Ten Podcasts Hosted by Book Publishing Insiders and Enthusiasts
/Although podcasts have been around for over two decades, I didn’t start listening to them until the 2010s. That’s when I started downloading foreign language and general news podcast episodes onto my iPhone, just before I would go for a walk. But I usually wouldn’t finish episodes—perhaps because my walks were too short—and I started thinking of them as a chore.
Then, when the pandemic hit and long walks became my primary source of entertainment, I discovered all sorts of podcasts related to book publishing. As I began to rely on them to stay connected to the industry, I felt as though I was making new contacts, valuable contacts that I would keep for years to come.
Listed below are the podcasts that currently make up my phone’s library. Some offer exclusive content or perks through Patreon, and others are completely free. Some are updated weekly, and others, less often. Although I still don’t listen to or finish every episode (i.e., I’m not making enough time to exercise), many of the podcasts include show notes and automatically generated transcripts. This means I can always read through the episodes that interest me!
I hope my compilation is helpful. Also check out this list New York Book Editors put together last year of The Top 51 Podcasts for Writers, as well as Literary Hub’s suggestions from this past summer of new literary podcasts to add to your queue.
Description: “Children's book publishing’s secrets are revealed as we listen in on fascinating, unguarded, insider discussion from two uniquely qualified best friends: award-winning author/illustrator Grace Lin, and one of NYC’s top editors, Alvina Ling.”
Date launched: February 14, 2019
Frequency: Weekly
Notes: Full disclosure: I worked with Alvina for years and consider her a friend. Although she and Grace have always offered wonderful content, the publishing curriculum they started earlier this year, in which they interview colleagues from different publishing departments, goes above and beyond.
Description: “Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky discuss the latest news in the world of books and reading…Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content.”
Date launched: May 12, 2013
Frequency: Once or twice a week
Notes: Although I’ve been reading Book Riot articles for years, I only recently discovered this podcast. I was pleased to learn that James and The God of the Woods are among Jeff O’Neal’s picks for the book of the year, as revealed in the November 4 episode; these are my picks, too.
Description: “A podcast for established authors, industry professionals, and aspiring writers to gain insights, inspiration, and practical advice in all aspects of the publishing industry. Brought to you by The Tobias Literary Agency.”
Date launched: January 9, 2024
Frequency: Seems to be weekly, but different shows are updated on different schedules
Notes: In the “Hunger Games” episode on October 4, agent Kelly Dyksterhouse offered some very helpful advice on revising: If you get to the point where you’re tweaking words instead of concepts and characters, you’re really just tinkering, and your manuscript is probably in place.
Description: “A podcast made to help writers find the best literary agent for their writing and business career.” Hosted by Abigail K. Perry
Date launched: March 9, 2022
Frequency: Ranges from weekly to monthly
Notes: I admit that I haven’t listened to this podcast for a while, but the topics are well chosen. Earlier this year, agent Kate McKean, whose “Agents and Books” Substack I closely follow, spoke on demystifying publishing contracts.
Description: “Host Shannon Balloon talks to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone.”
Date launched: August 7, 2023
Frequency: Weekly
Notes: Balloon’s hosting style is warm and appealing, and I especially enjoyed the episode in which literary agent Alex Slater discusses challenges facing the middle grade market. The episode on publishing with a small press is also worth noting.
New York Times Book Review Podcast
Description: “The world's top authors and critics join host Gilbert Cruz and editors at The New York Times Book Review to talk about the week's top books, what we're reading and what's going on in the literary world.”
Date launched: 2006, but the hosts have changed over the years
Frequency: Weekly
Notes: This one goes without saying since most publishing professionals read the NYT. As for the podcast, I tend to listen to segments in which Joumana Khatib participates. As with former book review critic (and now critic at large) Parul Seghal, I’ll listen to anything she has to say.
Description: “A behind-the-scenes look at books and publishing.” “Wide-ranging discussions with publishers, editors, authors, journalists, thinkers, executives… hosted by David Steinberger, CEO of Open Road Media and Chairman of the National Book Foundation.”
Date launched: July 12, 2024
Frequency: Once or twice a month
Notes: This podcast provides a fascinating peek into the minds of some of the most respected figures in the publishing industry. Although many are inspiring, Grove Atlantic publisher Morgan Entrekin and Mysterious Press founder Otto Penzler stand out.
Description: “A podcast created and hosted by Laura Zats and Erik Hane [the co-founders of Headwater Literary Management]. Its aim is simple: to have the conversations surrounding the book and writing industries that too often are glossed over by conventional wisdom, institutional optimism, and false seriousness.”
Date launched: October 4, 2016
Frequency: Ranges from weekly to every few months
Notes: What sets this podcast apart is that it gets into ethical considerations in the publishing industry, and the hosts have remarkable insights. Episode 170, about the trust between querying writers and agents managing submission piles—or lack thereof—is one such example.
The Shit No One Tells You About Writing (TSNOTYAW)
Description: “A podcast for emerging writers who want to improve the quality of their work and learn more about the publishing industry.” Hosted by bestselling author Bianca Marais and literary agents Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency.
Date launched: September 18, 2020? (This is the oldest episode listed but may not be the first.)
Frequency: Weekly
Notes: This podcast got me through the pandemic and beyond. The “Books with Hooks” segment, in which the hosts critique query letters and opening pages, is perfect for writers in the query trenches. Bianca Marais’s unique speaking style is an added plus.
Description: “The go-to podcast for aspiring authors, and those in the trenches, who want to successfully publish a novel...or ten!” “Authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid iron out the wrinkles in writing, publishing, and everything in between . . . One podcast at a time.”
Date launched: August 12, 2022
Frequency: Weekly
Notes: This is another podcast I’m biased toward (since I was invited as a guest last year to talk about the differences between middle grade and YA). The episodes are succinct and focused, and the hosts helpfully summarize the key discussion points of each episode in the show notes.
