidote and stop those responsible for the mysterious illness before more children die and Cuba follows through on its promise to retaliate. Purchase the Print, Kindle or Nook version: Amazon, Barnes & Noble Purchase the Black Widow and the Sandman eSet today, which includes both dangerously-sexy suspense novels, and save $3. Now that’s a fantastic deal:Amazon, Barnes & Noble (ePub) |
 |
Two in one! The readers asked for Broken Promises and Diamond in the Rough to be available in print. I listened.Purchase this print title from Amazon, Barnes & Noble |
 |
Matilda King and Johnny Ray Sloan came from successful families, were highly intelligent and had the same interest, yet could barely stand to be in the same room. Something happened over the summer, and the two were faced with commonality neither could ignore. They both had abusive home lives, wanted a “real family,” and were highly attracted to the other. The teens gave into their feelings and fell in love—then the real problems began. Problems that followed them into adulthood.Purchase this eBook from Amazon |
 |
Jewel Swanson knows the music industry better than most. She won her first Grammy at the age ten. By the time she was twelve, she’d learned the darker side of the industry. The vain, shallow side that said she’d never fit the mold to be a true star. That she’d always be an ugly duckling.Record producer, Alex Deveraux, has been in love with Jewel since they were children and she went by the stage name Swansong. Alex understands Jewel’s apprehension with his industry, but won’t let it stop him. Will his love for her shine through the ugliness of the industry and capture her heart?Purchase this eBook from Amazon |
 |
To the outside world, the Reynolds family is picture perfect. In the Reynolds’ home, Jacob Reynolds, CFO of a major corporation, is experiencing a midlife crisis; Anna Lee Reynolds, happy home maker who isn’t too happy with her life choices, is slipping into menopause; and Junior, the sixteen-year-old son, is proving the terrible twos have nothing on the terrible teens.When Anna Lee decides to return to college, the family portrait is torn to shreds. Jacob wants a new and improved portrait with his entire family. Anna Lee insists it is time to take separate portraits. Junior begs for the old portrait to be refurbished. All three are hurting and unsure, and the changes in their lives have just begun. Purchase Picture Perfect (eNovel) Amazon, Barnes & Noble or the print version from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books |
 |
Aurora never fit in and preferred the fantasy world she created for a video game to her own. In her fantasy world she’d found love and acceptance. Then one day a goose spoke to her, and she knew she had spent too much time in her fantasy world. Though she knows she must be crazy, a longing to “return home” compels her to listen to the goose and open a portal to another realm. Now Aurora must work with the man of her dreams—a warrior she’d thought was a result of her vivid imagination—to save both realms.Tahlan is a warrior and warriors can’t fall in love. No matter how much he desires to make love to Aurora, no matter how much his heart tells him she’s the one, he can’t allow anyone to learn of his feelings for her. His love for her could lead to her death, and that’s the one pain he could not bear.Purchase this eBook from Amazon, Barnes & Noble |
 |
FREE READ (SHORT STORY) After escaping an abusive marriage, Saundra Write swore never to allow anyone to trap her again. Then comes along Jeremy King, the kind of man any woman would beg to be trapped in paradise with. I give this book away as a Free Read. You can download here. |
 |
FREE READ (SHORT STORIES) A short story collection that captures the essence of first love, love lost, love found and love’s passion… Stories range from highly erotic to sweet romance. I give this book away as a Free Read. You can download here. |
 |
Ebony Washington is about to finish graduate school and move her child out of the gang infested, drug ridden, west-side Chicago neighborhood they live in. She meets Richard Pacini on the elevated train, and they hit it off instantly: they have complementing goals and personalities, they have the same outlook on life, and they are attracted to each other. Ebony refuses to allow her meddling friends or the father of her child, Trae, to keep her from pursuing a relationship with Richard or leading her life as she sees fit.Richard is speeding along a career path most would envy, but he isn’t happy. He longs to have a loving family. When he meets Ebony on the train, he believes his prayers have been answered. Battling over his decisions with his mother is the norm for Richard. Dealing with people as manipulative as Trae is a whole new story. Richard knows Ebony is his angel, and no one will keep them apart. Purchase Ebony Angel (print title) |
 |
A tangled web—Ernesto Bolívar slept with the devil from time to time to obtain his position at the top of the business world. Now he must cover his tracks before his past catches up with him and he loses his most valuable possession—his daughter’s love.The DEA alleges Ernesto is the number two man in the largest drug cartel in the world, but Rosa Bolívar, Ernesto’s daughter, doesn’t believe it. Torn between loyalty and love, Rosa must weave through the tangled web to discover the truth—A truth that could lead to her murder. Purchase Caught Up (print title) |