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The discussion of whether to go the self publishing or traditional publishing route is delegated to writers who have been wildly successful — and often from those who started their careers five to ten years ago. Jennifer Foehner Wells, the science fiction author of FLUENCY, and Jodi McIsaac, fantasy author of the THIN VEIL series, join us in a two-part conversation to talk what it’s like today in self publishing for the new, hopeful and uninitiated. Kristi helps provide contrast with some of the lessons she’s learned through traditional publishing.

This episode is brought to you by the OWL & THE JAPANESE CIRCUS series from Kristi Charish (and Kristi’s favorite craft beer, Old Yale Brewing Co.’s Sasquatch Stout). Ex-archaeology grad student turned international antiquities thief … Alix—better known now as Owl—has one rule. No supernatural jobs. Ever. Until she crosses paths with Mr. Kurosawa … a red dragon who owns and runs the Japanese Circus Casino in Las Vegas. He insists Owl retrieve an artifact stolen three thousand years ago … and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: he’ll get rid of a pack of vampires that want her dead. A dragon is about the only entity on the planet that can deliver on Owl’s vampire problem – and let’s face it … dragons are known to eat the odd thief. Book 1 in the series, OWL & THE JAPANESE CIRCUS is currently available in the U.S. and internationally … and the follow-up … OWL AND THE CITY OF ANGELS is available for pre-order at select venues. Make sure to follow Kristi on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

In our Self-Pub vs. Traditional-Pub episode:

We chat on a number of topics including Jennifer Foehner Wells and Jodi McIsaac’s respective paths to getting published and why self publishing, to start, was right for them.

The enlightening conversation addresses the realities of self publishing — you may have to empty your bank account, investing in the endeavor as if launching a small business.

In fact, we discuss whether calling in favors to friends or paying contributors is the preferred route. There are also pitfalls, such as not having your mother serve as the editor of the book. It led to unintended consequences for Jodi.

But their efforts also turned into agent agreements and other successes, such as Jennifer Foehner Wells having her book reviewed by Boing Boing or Jodi McIsaac being picked up by 47North.

No new Hugo Awards observations this week, but give Kristi a listen on The Province’s Book Rogues podcast. There, she chats about the controversy and some of the recent news. We do expect a well-known guest to join us in the next couple of weeks to discuss Hugo voting efforts.

Speaking of the news front, we’re also featured this week on SCY-FY: The Blog of S.C. Flynn.

Finally, if you’re a fan of Grimdark, give a listen to the newly launched THE GRIM TIDINGS podcast.