Ten Podcasts for Fiction Writers
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I love listening to podcasts, and they are an easy way to level up your writing craft! Here are some of my favourites, full of helpful advice from publishing professionals.
1. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
“For emerging writers who are looking to improve their work
with an aim to having it published.”
Hosted by an author and two literary agents, this podcast is a wealth of knowledge for writers, especially if you are working on your query letter and are interested in traditional publishing. They critique queries, discuss publishing industry news, and interview authors about the choices they made when writing their novels.
2. Print Run
“We love the publishing industry. And for that reason, we hate the publishing industry.”
Two literary agents discuss publishing industry trends and what it’s like being agents. I really enjoy their humour and chill.
3. Story Chat Radio
“We put ourselves through the arduous tasks of picking movies. And then watching the movies. And then thinking and talking about the movies… All for you and your story.”
Two freelance editors use movies to explain writing techniques. I particularly like how each episode focuses on a single writing topic, such as interiority, omniscient narrators, and conflict. Pick and choose areas you know you need to work on, movies you love, or simply binge all the episodes (and take notes while you do).
4. The Tea Grannies
“Writing, editing and publishing tips for every step of your author journey; from getting started to querying to publishing.”
I love the calm these ladies bring. One of them is an author and one of them as an author/editor. They critique pages, discuss craft, and host author interviews. Their insightful comments are a delight to listen to.
5. Publishing Rodeo
“In 2022, two authors debuted in the same genre, with the same publisher, in the same year. Yet each of their books, and subsequently each of their careers, went in very different directions. That pattern repeats itself throughout the industry, over and over. Why does this happen, and what does it mean?”
Hosted by two fantasy authors, this podcast dives into why the publishing industry is the way it is. It’s super fascinating, and the hosts are refreshingly honest about what it’s like being a trad author, tackling topics like predatory publishers, writing to market, the state of the industry, and relaunching careers.
6. The Freelancer
“Explores the fiction publishing world through a queer, social justice lens. It covers how to sustain creative work in ways that prioritize care, relationship-building, and long-term artistic practice over the relentless grind of capitalism, tech-bro disruption narratives, and AI hype.”
The host is a freelance editor who is also a cultural anthropologist, so he has lots of wisdom to share in various areas, including writing, editing, worldbuilding, and running a business. Some of my favourite episode topics include inclusive language, decolonizing fiction craft, and therapists in fiction.
7. The Worldbuilder’s Tavern
“Where great books meet creative minds.”
I’m a little biased, because I co-host this podcast. We release two episodes a month; the first is a deep dive into a sci-fi or fantasy novel, pointing out techniques writers can learn from it, and the second is a practical worldbuilding exercise. Readers, writers, and worldbuilders are welcome at the tavern!
8. Writing Excuses
“A fast-paced, educational podcast for writers, by writers. Our goal is to help our listeners become better at their craft.”
Hosted by authors and a literary agent, there are over twenty seasons of content here, tons of helpful advice on every writing topic you can imagine, from structure to worldbuilding.
9. Worldbuilding for Masochists
“What happens when you approach worldbuilding with the intention to deliberately choose the major elements of the world, rather than just presuming them based on cultural standards or historical paradigms?”
A worldbuilding podcast hosted by sci-fi and fantasy authors. They often have author guests on, and chat about various topics related to worldbuilding, from magic systems to cities.
10. No Write Way
“We’ll explore the many paths from that first spark of an idea to the final page of a book, because there’s no one right way to write—just the way that works for you.”
V.E. Schwab chats with other authors about their creative processes, work-life balance, and the writing life.
What are your favourite writing podcasts? Are there any you would add to this list? Tell me in the comments!
