When I arrived at the first indie author conference on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, I did not expect to meet a bunch of authors in a pub, drinking and laughing with the top talent our industry has to offer. But isn’t that the secret of the indie movement’s success? Where else would you be able to rub shoulders and exchange tips and tricks of the trade than at these brilliant smaller conferences?  

The Irish Wild Atlantic Indie Author Conference, held at the Inn at Dromoland in County Clare, Ireland, March 18–20, was an experience unlike any other. Starting with an informal mixer on the first evening and over the following two days, an estimated one hundred fifty attendees, ranging from first-time authors to six-figure veterans, came together in an intimate setting to share knowledge, insights, and, of course, a few pints.  

A Conference with a Personal Touch

From the moment I walked into the venue, the energy at “Ireland’s Publishing Show” differed from larger events. There was no sense of being lost in a crowd and no need to chase down speakers for a rushed conversation. Here, you could sit at a table with authors like Celeste Barclay, Sarah Noffke, or Steve Higgs and have real discussions about what’s working in publishing right now.  

At one point, I chatted with Paddy Finn, who shared his experience of launching books through Kickstarter before putting them on Amazon. It was a lightbulb moment: Why wait for royalty payments when you can engage your audience upfront? Suzie K. Quinn also offered valuable insights into the British book market and how authors should be ready to pivot their business strategies when industry changes demand it. These weren’t just casual conversations; they were career-shaping discussions.  

Of course, the event wasn’t without its quirks. Siobhan Purcell, the organizer, found herself in an ongoing battle with a faulty microphone. Every time she spoke, the tech gremlins struck, turning it into an unintentional running joke. By the end of the conference, it felt like a new tradition: Purcell taking the stage, the mic cutting out, the audience laughing, and the presentations rolling on with good humor.  

Panels, Workshops, and Industry-Shifting Insights

Twenty-two presentations, two panel discussions, and one workshop took place in both the main room and a smaller breakout room across the two days. The organizers recorded all sessions, and attendees had immediate access to any events they missed via a dedicated Facebook page. 

The speaker lineup was impressive, with inspiring presentations that offered practical takeaways. Tony Lee’s keynote was a standout, particularly for his advice on perfectionism. “Published is better than perfect,” he told attendees. It was a simple but powerful reminder that endless tinkering won’t make a book a bestseller; publishing it will.  

In his second speech, Lee dove deep into productivity strategies. He runs his entire business through Notion, dictating voice notes to maximize efficiency. I jokingly offered him money for his templates—he declined, but I’m still holding out hope. 

One of the biggest surprises came from Steven Aitchison, who stepped in at the last minute to fill a canceled slot. He broke down how he made six figures from a single Facebook video, proving that authors need to think outside the box. A.P. Beswick, on the other hand, demonstrated how TikTok had leveled up his author career. Short-form video isn’t only for influencers; it’s a powerful tool for selling books.  

Of course, no modern publishing conference would be complete without a discussion on AI. Although the topic didn’t dominate the event, discussions made it clear the industry is still navigating how to incorporate AI into writing and marketing. A more pressing concern was the perceived decline in Kindle Unlimited sales, which seemed to affect multiple authors. The consensus? It’s time to rethink our reliance on Amazon and explore other revenue streams, whether through direct sales, Kickstarter, or a wide publishing strategy.  

The Perfect Irish Setting 

One of the conference’s best features was its location. Dromoland is just a short drive from Shannon Airport, making travel easy for international attendees. And though we were here to talk books, it didn’t hurt that County Clare is home to some of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher and the UNESCO-listed Burren Geopark.  

The venue itself, the Inn at Dromoland, was excellent. The service was outstanding, and the three-course dinner on the first conference evening, included in the attendance fee, was a pleasant surprise, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with special diets. Unlike some conferences where you have to fend for yourself when it comes to meals, here, everything was organized down to the last detail; breakfast was not included, but lunches and even tea and coffee with biscuits were.

Networking That Actually Matters 

One of the biggest advantages of smaller conferences is the ability to build relationships. Many attendees had met at previous events, and you could see new friendships and collaborations forming in real time at the conference. Whether it was in the hallways, at the bar, or even in the bathroom line, people were swapping insights and offering advice. At larger conferences, you often leave with notes but no real connections. Here, I left knowing that I had new contacts I could reach out to not just for advice but also for potential future collaborations.  

Biggest Lessons and Key Takeaways

By the end of the event, a few major lessons stood out:  

• A three-star book is a finished book. Many authors spend too much time chasing five-star perfection. The Great Gatsby averages 3.83 stars. If it’s good enough for F. Scott Fitzgerald, it’s good enough for us.  
• Amazon isn’t the only path to success. With Kindle Unlimited sales dropping, more authors are exploring Kickstarter, direct sales, and wide distribution.  
• Social media is still a gold mine if you use it right. TikTok and Facebook videos continue to generate massive income for indie authors who leverage them effectively.  

By the time I had packed up and left, I had zero regrets, except for one. I had booked a nearby B&B instead of a room at the conference hotel, which meant missing out on late-night networking at the bar. Next year, I’ll make sure I’m staying on site because that’s where some of the best conversations happen.  

Speaking of next year, this conference is now a permanent fixture on my author event calendar. The next “Ireland’s Publishing Show on the Wild Atlantic Way” will take place March 17–19, 2026. March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, so expect even more fun in the pub the night before the event kicks off. Tickets are available on the website: https://irelandspublishingshow.com/collections/tickets.

If you’re an indie author, whether starting out or well established in your genre, you need to get yourself to one of these author events. You won’t just leave with new knowledge. You’ll leave with new friends, new strategies, and possibly a new direction for your career. 

Marion Hermannsen