Episode 114: News Roundup

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This week, the pair takes a look at some of the news circulating around the publishing world, most of which has to do with people taking a long, hard look at Amazon. A small publishing house splits away from the online giant, fan fiction gets a new outlet that may not be as positive as it looks, and we discuss a lot of thoughts and opinions from the excellent blog of John Scalzi. In addition, Josh explores three self-published books with a wide range of results, Dietrich reads a book about fat and a book about Superman, and they wrap up with a discussion of movies, both new and older. You can send questions or comments to questions@thelibrarypolice.com.

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What We've Been Reading

0:00 to 32:28


  • SNAFU by Glen Allison
  • Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
  • Unearthly Tales from Space by John Sparks
  • Superman: An Unauthorized Biography by Glen Weldon
  • Dreamer by Daniel Quinn
  • How To Talk To Girls At Parties by Neil Gaiman
  • Freaksome Tales by William Rosencrans

News Roundup

32:28 to 1:10:38

Amazon is privatizing fan fiction! A small but influential children's book publisher is turning their back on the online giant! Dan Brown might be the fourth seal of the apocalypse! The publishing world has been buzzing recently with some remarkable news items, and we take some time to pick through the most interesting, applying our unique brand of no professionalism or expertise with lots of references to the outstanding John Scalzi and his blog.

Off The Bookshelves

1:10:38 to 1:26:57

This may shock you: Dietrich is going to talk about the new Star Trek movie. It's so unlike him. But he does continue past that drooling to discuss a new band he is surprised to enjoy and to share his thoughts on the end of The Office.  Josh brings the discussion to more familiar territory by discussing a few movies, including a true icon of the Western genre.