I love studying. I’ve got no shame in donning my geek glasses and hoovering up knowledge like James Dyson on steroids. For me, one of the quickest methods for learning, particularly in this fast-paced industry, is to listen to podcasts. Why? Because they’re current and they’re recorded weekly (usually). Which means they can report on changes instantly, giving you the most up to date industry and marketing news as it happens.
I’ve pulled together a list of my fave podcasts that have helped me grow a wealth of marketing and industry knowledge as well as craft skills.
If your favorite pod isn’t on the list, why not drop it in the comments.
If you’re not into podcasts or haven’t found time to listen, then you’re missing out.
Here are a few quick tricks I use to consume the knowledge:
- Listen at a faster speed. It takes a bit of getting used to, but you can train your brain. I listen to podcasts anywhere from 1.25x speed to 2x speed. It means you consume the info faster and it takes up less time.
- Listen in dead time. For example, when walking the kids to school, in the car, on the way to work, walking the dog, while cooking.
- Keep a notes file specifically for any tips you pick up via podcasts in your phone for easy access. If you’re listening on the go, it’s hard to action anything you hear at the same time.
Right, to the podcasts. The ones I’ve recommended are produced by authors actually in the thick of the crazy marketing world. They’re living and breathing publishing, which is why their podcasts are so good.
For those with smartphones – I’d recommend listening via your regular podcast app. But most of these podcasts have been running for years, so if you want to hit up the backlist, then go to their websites.
MARKETING AND PUBLISHING PODCASTS
Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn Podcast
Joanna Penn is an indie publishing legend. Her podcast is in an interview format (or a solo show) where she will interview guests on particular topics related to writing, marketing and publishing. She covers everything from craft all the way up to Mindset, mailing list management, advertising techniques and everything in between.
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Six Figure AuthorsCo-hosted by Lindsay Buroker, Jo Lallo and Andrea Pearson. After leaving the podcast world six months ago, I’m thrilled that Lindsay is back. Six Figure Authors is the show that helps you take your writing career to the next level. The trio share their own insights, as authors who’ve been publishing since the beginning of the e-reader revolution. They’ll also interview industry experts and other successful authors to help you figure out what’s working right now.
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This podcast is hardcore frontline news, views and tips. Co-hosted by Bryan Cohen and Jim Krukal, the duo aims to bring you the latest in publishing news, their banter-filled views on it, and tips and tricks for selling as many books as possible. Another one of my faves. It’s also led to them running an annual conference in Chicago every year. For those of us not on that side of the pond – one for the bucket list.
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Alliance of Independent Author’s Podcast
The Alliance of Independent Authors is amazing. Akin to a union for indies, it’s done so much for me, enabling me to meet other authors, make connections and even a little something that’s in the works next year. But more on that another day. Their podcast is super. They split the shows by beginner or advanced sessions and even have guests like Joanna Penn on the advanced show. It’s chock full of insight and I always leave with actions and things to do.
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Mark Dawson, aside for his thriller books, is renowned as the go-to guy for advertising courses. With his team, they’ve taught literally thousands of authors how to use the many and varied advertising steams. Me included. James (one of Mark’s teammates) along with Mark, run the Self Publishing Formula podcast. Like the others, it’s filled with interesting interviews on the latest marketing trends and tactics. They also do an interesting book clinic segment for Patreon supporters. They give one person’s book a total overhaul to help them sell more books. It’s fascinating.
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Great Writers Share It’s no secret that writing can be lonely work. But, does it really have to be? Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just starting out, you’ll get insights into the tricks, tips and production habits of writers from every level of the biz. From bestselling authors, to those launching their first novels, you’re sure to be in the company of friends as they encourage great writers to divulge and share their secrets.
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I’m new to this podcast, but Zach Bohannon and J. Thorn are fantastic presenters focusing on the nitty-gritty of making an author career happen. Topics range far and wide including money management, editing and social media.
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WRITING CRAFT PODS
I was surprised to realize I don’t listen to that many writing craft podcasts, I guess much of that learning comes from reading craft books and deconstructing the novels I read. However, there are a couple!
This podcast is for anyone in a rush. Each episode is only 15 minutes long and they go deep into one small area of writing. Co-hosted by a team of authors including Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells and Mary Robinette Kowal to name a few. Their podcast is funny, gritty and genuinely helpful. I highly recommend it.
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The Story Grid is co-hosted by Tim Grahl and Shawn Coyne, who happens to be the author of the Story Grid a meaty book all about story structure. Their podcasts have gone into a variety of topics, including Tim receiving detailed critiques on how to better his craft. Well worth a listen – oh and buy the book while you’re at it. AmazonUK, AmazonUSA.
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BUSINESS PODCASTS
Last but by no means least, is the Smart Passive Income Podcast. Hosted by Pat Flynn, this podcast is fascinating. It has a real business spin and focuses on how you can earn more money passively. Which as we all know is the goal. Let your books work for you, not the other way around. Any savvy author should be listening.
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BONUS PODCAST
The Rebel Author PodcastI’ve got to give a shout out to my own podcast. What’s my show all about? It’s a motivational podcast for all the creatives out there with an inner rebel. Listen for interviews, industry news, tips, tricks and tools to help you take your creative business to the next level.
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That’s it. The rundown of the best podcasts I’ve been listening to in 2018/9. Drop me a note in the comments and let me know what you’ve been listening to or what you’d recommend.
10 Podcasts Every #Writer Needs to Listen To #indieauthor #selfpublishing #IARTG #ASMRG #writingcommunity Share on X
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I must confess, I do not do podcasts… I should… But I seriously don’t have the time!!!
I’ll try though! Xx
In the bath, while cooking, driving to work. It can be done!
😁
Nice list Sacha, I’ve got a couple for you too. Try into the impossible for something to stretch the imagination but is tilted more towards scifi and for pure entertainment look up girl in space, I love it and got through them in a week or so.
Thanks Simon, I’ll check those out 😀
Cool, let me know what you think 😀
Thanks bunches Sach for this list. I’m adding them. And small world – Career author podcast with J Thorn. Did you know he was like my mentor and first author friend when I began writing my first book? 🙂 <3
I did not! That’s amazing. I have to say, the longer I’m in the indie world, the less surprised I am by these connections. It’s not a very big world – the indie community – so these connections are becoming more frequent. Are you still in touch?
Infrequently by email. James’ career has taken off exponentially. He had so many great ideas in our earlier Indie days that I see are finally paying off for him. As he is a great horror writer and I don’t read horror, we’ve kind of gone in different directions. I actually connected with him when I watched him on a podcast and we started chatting in comments. And one of his first books was a memoir! <3
That’s so cool though. I love how small our world is, and even over land and sea and miles of oceans we’re all connected.
Soooooooooooo true! <3 xxx
Interesting that we have similar tastes. I didn’t know about the Alliance of Indie Authors. That podcast is gold. No selling on it. I spotted Kobo Writing Life and I am still to check it out.
ahhh the Alliance is brill, I love that they split it by stage of career too 🙂 hope you enjoy the pods 🙂
I want to start listening to podcasts and I’ve printed your list as a starting point. Thanks very much.
You’re welcome 🙂 I hope you get as much from them as I have.
The Bestseller Experiment is a hilarious podcast talking all things book related.
I’ll check it out thank you 🙂
“The Worried Writer” podcast is excellent.Sarah Painter hosts and she’s interviewed multiple authors across all sorts of genres, including Joanna Penn (2 times).
I love the worried writer. Sarah is amazing. She very kindly interviewed me too!
Thanks for this list.
I only started listening to podcasts (in the car, on the way to and from work), based on your suggestion previously.
I have amassed an incredible amount of knowledge in a relatively small space of time (listening on 1.5 times speed – great tip – thank you!)
Looks like some good additions to my list here 😃👍
…I didn’t see The Indie Author Podcast on here?
No, I’ll add that podcast in at a later date. I don’t think it had launched when I updated this post last. I’m about to do a huge website and content review so it will get picked up then.