The Society of Young Publishers present Demystifying Independent Publishing

Are you an aspiring publisher interested in working for an independent press or journal in Ireland? Are you an author who would like to publish their next project independently, and are curious as to how it differs from the more traditional format?

Join us at our event ‘Demystifying Independent Publishing’ at the Irish Writers Centre, and gain invaluable insights from independent publishers and authors publishing high-quality literature in Ireland today.

This event is designed for budding authors and publishers who are interested in learning more about the indie publishing landscape, and the opportunities that exist within it to produce exceptional literature. We’ve assembled a panel of industry experts to share their unique and rich perspectives on the independent publishing sector.

• Date: Wednesday July 9th 2025
• Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
• Venue: The Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 E102

What the session will cover:

• Navigating Independent Publishing – Learn about the current landscape of independent publishing in Ireland, and the essential industry skills necessary to have a successful career within the sector.
• Pathways into Indie Publishing and Publication – Discover different career routes into indie publishing, and the opportunities that lie outside traditional publishing in Ireland for publishers and writers.
• The Independent Publishing Process – Demystify the independent publishing process, and learn how the independent model differs from the more traditional format. Find out more about the self-publishing process, and how it is a viable option for aspiring authors.
• A Comprehensive View of the Industry – Gain a deeper and more well-rounded insight into indie publishing in Ireland from the perspective of an indie press, an indie journal and an indie author.
• Live Q&A Session with our Expert Panel – Have your independent publishing related questions answered by those in the know.
• Networking Session with light refreshments – Build your network and connect with industry professionals and other aspiring publishers and writers, with some drinks and snacks.

Meet our speakers:

Ryan Dennis – Founder of The Milk House, a literary journal

Ryan Dennis is the founder of The Milk House, a literary journal that features writing on rural subjects. As a 2021-2022 writer-in-residence at Maynooth University, he edited Voices from the Land, a collection of short stories, essays and poems by Irish farmers. He is the author of the novel The Beasts They Turned Away (époque press) and a forthcoming memoir titled Barn Gothic (Island Press).

Liam Maguire – Publicist at The Lilliput Press

Liam Maguire works as the Publicist for the Lilliput Press. He was previously the Editorial and Publicity Assistant at Gill Books, and a bookseller for two years. He holds an MA in Literature and Publishing from the University of Galway.

Byddi Lee – Independent Author

Byddi Lee is the author of Barren, The Rejuvenation Trilogy, and March to November. She has published flash fiction, short stories, and co-founded and manages Flash Fiction Armagh, shortlisted as Best Regular Spoken Word Night in the Saboteur Awards, and co-edited The Bramley – An Anthology of Flash Fiction Armagh, Volumes 1 and 2. Byddi also writes for stage and screen, with her climate-change play Toxic Relationships being staged in Market Place Theatre, Armagh Halloween 2025. Byddi is a member of BBC Writersroom Voices 23, is an Arts Council Northern Ireland supported writer and holds professional membership at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin and the Society of Authors, UK. For more information, visit www.ByddiLee.com.

Please note: This event is for over 18’s only.