The life of a writer is often a solitary one. Long hours are spent wrestling with words, untangling plot threads, and battling the ever-present demons of self-doubt. But what if you could fill that silence with the voices of mentors, peers, and industry titans who have walked the same path and emerged victorious? What if you could learn the secrets of six-figure authors while walking your dog, or master the art of book marketing during your daily commute?
Welcome to the world of podcasts for writers. In an era of information overload, podcasts have emerged as a uniquely powerful medium for professional development. With over 500 million listeners globally [1], the audio revolution is in full swing, and the author community is one of its most vibrant hubs. These aren’t just talk shows; they are masterclasses, support groups, and strategy sessions delivered directly to your earbuds, for free.
But with hundreds of writing-related podcasts vying for your attention, finding the true gems can be as challenging as finding a literary agent who replies to unsolicited queries. That’s why we’ve done the deep-diving for you. We’ve sifted through the noise to identify the 13 most valuable, insightful, and actionable podcasts that every writer and self-publisher should have in their rotation. Whether you’re struggling with the first draft, navigating the complexities of Amazon KDP, or looking to build a sustainable author business, there’s a podcast on this list that will change the way you write.
The Business of Writing: Self-Publishing & Marketing Mastery
For the modern author, writing the book is only half the battle. These podcasts are your strategic guides to the business side of being a writer, covering everything from marketing and sales to building a brand and running a profitable author business.
The Creative Penn Podcast
Host: Joanna Penn
Why You Should Listen: If there is a cornerstone of the indie author podcasting world, it is The Creative Penn. Since 2009, Joanna Penn has been a guiding light for authors, meticulously documenting her own journey from a corporate consultant to a multi-six-figure author-entrepreneur. Her podcast is a treasure trove of information on a vast array of topics, including writing craft, publishing options, book marketing, and the future of creativity with AI.
What sets this podcast apart is its blend of practical, actionable advice with a forward-thinking perspective. Penn isn’t just telling you what works now; she’s exploring what’s coming next. With over 700 episodes, the backlist alone is a comprehensive education in the business of writing. Her interviews with industry experts are always insightful, and her solo shows are packed with personal experience and encouragement. For any writer serious about building a long-term career, this is non-negotiable listening.
The Self-Publishing Show
Hosts: Mark Dawson and James Blatch
Why You Should Listen: From the minds behind the acclaimed Self-Publishing Formula courses, this podcast is a masterclass in the business of being an indie author. Mark Dawson, a bestselling author who famously built his career using Facebook ads, and James Blatch, a former BBC journalist, deliver a polished, professional, and incredibly informative show. While they cover all aspects of self-publishing, their deep dives into paid advertising, mailing list growth, and launch strategies are unparalleled.
The show features interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry, but some of the most valuable episodes are the “behind the curtain” episodes where they break down the real numbers behind Dawson’s own seven-figure author business. This transparency is rare and provides an invaluable look at what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level.
The Sell More Books Show
Hosts: Bryan Cohen and H. Claire Taylor
Why You Should Listen: In the fast-moving world of book marketing, staying on top of the latest news and trends is crucial. The Sell More Books Show is your weekly briefing on the state of the industry. Each episode is a rundown of the week’s most important news, followed by a deep dive into a specific marketing topic. Cohen and Taylor have a fantastic chemistry, and their analysis is always sharp, practical, and focused on what actually moves the needle for authors.
This podcast excels at cutting through the noise. When a new marketing tactic emerges or a platform changes its algorithm, they are there to break it down, offering level-headed advice on whether it’s a shiny new object to be ignored or a genuine opportunity to be seized. It’s the perfect way to stay informed without getting overwhelmed.
The Book Marketing Show
Host: Dave Chesson
Why You Should Listen: From the founder of Kindlepreneur, a website renowned for its data-driven approach to Amazon KDP, comes The Book Marketing Show. As you might expect, this podcast is all about actionable, no-fluff marketing tactics that are proven to get results. Dave Chesson dives deep into the mechanics of the Amazon ecosystem, covering topics like keyword research, category selection, Amazon Ads, and conversion optimization for your book’s sales page.
What makes this podcast a must-listen is its focus on the “how.” Chesson doesn’t just tell you what to do; he shows you how to do it, often with step-by-step instructions. If you want to master the art and science of selling books on the world’s largest bookstore, this podcast is your roadmap.
Honing Your Craft: Podcasts for Better Writing
Beyond the business, at the heart of it all, is the writing itself. These podcasts are dedicated to helping you become a better writer, with a focus on craft, technique, and the creative process.
Writing Excuses
Hosts: Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler
Why You Should Listen: With the tagline, “Fifteen minutes long, because you’re in a hurry, and we’re not that smart,” Writing Excuses is a masterclass in concise, high-impact advice. Don’t let the self-deprecating humor fool you; the hosts are all giants in the science fiction and fantasy world, and their insights are pure gold. Each short episode focuses on a single, specific aspect of writing craft, from character voice and world-building to pacing and revision.
The podcast is structured in seasons, with each season having a loose theme, allowing for a deep, year-long exploration of a topic. The bite-sized format makes it incredibly easy to fit into your day, and the practical, focused nature of the advice means you’ll walk away from every episode with a tangible tool you can apply to your work-in-progress immediately.
Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
Host: Mignon Fogarty
Why You Should Listen: In the world of writing, clarity is king, and good grammar is its foundation. Grammar Girl, hosted by the brilliant Mignon Fogarty, has been the go-to resource for writers for over a decade. This podcast makes learning the often-tricky rules of the English language fun and accessible. Fogarty has a knack for breaking down complex grammatical concepts into simple, memorable tips.
Whether it’s the proper use of the em dash, the difference between “affect” and “effect,” or the history of the Oxford comma, Grammar Girl covers it with wit and precision. The short episodes are perfect for a quick dose of linguistic knowledge, and consistently listening will undoubtedly elevate the quality and professionalism of your prose.
The Writer Files
Host: Kelton Reid
Why You Should Listen: Have you ever wondered how bestselling authors actually write? The Writer Files takes you inside the minds and processes of some of the most successful writers in the world. Host Kelton Reid conducts in-depth interviews that explore the habits, habitats, and creative brains of acclaimed authors. The podcast delves into their routines, their struggles with procrastination, their sources of inspiration, and the tools they use to stay productive.
This isn’t a “how-to” podcast in the traditional sense. It’s a fascinating exploration of the psychology of creativity and productivity. By listening to how a diverse range of successful writers approach their craft, you’ll pick up new strategies and gain a deeper understanding of your own creative process.
I Should Be Writing
Host: Mur Lafferty
Why You Should Listen: A long-running and beloved podcast in the writing community, I Should Be Writing is a raw and honest look at the writing life from the trenches. Hosted by award-winning author Mur Lafferty, the show is a mix of personal updates on her own writing journey, interviews with other professionals, and heartfelt encouragement for aspiring writers. Lafferty is incredibly open about the highs and lows of the creative process, from the thrill of a new idea to the despair of a rejection letter.
This podcast feels like a conversation with a supportive friend who truly understands what you’re going through. It’s a powerful antidote to the isolation that so many writers feel, and it’s packed with the kind of a-ha moments that can only come from someone who has been there.
The Author Life: Mindset, Motivation, and Industry Insights
These podcasts go beyond just business and craft to explore the holistic experience of being a writer, offering motivation, community, and a broader perspective on the publishing world.
AskALLi Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
Host: The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)
Why You Should Listen: As the leading professional association for self-publishers, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a trusted source of ethical and expert advice. Their AskALLi Self-Publishing Advice Podcast is the audio extension of that mission. The show is divided into different segments, each hosted by a different expert, covering topics from beginner-level how-tos to advanced business strategies and insightful interviews.
What makes this podcast essential is its reliability and global perspective. ALLi is dedicated to upholding standards of excellence and ethics in self-publishing, and their advice is always well-researched and trustworthy. Their weekly Self-Publishing News segment is also one of the best ways to stay informed about the most important developments in the industry.
The Indy Author Podcast
Host: Matty Dalrymple
Why You Should Listen: The Indy Author Podcast strikes a perfect balance between the craft of writing and the business of publishing. Host Matty Dalrymple facilitates engaging and insightful conversations with a wide range of guests, from fellow authors to industry experts. The podcast covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the nuances of character development and dialogue to the practicalities of building an author platform and managing your intellectual property.
Dalrymple is an excellent interviewer, asking the kinds of thoughtful questions that lead to deep and practical answers. The show has a friendly, accessible vibe, but the information is always top-notch. It’s a fantastic all-around resource for authors who want to grow in both their craft and their career.
Self-Publishing with Dale
Host: Dale Roberts
Why You Should Listen: If you’ve spent any time on YouTube looking for self-publishing advice, you’ve likely come across Dale Roberts. His high-energy, no-nonsense approach has made him a popular figure in the community, and his podcast, Self-Publishing with Dale, delivers that same practical value in an audio format. Roberts specializes in the nitty-gritty details of the Amazon KDP platform, particularly in the low-content and no-content space, but his advice is applicable to all self-publishers.
He covers topics like navigating the KDP dashboard, understanding sales reports, and leveraging different Amazon programs. If you’re looking for a coach who will give you direct, actionable steps to take, Dale’s podcast is an excellent choice.
The Written Word Podcast
Host: The team from Written Word Media
Why You Should Listen: From the company behind popular book promotion sites like Freebooksy and Bargain Booksy, The Written Word Podcast offers a unique and valuable perspective on book marketing. Because Written Word Media works with thousands of authors and has access to a wealth of data on what makes readers click, their insights are grounded in real-world results.
The podcast covers a range of topics, from advertising and email marketing to author branding and mindset. The hosts are knowledgeable and approachable, and they often share case studies and data from their own platform, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s working in book promotion right now.
How to Get the Most Out of These Podcasts
Subscribing to these podcasts is the first step, but to truly benefit from them, you need to be an active listener. Here are a few tips:
- Take Notes: Don’t just passively listen. When you hear a great idea or a new strategy, jot it down. Use a dedicated notebook or a note-taking app on your phone.
- Implement One Thing: After each episode, try to identify one actionable takeaway that you can implement in your own writing or marketing within the next week.
- Engage with the Hosts: Many of these podcasts have active communities on social media or in Facebook groups. Join the conversation, ask questions, and connect with other listeners.
By integrating these podcasts into your regular routine, you’ll be investing in your most important asset: yourself. You’ll stay motivated, informed, and continuously inspired on your journey to becoming a more successful writer.
