Prolific action bestseller Nicholas Sansbury Smith recently reclaimed the rights to his Extinction Cycle series. With new covers and new content, he’s ready to relaunch the property.
But what is the story behind those rights? Who had them? Why did NSS want to move on, and how did he get those rights back?
As indie writers sell their properties to bigger houses, this issue will pop up more and more. Scott Sigler discusses the issue with one of publishing’s most interesting entrepreneurs. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Let’s Talk About Rights, Baby!
You’ve got the right to big savings with our GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, which reclaims 99% of the cost of a new domain reg.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Author Gets Rights Back with Nicholas Sansbury Smith

Scott’s Galactic Football League series has expanded from five books to nine books, but that’s old news.
What’s the new news? GFL Book VII, currently untitled, has been completed! Scott submitted the final draft last week, and it’s currently in production. 
First step is a copy edit, and the whole process can take up to six more months, but we’re this much closer to the next installment for Quentin, Becca, John, Ju, and the rest of the team. 
Let’s shucking go!
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Everything is gonna be alright!
Smell that? Smells like winning! Specifically winning some scifi football winning! Can’t wait to read it? Wanna interview Scott for your fancy new blog? Get some by using GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, to make sure you’ve got the best deal, the 99% off the 1st of a 3-year domain! Don’t make me go get John Tweedy and make him ask you!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: GFL VII News!

When Random House published Infected back in 2007, Scott’s lifelong dreams of being published by one of the big-time publishing houses came true. 
But on the very first day of the book tour, the radio tour? Disaster strikes in the form of … checks notes … cookies? 
One never knows how their dreams come true, or even if they do. But one also never expects puke buckets to be involved. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Imma stick to pecan sandies from here on out.
Sticking to what I know in case disaster lurks around the corner. But if it does, I know I’ll use GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a> to snag back ninety-nine percent off the first year of a three-year domain! Get yours while the getting is good!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: The Book Tour That Went Horribly Wrong

Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School published what is now the largest study of former NFL players ever conducted.
They looked at nearly twenty thousand players who appeared in at least one NFL game between 1960 and 2019.
The data is sobering: former NFL players were about four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases than the general population.
And while football has always been dangerous, the question is whether we can keep making it less dangerous without losing what makes it football.
Scott & A discuss.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Sometimes, maybe leave a little less on the field?
The brain is elastic, or so they say. I’d like to give someone a piece of my mind using GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a> so’s I can save big on my first year of a 3-year domain. Big like 99% big!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Football & Neurodegenerative Death

The World Cup already felt like the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Then this year, they expanded from 32 teams to 48. More countries involved, sixty percent bigger than the last tournament, and the advertising budget to go with it.
If it wasn’t broken, why did they meddle with success?
Scott and A take a look at the pros and cons of this expansion. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Don’t know about you, but sometimes I expand for the better, too!
Just start big, yo! Snag yourself a sweet new three-year domain using GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, which helps you also snag a whopping ninety-nine percent off the first year!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Did World Cup Expansion Bring Home the Bacon?

The WNBA is trying to crack down on excessive physical play. And somehow, everyone is upset about it.
So has the WNBA actually changed the rules? Nope, The league simply told officials to enforce certain rules more consistently, especially around excessive contact and freedom of movement.
We chat about the rule, the problem, and why everyone’s still upset.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
We talking about toughness? 
I’m absolutely here for tough women in sports. And tough women in general. This is the way. Another way might be cashing in on the GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, to save yourself 99% off the first year of a three-year new domain. That’s tough enough for me!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: WNBA Bad Girls

The 2026 World Cup in North America introduced mandatory Hydration Breaks every 20-ish minutes. 
Fans are big mad that soccer is now “played in quarters,” and the players get a chance to be coached during these mandatory breaks. 
But … the field of play is much more humid and also hotter than these players (and their fans) are used to, so FIFA stepped in to protect the players. 
OR DID THEY?
Scott and A discuss the current situation. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Øh, you need a little sippy poo of water? OF COURSE YOU DO. 
I am a person who never drinks enough water. I thought I was in the minority, but apparently footy players also don’t slake themselves. I could post a tutorial by using GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, so I save ninety-nine percent off of my three-year domain’s 1st year. Let’s toast to that!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Why Sports Fans Hate Change

The 2026 World Cup features Virtual Assistant Referees, or “VAR.”
Some fans love it, some fans hate it. Sometimes based on whether their team benefits from the call. 
We do a deeper dive specifically into how the computer-assisted officiating has changed the 2026 World Cup, and how folks feel about it.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
I don’t need a computer to know they’re cheating!
World Cup has me all up in my feels. If YOU have big opinions and nowhere to put ‘em, consider a blog and use GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a> to save 99% off your 1st year of a 3-year domain registration. Don’t need a red card for that!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: AI Invades the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup features Virtual Assistant Referees, or “VAR.”
Some fans love it, some fans hate it. Sometimes based on whether their team benefits from the call. 
So “AI Refs” also raise the ire of sports fans around the world, just like their human counterparts. 
Scott and A dive into “computer-assisted refereeing” and what it means for sports and sports fans around the world. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
That was totally not offsides! 
Need help figuring out which team to root for? Can’t help you there! But if you use GoDaddy Promo Code <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes%20CJCFOSSIG3">CJCFOSSIG3</a>, you’ll save ninety-nine percent off your first year of a 3-year domain registration, and brah, that is gold.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: The Dawn of AI Refs

When Aethon Books bought SLAY Book I, they wanted more story. 
More story! 
Well, they got a couple of girthons put right in their eye. How y’all like me now!
SLAY co-author Rob Otto joins us to talk about the process of taking a 108,000-word podcast novel to 160,000 words for the full book release.
What did we add? What did we cut? How did we do it?
We'll answer those questions and more, along with any you post in the chat room.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Getting Girthy With It!  
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SLICES: The GIRTHifcation of SLAY

The New York Knickerbockers just won the NBA championship for the first time in 53 years. We talk about how the city came together for a joyous celebration.
And one co-host of this cast followed the Knicks as a kid but fell off her fandom due to life and stuff. What’s it like when the team you knew in your youth wins it all? We discuss!
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Knicks in Five
The Knickerbockers should use the <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Codes</a> CJCFOSSIG3 to make a new site for their title, because that code blocks 99% of the cost of a new domain registration.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: When Your Childhood Team Wins It All

Scott and A celebrate what fans are calling “The Great Soccer Sleepover”—millions of visitors sharing songs, stories, and unforgettable adventures across the continent. 
Social media is overflowing with visitors marveling at Waffle House at 2 a.m., Buc-ee’s the size of a small nation, free drink refills, and the sheer wonder of American tailgating. There are tales of Scots descending on Boston in legendary fashion, and whispers that an unexpected condiment may soon conquer Europe. It’s a beautiful, once-in-a-generation celebration: strangers becoming friends, cities becoming hosts, and the world’s game turning North America into one giant neighborhood.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Get out on that ranch (dressing), cowboy!
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SLICES: The Great Soccer Sleepover

Accidents happen. Some are worse than others. For a creative, a total computer crash is not great—especially when under a heavy deadline.
Scott & A talk about how we dealt with it during the final weeks of Scott’s active deadline for SLAY. What plans and procedures did we already have in place that let us keep writing? What did we miss that hurt us? What should you do to protect your priceless work?
Pro tip: no matter how you back up — be sure to back up. Even just a flash drive separate from your computer can help. 
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Never give up, never surrender
And never spill coffee on your laptop if you can help it. If you do take that spill, tell us all about it using <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3 to get you ninety-nine percent off your first year of a new domain. That’s a lot of coffee.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Computer Crash At Deadline — How Do Creatives Manage?

In-depth questions about Sigler books, favorite character, hardest character to write, and some thoughts on my reading likes as a reader rather than as a writer.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Questions that matter
As in, how does the <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3 save you 99% off year one of a new three-year domain registration? Forget askin’ and get to the savin’. Just use it.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: More Siglerverse Q&A

This week Empty Set had a quite unexpected visitor. Even more strange? He didn’t even ask for a cracker.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
A cracker, a cracker,  a cracker! The <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3 gets you 99% off your first year of a 3-year domain. Don’t wait on this deal!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Shitbird Visits Empty Set!

Scott and A chat about the evolution of the podcast, and Scott answers a batch of Siglerverse questions.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Let’s talk about blogging, shall we?
We’ve been happily blogging for years now, but if you have not and want to start, consider using the <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3. Wins all around with ninety-nine percent off of year one of a three-year registration!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Siglerverse Q & A!

This episode provides updates about two of Scott’s books coming out this year, WARPATH and SLAY.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
Wait until you see the beasts by the river!
Man-o-man, the things you’ll do when you use the <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3. Not gonna lie, it’ll save you 99% off the first year of a three-year new domain registration! Better get while the getting is good!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Big News About Scott’s Books!

Andrew Givler is a YouTube sensation and the author of the progression fantasy novel IRONBOUND, which Scott recently read. Awesome story. With the second book in the series out now, Scott had Andrew on for a chit-chat about his work.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
I got your progression right here, pal.
You will make nothing but progress with the <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> CJCFOSSIG3, which trims ninety-nine percent off the cost of a new domain registration.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: An interview with author Andrew Givler

When the new golf start-up LIV appeared on the scene in 2022, it really upended the very polished and traditional golf world. A smaller course, teams, and even theme music.   
This is really a story about what happens when a hundred-year-old institution collides with unlimited money. At least for a while. 
Scott & A chat about the changes and what’s next.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
You got your LIV in my PGA!
Rory had lots to say about all this. Why didn’t he use our <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> code CJCFOSSIG3 to save up to 99% off the 1st year of his own three-year domain registration!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

SLICES: Golf Civil War!

On this episode, we look at the recent NFL Collusion scandal, where the NFL Players Association filed a grievance, basically saying:
“Hey, we think owners are quietly working together to limit guaranteed contracts.”
So did NFL owners secretly agree not to pay players?
The careful answer is:
The arbitrator reportedly found the league encouraged owners to reduce guaranteed contracts…
…but ruled there wasn’t enough evidence proving coordinated collusion between teams.
We chat all about it.
 
— Slices is created by <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/">Scott Sigler</a> and <a href="https://abkovacscom.wordpress.com">A B Kovacs</a>
— Produced by <a href="http://www.steveriekeberg.com">Steve Riekeberg</a>
— Production Assistance by <a href="http://www.alliepress.net/">Allie Press</a>
— Copyright 2026 by <a href="http://www.emptyset.com/">Empty Set Entertainment </a>
 
One Ruling to … Rule Them All
Right now, before you do anything else, go grab your own three-year domain registration and don’t forget to use our <a href="http://www.scottsigler.com/godaddy-promo-codes">GoDaddy Promo Code</a> using CJCFOSSIG3, to get up to 99% off the 1st year!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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