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A Festival for Writers, Readers, and Fans
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
In today’s publishing landscape, writers have more pathways to share their work than ever before—but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This panel brings together voices from traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing to offer a clear, candid look at what each route entails. Panelists will discuss the advantages and challenges of their respective models, including timelines, creative control, editorial support, financial considerations, distribution and marketing expectations.


Representing the hybrid perspective, Felicia Zuniga—Calgary poet, journalist, and author of Growing Up, Girl—will share her experience working with a publisher that provided professional services such as editing, cover design, ISBN registration, and sales support with an author-investment model. Her insight bridges the gap between the gatekeeping of traditional publishing and the independence of self-publishing, helping writers understand what hybrid publishing looks like and how to evaluate their options.


Whether you’re finishing your manuscript, exploring your first book project, or reconsidering your publishing direction, this session will equip you with practical knowledge, comparisons and real-world advice from writers who have navigated each path. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of which publishing model aligns best with their goals.
Presenters
avatar for Leanne Janzen

Leanne Janzen

Sales Team Lead, Friesen Press
Starting her journey in the publishing world, Leanne began working as a Publishing Specialist - guiding authors through the self publishing process with care and attention. Her ability to form relationships and desire to continually improve and learn led her to the University of Winnipeg. There... Read More →
avatar for Carly Watters

Carly Watters

Literary Agent, P.S. Literary
Carly Watters began her publishing career in 2009 in London at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency. She has a BA in English Literature from Queen’s University, a MA in Publishing Studies from City St. George’s at the University of London, and is a graduate of Harvard... Read More →
avatar for Felicia Zuniga

Felicia Zuniga

Felicia Zuniga was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where she now lives with her husband and two young sons. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Arts in Honours English with a Creative Writing Concentration from the University... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Herald

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