Books: Indie authors of Ireland unite and produce charity collection

Writing is generally a solitary pursuit, especially for those who choose to self-publish.

The months, often years, of crafting an idea, putting pen to paper and completing their work, are followed by proof-reading, editing, typesetting, designing a cover, printing, marketing and ultimately, hopefully, selling the finished book.

A daunting task indeed for a writer, particularly when undertaken on their own.

Navigating the world of self-publishing by herself is what first gave Beara-based author Claire O’Connor the idea for Indie Authors Ireland, a group for writers across the country who are self-published, published with small, independent houses, or looking to pursue the independent publishing route.

The group is hugely active and has recently launched its first anthology, called Rewind, in aid of the autism charity AsIAm.

Claire - whose work includes the first two books of a thriller trilogy, Over The Wall - was drawn to self-publishing due to the creative freedom it provides.

“I personally like the lack of gate-keeping”, she says, comparing self-publishing to the arduous journey of traditional publishing.

“An artist doesn’t have to go through this long procedure that stunts your creativity to get an oil painting out there.”

Claire set up Indie Authors Ireland with a friend in August, 2023. She had been living in the UK, where she was involved with various writers’ groups in person and online, but upon returning to Ireland she discovered there was nothing similar for self-published authors here.

“The idea behind it was just to share knowledge and to support each other,” explains Claire. “So, we set up a Facebook group and we’re quite strict about who comes in. You have to answer three questions and agree to the group’s rules”.

The group quickly grew in numbers, now boasting 211 and counting. Of those, “at least half of them are active”, says Claire. “It’s turned into a really warm community and grown from strength to strength.”

Members can use the Facebook group to share tips and tricks from the world of self-publishing, find out about upcoming events and simply vent about the ups and downs of writing. “We’re not harsh”, says Claire of the group’s outlook. “It’s very open. It’s more about our creativity as well as the technical elements (of writing and publishing)”.

Members have now pooled this shared creativity to publish their anthology, Rewind. Released at the start of June, the collection of short stories, poems and essays is for sale on Amazon and will also be available to borrow from a number of libraries across the country.

Undertaking this project was no small feat, with Claire leading a subgroup of Indie Authors Ireland members over the past year to commission work, edit submissions, and prepare the text for publication.

Rewind features work from 50 writers - nine of whom are from Cork - all on the theme of ‘memories’. From science fiction stories to real-life anecdotes and poetry, this eclectic anthology has something for everyone.

Cork-based author Eamon O’Leary is a member of Indie Authors Ireland and has written a story, entitled Granted, for the anthology. A tale of young newlyweds set in the 1980s recession, the story is narrated from the perspective of the groom’s mother-in-law and takes a darkly comic tone, like most of Eamon’s work. He published his memoir, I’m A Big Boy Now, through a small independent publisher late last year.

Indie Authors Ireland has been a huge font of knowledge for Eamon as he has embarked on his publishing journey.

He would encourage any writers considering self-publishing to join the group: 

“Share your experiences, share your concerns. There are loads of like-minded people out there.”

There is loads of support, too. “You can bang anything up in the group, and there’s help readily available”, says Eamon. From questions about writing itself, to more logistical queries about self-publishing or working with small independent press, “a problem shared is a problem halved” at Indie Authors Ireland.

Eamon greatly enjoyed the experience of contributing to the Rewind anthology, commending Claire and her small team for their professionalism from start to finish.

All proceeds from the sale of the book are going to AsIAm, whose CEO Adam Harris has written a foreword. AsIAm provides advice, information and resources about autism for individuals and communities across Ireland.

The group chose the charity as its beneficiary through a democratic vote, with Claire explaining that many members either have a family member with neurodivergance or are on the autism spectrum themselves. One such member, Róisín Coyne - a young self-published author with autism - has written a preface for the anthology.

The publication of Rewind has already seen a boost in membership queries for Indie Authors Ireland.

While Claire celebrates its publication, she is already moving onto the group’s next venture - an event for writers in September which will include a panel discussion and talks by Laurence O’Bryan, of the Dublin Writers Festival, and editor Eamon Ó Cléirigh, who edited Rewind.

Plans are also afoot to raise funds for a special hardback edition of the anthology. It’s set to be a busy year ahead for Irish self-publishing!

What advice would Claire offer to any writer thinking of pursuing the self-publishing route?

“Don’t be scared. Find your community. Don’t sit in your house alone, worrying about it - find your community, share your problems. You’ll gain so much knowledge.”

And ultimately, Claire adds, “just go for it. Go for your dream. It’s possible”.

Rewind: A collection by Indie Authors Ireland, is available to purchase on Amazon (paperback and Kindle editions).