Bookshop owner, publisher, and author Zibby Owens joins Jamie this week to chat about her upcoming essay collection, Between Chapters, out September 22nd. Zibby shares the winding journey of trying to get published since her 20s, building a media empire that started with a podcast in 2018, and why authors need to stop viewing rejection as an indictment of their talent.

Whether you are an aspiring writer trying to navigate the traditional publishing submission process or a devoted reader curious about how your favorite books hit the shelves, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights.

• How Zibby’s podcast, originally started as a side project in 2018, evolved into five episodes a week and a massive literary platform.
• The logistical realities and unexpected community responsibilities of opening an indie bookshop in Santa Monica.
• Why traditional publishers rely heavily on "lead titles" and how Zibby Publishing aims to disrupt this by treating every book like a priority launch.
• Actionable advice for writers looking to get published, including why you should perfect your manuscript before showing it to the industry.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Writing Between Chapters

07:11 - The Entrepreneurial Drive and Starting a Podcast

13:20 - Zibby's Winding Journey to Becoming a Published Author

20:48 - Founding Zibby Publishing to Champion Authors

30:40 - The Truth About "Lead Titles" in the Book Industry

39:05 - Opening an Indie Bookshop and Curating Shelves

49:55 - Final Advice for Writers Trying to Get Published

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