My first novel, Stones Corner: Turmoil, was published in February 2021. Since then, I have continually promoted it, and the next book in the tetralogy, Darkness, is scheduled for publication in September. Volumes 3 and 4, Light and Hope, will follow in 2022/23. 

I'm an indie author for many reasons, primarily because most publishing houses were clear at the point of contact; they wouldn't touch the subject matter, Northern Ireland and "The Troubles." Because of this, I went out on my own and published it using Orla Kelly, which proved invaluable.

Buy The Book.ie has also proved a fantastic partner in offering me the opportunity to sell Turmoil and learn tricks of the trade from other indie authors. This platform allows us to share experiences and, overall, reassures me I'm not on my own! These authors, too, face the same frustrations of promoting their work and enticing readers to buy.

What I've learned hard and fast is that nothing happens quickly in the book world. It can sometimes take weeks, if not months, for media, bookshops, bloggers to respond to requests for help. 

Therefore, I wanted to share my experiences so far with Irish indie bookshops, whom I have always supported and, being frank, had hoped they'd help me. Sadly, this sales channel has proven to be futile. I’d assumed they would warmly welcome any indie author.  

For example, I recently contacted the top 35 indie bookshops in Ireland (as listed in the Irish Times, December 2018), requesting them to place my novel in their shops. Only two responded even though I asked them to "just let me know either way if you're interested or not…."

My local indie bookshop in and around Derry, the fabulous, Little Acorns Bookstore and The Bookmark.ie Letterkenny welcomed my book and proved themselves to be self-governing from the leading book wholesalers in Ireland, Gill Books and Argosy. A representative from Gill was sincere and took the time to call me to explain they were not accepting any debut publications and gave me some sound advice. Argosy said something along the same lines.

My point is, to all those independent bookstores, how many of you are truly independent? It seems not many, from my walk-ins and phone calls since your till systems are dependent on Gill or Argosy or both. Unless a reader can order Turmoil from these wholesalers, you can't offer my book or any other work from an indie author.  

What price now is "independence ", and what am I to do to reach new readers?  Answers on a postcard please to hello@janebuckleywrites.co.uk.