Thursday, April 2, 2015

Chat with 2015 Conference Presenter Abel Keogh

Sweat Hard, Feel the Burn, Win the Race Indie Writing and Publishing Conference brings to you the first in a series of interviews with our expert presenters who will help you cross that finish line. Today we're chatting with bestselling marketing guru Abel Keogh.

 

Sign up here to attend the conference.




Q: What is your profession and how are you connected to the writing.
A: I’m a recovering technical writer who abandoned that profession for the fun-filled world of corporate marketing. During that time I’ve found the time to write and publish 7 books—2 novels, 4 relationship guides, and 1 memoir. More books are on their way.
 
Q: How did you get started?
A: I started writing in the days when even though email was widely available most literary agents took submissions via the US Postal Service. After publishing my first two books traditionally, I realized I could reach my target audience better than publishers so I turned down a publishing contract for my third book and never looked back. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Q: What subject will you be teaching at the Indie Author Hub Writing and Publishing Conference?

A: The 5 Best Ways to Market Your Books.

 

Q: What is your expertise for this subject?
A: I’ve spent the last 15 years in various corporate marketing departments doing everything from copywriting, campaign creation, email marketing, and project management. Currently I work in Marketing Operations where I segment prospects and clients based on their behavior in order to market to them better.

Q: Why is this important for indie authors to know?
A: Most authors don’t understand marketing. As a result there’s a herd mentality out there when it comes to marketing. One author has success in something and everyone does it. However, what works for one author may not work for another. Marketing strategies should be based on the book’s genre and the audience you’re trying to reach. My class is designed to help them think about who their marketing their books to and the best way to reach their target audience.

Q: What is your top writing-related goal for 2015?
A: I’ve published one novel already this year and my goal is to have two more about before 2016. If that doesn’t kill me, my goal is to write three more books the year after that.

Q: How will attending the conference help you to reach that goal? And/or why do you feel it’s beneficial for indie writers to attend conferences.
A: Conferences are a good way to motivate yourself to finish that book. Most importantly it’s a great way to get some face-to-face time with published authors who write in your genre and pick their brains.
 
Q: What best advice do you have for beginning indie authors?
A: Finish your book. No one is going to read it or care about it until it’s available for the public to read. 

We hope to see you all at the IAH Writing and Publishing Conference in

 

June! Oh, and don't forget the indie author cover contest Win up to $75 PLUS receive feedback from four professional cover designers on all submitted entries. Enter the IndieReveAwards book cover contest!!!

 

 

No comments: