What are the most popular YouTube Channels for writers? It’s paradoxical to think that advice about writing can best be consumed, not by reading, but by watching.
But it turns out that one of the easiest ways to understand all the different concepts that come together to make a great novel is to watch videos of people who actually know what’s up, explaining the craft. And some of those who do it well, are getting millions of views for their efforts.
A few months ago, we started working on a project to share the best YouTube channels for writers. This took us deep into Authortube; the part of YouTube that consists of authors, editors and other book industry experts giving advice on how to write better, build author platforms, get published, and market your book successfully.
That project, New Writers TV, is not yet launched, but you can take a sneak preview here. Working on it opened our eyes to the galaxy of opinions, advice, and disses that make up Authortube.
Some AuthorTube A-ha! Moments
We realized that if a writer wanted to learn how to write better just using YouTube, they could do amazing things. There is a lot of good advice out there. We also realized that it’s hard to find diverse authortubers and this is definitely an area of growth for the writing industry.
Another thing we found is that there are some fantastic writing teachers out there who have great material on their blogs and in their newsletters, but somehow don’t manage to get the same traction on YouTube. An example is the amazing Jane Friedman, who is one of the leading publishing industry experts in the United States and has some of the most insightful insider advice about the industry. Yet, her YouTube channel does not perform nearly as well as any of the channels listed here. We are of course rooting for Jane and hope this changes.
We would also really love to find authortubers from other countries talking about writing and publishing there. We know they are out there; we’ve found a few and are still on the hunt. If you are one of those people or know any, we’d love to hear about it. What we think would be really insightful is to compare notes across borders and see what we can learn from each other.
Here it is, our list of the most popular and most useful YouTube channels for writers of fiction…
Terrible Writing Advice
By J.P. Beaubien
(413K Subscribers)
Visit Terrible Writing Advice
Sometimes the best way to learn is to be told the wrong thing and to know you are being told the wrong thing. Beaubien gives awful writing advice laced with lots of sarcasm. Mostly these videos are just an excuse for him to complain about tropes he doesn’t like and cliches he keeps seeing in certain genres – which is great if you’re a new writer thinking you have original ideas. They are probably not. Beaubien will quickly disabuse you of those notions His bad advice is so good, it had made this the most entertaining YouTube channel for writers.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Mary Sue (2.1M views)
- Chosen Ones (1.5M views)
- Fantasy Races (1.5M views )
Brandon Sanderson
By Brandon Sanderson
(395K Subscribers)
Visit Brandon’s channel
Brandon Sanderson is one of those authortubers who did not set out to be an authortuber in the commonly understood sense of the term. He is an author of fantasy, science fiction, and thrillers and a university lecturer. He started posting videos of his lectures and they were so popular, that he became a YouTube star. Even he didn’t understand just how big of a literary influencer he was until maybe earlier this year when he set up a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter to raise US$1Million in 30 days for a project he called ‘Surprise! Four Secret Novels by Brandon Sanderson.’ It took 35 minutes to smash that target. By the time the campaign ended, Sanderson had raised almost $42Million ($41,754,153 to be exact), setting a new Kickstarter record for project funding.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- It’s Time to Come Clean (1.5M views)
- Lecture #1: Introduction — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (1.3M views)
- Lecture #2: Plot Part 1 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (1M views)
Merphy Napier
By Merphy Napier
(371K Subscribers)
Visit Merphy’s channel
Merphy, author of Perfection and Elf Mastery, made her name as a booktuber. We added her hear because her ‘Dear Authors’ series has great recommendations and insights for writers. So while this is not primarily a YouTube channel for writers, once you use that as a landing pad, all her other videos are also really useful for authors as they teach you what readers really think about different aspects of writing – and all the things they wish authors didn’t do.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Beginner to Advanced Fantasy Books Sorted (All our favorites!) ft Daniel Greene (1M views)
- Plotholes in Harry Potter! (825K views)
- Top 10 Books You Should Read In Your Lifetime (619K views)
Jenna Moreci is a #1 bestselling author of dark fantasy and takes time to share some of the advice that has made her so successful through her popular YouTube channel. The Savior’s Champion, her first novel in The Savior’s Series, was voted one of the Best Books of All Time by Book Depository. Her direct, no holds barred approach to giving advice riles up some viewers making her comments section just as fun as her videos.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- 10 Worst Female Character Peeves (792K views)
- Top 10 Pets Pevees in Fictional Romances (573K views)
- 10 Worst Male Character Pet Peeves (556K Views)
Abbie Emmons
By Abbie Emmons
(232K Subscribers)
Visit Abbie’s Channel
Abbie’s spiel is “I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.” Abbie shows a deep understanding of the mechanics of story and the chemistry of character. She also talks about her own journey; how she plans, how she sets goals, and the tools she uses for her writing. Check out her website here.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Your Hero Is Falling In Love With A Villain (Dark Romance) (1.9M Views)
- How to Write a Strong Female Character… (Who Isn’t Toxic and Annoying) (1.9M Views)
- Why Everyone Loves Mr. Darcy (1.1M Views)
Alexa Donne
By Alexa Donne
(141K Subscribers)
Visit Alexa’s Channel
Alexa Donne is the author of Brightly Burning and The Stars We Steal, YA sci-fi romance retellings of classics set in space. On her channel, she shares advice on the writing craft, the publishing industry, and writing for a YA audience. She also features interviews with other authors.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Harsh Writing Advice (998K views)
- The Worst Amateur Writing Mistakes (468K views)
- Bad Fanfic Writing you need to break (360K views)
Ellen Brock
By Ellen Brock
(121K Subscribers)
Visit Ellen’s Channel
Ellen is a writing coach and editor who helps authors finish their novels and get them publishing-ready. She started editing full-time in 2011 and for about twenty years has worked with over 100 writers each year as an editor, writing coach, and plot consultant. She’s an expert in plotting novels, outlining, and creating great characters. She can also help writers who feel lost find their voice. Her channel is an extension of the work that she does with writers. She uses it to help a wider audience of authors with their questions about writing a great novel.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- 25 Mistakes that peg you as an amateur writer (940K views)
- The Top 5 Mistakes Amateur Writers Make (361K views)
- How to plot your Novel fast (272K views)
iWriterly
By Meg LaTorre
(97.3K Subscribers)
Visit iWriterly
Meg LaTorre writes steamy science fiction and fantasy. She has worked as a Literary Agent, in magazine publishing, medical/technical writing, and journalism. iWriterly is a writing and book publishing resource for genre fiction with videos about writing and editing novels, traditional and self-publishing, with a focus on romance, fantasy, and science fiction.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- 10 Overdone Fantasy Tropes (23K views)
- Why Literary Agents and Editors Reject a Book After the first Page: 7 Red Flags (22K views)
- Common New Writer Mistakes (10K views)
Kindlepreneur
By Dave Chesson
(73.2K Subscribers)
Visit Kindlepreneur
Dave teaches writers and publishing companies how to sell more books. That’s his biggest strength, understanding how to move books to readers. His company even designs software (affiliate link) to help players in the industry keep track of book sales and optimize their own books to sell better on Amazon. He also teaches various skills to help writers publish great books.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Masterclass Review – Is It Worth the Money? (605K views)
- Grammarly Review: Is it worth it, and what you NEED to know! (424K views)
- How to Write a Children’s Book: 8 EASY STEPS! (205K views)
Bonus Video
How to Start a Publishing Company (136K views)
Heart Breathings
By Sarra Cannon
(54.3K Subscribers)
Visit Heart Breathings
If you’ve been looking to publish your books, but you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or just can’t figure out where to focus your time and energy, this YouTube channel for writers has the advice and tools for you. Sarra has been self-publishing her fiction for over ten years, and she promises that “if you focus on the right things and block out the rest of the noise, you can create a writing career you love.” But blocking out the noise- that is the big challenge…
Most viewed videos on the channel
- My 2019 Planner Line Up (200K views)
- How I sold Half a Million books self-publishing (163K views)
- How to organize my Washi Tape (128K views)
Writing Revolt by Jorden Makelle
by Jorden Makelle
(50.4K Subscribers)
Visit Writing Revolt by Jorden Makelle
In an industry where few people focus on the money (or acknowledge any focus on the money), Jorden brings it home with a solid look on how to bring the dollars home. She has a ton of tips on her website and YouTube channel on how to make sure you put food on the table with your writing. We absolutely love her for this. She covers topics such as freelance writing, creative writing, entrepreneurship, books and reading, creativity, and that all-important area, self-development.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- 7 Freelance writing Jobs online for beginners ($100+!) (300K views)
- Freelance writing: How to get started Fast (203K views)
- Make Money Blogging (170K views)
The Creative Penn
By Joanna Penn
(47.6K Subscribers)
Visit The Creative Penn
Joanna Penn has to be the queen of teaching creative writing as a business. She writes prolifically about the business of writing, marketing, and building author platforms. Through her YouTube channel and her website, she shares inspiration about writing fiction and non-fiction, self-publishing, book marketing, and making a living with your writing.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How to use Grammarly to improve your writing (133K views)
- Writing fiction – Improve your dialogue with James Scott Bell (70K views)
- Writing tips for fiction and nonfiction with Scrivener (70K views)
Kate Cavanaugh Writes
By Kate Cavanaugh
(45.1K Subscribers)
Visit Kate Cavanaugh Writes
Kate describes herself as “a freelance writer, Youtuber, bubble tea enthusiast, San Antonio Spurs superfan, aspiring hybrid author, Disney World fanatic, and all-around dabbler.” Her videos include daily NaNoWriMo vlogs, writing experiments, and her famous ‘I tried writing like…’ videos.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- I tried writing like Stephen King for a day (302K views)
- I tried writing like Neil Gaiman for a day (117K views)
- I tried writing like Nora Roberts for a day (116K views)
Author Level Up
By Michael La Ronn
(40.2K Subscribers)
Visit Author Level Up
After a near-death experience in 2021, Michael La Ronn decided he wasn’t going to waste any more time and was going to take up his writing passion seriously. He writes science fiction & fantasy. He is prolific and has written over 70 books and counting while working a full-time job, raising a family, and attending law school classes in the evenings.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- Learn Scrivener in 20 Minutes (228K views)
- How to Outline a Novel in 10 Different Ways (115K views)
- Grammarly vs ProWritingAid APP BATTLE!🎤😆🏆 (83K views)
Chris Fox
By Chris Fox
(39.9K Subscribers)
Visit Chris’ Channel
Chris is the best-selling author of 5,000 Words Per Hour, Write to Market, and numerous science fiction, fantasy, and thriller novels. He regularly releases videos for authors discussing marketing, craft, and the business of publishing.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How to Make Names That Don’t Suck (312K Views)
- How Does Your Magic System Work? (103K Views)
- How to Plot Your Novel Using Dan Harmon’s Story Circle (102K Views)
Bethany Atazadeh
By Bethany Atazadeh
(34.2K Subscribers)
Visit Bethany’s Channel
Some of our favorite Bethany Atazadeh videos go deep into the world of self-publishing and how to make money as a writer. She is best known for her young adult fantasy novels, The Stolen Kingdom Series, which won the Best YA Author 2020 Minnesota Author Project award. She says she is obsessed with stories, chocolate, and her corgi puppy, Penny. She is also a writing coach dedicated to helping other authors publish great novels.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How to Upload Your Book To KDP (106K Views)
- How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish? (80K Views)
- How to Write Your Story Idea for Your Children’s Book (70K Views)
Natalia Leigh
By Natalia Leigh
(26.8K Subscribers)
Visit Natalia’s Channel
Natalia Leigh is a full-time author, editor, and content creator. She’s the founder of Enchanted Ink Publishing. Her videos include tips on becoming more productive as a writer, building an author platform, and she also takes us behind the scenes and talks about what she’s doing as an editor and a writer.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How to format a book in Word (217K views)
- How much does it cost to self-publish a book (53K views)
- Writing Romance (38K views)
Mandi Lynn
By Mandi Lynn
(20.4K Subscribers)
Visit Mandi’s Channel
Mandi Lynn’s channel recently hit 20,000 subscribers and she live-streamed a video of her celebration. She filmed it in her basement where she packs books for shipping. That statement alone should tell you all you need to know about how hands-on Mandi is in the book business. Her videos include a lot of advice from her own process as a writer. She talks about the business of being an author, making an income as a creative entrepreneur, and the various tools writers can use. Mandi published her first novel when she was seventeen. Her books include Essence, I am Mercy and She’s Not Here.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How to make a book trailer (142K views)
- How to write a children’s book in 8 basic steps (73K views)
- How to format a Novel in Microsoft word – Self-publishing (44K views)
Author Brittany Wang
By Brittany Wang
(12.4K Subscribers)
Visit Author Brittany Wang
Brittany is a YA Fantasy author, web developer, and the founder of Author Website Boot Camp, a self-study course where writers learn how to build their own author websites. Her books include the On Wings Of Ash and Dust series. Her recent videos include one on building an author presence on TikTok, another one on how to create an audiobook, and one on plotting her second book.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- How To Listen To Your Novel with the Kindle App (126K views)
- How I Became a Full-Time Writer in ONE YEAR! (47K Views)
- Free Online Novel Writing Course (43K views)
The Courtney Project
By Courtney Young
(9.68K Subscribers)
Visit The Courtney Project
Courtney writes and self-publishes romance novels prolifically under the pen name Lyra Parish. She is also one half of the USA Today bestselling writing duo (with co-author Brooke Cumberland. Brooke) that publishes books under the name Kennedy Fox. In 2020, she left her full-time corporate job to become a full-time author after having self-published her first book in 2014. In her own words, “I started this channel to help give real advice based on my own experience self-publishing. When I was new, I wish I had someone who had ‘been there and done that’ who was sharing legitimate information.”
Most viewed videos on the channel
- 5 Tips on how to choose a pen name (14K views)
- LLCs for Authors (9K views)
- Tips for Writing Romance Novels that Sell! (9K Views)
David Gaughran
By David Gaughran
(6.86K Subscribers)
Visit David’s Channel
David is a staunch advocate for indie publishing. He is one of the few YouTubers whose sole focus is helping writers sell books: Now that you’ve published your book, how do you push those numbers up? How do you get your book flying off the bookshelf? Talk to Dave—or rather, listen to Dave. You can also read Dave. He has great insights for writers on his blog. Or you can try one of his useful books on self-publishing and book marketing.
Most viewed videos on the channel
- BookBub Ads Tutorial: how to reach up to TEN MILLION readers (11.3K Views)
- How To Market A Book – a guide for authors (10.8K views)
- Book promotion which works: Promo Stacking and building your marketing plan (7.1K views)
Research by Stuart Moyo & Fungai Tichawangana
Want to keep up with the best YouTube channels for writers and the latest updates from the world of publishing? Check out New Writers TV
Author: Team VoW
Valley of Writers provides resources, tools, ideas and training for new writers. We work with a writers and contributors based around the world. Our primary focus is to equip new writers with skills to help them reach new audiences and achieve their goals.
