The 15 Best Writing Podcasts (2026)

Writing Excuses has been the go-to craft podcast for fiction writers since 2008, and there's a good reason it keeps showing up on every recommendation list. The format is brilliantly simple: episodes clock in at roughly fifteen minutes, packed tight with actionable advice on everything from story structure to world-building to the business side of publishing. The current host lineup brings together Hugo Award-winner Mary Robinette Kowal, literary agent DongWon Song, editor Erin Roberts, thriller author Dan Wells, and cartoonist Howard Tayler. That spread of expertise means you get perspectives from across the publishing industry in a single conversation. Season 21 has been particularly strong, with episodes breaking down hero's journey alternatives, sequel construction, and how to set reader expectations in your opening pages. Each episode wraps up with a writing prompt you can actually use, which is a nice touch. With over 800 episodes and a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,200 listeners, it has earned its reputation as one of the most efficient writing education resources out there. Fair warning: the ad load has crept up over the years, but the content underneath remains sharp and worth your time. The hosts also rotate in guest instructors from time to time, which keeps the perspectives fresh and prevents any single voice from dominating the conversation.

The name says it all. Author Bianca Marais teams up with literary agent Carly Watters and editor CeCe Lyra to pull back the curtain on the parts of the publishing process that nobody prepares you for. Their signature segment, Books with Hooks, is probably the most useful recurring feature on any writing podcast right now. They take real query letters and opening pages submitted by listeners and critique them live, which means you get to hear exactly what an agent thinks when she reads your first paragraph. It is brutally honest and incredibly educational. Beyond that segment, the show covers craft topics like building slow-burn suspense, writing emotionally resonant openings, and navigating the often-bewildering timeline of traditional publishing. The three hosts have genuine chemistry and complement each other well, with Bianca bringing the author perspective, Carly the agent lens, and CeCe the editorial eye. Nearly 390 episodes in, the show holds a strong 4.8-star rating from over 775 reviews. The audio quality can be inconsistent at times, with some listeners noting volume differences between hosts, but the substance of the advice more than compensates. If you are serious about querying agents or understanding how acquisitions actually work, this is essential listening.

Mignon Fogarty has been answering grammar questions since 2006 and somehow keeps finding fresh angles on the English language nearly two decades later. Grammar Girl is one of those rare shows that manages to be both genuinely educational and fun to listen to. Episodes run short, usually under fifteen minutes, and tackle specific questions like the difference between "awhile" and "a while," why we write in all caps, or where the word "mogul" actually comes from. Fogarty has a warm, clear teaching style that makes even obscure grammar rules feel approachable rather than stuffy. She has won five Best Education Podcast awards, and with over 1,100 episodes and a 4.5-star rating from nearly 3,000 listeners, she clearly knows her audience. The show is not just for grammar nerds, though. Recent episodes have tackled practical topics like how AI is changing writing conventions and what civic responsibility looks like in written communication. Longer episodes feature interviews with linguists and writing professionals that add depth beyond the quick-tip format. If you write anything, whether it is fiction, business emails, or blog posts, Grammar Girl will make you more precise without making you feel like you are back in English class. The archive alone is worth bookmarking as a reference tool you can search whenever a specific usage question comes up.

Joanna Penn is one of the most prolific voices in the indie author space, and her biweekly podcast reflects that energy. The Creative Penn covers both the craft of writing and the business of being an author, which makes it especially valuable for writers who want to treat their work as a career rather than just a hobby. Penn is notably open-minded about technology, and she was talking about AI tools for authors and direct book sales strategies long before most of the industry caught up. Recent episodes have covered topics like post-traumatic growth in creative work, managing multiple writing projects simultaneously, and using academic research methods as an indie author. Her interview style is practical and encouraging without being saccharine. Listeners consistently describe her as a steady companion through their publishing journey, and the 4.8-star rating from over 620 reviews backs that up. She has a particularly strong grasp on the international publishing market, which sets her apart from the many US-focused shows in this space. The show airs every other Monday and has maintained a remarkably consistent quality over its long run. If you are an indie author or thinking about going independent, this is the podcast that will actually help you build a sustainable writing business.

Savannah Gilbo is a developmental editor and book coach, and her podcast delivers exactly what the title promises: practical, no-fluff guidance for fiction writers. Each weekly episode focuses on a specific craft element, such as scene structure fundamentals, writing natural-sounding dialogue, or creating morally complex characters, and breaks it down into steps you can apply immediately. What makes this show stand out is Gilbo's ability to explain story structure concepts without drowning you in jargon. She teaches from experience working with hundreds of manuscripts, so her advice tends to be grounded in the actual mistakes writers make rather than abstract theory. The show has a 4.9-star rating from nearly 1,500 listeners, which is remarkable for a writing podcast with over 250 episodes. That is not an accident. Gilbo also occasionally features student success stories from her Notes to Novel course, which gives you a realistic picture of what the revision process actually looks like. She covers the full journey from first draft through editing to publishing, so both new and experienced novelists will find something useful. If you have been staring at your manuscript wondering why a particular scene feels flat, this podcast will probably give you the specific diagnosis you need.

Screenwriters John August (Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Last of Us) have been co-hosting Scriptnotes since 2011, and it remains the gold standard for screenwriting podcasts. The two have an easy rapport that makes even technical discussions about story structure, copyright law, and work-for-hire agreements genuinely entertaining. They are not just talking heads either. Both are actively working in Hollywood, which means their commentary on industry trends comes from firsthand experience rather than speculation. Recent episodes have covered turning news stories into movies, the oral nature of screenwriting versus prose, and what makes an effective comparison when pitching. They regularly bring on filmmakers and showrunners for deeper craft discussions, like a recent episode with Joachim Trier on character introductions. With over 725 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 2,400 listeners, the show has built an enormous archive of screenwriting wisdom. Even if you write prose fiction rather than screenplays, the craft discussions about structure, character, and dialogue translate directly. Mazin in particular has a gift for articulating why certain storytelling choices work and others fall apart. The weekly schedule means there is always something fresh in your feed, and the show's massive back catalog is organized well enough that you can find episodes on nearly any specific screenwriting topic you need.

K.M. Weiland is an award-winning story coach who thinks deeply about narrative structure, and her podcast is one of the best places to absorb that thinking. Helping Writers Become Authors goes further into story theory than most writing shows dare. Weiland regularly tackles concepts like four-act structure versus three-act, circular narrative shapes, the cosmology of story, and how character personality drives arc choices. She is the kind of teacher who makes you rethink books you thought you already understood. Her presentation style is clear and methodical. She builds arguments step by step, illustrating each point with examples from well-known novels and films. The show airs weekly and has accumulated over 720 episodes with a 4.8-star rating from more than 1,000 reviewers. Listeners frequently mention her accessible communication style, which is notable because the topics can get quite sophisticated. Recent episodes have explored the role of wonder in contemporary fiction, second act structure, and how career evolution affects an author's creative output. This is less of a how-to podcast and more of a why-it-works podcast. If you want to understand the mechanics underneath great storytelling rather than just follow templates, Weiland is your guide. She also maintains an extensive blog that pairs well with the audio content.

Between the Covers is the literary podcast for people who take writing seriously as an art form. Host David Naimon, in partnership with publisher Milkweed Editions (formerly Tin House), conducts some of the most thoughtful, meticulously researched author interviews you will find anywhere. His guests regularly tell him they have never been asked such good questions, and after listening to a few episodes, you will understand why. Naimon reads his guests' entire body of work before each conversation, and it shows in the specificity and depth of his questions. The show covers fiction, nonfiction, and poetry with equal seriousness, featuring writers like Canisia Lubrin, Jake Skeets, and other voices you might not encounter on mainstream literary podcasts. His special series "Crafting with Ursula" used Ursula K. Le Guin's writing philosophy as a framework for exploring craft, which was a standout achievement. With 314 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 460 listeners, this is a biweekly show that rewards patience. Episodes run longer than most, and Naimon's interviewing style is deliberate and reflective rather than rapid-fire. Some listeners wish the guests got a bit more uninterrupted airtime, but the depth of preparation more than makes up for it. This is the podcast for writers who want to think harder about language.

The Self Publishing Show approaches writing from the entrepreneurial angle, treating book publishing as a business that can be learned and optimized. Host James Blatch (joined recently by new co-host Cecilia Mecca, a romance author) interviews the biggest names in indie publishing and breaks down strategies for selling more books. The show relaunched in 2026 after an 18-month hiatus with fresh energy and a renewed focus on community building. Recent episodes have covered selling books on Etsy, ethical questions around AI in publishing, audio publishing expansion, and BookBub promotional strategies. Blatch has a journalist's instinct for asking practical follow-up questions, which means guests actually reveal useful specifics rather than vague generalities. With 435 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 220 reviews, the show has earned its place as one of the top indie publishing resources. The business focus might seem narrow, but it fills a real gap. Many writing podcasts tell you how to write a great book but leave you stranded when it comes to actually getting that book into readers' hands. If you are self-publishing or considering it, this show will walk you through marketing, formatting, pricing, and distribution with the kind of detail that actually moves the needle on sales.

Gabriela Pereira built DIY MFA on a compelling premise: you do not need a formal MFA program to develop serious writing skills. Her weekly podcast is the audio companion to that philosophy, offering the craft education and industry knowledge you might get in a graduate writing program, minus the tuition bill. The guest list alone makes the show worth following. Pereira has interviewed Delia Ephron, Tana French, Jojo Moyes, John Sandford, Steve Berry, Kathy Reichs, and Guy Kawasaki, among many others. Her Craft Jam episodes focus on specific techniques like narration, revision, character development, and story structure, functioning almost like mini-workshops you can listen to on your commute. Recently the show celebrated ten years with a reflective series on lessons learned from a decade of podcasting, which offered some surprisingly candid insights about creative longevity. With nearly 485 episodes and a 4.8-star rating, Pereira has proven she can sustain quality over the long haul. Listeners praise her approachable teaching style and the way she distills advice into memorable, actionable takeaways. The show works for writers at every stage, from people drafting their first short story to published authors looking to sharpen specific elements of their craft. It is the kind of podcast that makes you feel like you are progressing as a writer just by listening.

Writers, Ink bills itself as a backstage pass to the world's most prolific authors, and it delivers on that promise consistently. Co-hosted by thriller author J.D. Barker and Christine Daigle, with a rotating panel that includes Kevin Tumlinson and other industry figures, the show blends author interviews with publishing industry news and craft discussions. The interview roster is impressive. They regularly land bestselling authors who share specifics about their research methods, writing routines, and career decisions that you rarely hear in other formats. Recent episodes have covered fiction research methodologies, writing software deep-dives (particularly Scrivener), social media strategy for authors, and how literary agents decide which manuscripts to acquire. The weekly show has built a solid catalog of 336 episodes with a 4.6-star rating. What makes Writers, Ink different from other author interview shows is the balance between craft and business. A single episode might cover character development techniques and then shift to a discussion about Audible royalty structures or Draft2Digital distribution options. That dual focus makes it particularly valuable for working writers who need both creative inspiration and practical business guidance in the same feed. The panel format also means you hear multiple opinions on the same topic, which is more useful than a single host's take when you are trying to figure out what actually works in a rapidly changing industry.

Write Now occupies a unique space in the writing podcast world by focusing on the emotional and psychological side of being a writer. Sarah Rhea Werner is an award-winning podcaster and fiction author who gets honest about the struggles most writing shows gloss over: perfectionism, self-doubt, ADHD-related focus issues, and the challenge of maintaining a writing practice when life gets chaotic. Her biweekly episodes alternate between solo reflections and interviews with authors and poets. A recent conversation with author Jarod K. Anderson about writing process and mental health was particularly compelling. Werner has a warm, personal delivery that makes you feel like you are getting advice from a thoughtful friend rather than a writing instructor. The show has 256 episodes and a 4.8-star rating from 438 listeners. It covers practical topics too, like starting a writing practice, making self-publishing decisions, and forming mastermind groups for creative accountability. But where it really shines is in giving you permission to be imperfect. If you have been beating yourself up for not writing enough, or if you are stuck in an endless rewriting cycle, Werner's gentle honesty about the creative process will feel like a relief. She also mentions books, coffee, and rainy days with noticeable frequency, which gives the show a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Produced by the Australian Writers' Centre, So You Want to be a Writer is hosted by Valerie Khoo (the Centre's CEO) and author Allison Tait, and it has quietly become one of the most consistent writing podcasts available. With over 700 weekly episodes, the show has an enormous back catalog that covers just about every aspect of the writing life. The format centers on author interviews where published writers share how they got their breaks, paired with practical writing tips and a vocabulary segment that keeps things fun. Recent guests have included debut crime novelist Sam Elliott, historical fantasy author exploring the Boudicca legend, and award-winning poet Souvankham Thammavongsa. The Australian perspective sets this show apart from the heavily US-centric writing podcast landscape, giving you a different view of the international publishing market. Khoo and Tait have an easy conversational dynamic that keeps episodes moving at a good clip. The 4.9-star rating from listeners reflects genuine affection for the show's warmth and usefulness. It works particularly well for aspiring writers who want a mix of inspiration and concrete technique. If you are looking for a reliable weekly companion that will introduce you to authors across a wide range of genres while teaching you practical skills, this is a strong pick.

James Thayer brings a no-nonsense, craft-focused approach to novel writing that stands out for its clarity and directness. Each weekly episode reads almost like a chapter from a well-organized writing manual, covering everything from sentence-level mechanics to big-picture plot construction. Thayer works at both scales equally well, moving from topics like eliminating meaningless modifiers to building character arcs across a full novel. His episode on using argument and conflict to create compelling dialogue is a masterclass in a single sitting. The show has accumulated 205 episodes with a 4.8-star rating from over 420 reviewers, which suggests the audience recognizes the quality of instruction on offer. Thayer writes with clear, efficient prose himself, and that sensibility carries over to his spoken delivery. He does not waste your time with lengthy personal anecdotes or tangential stories. You get the lesson, illustrated with examples, and then you get back to your own writing. Recent episodes have tackled procrastination, incorporating humor into fiction, writing scenes with multiple characters in motion, and formulas for constructing strong sentences. If you learn best from structured, step-by-step instruction rather than freewheeling conversation, this podcast will feel like it was made specifically for you. Thayer treats novel writing as a skill that can be taught, and then he teaches it.

Kobo Writing Life comes from inside one of the major e-book platforms, which gives it a unique insider perspective on the self-publishing world. The biweekly show features interviews with bestselling indie authors, conversations with Kobo's own bookselling and editorial teams, and practical advice on building a sustainable writing career. The rotating host lineup, including team members like Rachel and director Tara Cremin (with Mark Lefebvre as a previous longtime host), means you get a variety of perspectives from people who actually work in digital publishing every day. Recent episodes have covered book sales strategies, diversity in romance writing, sustaining a long indie author career, sports romance as a growing subgenre, and marketing through newsletters and social media. With 424 episodes and a 4.6-star rating, the show has maintained consistent quality over more than a decade. What sets it apart from other indie publishing podcasts is the platform-specific insight. You hear directly from the people who decide how books get promoted and surfaced on Kobo, which is valuable intelligence for authors selling through that channel. The show also tends to spotlight international authors and markets more than its competitors, reflecting Kobo's global reach. If you are an indie author looking to expand beyond Amazon, this podcast provides the roadmap.