Jane Buckley's Blog: Is Self-Publishing a failure?

Recently, I had the pleasure of picking the brains of Colin Bateman, one of Northern Ireland’s most successful and popular authors. Born and raised in Bangor, a seaside town in County Down, he worked as a journalist for several years before turning to fiction writing.

Bateman has written a diverse range of works, including crime fiction, black comedies, and young adult fiction. He is best known for his crime fiction series featuring the character of Dan Starkey; a journalist turned amateur detective. Bateman's novels are characterized by their sharp wit, dark humour, and intricate plotting. He has been awarded numerous literary awards, and his works have been adapted for television and radio – so you can imagine my excitement when he was willing to answer a few questions for me about independent publishing!

This will be particularly useful to those of you who, like me, believe in the story that you have to share and are navigating the fickle world of independent publishing…

What is your experience in dealing with agents and publishers?

“Most publishers only take books from agents. Agents are very hard to get. They get sent a lot of stuff and all you can do is keep plugging away! Hopefully, without sounding too glib, the secret to getting published is...there is no secret.  It's just a mixture of luck and talent and perseverance.  My first novel took three years to find a publisher.  My most recent two remain unpublished. You would think with so many novels - more than ever - being published it might be easier, but it just doesn't seem to be.”

How do you feel about self-publishing?

“I’ve done it.  Self-publishing in print is expensive. Self-publishing on Kindle etc. is free.  But you must put a lot of time into marketing yourself to make it worthwhile. That's not my strong point. Most publishers won't consider a book that's been out on Kindle.  But then again, most publishers will either pay you no advance, or a very small one because the days of big advances are gone. They also keep more than 90 per cent of what your book sells for - whereas with Kindle you keep nearly everything.”

Do you have any tips on time management?

“Well, it's my job, so I do it all day.  But the important thing for me is/was writing something every day because I'm basically lazy and need to get into a rhythm.   Even if it's only for twenty minutes.  Turn the TV off and write something.  It then builds up and gets its own momentum. Eventually, you get a book.”

I believe the story I'm telling might find more favour as a TV series, how realistic is this?

“I don't think you’d have much luck setting up a TV series from an unpublished novel - though I am currently trying exactly this.  It depends on what you love doing. If it's novels, stick to novels. If you want to have a crack at writing it as a screenplay, why not?  There are lots of screenplay formatting packages you can download, though the industry standard one is called Final Draft, which I use.”

I simply decided one day to write a book! How important is it to have had training or professional experience in writing to become successful? 

“It has nothing to do with training or experience. It's entirely to do with the quality of the book. That doesn't mean it has to be 'literature'.  Publishing is a business like any other - if they think there's money in it, they will go for it. It's all about sales.”

Jane Buckley

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Well, everyone, what an experience my writing journey has been so far. I've learned so much and have a strong suspicion there's much more, and it'll never stop - I feel like the new kid on the block!

There have been many highs and lows over the past two years. Highlights include opening that box and seeing Turmoil in print for the first time; then reading the positive and supportive reviews for not just Turmoil, but Darkness and now Light; it feels almost miraculous!

Other exciting moments have been winning an Indie Reader Award for fiction in the US, along with a 5* score and the Writers Digest's fantastic feedback and recommendations. Attending the Dingle Literature Festival in November this year, when talking about my writing and books, was one of my most enjoyable experiences so far. Listening to and meeting other Irish authors was such a learning curve, too - especially after COVID. You cannot beat being in front of an audience and meeting people face to face.

Unfortunately, there have been moments when I've fallen flat; apparently, it's part and parcel of the writing experience! For example, when you get a poor review, the printer who promises to deliver but doesn't, and contentious people. Nevertheless, my husband John has been by my side throughout these moments. Although he has been very poorly in 2022, he has not deterred me from continuing to write, and I couldn't have gone on without him.  

God works in mysterious ways; as part of the Stones Corner storyline, I talk about New York Policemen visiting Derry and eventually starting a project to help children travel to the States for holidays. A true story. Project Children originated in New York in 1975, led by NYPD Bomb Disposal expert Denis Mulcahy and his family. As a result, I have been asked to write a book around his story and the Project Children's story to support the "How to Defuse a Bomb" documentary by Alleycats Productions here in Derry. It's the 50th Anniversary of Project Children in 2025, and we plan to launch the book in commemoration of their fantastic work. It's hard to believe that American families hosted over 23,000+ children! I can't wait to begin, but don't worry, I've already started on Stones Corner: Hope! Unbelievably, I know how it ends, but I have no idea how I'll get there! :)

I'm so looking forward to 2023. I've made fantastic new friends through writing, and I aim to raise awareness of my books as much as possible. Once I finish Hope, I will approach some agents and publishers. Finding an agent/publisher is a long, time-consuming, drawn-out process, and I wanted to finish the series first. As an indie author, it's challenging to get your work into major bookstores, especially in Ireland or enter awards like An post or Costa, as most will only accept published authors. For any writer, the power of representation can make a world of difference.

Ultimately, I sincerely thank you for buying, reading and reviewing my work. You've made it so worthwhile! 

Thank you to John, you know why, Cassie, my daughter, for her fantastic marketing skills and love. Jenni at Little Acorns Bookstore for her never-ending advice and support. Dingle Literature Festival for inviting me to speak at my very first literature festival. Finally, Orla Kelly, Lyn Curtis, Dr Michael Chambers and Derek Young for your continued trust in me.

So bring on 2023! Have a wonderful New Year, everyone, and keep the faith.

Hugs

J x

Jane Buckley

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Well, everyone, what an experience my writing journey has been so far. I've learned so much and have a strong suspicion there's much more, and it'll never stop - I feel like the new kid on the block!

There have been many highs and lows over the past two years. Highlights include opening that box and seeing Turmoil in print for the first time; then reading the positive and supportive reviews for not just Turmoil, but Darkness and now Light; it feels almost miraculous!

Other exciting moments have been winning an Indie Reader Award for fiction in the US, along with a 5* score and the Writers Digest's fantastic feedback and recommendations. Attending the Dingle Literature Festival in November this year, when talking about my writing and books, was one of my most enjoyable experiences so far. Listening to and meeting other Irish authors was such a learning curve, too - especially after COVID. You cannot beat being in front of an audience and meeting people face to face.

Unfortunately, there have been moments when I've fallen flat; apparently, it's part and parcel of the writing experience! For example, when you get a poor review, the printer who promises to deliver but doesn't, and contentious people. Nevertheless, my husband John has been by my side throughout these moments. Although he has been very poorly in 2022, he has not deterred me from continuing to write, and I couldn't have gone on without him.  

God works in mysterious ways; as part of the Stones Corner storyline, I talk about New York Policemen visiting Derry and eventually starting a project to help children travel to the States for holidays. A true story. Project Children originated in New York in 1975, led by NYPD Bomb Disposal expert Denis Mulcahy and his family. As a result, I have been asked to write a book around his story and the Project Children's story to support the "How to Defuse a Bomb" documentary by Alleycats Productions here in Derry. It's the 50th Anniversary of Project Children in 2025, and we plan to launch the book in commemoration of their fantastic work. It's hard to believe that American families hosted over 23,000+ children! I can't wait to begin, but don't worry, I've already started on Stones Corner: Hope! Unbelievably, I know how it ends, but I have no idea how I'll get there! :)

I'm so looking forward to 2023. I've made fantastic new friends through writing, and I aim to raise awareness of my books as much as possible. Once I finish Hope, I will approach some agents and publishers. Finding an agent/publisher is a long, time-consuming, drawn-out process, and I wanted to finish the series first. As an indie author, it's challenging to get your work into major bookstores, especially in Ireland or enter awards like An post or Costa, as most will only accept published authors. For any writer, the power of representation can make a world of difference.

Ultimately, I sincerely thank you for buying, reading and reviewing my work. You've made it so worthwhile! 

Thank you to John, you know why, Cassie, my daughter, for her fantastic marketing skills and love. Jenni at Little Acorns Bookstore for her never-ending advice and support. Dingle Literature Festival for inviting me to speak at my very first literature festival. Finally, Orla Kelly, Lyn Curtis, Dr Michael Chambers and Derek Young for your continued trust in me.

So bring on 2023! Have a wonderful New Year, everyone, and keep the faith.

Hugs

J x

Jane Buckley

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Hi everyone!

I've been training hard, and my goodness, it hurts! Yes, I've even given up wine, so the last few weeks have been particularly productive, and I feel better already! I also believe it's helped my writing as I'm sleeping better. The jeans are marginally looser, making me feel chuffed with myself.

It's been a funny old time since the Queen's death. I'm not a Royalist, but I respected the woman who worked tirelessly throughout her life. I keep hearing the word "constant" used to describe her, and I can understand why. "Constant" has become essential to many of us because our lives have changed beyond recognition from the early 70s. To name but a few transformations, we now have laptops, the world wide web, iPods, iPad, TV streaming channels, mobile phones, working from home etc. We always had some form of stability when we saw the Queen getting on with what she did. The future will tell all under King Charles III - we shall see.

Meet & Greet

Alongside finishing the edits for Light V3, I've been doing my best to get as many copies of Turmoil into the world through marketing, advertising and, frankly, tormenting people. For me, Facebook and Instagram have proven fantastic ways of raising awareness of the books. Still, as an ex-sales woman, I believe it's better to just get out there, meet people and talk about your product, namely, my books.

To do this, I'll be outside the Visit Derry Centre in the Guildhall Square on Saturday 8th, October, from 1.00 pm. Weather permitting, to meet and greet all you book lovers, hand out some flyers, and I hate to say it, but Christmas is coming! I’ve got quite a few other events coming up that you might be interested in… click the button below to have a look!

I thought you might be interested in hearing the demographics of the readers who have bought my books so far. My original vision for writing the series was to help the younger generation understand living in Derry during the Troubles. What I find fascinating is that I was wrong! My target audience is not buying my books, but their mammies, daddies, grannies and grandas are!

Why?  I hear you ask. Well, it appears that although the violence of the Troubles is and will never be forgotten, it's the simple things in 1972's Turmoil that the more mature of us enjoy most. Quirky things like gas and electric metres running out! Making your own clothes, the togetherness of the women linking arms as they go to work at the factory, the descriptive clothes, the music and the everyday living of growing up in the early '70s in Derry.

Another surprising discovery is that I've hit the 55-45% mark between women and men buying the books. These statistics tell me the series is an all-rounder that appeals to all, which is fantastic, considering women are much more avid readers than men! My biggest market is the UK (not surprisingly), Ireland, New Zealand and the US!

Wherever you are, whatever age or gender, I just wanted again to thank you for your ongoing support! 

JB

Ps. If you've lent the book to a family member or friend, can you nag them to do a review! :)

Jane Buckley

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Hi everyone!

I've been training hard, and my goodness, it hurts! Yes, I've even given up wine, so the last few weeks have been particularly productive, and I feel better already! I also believe it's helped my writing as I'm sleeping better. The jeans are marginally looser, making me feel chuffed with myself.

It's been a funny old time since the Queen's death. I'm not a Royalist, but I respected the woman who worked tirelessly throughout her life. I keep hearing the word "constant" used to describe her, and I can understand why. "Constant" has become essential to many of us because our lives have changed beyond recognition from the early 70s. To name but a few transformations, we now have laptops, the world wide web, iPods, iPad, TV streaming channels, mobile phones, working from home etc. We always had some form of stability when we saw the Queen getting on with what she did. The future will tell all under King Charles II - we shall see.

Meet & Greet

Alongside finishing the edits for Light V3, I've been doing my best to get as many copies of Turmoil into the world through marketing, advertising and, frankly, tormenting people. For me, Facebook and Instagram have proven fantastic ways of raising awareness of the books. Still, as an ex-sales woman, I believe it's better to just get out there, meet people and talk about your product, namely, my books.

To do this, I'll be outside the Visit Derry Centre in the Guildhall Square on Saturday 8th, October, from 1.00 pm. Weather permitting, to meet and greet all you book lovers, hand out some flyers, and I hate to say it, but Christmas is coming! Maybe I'll give out some free copies of Turmoil in the hope of getting more reviews, so come see me. I'm still far off the 100 review mark for Turmoil on Goodreads, but I have a cracking rate at 4.68 out of 5, and I'm desperate to get a century before the end of the year!

So how can you help? Have you left a review for any of my books yet? Many have read Turmoil and left reviews, but sadly many have read Darkness but haven't. So I'm calling on you all. Please, leave a review. They're so important, especially to a Derry girl who’s an independent author. Who is keen to sell her books and wants to encourage every reader in Derry to enjoy them!

Reader Demographics

I thought you might be interested in hearing the demographics of the readers who have bought my books so far. My original vision for writing the series was to help the younger generation understand living in Derry during the Troubles. What I find fascinating is that I was wrong! My target audience is not buying my books, but their mammies, daddies, grannies and grandas are!

Why?  I hear you ask. Well, it appears that although the violence of the Troubles is and will never be forgotten, it's the simple things in 1972's Turmoil that the more mature of us enjoy most. Quirky things like gas and electric metres running out! Making your own clothes, the togetherness of the women linking arms as they go to work at the factory, the descriptive clothes, the music and the everyday living of growing up in the early '70s in Derry.

Another surprising discovery is that I've hit the 55-45% mark between women and men buying the books. These statistics tell me the series is an all-rounder that appeals to all, which is fantastic, considering women are much more avid readers than men! My biggest market is the UK (not surprisingly), Ireland, New Zealand and the US!

Wherever you are, whatever age or gender, I just wanted again to thank you for your ongoing support! 

JB

Ps. If you've lent the book to a family member or friend, can you nag them to do a review! :)

Hello gang :)

It’s been a wee while since I’ve written a blog! I’ve been so busy finishing off Stones Corner: Light, and I’ll admit, I needed a bit of time away from the laptop. But I’m back now to yell far and wide about the Stones Corner Series and keep you all up to date with how my journey as a self-publishing author is going. First up, I wanted to share a little snippet of an interview I had with a London friend…

As part of my research, I’ve looked at various London events in the early 1970/’80s. I’ve also tried to harness as many different views from people across England/Ireland as I can to ensure the Stones Corner series is as balanced and well-rounded as possible. 

This particular friend had parents who were born in Ireland but spent most of their childhood in London. I wanted to understand their perspective on how they felt living in London and being Irish during this time.  

“I was ashamed and didn’t discuss politics or the media news about what was happening in Northern Ireland.   No one cared until the bombings in London and elsewhere in the UK started. It was too close to home.” 

When asked about what was going on in Ireland, I found it very difficult to answer. Any coverage of events in the North seemed to concentrate on events and actions caused by the IRA. I was ashamed to be Irish, and the reason for this was that I could never find logic in the media to justify events going on there. It was all very negative with very little information that I subsequently learnt about atrocities on both sides of the divide.”  

Such a strong statement “I was ashamed.” I will share more of this interview at a later date once I have collected a few others. These conversations are always fascinating and often heart-breaking to see how in one way or another, we were all so profoundly affected by what happened here during The Troubles.

Life Update

I’ll admit, it’s been a tough year for me with serious illness in the family and having COVID myself a month or so back. I still feel knocked for six. I’ve done nothing but sleep and eat, and now that it’s September with the transition from Summer (what summer, here in the North West anyway?) to Autumn, I’ve decided to go through a change too. 

I dearly hope to visit Auckland to see my grandchildren and family for Christmas, along with a book launch at the Auckland Irish Society in late January 2023 and several other venues, including Christchurch, NZ. As part of this trip, I’ve made a personal pact to do the following and be ready for the beach – no holiday for three years! 

Give up the vino (I mean it this time!)

Enter a 10km race

There are so many more I’d like to do, but in the past, I’ve always set my goals way too high and failed – miserably!   

Stones Corner, Light V3 is due back from my editor the week after next, and I admit we’re running a wee bit behind in its launch, so it’ll likely be the end of October, if not sooner, that it’ll be released, so please bear with me. I want it out there as quickly as possible, but like my mother says, “If you’re going to do something, do it right!”  

I hope you’re all keeping well. Thank you, as ever, for your ongoing support.

A few weeks ago, at a very lively Foyle Women’s Information Network Facebook Q&A session, I was asked, “what’s the most difficult thing you found when writing?”  Instinctively and without thinking, I answered, “the naughty bits!”  I’ll say no more other than when writing a few sexy scenes, I’d continually blush and panic, thinking, “me, mammy’s going to read this!” 

But on a serious note, there really were some moments that I found extremely hard when writing.  My research was particularly difficult as I’d sit and watch hours and hours of newsreels and YouTube documentaries about The Troubles.  The carnage and atrocities I learned about, I’ll never forget.  I’d listen to interviews with victims on both sides of the divide and read book after book – some of which gave me nightmares.   I was almost ashamed but astounded at how little I genuinely knew - yet I grew up in the heart of it all.  The Troubles affected everyone in the North in so many different ways and at so many different levels.  

There were times when I felt anger and frustration too.  However, I held back, knowing it was imperative to remain objective when writing Turmoil.  In writing Darkness, I’ve found exactly the same issues.  There’s no doubt I’ve hardened, albeit some of the scenes in Darkness brought me to tears too. 

The CAIN archive (Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland) proved invaluable as part of my research.  The site is a haven of information, including its surreal photographs.  If you’ve never taken the time to browse it, do.  I highly recommend it and guarantee you won’t be disappointed!  

Given what I discovered during my research and my emotional journey, it’s made me even more determined to complete the Stones Corner series, publish it and make it a success.

It’s almost ironic, therefore, with what’s happening in our cities at this time, that the sole purpose of writing the Stones Corner series was to educate our youth and others.  Some who have read it lived through The Troubles and recognise so much.  I’ve tried to write a clear-cut story of what it was like to live through the thirty-year atrocities that were The Troubles.  I want them to learn and recognise it must never happen again.  However, tragically today, we see 12-year-olds rioting on their very own doorsteps.

In my mindset, I couldn’t imagine a teenager seeking out and reading the numerous political and historical books and papers written and centred around the war in Northern Ireland.  As such, I thought I’d write a “factional” thriller that would be both exciting and gripping.  A good, solid story with all the necessary ingredients to attract attention and interest.

As a writer, I wanted those who live outside the North of Ireland as well to understand our history and recognise that bitterness still exists here.  Of course, it’s not everyone, thank goodness.  But still, there are those few who just aren’t prepared to look to the future.  Sadly, in our Province, our peace remains extremely brittle.  These naïve youngsters are rioting on their own streets, destroying their own communities, and terrorising their own people, and we should see this as a warning.  Beware.  They’re being led on by criminal gangs that no longer have the control they once had.  They’re being led on by politicians who are determined and angry at the British Government over the Protocol - a result of Brexit that some voted for.

For our beautiful country to find real and lasting peace, we must continue to seek ways of wiping out the segregation that exists to this very day.  It’s apparent through our education, housing and even up to our language and sport that we must break these barriers down.  It breaks my heart.  Let’s move on.

Haven’t you had enough? 

And on that rather depressing note, I’m away to try and colour my 3” roots myself.  Why? “Because I’m worth it!”

Jx

Jane Buckley

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I can't be the only one...can I?  

I've found the past few months tough for various reasons, but in particular, all my life, I've been one of those individuals who strive to finish what I've started.

Forget COVID; this isn't about COVID; it's about a fifty-five-year-old woman with insecurities. "Am I too fat? Does this suit me?  Am I too old?  I need to do this and this by such and such a date, and if I don't, I'm a failure! No one's bought my book today – they must hate it!"  And on and on! 

I can't be the only one with a nagging devil on her shoulder?  The little critter who never stops finding fault with you, putting pressure on you, ALL the time. Mine questions me repeatedly, why I haven't done this or that? And if not, why not! His grating, negative voice never stops.

It’s taken me some time to accept that nothing happens fast in the writing world, added with my imagination as a writer and my sales and marketing background, this world drives me crazy! I want everything done and dusted by yesterday! (I need to pay back my loan!) LOL 

So, what's the point of this vomiting rant? The point is I need to slow down to enjoy my writing; forget about marketing and promoting the books, it can wait, and I need to swipe that badgering devil off my shoulder! 

It all came to light when my husband and partner of thirty plus years gave me a piece of paper recently that read...

"Slow me down, Lord, ease the pounding of my heart.

Quieten my racing heart, steady my hurried steps

Amidst the confusion of my days

Give me the calmness of the everlasting hills

Help me to know the magical restoring power of sleep

Teach me the art of taking time off

Of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend

To read a few lines from a good book

Remind me each day that there is more to life than

increasing its speed

Let me look upwards into the branches of a towering oak,

And know it grew great and strong

because it grew slowly and well

Slow me down, Lord,

Teach me to be gentle and humble of heart

So that I may find rest for my soul. 

Anon.

I suppose he was trying to tell me something! This prayer now sits on my desk, and I try to read it every day. Why not print it off and do the same? I/we all need to slow down, take stock of our lovely world and be kind to ourselves.

Phew, I feel better for that already!

Thank you, as always, for all your support and the amazing reviews; you'll never know how much it means to me.

Jx

This past year, I’ve spent hours and hours marketing Stones Corner, Turmoil.  It must be said there’ve been days when I’ve opened my email with eyes full of hope, eager for any response from the numerous news agencies, magazines, radio stations, book distributors, authors, you name it, I’ve contacted in the hope of recognition or promotion!  It has to be said that – at times – it’s sooooo depressing, BUT once in a while, I get a positive response and that warm gooey feeling sets me off for the day! 

In between all this, I’ve been reading so many marketing and sales books.  My God, there’s so much information out there – it’s mind-blowing!  And me being me, I find myself lying awake at night thinking, “How do I know if my book is a success?  How many books do I have to sell?  What else can I do?”  In the end, I found I was driving myself (and my husband) crazy!  With so much advice, it was getting too much, so I made a decision.

I decided to step back for a moment and re-think my whole approach to marketing and promoting.  And so, rather than send numerous emails to Tom, Dick and Harry, I’d focus on the core but fundamental rules.  I’m told one of the most important steps in promoting a book - and I know I’ve had you all tortured in asking you to do it - is to get reviews.  Reviews are extremely important, but I’ve come to the conclusion that “word of mouth” matters as much.   How many of us have asked family or friends, “Did you see such and such on Netflix?”  Do we read reviews on Netflix?  Not always, but we listen in anticipation when someone tells us excitedly to watch something.  It’s the same with book buyers!  The experts predict (and of course, they must be right!) that out of every 100 readers of my book, I’d be lucky to get between 5-10 reviews :( So everyone, my point - spread the word about Turmoil AND, if you feel like it, make my day and do a review! 

The SC Turmoil e-book is now waiting and ready to purchase on numerous online platforms including, Good Reads, Bookbub, Booksprout, Amazon and many more.  Given I’ve self-published, it’s proving almost impossible to get onto the “biggie” on and off-line distributors like Gardners that’ll allow me to sell to local and national chain bookshops.

As a result you can only buy a paperback copy of Turmoil and pre-order Darkness (by the way this is coming along nicely!) on my website.

And finally…

I’ve tried to tidy my desk up this week, and from the image here, you can see I’ve failed miserably :( Another task to add to my unending “To Do” list.  This is where it all happens, this is where the next book begins very soon, Stones Corner, Light. 

All day, I’ve been printing off the labels and preparing packages of Stones Corner: Turmoil, ready to fulfil my outstanding orders and my goodness, I’m on a high! 

I can only thank you for reading my book, signing up for my newsletter, reading my blog, buying Turmoil and for your continual support.  I don’t say thank you because I can; I say it because I mean it - I couldn’t have gotten this far without you.

Have a peaceful weekend, everyone, and a Happy New Year!

J.

Jane Buckley

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Well, what a week! Last Friday, I launched the second in the Stones Corner Series Darkness and what a day that was! The event at the Verbal Arts Centre started at 7.00 pm, and all afternoon we were getting the room prepared meanwhile waiting for the books to turn up! It was a last-minute rush, and they were literally "hot off the press!" I was thrilled at how many people turned up and, more importantly, delighted we all had so much fun too, so much so, we overran and moved onto the Bishopsgate Hotel! Sometimes a thank you doesn't seem enough, but I tell you now I mean it every time I say it; thank you to everyone who came out and supported me. If you didn’t manage to make it, you can view our speeches and readings here.

Since Friday, I've had an awful head cold, and yes, I've done the test, and no, it's not COVID - thank goodness! It's funny, though, whilst in a garage early one morning this week all masked up, I took a fit of coughing, and you should have seen the expression on the poor girl's face behind the counter - she was terrified! Remember everyone, people do get the usual colds and flu at this time of year, especially since the temperature seems to have suddenly dropped and the nights have become darker, quicker. :)

Next week, I'll be walking the streets of Dublin with me books in me hand, cold-calling bookshops. I've had an okay response getting books into some shops in Dublin, but a lot have flatly refused - self-publishing does have a stigma.   

In talking to other Irish self-publishing authors, we're all experiencing the same thing. We're frustrated when we submit to the big four publishing houses, namely Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster & Hachette Book Group, and they make it impossible for upcoming writers or poets to get published. It appears they concentrate purely on established writers and pay little or no attention to new work.  

Other vanity publishing houses give you that moment of hope and accept your work, and then after the sheer of believing you've found a publisher, they tell you what they're going to charge you! It's heart-breaking because most self-doubting writers (like me!) would die for a traditional publishing deal; it's the icing on the cake, the dot on the 'i', the cross on the 't', it reassures you that your writing is worthwhile, and not crap! Yes, I do have many doubts, no matter how many tell me otherwise :) 

This dilemma is where I need your help. It's simple. I don't have a huge marketing budget like a traditional publisher; I don't have the radio or TV stations contacts to get interviewed. I don't have connections at the national or international newspapers. However, what I do have is you!   

The only way I will get my books out into the big world is by you sharing my blogs, videos, messages, images and promoting my work and not just sharing but encouraging your friends to share and promote my books, creating a giant snowball! Can you do that for me? Can you help me make my books a real success and prove to the big four - we don't need you!

Phew, I feel so much better now, getting that off my chest!

Have a lovely weekend!

Hugs. Jx