iTunes Connect application; no news

Hello,

I want to publish ebooks for the iPad via the iBookstore. I have five books waiting to go (unfortunately now with added virtual dust).

Before I can submit the books to Apple, I need to have an iTunes Connect account.

I applied for an iTunes Connect account late in March 2012.

In early April I got an e-mail from Apple stating that there was a TIN match failure. I entered info to rectify this.

• I haven't heard anything since.
• I don't know whether the info I entered fixed the problem.
• I don't know whether the application is back on track.
• I don't know whether I should be being patient.
• I don't know whether Apple is waiting for me to take action.
• I don't know whether this my issue to rectify ...how can I know if there's nothing from Apple?

I have contacted Apple two or three of times by e-mail but received no response. Earlier today I called the Apple support line. The agent said that he couldn't find any account info whatsoever, (he could find my apple ID). He said that as it was an iBookstore-related account application, he had no way of accessing that info as it's a different department. He said that there was no phone number for the iBookstore department, but he gave me an e-mail address (ibookstore@apple.com). I sent them an e-mail, but I'm not holding my breath.

So I'm roughly six weeks down the line and I STILL don't even have an account. Once I have an account I will have to submit my books for review. That will take even more time, so an account isn't the end of the line. Surely opening an account is the more simple task???

I'm not Apple-bashing, nor is this intended to come across as Apple-bashing. This is a very important part of my SME business start-up. I chose to go with Apple first because of their reputation. However I'm now beginning to wish that I had started-off publishing books on the Kindle first, and publishing on the iPad second. In fact, as I type this I'm realising that (given that there's nothing but radio silence from Apple), commercially I have to cut my losses, and my next move has to be to shelve my iBooks-based plans and start the ball rolling with the Kindle. What choice do I have?

Apple: Even some automated e-mails informing content providers that you're on the case, or that you're waiting for us to provide you with details would be a big help. As it is, there's plenty of evidence to be found through the search engines to suggest that I am far from alone.

Have I got this wrong (if so please point out my mistake/s)?

Anyone had a similar experience?

Anyone find a solution?

Thanks