Best Podcasts for Writers
Editor’s note: This post was updated in November 2021
When I discovered podcasts that were meant just for writers, my second life began.
(Okay maybe it wasn’t that dramatic), but I was absolutely hooked. I love the insights and invaluable info I can gain from a smart podcast. Here are a few of my favourites that I would definitely consider among the best podcasts for writers.
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
This one was started by Bianca Marais and soon after, literary agents Carly Watters and Cece Lyra joined in. Each episode begins with a “Books with Hooks” segment where they read out query letters and first pages and then provide feedback. It’s incredible insight into what literary agents think and what stands out to them in a query letter. Bianca also interviews fantastic writers and I’ve learned something new every single time I’ve tuned in. It’s a definite must for any writer getting ready to query.
The Manuscript Academy
Every episode features conversations with agents, editors, and writers and they usually run between twenty and thirty minutes, which fits really nicely into a busy day. Each time I listen I get great advice on the writing and querying journey, so this one is definitely one of my favourites.
The Writer Files
I love this podcast because it’s filled with interviews with published authors who talk about their process and how they write. Kelton Reid is the host (who is very likeable to listen to, which is something I find to be key in podcasts!) who “studies the habits, habitats, and brains of a wide spectrum of renowned writers to learn their secrets of productivity and creativity.” He often asks writers how they keep writing, make progress, and avoid imposter syndrome. This one is definitely one of my favourites.
Launch
This is an old one, but I found it fascinating and really enjoyed it the first time I listened to it. I was disappointed it was so short, with only eight episodes in total, but it’s still a must for anyone new to writing a book. It follows Screenwriter John August through the process of writing a middle-grade fiction novel and then everything that comes after getting published. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a book, and I loved it from start to finish.
Write Now with Sarah Werner
I found this one inspiring when I was first deciding to take writing seriously. The older episodes are the best, in my opinion, because she’s quite encouraging as well as practical (she has a podcast on SEO for Writers, for example). And there are lots of great interviews with writer-types as well.
Kobo Writing Life Podcast
I just discovered this one recently. It’s branded by Kobo (who has a self-publishing platform that they’re obviously promoting), and it’s highly focused on the self-publishing world of writing, but I find it helpful and really enjoy it. Great interviews and great advice.
Am Writing with Jess & KJ
This one is also filled with lots and lots of great, and practical, advice for writers. Both Jess and KJ have written extensively for online publications and have published novels, so they offer up the best of both worlds when it comes to writer advice.
Fiction Writing Made Easy
This podcast is hosted by developmental editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo. She has a lot of insight and gets into the little details - beats, plot points, motivation, worldview, etc. It’s great if you’re looking for something specific and can search through the episodes to try and find just what you need.
Honourable Mention
Here are a few others that I listen to, but not as regularly as my top picks:
Writing Excuses
This one has lots of specific advice on novel-writing in particular. It’s great if you want to know all about character arcs and motivation and world-building and things like that. Although, the episodes are only 15 minutes or so each, so I don’t find them as helpful to a newbie like myself.
The Well-Storied Podcast
The creator of this podcast just literally reads out her blog posts, so episodes are super short. That said, she has some great advice for creative writers and those of us trying to figure out all the parts of writing a novel.
The Creative Penn Podcast
The episodes in this podcast tend to be quite long, which is okay with me, but might not be for some. I also find her info and advice and interviews really helpful. I’m not a huge fan of her intros though, because she talks for quite a while before getting to the topic of the episode.
Those are just a few of my favourites, but I’m always on the hunt for more podcasts about writing. So, which ones do you listen to? I’d love to add to my growing list!