12 Recommended YouTube Channels for Writers

 It may seem counterintuitive (or just weird) for a writer to watch YouTube videos about writing. But if you're new to writing, or you're struggling with something specific in your current writing project, plenty of published writers and publishing industry professionals offer helpful guidance on YouTube. 


Watching YouTube videos on the ins and outs of publishing is a nice break from reading. As someone who looks at words all day as part of my job, I find infotainment YouTube channels refreshing.


For this week, I’m recommending a handful of channels from people who know what they're talking about. They can nudge you if you feel like you’re in a wrestling match with an idea in your head. Plus, if you're serious about publishing and you're looking for insights, you’ll find plenty of helpful info. These YouTube channels may spark a little inspiration. Or, if you’ve had a long day, they may also offer a good laugh.


Note: Some of the videos within the channels on this list are on the longer side. The discussions may also be extra chatty (Word people? Chatty? Whaaaaat? 🙂) So make sure you have ample free time if you decide you'd like to watch certain videos.


Second note: Any affiliate links associated with these channels have nothing to do with me. My only interest in sharing these channels is to help you become a more informed, more confident writer.


Alexa Donne 

Alexa is a published writer and has publishing industry connections and experience. She offers lots of practical advice for those who want to compose their best work. And she's not afraid to serve up honesty when it's needed.


Joanna Penn has had a solid online presence for over a decade. As a prolific and successful published author, she’s dealt with nearly every conundrum a writer might face, from overcoming fear to getting book reviews after you’ve published.

Jerry B. Jenkins (author of the Left Behind series). He has written over 200 books, and he’s passionate about helping new writers.

Helpful advice from a fellow editor.


If your book is written, you’ve self-published your book, and you’re ready to focus on sales and marketing, Chris’s channel can help you create a marketing plan. He shares a lot of info through his own experience. He also provides practical writing advice.


One of the most-underrated channels on YouTube. It’s honest. It’s insightful. It’s funny. And if you have an English degree, it’s even funnier.


A published author who offers straightforward writing advice with lots of humor. (Her dog Butters is adorable.)

If you’re not following Reedsy, you should. The good people at Reedsy have decades of experience in publishing, and they’re passionate about helping writers avoid common pitfalls.

As of this writing, Matthew’s company Bookfox offers courses for writers, as well as editing services. His YouTube channel is full of concise, helpful advice you can apply throughout the writing journey. He also shares what to consider when you’re thinking about publishing.

Jane Friedman has over 25 years of experience working in the publishing industry. She offers industry news and a focus on author education.

From her channel summary: “As someone who has gone on the long journey to traditional publishing, I'm VERY familiar with the ups and downs of the process. this #authortube channel is about helping other writers with writing advice, writing tips, publishing tips, querying advice, and the list goes on and on As well as the sharing some personal stories from my own writing journey." [sic] You’ll see she is a gentle soul.  


Her decade-long career in traditional publishing started through editorial roles at Henry Holt & Company (an imprint of Macmillan), The Book Group literary agency, and Ballantine Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House), where she worked with debut and bestselling authors. She currently works as an independent developmental book editor and publishing consultant. She posts videos regularly offering advice to help writers improve their craft.


BookEnds Literary represents several award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors. Since 2006, BookEnds Literary has been giving published authors and about-to-be published authors advice and insights into the complex world of book publishing. I especially love this channel — it brings back fond memories of my bookstore days. (Booksellers know what’s up, too 😉)


That’s all for this week. I hope these YouTube channels make your writing journey a little smoother.


Best,

Kammy

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