This is a new (short) series, listing podcasts that I think are worth a listen. I am an avid podcast listener as well as audiobook fan. When I’m struggling with pain, and work, and reading from books is hard, the audio format is a life saver. And it is because of this I have found some fabulous podcasts that I will now share.
Today the podcasts are a good listen if you are a writer. Next week I will list great podcasts for readers.
Podcast episodes are posted every Monday and include interviews, inspiration and information on writing and creativity, publishing options, book marketing and creative entrepreneurship.
Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Howard Tayler, and Daniel Wells discuss writing techniques in a fast-paced, 15-minute format.
3. The Self-publishing Podcast
Want to publish and sell more books? Want to get your writing into the world without contending with agents, publishers, or the other gatekeepers in traditional publishing? There’s never been a better time to make money as a writer — to take your books directly to readers and be in charge of your own business rather than jumping through hoops to please the Powers that Be. Full time authors Johnny B. Truant, David Wright, and Sean Platt (owners of the 2M+ words-per-year indie publishing company Sterling & Stone) explore everything related to getting your writing published … and making money doing it … in today’s new DIY digital publishing frontier. This isn’t artsy talk — it’s “authorpreneurial” business strategy that turns self-publishing from sideline into a rewarding career.
4. The Joined-Up Writing Podcast
UK Writer, Wayne Kelly hosts a writing podcast with author interviews, book reviews and writing advice.
This one has run for a year, but it’s worth listening to the back catalogue!
Join author and screenwriter Mark Stay with coach, entrepreneur and recording artist Mark Desvaux, as they discover the secrets to writing a bestseller and challenge themselves and you to write, market and self-published a bestselling book in just one year. Each week, they are guided by and interview million-selling, chart-topping authors, publishers on the inside, editors, agents, social media specialists, and many more big names who play a part in the bestseller process. From the writing to marketing, plotting to publishing, learn the secrets to help you write your way to the top of the charts.
Helping you become a better writer. Join Shawn Coyne, author of Story Grid and a top editor for 25+ years, and Tim Grahl, struggling writer, as they discuss the ins and outs of what makes a story great. More at www.StoryGrid.com.
7. Mark Dawson’s Self-Publishing Formula
Mark Dawson is a best-selling self-published author on multiple platforms including Amazon and Kobo. He is the author of the John Milton thriller series and its spin-off Beatrix Rose. In addition, he’s written several ‘Soho Noir’ novels. Mark’s breakthrough came when he developed a marketing strategy for promoting and selling his books. His swift success enabled him to quit his 9 to 5 job and he has generated gross revenues of more than a million dollars in less than five years. Mark has become a leading voice in the self-publishing industry and he advocates and teaches a strategy based around offering books for free, mailing list development and social media advertising. In 2015, he published the acclaimed online course ‘Facebook Ads for Authors’. That course now includes modules on Twitter and YouTube advertising and is constantly evolving. He has also developed a course for writers at the start of their careers – Self Publishing 101. James Blatch co-hosts the podcast and he represents the first time, wannabe author. James is a former BBC News journalist who is currently writing his first novel. Between them James and Mark explore the world of self-publishing with a focus on actionable tips for new and experienced indie authors.
8. Helping Writers Become Authors
Helping Writers Become Authors provides writers help in summoning inspiration, crafting solid characters, outlining and structuring novels, and polishing prose. Learn how to write a book and edit it into a story agents will buy and readers will love. (Music intro by Kevin MacLeod.)
Veteran TV writers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain demystify Hollywood by making career and personal struggles universal. Friends since high school and writing partners for 17 years, Liz and Sarah have survived and thrived in Tinseltown’s male-dominated entertainment industry, guided by blind optimism and a Midwestern work ethic. Along the way they’ve learned a lot about kicking ass, kissing ass, and office yoga.
10. #AmWriting with Jess and KJ
A show about writing, reading, and getting (some) things done. Jessica Lahey writes the Parent-Teacher Conference column for the New York Times’ Well Family and is the author of “The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Children Can Succeed.” KJ Dell’Antonia is a columnist and contributing editor for the New York Times’ Well Family. In their podcast, they talk about writing short form, long form and book length, give tips for pitching editors and agents and constantly revise how they tackle the ongoing challenge of keeping your butt in the chair for long enough to get the work done.
Are there any podcasts for writers you listen to and enjoy that I’ve not listed here? Let me know so that I can check them out!
Great post! Great recommendations- I’m going to check the ones I’m not following already. I love Honest authors which is Holly Seddon & Gillian MacAllister chatting about writing, publishing and all things about being an author!
I’ll check it out, thank you!
Thanks for sharing these, Rebecca. I like it that there are so many podcasts out there now for writers. It’s an interesting new way to communicate and share thoughts, I think. And for a lot of people, podcasts are really convenient.
Yes, I love listening to audio content now. It’s really easy and accessible, no matter what you’re doing.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the one with Brandon Sanderson.
It’s really good. It’s about the act of writing. They give great advice. I’d definitely recommend it.
The Novel Marketing podcast is a great one too!
I’ll check that one out, thank you!
I’m amazed the Australian Writers’ Centre podcast, called ‘So you want to be a writer’ isn’t on your list… best writers’ podcast by miles! And they have a fantastic SYWTBAW Podcast Community FB group too.
I kind of love the ones I’ve listed, but I’ll definitely check out your recommendation 🙂
Thanks for the list!
I’d add The Writer Files with Kelton Reid.