Nate’s Big List of Writing, Marketing, and Publishing Podcasts
What do you call a group of 3 or more adults under 40? (a podcast)
Podcasts are now so widespread that they inspired me to write the above joke, but that prevalence is also a curse. There are so many podcasts in production right now that it can be difficult to find one with a focus on the topics that interest you.
With that in mind, over the last month I have been looking for podcasts that cover book publishing. I have so far found ten nineteen podcasts, and gathered them into the following list. (Fun fact: I have been a guest on two of the podcasts, and have also been mentioned on at least five of them.)
This has been an interesting project for me because it helped me refine my thinking on podcasts. As I see it, there are two ways to classify podcasts: industry and topic. The difference is that some podcasts cover a topic that applies to many industries, while others focus on several topics within a single industry.
Almost all of the podcasts listed below are industry podcasts, not topic podcasts. These are great podcasts, but one way topic podcasts may be better is they will introduce you to ideas from other industries, possibly inspiring out of the box solutions to your problems.
If you are looking for more podcasts to follow, that is worth keeping in mind.
Update: Over on Twitter Bonnie Loshbaugh tipped me to a list of romance-focused podcasts, and I have added three more podcasts to my list.
Name | Host | Frequency | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Wordslinger | Kevin Tumlinson | 2 to 3 episodes per month | Kevin Tumlinson talks to authors and entrepreneurs to get their behind-the-scenes story. Tune in to a full hour of wisdom and insight from some of the most intriguing people on the planet. It’s all about the story here. |
The Creative Penn | Joanna Penn | weekly | Information, inspiration and interviews on writing, self-publishing, book marketing, and making a living with your writing. |
Sell More Books Show | Jim Kukral, Bryan Cohen | weekly | Authors, are you struggling to get the word out about your books? Discover the latest book marketing and self publishing news, tools and strategies. Every week you’ll get helpful tips and ideas to make your book sales soar. |
Frontmatter | Len Epps | weekly | In the Frontmatter podcast authors talk about their careers and their areas of expertise, making it a general interest podcast covering everything authors write books about, from startups to biology to software development and the future of labor. |
AskALLi | varies | weekly | The “AskALLi Self-Publishing Advice Broadcast" is a rotating series of four monthly podcasts crafted to help you cut through the noise to get only the most up-to-date and important self-publishing advice. |
Self-Publishing Formula | Mark Dawson, James Blatch | weekly | Two writers. One just starting out. The other a best-selling indie author. Join James Blatch and Mark Dawson and their amazing guests as they discuss how you can make a living telling stories. There’s never been a better time to be a writer. |
Hear Us Roar | Maggie Smith | weekly | Each Debut Author Podcast is a conversation between our moderator Maggie Smith and a debut women’s fiction author. |
Rocky Mountain Writers | Mark Stevens | weekly | Interviews with members of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and those involved in RMFW conferences, workshops and other writing-related events. Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging, and educating writers seeking publication in commercial fiction. |
Written on the Edge | Jayne Lockwood, SA “Baz” Collins, Vance Bastian | weekly | Tune in for weekly discussions about LGBTQ storytelling in all genres and mediums. Our guests share personal accounts on living the artistic life and their personal experiences writing, crafting, and reading stories that explore the edges of what’s accepted and where storytelling should be headed. |
Self-Publishing Authors | Cheryl Phipps, Trudi Jaye, Shar Barratt, Wendy Vella | weekly | Cheryl Phipps, Trudi Jaye, Shar Barratt and Wendy Vella are four writers (romance & urban fantasy) from New Zealand who podcast weekly about self-publishing. Especially for those new or curious about self publishing, our podcast is full of full of tips, resources and honest tales from the trenches! |
The Story Studio | Johny, Sean, Dave | weekly | Stories turn songs into symphonies, events into memories, and lives into legends. In our crowded world, “knowing your story” cuts through the noise so you can make your mark — whether you want to sell more books, increase profits, or just make a difference. At Sterling & Stone, Story is our business. The Story Studio Podcast is where we explore ways we can all tell our stories better. |
Self-Publishing Journeys | Paul Teague | weekly | The Self Publishing Journeys podcast is a weekly show for all indie authors. Show host Paul Teague interviews self- published authors about their writing journeys, passing on hints, tips and tricks along the way. |
So You Want to be a Writer | Valerie Khoo, Allison Tait | weekly | Valerie Khoo and Allison Tait, both successful journalists and authors, bring you the latest in news, opportunities, trends – and gossip – in the world of writing blogging and publishing. Whether you love the creative inspiration of Elizabeth Gilbert, the life-hacking non-fiction of Tim Ferriss or the phenomena that is JK Rowling, you’ll find it here. |
The Worried Writer | Sarah Painter | monthly | Hear how bestselling authors such as Mark Edwards, Miranda Dickinson, C.L. Taylor, Mel Sherratt and Julie Cohen write, and follow their top tips for getting the work done. |
The Authorpreneur | Amelia D. Hay | weekly (?) | The Authorpreneur Podcast is a virtual writing and business coach for fiction writers, hosted by Amelia D. Hay. The podcast will teach you how to develop a story idea, create compelling characters and outline your novel. Learn how to write your first draft, revise your story, self-publish, establish your author platform, and reach readers in less than fifteen minutes a day. Every week, Amelia releases a Behind the Scenes Podcast Diary (BTS) where she shares an honest account of her journey to self-publishing her novels. |
Create If Writing | Kirsten Oliphant | weekly |
Kirsten Oliphant interviews experts to find out how they are building email lists, connecting through Twitter, and using Facebook groups. These practical episodes are balanced out with inspirational interviews from successful writers and bloggers who have made it big and want to share the struggles, the creative process, and tips for reaching your goals whether you are an author publishing books or creating an online presence through blogging. |
The Bestseller Experiment | Mark Stay, Mark Desvaux | weekly | oin 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. |
Writing Excuses | varies | weekly | "Fifteen minutes long, because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart." |
Author Stories podcast | Hank Garner | weekly | AUTHOR INTERVIEWS, WRITING ADVICE, Several published per week. |
Kobo Writing Life | varies | weekly | The Kobo Writing Life Podcast features exciting interviews with bestselling authors, tips on the craft and business of writing, and advice for successfully self-publishing. Millions of readers are waiting to discover your book – self-publish today at www.kobo.com/writinglife |
OtherPPL | Brad Listi | weekly | OtherPPL features in-depth interviews with today’s leading authors, poets, and screenwriters. |
Beautiful Writers Podcast | Linda Sivertsen | monthly | Each episode features an interview. Topics cover in-depth insights on the writing and publishing processes, from breakout successes to authors with staying power, featuring inspirational personal anecdotes, advice, and encouragement. |
I Should Be Writing | Mur Lafferty | monthly | Tthis podcast focuses on providing encouragement, writing tips, and publishing advice to aspiring authors via success stories from authors releasing new books. The interviews focus on the goal of achieving traditional publication, so they only feature traditionally published authors. |
The Manuscript Academy | Jessica Sinsheimer | biweekly | Features interviews with agents and editors, who share plenty of behind-the-scenes publishing insights. It’s part of #MSWL (Manuscript Wish List), which helps authors more effectively connect with agents and editors seeking projects like theirs, and includes plenty of query tips for authors looking to sign with an agent. |
Helping Writers Become Authors | K.M. Weiland | weekly | HWBA covers a variety of topics on the craft of writing — from creating characters to outlining novels to polishing prose — as well as getting into the creative mindset, being productive, and writing mistakes to avoid. |
SPA Girls Podcast | Cheryl Phipps, Shar Barratt, Trudi Jaye, and Wendy Vella | weekly | A weekly podcast on indie publishing tips, resources, advice, and real-life case studies. Some episodes dive deep into a specific topic, but most feature interviews with successful self-published authors or industry professionals. |
Write or Die | Claribel Ortega | weekly | Often times in publishing we only hear about the quick sales and overnight successes – but for most of us, publishing is hard AF! This podcast shares those stories – the real, gritty, pull your hair out because it’s been years – stories of writers who didn’t give up despite it all, and are now living out their dream. |
Print Run | Laura Zats, Erik Hane | weekly | This podcast’s aim is simple: to have the conversations surrounding the book and writing industries that too often are glossed over by conventional wisdom, institutional optimism, and false seriousness. |
Shipping & Handling | Bridget Smith, Jennifer Udden | monthly | Join two literary agents as they discuss books, publishing, writing, fandom, and more! |
The Creative Writers Toolbelt | Andrew Chamberlain | weekly | The Creative Writer’s Toolbelt gives practical, accessible that you can apply straight away to your own writing. Each episode explores an aspect of the craft, with examples. We also throw in occasional interviews with writers, editors, marketers and other artists. |
JoinedUp Writing Podcast | Wayne Kelly | weekly | The Joined Up Writing Podcast is for writers and readers alike. It features loads of great interviews with authors, editors, publishers and anyone else who can help and inspire you on your Writing or Reading journey. Our main episodes feature long-form interviews packed with fascinating stories and insight. Our shorter ‘Epilogue’ shows are quick-hit ten minute episodes based on a bonus topic or question not included in the main interview. |
Wine, Women, and Words | Diana Giovinazzo Tierney and Michele Leiva | weekly | A literary podcast that interviews authors over a glass of wine. We talk about their writing process, the books that we love and, of course, wine. |
Go Publish Yourself | Robin Cutler and Justine Bylo | ??? | IngramSpark’s Director, Robin Cutler, and Manager of IngramSpark’s Author Acquisition Program, Justine Bylo, will be joined by experts throughout essential fields in the publishing industry to provide you with self-publishing resources in a new format. These short episodes are an easy way to gain quick insights for how to self-publish. |
Stark Reflections | Mark Leslie Lefebvre | weekly | Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate, professional speaker, and publishing consultant explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions, and reflections about the industry. |
DIY MFA Radio | Gabriela Pereira | weekly | If the DIY MFA website were a campus, the DIY MFA podcast would be the school’s radio station. Hosted by instigator Gabriela Pereira, this show emulates the traditional MFA speaker series where authors and industry experts speak to students about writing, but makes these conversations accessible to anyone with an internet connection. |
The Career Author | J THorn, Hack Bohannan | weekly | The Career Author Podcast Becoming a full-time writer can be overwhelming. Join J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon as they help you improve your craft and find your audience, so you too can become…a career author. This is The Career Author Podcast. |
The Fearless Storyteller | Ethan Freckleton | weekly | Join The Fearless Storyteller, as we explore the heart and soul of writing stories, songs, and scripts that sell—with the people who write them. Each guest has their own unique Hero’s Journey and insights into the intersections between limiting beliefs and success.
Weekly episodes feature interviews, inspiration, and insights for writers of any level. |
Webcomics Reviews and Interviews | Jamais Jochim | weekly | WCRI is a webcomic podcast devoted to the creation and monetization of webcomics. There are how-to shows on how to create, draw, write, and market webcomics, as well as reviews on webcomics. There are also interview shows with creators, businessmen and others involved with webcomics. In short, if you want to create and make money from webcomics, this is where you start. Potential subjects can e-mail [email protected] to set up interviews. |
(your podcast) | host s | frequency | details |
If you know of a podcast on writing, publishing, or book marketing which isn’t mentioned here, please fill out the form below.
[contact-form][contact-field label=’Podcast Name' type=’name' required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Podcast URL' type=’url' required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Host' type=’text’/][contact-field label=’Frequency' type=’text’/][contact-field label=’Your Email' type=’email’/][contact-field label=’Details' type=’textarea’/][/contact-form]
Comments
Lindsay September 23, 2018 um 2:01 pm
Thanks for mentioning the SF&F Marketing Podcast, Nate. It’s Lindsay Buroker, Jo Lallo, and Jeffrey Poole if you get a chance to update it (and have room!).
Nate Hoffelder September 23, 2018 um 4:17 pm
fixed it
Kirsten Oliphant September 24, 2018 um 12:34 am
I’m throwing my hat into this ring. With a focus on the practical aspects of audience-building, Create If Writing is a podcasts for writers and creatives who want to build an online platform without being smarmy.
Nate Hoffelder September 24, 2018 um 8:32 am
Thanks for the heads up! I didn’t intend to leave anyone out, and I appreciate the chance to list another podcast.
Marios Tofarides September 24, 2018 um 10:35 am
Hey Nate,
Thanks for this great resource of podcasts. Where should an aspiring author/self publisher start in your opinion?
Also, since my commute is short, which is the shortest of these podcasts?
Thanks again,
Marios
Nate Hoffelder September 24, 2018 um 12:24 pm
I just added a 20 minute podcast called Writing Excuses: https://writingexcuses.com/
Hank Garner September 27, 2018 um 12:18 pm
Thanks for including Author Stories in your list.
Nate Hoffelder September 27, 2018 um 12:37 pm
Welcome!
Wayne Kelly October 9, 2018 um 1:02 am
Hi Nate – Great list.
May I humbly suggest The Joined Up Writing Podcast? Established in 2014 with loads of author interviews, two minute tips and specific tips on inspiration and craft. Minimum of two shows every month. Thanks!
Shar Barratt October 9, 2018 um 6:56 pm
Many thanks for including the SPA Girls Podcast (Self Publishing Authors) – really appreciated!
Nate Hoffelder October 9, 2018 um 6:58 pm
welcome!
New Nate’s Big List of Writing, Marketing, and Publishing Podcasts – Stephen's Lighthouse October 26, 2018 um 6:27 am
[…] Nate’s Big List of Writing, Marketing, and Publishing Podcasts […]
20+ Blogs & Podcasts for Authors Recommended by Gail Carriger (Important for Writers) – Gail Carriger June 5, 2019 um 1:59 pm
[…] From the Digital Reader […]