10 Podcasts Every Author Should Add to Their Library
From writing tips to book marketing advice, all the info and inspo you might need is available on audio.
In the middle of writing your future best-seller, but need a piece of advice or some inspiration to keep going? There is a well of valuable content out there to help you. The easiest way to access it is through podcasts, which you can listen to while walking your dog, commuting to work or sipping your morning coffee on your couch.
Whether you need help navigating the publishing world, tips on how to write better, or just a dose of inspiration from your favorite authors, we found the best podcasts to keep you on the write, um, right track.
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1. The Self Publishing Show
About: As a self-published author himself, Mark Dawson dives headfirst into the world of self publishing. He shares his publishing experiences and strategies with his “wannabe author” and co-host, James Blatch. Together, they talk to industry professionals and give actionable tips, aiming to make the indie writing experience a great one for everyone.
Listen to if: you’re about to embark on or are in the middle of the daunting book publishing process, and need inspiration for a good marketing strategy.
Host: Mark Dawson and James Blatch.
Episode to listen to: How to be a Productive Author — with Craig Martelle
2. Helping Writers Become Authors
About: As the title suggests, this podcast is all about lending writers a helping hand. Every episode dives deep into a very specific part of the writing process, from character development to story structure. But the host won’t just talk about character development, she’ll devote an entire episode to how the want vs. need conflict can drive a character’s story.
Listen to if: you’re struggling with a very specific writing problem. There is a good chance your question will be answered in one of the more than 470 episodes.
Host: K.M. Weiland
Episode to listen to: Ep. 449: 5 ways to successfully start a book with a dream
3. Books and Authors by BBC Radio
About: This podcast consists of two segments. In the first, Open Book, host Mariella Frostrup interviews authors about their work. In the second segment, A Good Read, host Harriett Gilbert talks to authors about their favorite books. The conversations go deep and give listeners a substantial glimpse into the minds of other authors.
Listen to if: you want to hear how well-known authors wrote their books.
Hosts: Mariella Frostrup and Harriett Gilbert
Episode to listen to: Open Book: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Older Characters in Fiction, Baseball Books
4. Create If Writing
About: Every author just wants their book to be read. This podcast focuses on building and growing an audience. The host tackles topics such as how to optimize social media, getting more email sign-ups and how to reduce wasted time.
Listen to if: you’re excited to share your book with a whole lot of people.
Host: Kirsten Oliphant
Episode to listen to: How to Market Your Book While You Write
5. The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity and Neuroscience
About: We all have habits. We might be unaware of some, but we implement others into our lives because we hope they will make us more successful. It is tempting to look at people we admire and copy their habits. If your favorite author starts their day with three cups of chamomile tea to get in the flow, who knows? It might work for you too! This podcast aims to uncover the secrets behind those habits. Which ones spark productivity and creativity? The podcast host tries to figure this out by talking to authors, literary professionals and neuroscientists.
Listen to if: your voyeuristic self wants to learn what makes other writers tick.
Host: Kelton Reid
Episode to listen to: How New York Times Bestselling Author of ‘The Bookseller’ Cynthia Swanson Writes
6. Between the Covers
About: On this podcast, the host has long, in-depth conversations with authors about their books and writing processes. You’ll hear about the stories behind their stories. They cover things like the meaning behind certain scenes, the themes of the book and the author’s family’s responses to a memoir. To level the playing field and make sure the listeners get an idea of the author’s writing style, authors also read a few paragraphs of their book.
Listen to if: you want to hear what inspired other authors to write what they wrote.
Host: David Naimon
Episode to listen to: Sophia Shalmiyev: Mother Winter
7. The Sell More Books Show
About: Getting the word out about your book can be a challenge. This podcast discusses the latest book marketing news and provides hands-on tips, tricks and tools to successfully market your book.
Listen to if: you are about to or in the middle of marketing your book and need a boost.
Hosts: Jim Kukral and Bryan Cohen
Episode to listen to: Episode 260 — #Bookfans, Blasted Blasty, and Rising Indies
8. The Creative Penn
About: Want to know how to make money as a writer? Or how to navigate the creative industry as an introvert? Or how to write villains and heroes? This podcast has answers. It covers everything on publishing — from marketing to the writing process and from creative entrepreneurship to writing. Once a week, the host has an interview with someone from the publishing industry, shares advice and gives useful information.
Listen to if: you need advice on anything — from writing to publishing — during the book publishing process.
Host: Joanna Penn.
Episode to listen to: Storyteller: Audiobook Narration Tips With Lorelei King
9. The New Yorker: The Writer’s Voice
About: The concept for this podcast is very simple: New Yorker fiction writers read their stories for you.
Listen to if: you’re stuck and you need to get out of your own head. Listening to this podcast is like reading a book while you’re walking. So you can go outside, get some exercise and “read.” And we all know that reading is the best way to get inspired to continue writing.
Host: Deborah Treisman
Episode to listen to: Salman Rushdie Reads “The Little King”
10. Print Run
About: As an outsider, the publishing industry can seem like a mysterious world that’s hard to navigate and filled with minefields. Print Run aims to guide listeners through this place. Coming from publishing backgrounds themselves, the hosts talk about trends and news in the publishing industry, and tell listeners exactly what goes into creating a book. They have layered discussions about all sorts of topics.
Listen to if: you feel lost in the publishing world.
Hosts: Laura Zats and Erik Hane.
Episode to listen to: Episode 93 — Grammar and Power
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With all these great podcasts available, plug those earbuds in and start listening to get inspired!
