Y’ALL. It’s been two years since I started this blog!
*cue confetti and lots of cake or the dessert of your choice*
I’ve got some ~big changes~ planned, but for now, let’s celebrate with…podcasts!
One of my first posts was about 10 podcasts to make you a better writer, and since I keep finding new podcasts, I updated that list with 5 more podcasts for writers. Now, I’m back with even more podcasts!
It’s sort of interesting to track how these lists reflect my writing life and style. These podcasts are much more about the industry of publishing, both traditional and independent publishers. I still really value podcasts about craft and author interviews, but it’s also been helpful to learn more about books and publishing as a wider industry as I (hopefully!) get closer to getting an agent and fully stepping into that world.
The Print Run podcast is hosted by publishing pros, Laura Zats and Erik Hane. They’re both literary agents and Erik is a writer himself, so they know the ins and outs of the business. The podcast is primarily an honest conversation between the two of them about whatever crazy stuff has gone down in publishing recently. They answer questions from listeners and sometimes interview other publishing professionals. The two hosts have an easygoing vibe but also aren’t afraid to ask hard questions about what publishing needs to change. It’s a compelling, frank look at the industry, and an invaluable resource for anyone who hopes to be a part of it.
Average run-time: 50 minutes
Author Victora Schwab is making the most of quarantine with her new podcast No Write Way. Each week, she sits down with another author on Instagram Live and chats with them about their career, writing craft, and life as a creative. So you can watch live on Instagram, or listen at your convenience when she uploads the audio as a podcast. So far, Schwab has known the authors she’s interviewing pretty well, which means they already have camaraderie and an ease that makes the podcast more like listening to your (super smart and talented) writer friends chat rather than an interview.
Average run-time: 1 hour
I’ve mentioned Sarah Enni’s podcast First Draft in a previous podcast round-up, but now she has a podcast-within-a-podcast called Track Changes. This one, appearing on the First Draft feed, focuses on what you don’t know you don’t know about publishing. She talks to industry professionals and published authors about each step in the process – from finding an agent to signing a deal to marketing your book. She’s also done a really good job of addressing inequality in the industry and how publishing was literally designed to benefit wealthy white, able-bodied people.
Average run-time: 30 minutes
Self-publishing icon Joanna Penn hosts The Creative Penn, which is chock-full of information for writers interested in both traditional and self-publishing. The first part of the podcast is updates from Joanna on her writing life and news about the writing industry, usually for indie authors. In the second half, she interviews other writers. Sometimes this is more industry-focused and aimed at indie authors, but sometimes it’s more about craft and is helpful no matter how you want to publish. She recently celebrated 500 episodes and ten years of the podcast, so it’s safe to say she knows her stuff!
Average run-time: 1 hour
Nina LaCour’s calming voice guides writers through all the struggles that come with creating in Keeping A Notebook. She’s so chill and soothing, but has such great advice. During quarantine, she’s shifted the podcast structure to be more about writing prompts, which is great if you’ve been struggling with writer’s block thanks to all the craziness we’re living through.
Average run-time: 15 minutes
As an author who wants to take a hybrid approach (both self-publishing and traditional publishing books), How Do You Write? hosted by hybrid author Rachael Herron has been so valuable. She has so much knowledge to share, both about the industry and about writing. Her interview episodes span writers of all types and are always fascinating.
Average run-time: 30 minutes
There you have it! Six podcasts to add to your routine. Even if being published is still a long way off, I think it’s helpful to have the insight these podcasts provide so you know what you’re getting into and have reasonable expectations.
Do you listen to any of these podcasts? What’s your favorite writing podcast? Let me know in the comments!
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Featured image by Francis Bouffard
Thank you so much for these awesome recommendations! I got into podcasts during quarantine and will definitely add this to my to-listen list! 😀
I’ve found lots of new, great podcasts during quarantine too! I hope you enjoy these!