GottaCon is an annual broad-spectrum gaming convention held the first weekend of February at Pearkes Arena in Victoria, British Columbia.

As already mentioned, I was the Special Events Coordinator for GottaCon 2013. Part of my role as Special Events Coordinator was to moderate the discussion panels.

The second panel was So You Want To Be A Published Author. It was held on February 2, 2013. Seated on the panel were our Guest of Honour Alyx Dellamonica, Dave Duncan, Matt Hughes, and T.J. Silver.

The panel outline read: If you are an author who is trying to get your science fiction or fantasy book published, this panel will explore all aspects of getting published. From writing a manuscript; to finding an agent – or even if that is necessary; to shopping your book; to what to expect if your book is picked up by a publisher; and how to deal with rejection, these authors will talk about the ins and outs of the publishing business, and explore the variety of options and tools available.

Some of the questions asked during the panel were:

• Methods for writing a manuscript.
• The pros and cons of getting an agent, and if it is necessary; the role of an agent; things to look for in an agent; things to avoid.
• Shopping your manuscript and paying attention to different publisher’s guidelines.
• What to expect if your book is picked up, working with an editor, what to expect in a contract and things to avoid when signing a publishing contract.
• How to get a short story published.
• Dealing with rejection.
• Other tips or things to expect during the process.

The panel, including Q&A, is just over 1 hour and 43 minutes. The file size is 94.4 MB. The file type is mp3, 128 kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo.

You can download the panel here (right click, save as).

Alternatively, you can stream it below.

Podcast: Play in new window

I hope you enjoy!

And if you haven’t yet, listen to/ download the first discussion panel, The Influence of D&D here.