Podcasts are excellent sources of information, inspiration, and community for authors — all made accessible for free by a diverse array of experts! With so many podcasts on writing, publishing, and book marketing to choose from, we compiled a list of some of the first options you should check out. These podcasts are all well-reviewed, consistently produced, and run by recognized pros in indie and traditional publishing.
For easy browsing, we’ve organized these podcasts by subject:
- Business and marketing: Get book marketing, productivity, and career inspiration.
- Writing craft: Learn how to improve your writing.
- Industry insights: Keep up with the latest trends and opportunities in the literary world.
- Author life: Learn how to stay motivated and thriving as a writer.
Note that each podcast on this list covers a wide variety of topics — these are just the main themes or what the show is best known for. Some of them focus specifically on self-publishing or traditional publishing, but can be helpful for any author. We’ve also included Patreon links for you to support your favorite podcasts and get access to exclusive content and member communities. Some of these podcasts have Facebook groups, too. Happy listening!
Business and marketing
Great for: The latest industry news for self-published authors.
The Sell More Books Show is a weekly podcast dedicated to keeping (new and experienced) authors up-to-date on the latest tactics and tools for self-publishing, selling, and marketing books. The show was formerly cohosted by authors Bryan Cohen and H. Claire Taylor; in more recent episodes, Bryan is joined by a rotating cast of cohosts. He provides a refreshingly funny and honest commentary on all the big news in the industry.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 500: Special Lightning Round with Claire
- Episode 491: Writing to Joy, Indie Reputation, and Where Readers Find Books
- Episode 480: Peeved Readers, Writing Sprints, and Rewards
Tip: Since this is a news-heavy show, it makes sense to start with the most recent episodes. You can chat with other authors about the latest episodes in the Sell More Books Show Afterparty Facebook group!
Listen | Website | YouTube | Facebook group
Great for: Publishing, book marketing, and writing tips for self-published authors.
The Self-Publishing Authors (SPA) Girls Podcast is a weekly show for indie publishing tips, resources, and real-life case studies hosted by four writers from New Zealand: Cheryl Phipps, Shar Barratt, Trudi Jaye, and Wendy Vella. Listening to this podcast feels like sitting down for coffee with your best author pals! Some episodes have the hosts diving deep into a specific topic, but most feature interviews with successful self-published authors or industry professionals on their unique careers.
Notable episodes:
- EP419 – The Best Mindset for Organisation and Productivity with Sarra Cannon
- EP409 – Six Figures with Short Romance with Sadie King
- EP407 – Making Your Writing Addictive with Alessandra Torre
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon | Facebook group
Great for: Publishing, book marketing, and productivity tips for self-published authors.
This weekly show is hosted by the creators of Self Publishing Formula, USA Today bestselling author Mark Dawson and former BBC journalist James Blatch. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an author or book marketing expert on a wide range of topics, focused mainly on how to sell books and build a successful author business by leveraging the latest self-publishing trends and technologies.
Notable episodes:
- SPS-387: Optimise Your Author Website – with Stuart Grant
- SPS-358: Amplify Your Author Email – with Nick Thacker
- SPS-283: BookBub: More Than Just Featured Deals – with Carlyn Robertson
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Publishing, book marketing, and business advice for self- and traditionally published authors.
The Creative Penn Podcast, created by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanna Penn, is a fantastic source of industry news and business advice for authors (both self- and traditionally published). In each episode, Joanna reports on the week’s big news in the industry, her personal life, and her business before diving deep into a specific topic. She covers writing, publishing options, book marketing, creative entrepreneurship, motivation, and more, with most episodes featuring a guest author or industry professional. The interviews are a joy to listen to and provide plenty of practical tips to take away.
Notable episodes:
- #728 — The 15-Year Author Business Pivot with Joanna Penn
- #720 — Stop Trying to Do Everything with Patricia McLinn
- #709 — Build a Successful Author Business for the Long Term with Joe Solari
Tip: You can read transcripts of each episode on Joanna’s website.
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Writing, publishing, and book marketing tips for self-published authors.
The Bestseller Experiment, hosted by author and coach Mark Desvaux (and formerly cohosted by author and screenwriter Mark Stay), explores what it takes to write, publish, and market a bestseller while inspiring you to finish your book. Each episode features interviews with publishers, editors, agents, bestselling authors, marketing specialists, and more — and while the podcast is geared toward self-published authors, there are plenty of tips from traditional publishing as well.
Notable episodes:
- EP446: Katy Brent — “Doing Something Meaningful.”
- EP431: Richard Armitage — “Know, Don’t Show.”
- EP439: David McCloskey — “A Lonely Team Sport.”
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon | Facebook group
Great for: Writing, publishing, and book marketing tips for self-published authors.
Self Publishing Insiders is a weekly show by Kevin Tumlinson, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, and Dan Wood at Draft2Digital. They interview successful authors on a wide variety of self-publishing topics, from honing your writing craft to promoting your books and building your author career. The show will also keep you up-to-date with new services from D2D and other self-publishing tools.
Notable episodes:
- YouTube for Authors with M.K. Williams // EP154
- The Future of Publishing & Going Wide with Monica Leonelle // EP151
- Bookfunnel with Damon Courtney // EP001
Tip: Join the show live on YouTube and Facebook to get your questions answered during the broadcast!
Great for: Publishing news and business advice for self-published authors.
Presented by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the Self-Publishing Advice Podcast is a twice-weekly show helping authors navigate the ever-changing world of self-publishing. The show follows a schedule of monthly segments dedicated to specific topics — including publishing for profit, creating better books, and reaching more readers — at both beginner and advanced levels. There’s also a monthly live Q and A series and a weekly Self-Publishing News show offering a weekly analysis of the most important industry developments.
Notable episodes:
- Optimizing Your Creative Energy — Starting, Focusing, Finishing: Advanced
- Soft Launching a Book with Dan Parsons and Melissa Addey: Beginners
- How to Make More Money Than the Average Author: Advanced
Tip: Some episodes are live streamed on ALLi’s Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.
Great for: Business and marketing advice for self- and traditionally published authors.
Sacha Black, nonfiction and fiction author and host of The Rebel Author Podcast, describes her weekly show as “a motivational show for all the creatives out there with an inner rebel.” While sharing lessons from her own life and career, Sacha invites authors (both trad and indie) for hilarious and frank conversations about craft, marketing, publishing, creative mindset, and running an author business.
Notable episodes:
- 221 How to Write Four Books a Year with Ines Johnson
- 195 Selling Your Book Direct with Morgana Best
- 188 Writing Erotic and BDSM Novels with Ruby Scott
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Book marketing and productivity tips for self-published authors.
Created by Thomas Umstattd Jr., CEO of Author Media, the Novel Marketing Podcast is packed with timely and helpful ideas for how to sell more books. Thomas teaches with a down-to-earth approach that makes book promotion fun and easy! Most of the content is aimed at self-published authors, but traditionally published authors can find value here as well. For Christian fiction authors, Umstattd Jr. also hosts the Christian Publishing Show.
Notable episodes:
- Book Marketing 101: Price
- The Most Important Lessons from 10 Years of Novel Marketing
- Why Many People Are Afraid to Buy Books (Marketing Psychology)
Listen | Website | Patreon | Facebook group
Best for: Marketing and business advice for emerging self-published authors.
The two indie authors hosting this podcast are David B. Lyons and Robert Enright, who created the show to chronicle their journeys to becoming full-time writers. Each week, the hosts share open and honest updates on their careers (and sometimes sales numbers!), dive into a specific aspect of self-publishing or marketing, and ask guest authors their famous “Seven Questions.” You can find out, for example, the one piece of software authors can’t live without, and the one thing they wish they knew when they started!
Notable episodes:
- Ep.60. 2023 Wrapped
- Ep.56. Why are my books not selling?
- Ep.48. Six tips to get your indie author career started
Tip: Check out their free sales tracker and other resources on their website.
Listen | Website | Facebook group
Great for: Writing, publishing, and marketing tips for self-published authors.
Wish I’d Known Then… For Writers is another project focused on shedding light on the lessons self-published authors have learned and how they’ve found success. The hosts, Jami Albright and Sara Rosett, have a wonderfully warm and personal style of interviewing fellow authors that makes this podcast like sitting down with old friends (who ask super smart questions!). Each weekly episode features in-depth conversations on craft, book promotion, industry trends, running an author business, overcoming the personal challenges of being an author, and more.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 179 — David Gaughran on Using Lessons Learned to Reboot Fiction and Nonfiction (Reair)
- Episode 160 — How to Thrive in a Flooded Market: Discussing Becca Syme’s New Rules of Publishing
- Episode 157 — How to Pace Your Novel with Ines Johnson
Note: You can subscribe and support the podcast via Buzzsprout.
Listen | Website | YouTube | Facebook group
Writing craft
Great for: Insights on productivity, craft, and the neuroscience of writing.
The Writer Files, hosted by Kelton Reid, covers topics from writing and productivity to creativity and the neuroscience behind authors’ success. In each episode, Kelton chats with a guest author about their writing habits. Guests include Nobel Prize winners, #1 New York Times bestselling novelists, short story authors, cartoonists, journalists, bloggers, neuroscientists, and more, making this podcast a unique source of advice and inspiration from a wide variety of content creators.
Notable episodes:
- Best of 2023 – Hot Takes and Shootin’ the Breeze with Adam Skolnick
- How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Jim Butcher Writes
- How #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Andrew Child Writes
Great for: Quick tips about the craft and business of writing.
Now in its 18th season, the award-winning Writing Excuses podcast is a gold mine of publishing, career, and productivity insights hosted by Howard Tayler, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, DongWon Song, and Erin Roberts (and formerly Brandon Sanderson). While many of the 15- to 25-minute episodes dive deep into a specific craft element, the shorter episode lengths ensure that the hosts get right to the point, making the podcast quick and fun to binge-listen. But fair warning: they assign homework!
Notable episodes:
- 18.49: Giving Your Story a Voice
- 18.43: Worldbuilding in Miniature
- 18.42: Creating Magic Outside of a System
Tip: If you’re new to the show, the creators suggest starting with season 10. The entire season is structured as a master class on writing your book!
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon | Facebook group
Great for: Writing inspiration and insights on story theory and techniques.
Author K.M. Weiland has hosted and produced the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast since 2009, with nearly 650 episodes to date! K.M. consistently packs a ton of actionable advice into each 15- to 20-minute episode. The format is purely instructional — no guests, just K.M.’s extensive expertise on the craft of writing. She talks about everything from creating characters to outlining novels to polishing prose, as well as getting into the creative mindset, being productive, avoiding writing mistakes, and more.
Notable episodes:
- Ep. 645: 14 Do’s and Don’ts of Time Management for Writers (from a Recovering Over-Achiever)
- Ep. 637: How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing
- Ep. 631: What Does Your Character Want? Desire vs. Plot Goal vs. Moral Intention vs. Need
Tip: Check out K.M.’s extensive blog for tons of extra resources.
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Quick tips for improving your grammar and vocabulary.
Grammar Girl is a podcast from Mignon Fogarty, New York Times bestselling author, creator of the popular Quick and Dirty Tips website, and inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame! Across more than 960 episodes to date, Mignon provides fun, simple tips to improve your writing skills and more. Her grammar, punctuation, style, and writing business insights aim to make listeners better and more successful writers.
Notable episodes:
- 951. The dark histories behind your favorite scary words, with Jess Zafarris
- 931. Darth Vader and the word “father.” Comparatives and superlatives. Pritinear.
- 926. What’s wrong with “there are” sentences? 5 fun facts about Spanish for Cinco de Mayo
Great for: Quick craft tips and inspiration for fiction and memoir writers.
Writer Unleashed is a weekly podcast by writer, editor, and writing coach Nanci Panuccio. Whether you’re stuck on a story or you want to level up your storytelling, this is the podcast for you! Each episode is just 20 minutes long, but clearly and concisely dives deep into a specific aspect of story — plot, character, scene, and more — with plenty of helpful encouragement and writing exercises thrown in. Nanci teaches in a way that makes the writing process easier and more fun, and her passion for it shines through.
Notable episodes:
- Rewind: Writing Inspiration from the Masters
- Rewind: 3 Mindset Shifts to Make Your Writing Dream a Reality
- #163: 5 Tips for Writing Stronger, More Structured Scenes
Listen | Website | Facebook group
Great for: Insider tips on writing craft and process from bestselling authors and publishing experts.
Writers, Ink is “your backstage pass to the world’s most prolific authors.” Hosted by a group of authors including J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, and Kevin Tumlinson, each weekly episode features a lively chat about industry news and the hosts’ personal updates followed by an interview with an author, publisher, or other industry professional. The hosts bring on great guests and it’s interesting to hear their unique, behind-the-scenes insights on the craft and business of writing. They also include thoughtful takeaways from each conversation at the end of the show.
Note: You can support the podcast via Spotify.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 222 — The one where two bookseller veterans explain what it takes for authors to get on their shelves.
- Episode 221 — The one where NYT bestsellers Robin & Michael J. Sullivan cover the pros and cons of indie, trad, and hybrid publishing.
- Episode 217 — The one where NYT bestseller James Ellroy details his process. How does it differ from yours?
Great for: Beginner-level writing advice and encouragement for traditionally published authors.
I Should Be Writing is one of several shows created by Hugo Award–winning podcaster and author Mur Lafferty, along with some fantastic special guests, sharing their experiences and struggles in writing. Mur says: “
Notable episodes:
- S19 Ep34 — What makes a writer “ambitious”? with Chikodili Emelumadu
- S19 Ep23 — Promises Authors Make: Arley Sorg Interview
- S19 Ep08 — Green M&Ms and Adverbs
Tip: You can tune in to Mur’s podcasts live on Twitch!
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Quick writing and editing tips for fiction writers at all levels.
Fiction Writing Made Easy is a weekly podcast on the mechanics of writing by editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo, who teaches the Story Grid method of understanding the themes and conventions of each genre. Many of the 100-plus episodes break down story beats and plot points while analyzing model texts. Savannah also delves into a variety of topics, from how to write unforgettable characters to how to build your author platform, with actionable, easy-to-digest strategies you can apply to your writing and editing right away.
Notable episodes:
- #123: How to Overcome the 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome
- #109: 5 Common Scene Issues (and How to Fix Them)
- #1: The #1 Myth That Holds Writers Back
Listen | Website | YouTube | Facebook group
Industry insights
Great for: Insider industry insights, query tips, and writing inspiration for querying authors.
Hosted by author Bianca Marais and literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing is a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry. Each episode features a detailed query letter critique, covering a wide range of genres, followed by an interview with an author or industry professional on topics around writing craft and business. The show is packed with helpful advice and resources to take away — delivered with a healthy dose of humor and empathy!
Tip: As a bonus resource, you can write in to request comp titles! You can also become a TSNOTYAW member on Substack for lots more exclusive content.
Notable episodes:
- The Method Writing Technique
- Trusting in Yourself and the Process
- Rebecca Makkai’s Writing Insights
Listen | Website | YouTube | Facebook group
Great for: Insider industry insights and tips for querying authors.
The Manuscript Academy podcast, created by literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer and author, screenwriter, and professor Julie Kingsley of The Manuscript Academy, features interviews with agents and editors, who share plenty of insider 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 query tips for authors looking to sign with an agent.
Tip: You can submit your query or first page for a chance at feedback from the show’s guests!
Notable episodes:
- Seventh Annual Holiday Party with Kaitlyn Sanchez, Linda Camacho, Kiana Nguyen & Stephanie Winter
- Three Query Drafts: Good, Better, AMAZING with Author Julia Alexandra
- #MSWL Live: Agents on What They Wish They Had in Their Inboxes
Great for: Industry news and book reviews for authors and industry professionals.
Presented by literary site Book Riot, this weekly talk show covers “what’s new, cool, and worth talking about in the world of books and reading.” Book Riot’s several podcasts are geared toward readers, but this one is more focused on book news and hot topics in publishing (sometimes including self-publishing). Authors and industry professionals alike can get the inside track on the biggest industry news — plus book recommendations! — from this podcast.
Notable episodes:
- The Year in Review
- Speaking of Therapy
- Mental Tattoos. They’re Called Memories.
Tip: Join the show’s Substack community to chat with other listeners and the hosts, Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O’Neill of Book Riot.
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Author life
Great for: Industry insights and writing life inspiration for memoir (and other) writers.
Hosted by Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press, and Grant Faulkner, executive director of NaNoWriMo, Write-Minded is an interview-style podcast “for writers craving a unique blend of inspiration and real talk about the ups and downs of the writing life.” Each week, in a compact 30 to 40 minutes, the hosts ask thought-provoking questions of excellent guest authors and industry professionals on their areas of expertise. Each episode concludes with a “Book Trend” to keep writers abreast of the top stories in publishing. Many episodes focus on memoir, given Brooke’s background in the space, but any writer who finds life getting in the way of writing will find the content wonderfully uplifting and inspiring.
Notable episodes:
- The Origin Story, featuring Deepa Anappara and Taymour Soomro
- Playing with Narration in Memoir, with Maggie Smith
- Leveraging Your Why, featuring N.D. Jones
Listen | Website | Facebook group
Great for: A look at a “day in the life” of successful writers.
Writer’s Routine is hosted by TV and radio presenter Dan Simpson, an insightful interviewer who asks savvy questions of published authors about their routine and what their day-to-day looks like. They talk about their works in progress, how they structure their writing, where they get their ideas, how they stay engaged in their stories, their insecurities and struggles along the way, and more. And every routine is different! This podcast is great for helping writers discover their process and validates that there’s no one right way to write.
Notable episodes:
- Season 1, Ep. 278 — Susan Wiggs, author of ‘Welcome to Beach Town’ – Multi-million bestseller discusses the joys of research, how to find your voice, and the sweet spot that makes a classic
- Season 1, Ep. 217 — Joanna Cannon, author of ‘A Tidy Ending’ – Sunday Times Bestseller discusses very early mornings, writing on the move and why myths hold you back
- Season 1, Ep. 108 — David Baldacci, author of ‘Walk the Wire’ – Prolific bestseller talks about being on the lookout for ideas, publishing two books a year, and picking characters for stories
Listen | Website | YouTube | Patreon
Great for: Writing, self-care, and productivity tips for YA (and other) authors.
The Happy Writer is a podcast by New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer, who interviews big-name authors on their new releases, writing habits, and even their personal lives. It’s a fun way to get to know your favorite authors and hear how their books get made before going on to read the finished product! And Marissa has a positive yet realistic focus on how to be creative and happy that you’re sure to find inspirational.
Notable episodes:
- Episode 179 — Andrea Tang – Kingdom of Without
- Episode 150 — Our Fav Tips, Advice, and Podcast Moments from 150 Episodes!
- Episode 60 — Leigh Bardugo – Rule of Wolves
Tip: You can support indie bookstores by purchasing past guests’ new books at Marissa’s Bookshop.org store!
Listen | Website | Facebook group
Other podcasts of note
These podcasts currently record on a less regular basis, but have fantastic backlogs worth bingeing!
- Six Figure Authors: For advice on marketing and building a successful career as a self-published author.
- Ditch Diggers: For inspiration for building a successful career as a traditionally published author (also by Mur Lafferty, creator of I Should Be Writing).
- Beautiful Writers Podcast: For writing, publishing, and creativity inspiration from bestselling authors.
- Death of 1000 Cuts: For writing tips, fascinating interviews with authors, and critiques of listeners’ first pages.
- Print Run: For insider insights and query tips from the perspective of literary agents.
- Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire: For insight into successful writers’ craft tips and publishing journeys.
- In Writing with Hattie Crisell: For insight into successful writers’ processes and publishing journeys.
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This post was originally published on October 2, 2018, and has been updated with new podcasts and notable episodes.
