15 of the Best YouTube Channels for Writers
Ollie Ander
Is probably just a couple cats in a trench-coat—the hair shedding and sunlight napping are highly suspect.
Writing is one of the loneliest passions. It's hard to share anything about an unfinished novel, and the process of writing it can take years! So if you're not at a stage to share your work-in-progress and are in need of some comradery, here are some great YouTube channels to follow and fill that lonely void.
Whether you're looking for industry insight, trope talks, or another author vlogging their painfully relatable journey, I hope you find someone on the following list that appeals to you—or all of them! There's no cost to subscribe.
Writer's Craft YouTube Channels
These channels almost exclusively produce videos focused on the craft of writing. If you have a question like "how do I write ___" then somewhere in their archive of videos, I’m sure you’ll find one to guide you through whatever story structure method or genre trope you’re stuck on!
Reedsy
$ Reedsy$ is the main YouTube channel for the company Reedsy, which is a platform that allows authors to find and work with publishing professionals (without needing an agent). Their YouTube presence is primarily hosted by $ ShaelinWrites$ (who has her own personal channel, that would fit better into the Writertuber category).
Reedsy has a writer craft video for just about everything: how to write better dialogue, implement various outlining methods, and enhance productivity! They also host interviews with successful writers to provide their audience with a wide scope of perspectives on the industry, and how they implement certain writing advice. If you find their videos helpful and want more, head on over to their $ Reedsy website$ where they have a blog, free 10-day publishing courses, and ongoing publishing webinars (which they later post to YouTube).
Ellen Brock
$ Ellen Brock$ is a professional freelance editor with over ten years of experience in the field. Ellen has many great videos focused on the technical side of writing: how to implement character arcs, and ways to write a better paragraph. In her channel’s description, she says she aims to answer common novel writing questions, from plotting to outlining to finding one’s voice, and she delivers!
Hello Future Me
$ Hello Future Me$ , hosted by Tim Hickson, specializes in lengthy video essays dissecting literary tropes, devices, archetypes. Tim explores subjects from every possible angle, and helps walk viewers through the complexities of different aspects of world-building, from magic systems to political structures.
Although admittedly Fantasy heavy, everything in his $ On Writing$ videos can be applied to writing overall. Even if you’re not a fan of the media he focuses on for case studies, his exceptionally thorough dissections on the psychology of iconic characters or the complications of certain fictional worlds is truly masterclass-level and always gets my own imagination whirring thinking about what works, what doesn’t, and how I can use that in my own writing!
Abbie Emmons
$ Abbie Emmons$ is all about harnessing the power of positivity, and has curated a channel dedicated to turning your book into the most engaging story it can be! With new videos every Wednesday, Abbie talks extensively about the writing process—how to write a good hook, compelling characters, believable romantic chemistry—as well as some publishing tips she’s learned along the way (a self-published Authortuber as well).
Writing Industry Insight YouTube Channels
These channels are all about the numbers, sharing industry standards, and prepping authors on what to expect when they’re gearing up to publish. These channels have a heavier focus on the traditional route: acquiring an agent, sourcing professional editors, and receiving feedback. For those who find comfort in preparation, these are great channels to help set your expectations.
Alyssa Matesic
$ Alyssa Matesic$ is a freelance book editor with a decade of editorial experience, having had editorial roles at several of the Big Five publishing houses! Alyssa is a voice of reason and encouragement, with a recent focus on what agents/editors are looking for in a manuscript and how to avoid getting looked over in the slush pile (or how to not get discouraged if that happens and prevent it in the future).
Book Launchers
$ Book Launchers$ , hosted by Julie the Book Broad, is the YouTube channel of a professional self-publishing services company specializing in helping non-fiction authors launch and market their books. Non-fiction books require a surprisingly different approach to publication than fiction, so if you’re writing a memoir, textbook, or essays collection, you can find all the industry standards and differences that come with the non-fiction territory through Julie’s peppy and helpful videos.
Bookfox
$ Bookfox$ is hosted by John Fox, who has edited hundreds of books and is dedicated to helping authors "write better fiction." Although most of his videos are on more general/technical things to avoid or harness in your novel, he uses his experience to speak on a broader scope of what he’s seen work best for authors trying to break into the publishing industry.
Mandi Lynn - Stone Ridge Books
$ MandiLynnWrites$ is hosted by Mandi Lynn, an exceptionally transparent self-published author and cover designer. Mandi will keep you updated on changes to self-publishing platform options, assess the pros and cons she found while using them, and is open to sharing the raw numbers of what she’s achieved as a self-published author/small business owner so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Professional Authortubers
Authortuber is a term for those who have previously published a book and whose channel focuses on offering advice on how to accomplish that yourself. You may already know some of them from reading their books!
Hannah Lee Kidder - Writer
$ Hannah Lee Kidder$ is an authortuber who gives out concise writerly advice with a hint of tough love. Her experience in the publishing industry as a writer and editor is vast and mysterious but undeniable. Hannah doesn’t just tell you what to do to improve, she also provides actionable solutions and frequently makes videos with live editing examples, enacting those good writing practices.
Author Level Up
$ Author Level Up$ is hosted by Michael La Ronn, a writer who has published over 50 books. With his expertise, Michael gives tips on the writing process, but his channel focuses mostly on writing software reviews, writing app tutorials, and other tech-y aspects of being an author. If you're looking to branch out in your writing tools, Author Level Up is the place to start!
Alexa Donne
$ Alexa Donne$ is a traditionally published Young Adult author. Alexa shares her personal experiences dealing in the traditional imprint trenches, what made her query letters successful, and what to expect if you ever snag a literary agent. Traditionally publishing is a long, arduous process, and Alexa provides some much needed Real Talk when it comes to having your story picked up.
Vloggy Writertubers
The key difference separating Authortubers from the Writertubers is the presentation of information, not their levels of success. Writertubers may have also published multiple books, but their style of video is much more personable, cozy, and focused on the journey of being a writer and the process of writing than condensing their experience into an advice-oriented essay. If you like vlog style videos, these creators are as endearing as they are rambly!
Liselle Sambury
$ Liselle Sambury$ is a traditionally published author with several live titles in genres like thriller and horror. She blends writerly advice with her personal reflections on being an author in her thoughtful deep dive videos and chatty vlogs revealing the interior world of a professional writer.
Kate Cavanaugh Writes
$ Kate Cavanaugh Writes$ , a channel run by the one and only Kate Cavanaugh, is a perfectly condensed example of the Writertube style. She’s always got several "secret projects" on the go, sharing her process and journey as a writer. Kate is also highly experimental and has lots of videos trying out different writing routines. Who knows, maybe one of them will pique your interest and work better for you too!
The Cozy Creative
$ The Cozy Creative$ , run by author Lidiya Foxglove is an eclectic collection of videos about being a published hybrid author with over 40 books under her belt. Although she has many informative videos on the struggles of being both a traditional and self-published author, Lidiya also talks passionately about her previous works, even reading excerpts from them—and who doesn’t like a little storytime?
rachel writes
$ rachelwritesbooks$ follows writer Rachel Lachmansingh as she works through the process of completing her novel series. Rachel’s constantly seeking improvement and developing her writing, as well as exposing her own vulnerabilities; sharing precious glimpses into first drafts and mistakes she’s learned from along the way.
Hopefully you found an author, writer, or industry editor from this list to follow and help guide you on your path to being a successful writer! Unfortunately, inspiration can’t exclusively come from outside sources—you need internal motivation too. Check out this article on $ how to set good, reasonable writing goals for yourself$ , so you don’t get caught up playing "the comparison game" with any of the already successful professionals on this list. It’s not a competition, it’s a journey we can all share together!
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