Writing Podcasts for Aspiring Authors [Podcasts with Self-Publishing Focus Featured]

Best Podcasts for Writers: The Ultimate Guide

Writing Podcasts for Aspiring Authors [Podcasts with Self-Publishing Focus Featured]

Podcasts have become a staple for those weaving stories through words. Whether you're a published author or an aspiring wordsmith, these audio gems boast a unique blend of community, inspiration, and education in the vast world of self-publishing.

Here's what you can expect from popular writing podcasts:

A. To spark reader interest

1. The Book Review A captivating offering from The New York Times, this podcast features interviews with authors of notable new releases and their critics. Ideal for NYT best-seller list enthusiasts and aspiring authors seeking recognition.
2. Well-Read Black Girl Hosted by Glory Edim, this podcast delivers meaningful, intimate discussions with renowned authors like Tarana Burke, Min Jin Lee, and Elizabeth Acevedo. Additionally, it features members of the WRBG Book Club, literacy advocates, and Black booksellers, venturing into diverse reads and neglected topics.
3. What Should I Read Next? A solution for those in search of their next great read, this engaging podcast hosts authors, typically listeners, in conversations about their reading preferences, and provides suggestions for future books.

B. To promote a niche

1. Imaginary Worlds Hosted by Eric Molinsky, this podcast delves into fantasy and sci-fi storytelling across various mediums, unearthing real-world social issues that mirror these universes, such as fascism and racism.
2. Lore This gripping podcast, hosted by Aaron Mankhe, weaves together tales that are both eerie and fantastical, exploring quintessential aspects of the human experience and age-old existential questions.
3. Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! Liv Albert expertly explores the roots of modern Western storytelling, tracing them back to their source: Greek mythology. The podcast sheds light on these ancient tales through contemporary perspectives, including feminism, queer theory, and neurodiversity.
4. Phoebe Reads a Mystery Known for her ASMR-esque voice, Phoebe Judge captivates listeners with her soothing narration of mystery novels, initially focusing on Agatha Christie's The Murder on the Links.

C. To kickstart a writing career

1. Unpublished A powerful community space for creative writers, Unpublished offers guidance on overcoming emotional and practical obstacles in writing. With hosts Amie McNee and James Winestock, discuss topics like stigmatized aspects of the writing process, misconceptions about laziness, and coping with failure.
2. The Creative Writer's Toolbelt Focusing on story structure, writing techniques, genre-specific knowledge, creative processes, and industry insights, this podcast offers a blend of interview-style and instructional advice on polishing your craft.

D. To tackle technicalities

1. Grammar Girl - Quick and Dirty Tips Host Mignon Fogarty delves deep into the nitty-gritty of grammar, offering an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for writers of all kinds.
2. Writer's Routine Investigating the intricacies of writing routines and processes, this insightful podcast delves into the daily schedules, writing spaces, and font preferences of successful authors.
3. The Book Marketing Show A must-listen for authors looking to boost their book sales, this podcast explores proven book marketing and sales tactics, both timeless and trending.
4. The Creative Penn Since 2015, The Creative Penn podcast has provided a rich source of writing advice and business insights for authors. The show covers a range of topics, from trending subjects like adult coloring books to tried-and-true advice on outlining for genre fiction.

⭐ Self-publishing podcasts

1. Self-Publishing School Hosted by Chandler Bolt, Self-Publishing School covers the entire publishing process, offering practical guidance on writing, launching, and monetizing books.
2. The Self Publishing Show With hosts Mark Dawson and James Blatch, this podcast provides invaluable insights into self-publishing, featuring expert guests and tackling essential topics like book launches and testing book ideas.
3. Self-Publishing with Dale Gaining popularity on YouTube, Dale Roberts extensively covers self-publishing topics, with a particular emphasis on helping authors sell more books and develop their author brand.

Alternatives to Google Podcasts [as it closes]

With Google Podcasts shutting down, several promising Android alternatives have emerged:

1. Spotify Spotify's Android app offers improved transcripts, chapter browsing, and enriched podcast pages, enhancing the podcast experience with new features like skipping forward or back and speed adjustments.
2. Hark Known for its curated podcast selections and innovative thematic playlists, Hark specializes in providing a more personalized podcast experience.
3. Antenna Pod A versatile, open-source, and ad-free podcast app, Antenna Pod offers a user-friendly interface, robust customization options, and support for various podcast formats.
4. Pocket Casts Widely praised for its sleek design and powerful features, Pocket Casts allows users to easily discover, manage, and listen to a vast array of podcasts.

Why Podcasts on Writing Are [Still] a Thing

1. Learning and inspiration

2. Industry insights

3. Skill enhancement

4. Marketing and visibility

5. Diversifying Income

6. Networking opportunities

7. Global Reach

8. Community connection

🎧 Time to Hit Play!

In the vast landscape of indie publishing, writing podcasts remain crucial pillars, providing invaluable insights, inspiration, and guidance. For those navigating self-publishing, exploring these author podcasts is an essential endeavor. Embrace the podcast universe and embark on a captivating writing journey!

1. To broaden one's horizons beyond writing, one could explore podcasts in other categories such as lifestyle, home-and-garden, technology, books, education-and-self-development, and entertainment. For instance, the 'How I Built This' podcast offers inspiration and tips for entrepreneurs, while 'The Splendid Table' delves into the world of food and culinary arts.
2. For the technology enthusiasts, consider listening to podcasts like 'The Tech Memo' for the latest technology news, or 'All-In Podcast' for in-depth discussions on software development and technology trends.
3. If you enjoy reading and are passionate about literature, you might find value in podcasts like 'The History of Literature,' which delves into the long history of written works and the authors who created them. 'Bookworm' is another podcast that focuses on books and reading, featuring interviews with authors and offering discussions on contemporary and classic literature.

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