Here are the top live streams, podcasts, and YouTube channels as identified in the 25th Annual 101 Best Websites from the May/June 2023 issue of Writer's Digest.
1. Minorities in Publishing
Founded in 2014 by author, editor, and advocate Jennifer N. Baker, the “Minorities in Publishing” podcast features a monthly interview with publishing professionals in all positions—from production to editorial to art directors and more—plus authors and illustrators, specifically focusing on diversity, or lack thereof, in the industry.
2. Missing Pages With Bethanne Patrick*
“Missing Pages” is a new, compulsively listenable podcast from literary critic and “publishing insider” Bethanne Patrick. It revisits some of the wildest and often unbelievable (yet true) publishing stories of the recent past, sharing new details, talking with some of the participants, and putting the stories in the context of today’s publishing landscape.
3. My Imaginary Friends with L. Penelope
“My Imaginary Friends” is a weekly, behind-the-scenes podcast that dives into what it’s like for a working author to navigate traditional and self-publishing. Hosted by award-winning fantasy author L. Penelope, the podcast covers such topics as revision, plot, overcoming writer’s block, and more.
4. Print Run Podcast
With the tagline “Beyond the cover. Between the lines,” this podcast is for readers, writers, and publishing professionals alike. Literary agent cohosts Laura Zats and Erik Hane meet for an hour (almost) every week to discuss all writing-related issues that tend to get glossed over or intentionally ignored elsewhere.
5. Writing Excuses
Now in its 18th season, the “Writing Excuses” podcast keeps their weekly episodes short (15–25 minutes) and conversational, covering a vast array of writing topics. This season, they welcome two new regular hosts—literary agent DongWon Song and speculative fiction writer Erin Roberts—to the existing crew including authors Dan Wells and Mary Robinette Kowal, and author and illustrator Howard Tayler.
About Amy Jones
Amy Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest and was the managing content director for WD Books. She is the editor of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market and Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market. Prior to joining the WD team, Amy was the managing editor for North Light Books and IMPACT Books. Like most WD staffers, Amy is a voracious reader and has a particular interest in literary fiction, historical fiction, steamy romance, and page-turning mysteries. When she’s not reading, Amy can be found daydreaming about Italy or volunteering at her local no-kill cat shelter. Find Amy on Twitter @AmyMJones_5.
