For aspiring authors looking to develop their craft and build an audience, YouTube has become an indispensable platform for both for learning and for building communities of their own.
What started as casual writing vlogs has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem where both established and emerging voices share valuable insights into the writing process, publishing strategies, and the realities of author life.
YouTube, AuthorTube… It’s come a long way!
AuthorTube has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early 2010s. What started as a handful of writers sharing their journeys has blossomed into a vibrant community where authors can showcase their craft, share their struggles, and build meaningful connections with readers.
Gone are the days when a simple writing vlog would suffice. Today’s successful AuthorTubers blend personal experiences with polished educational content, creating a rich tapestry of resources for aspiring writers. This evolution hasn’t been without its challenges – the rising production standards have raised the bar for newcomers, but they’ve also led to more professional, valuable content.
For authors, YouTube isn’t just another social media platform – it’s a powerful tool for building a dedicated readership. The numbers speak for themselves: physical book sales have jumped 70% over two years, partly thanks to the platform’s influence. With 2 billion monthly users and 90% of consumers discovering new products through YouTube, it’s become an essential part of many authors’ marketing strategies.
The most successful AuthorTubers have mastered the art of balancing different content types. They mix writing advice with behind-the-scenes glimpses of their author life, creating an engaging blend that keeps viewers coming back for more. Whether it’s through writing vlogs, craft tutorials, or publishing advice, these creators have found ways to turn their writing journey into compelling content.
A key concept to understand is that AuthorTube – just like establishing any other successful YouTube channel – is a marathon, not a sprint. The platform rewards consistency, authenticity, and genuine value – qualities that align perfectly with the journey of writing itself.
But the real secret to AuthorTube success isn’t just about churning out videos day in and day out… It’s about fostering genuine connections. The most successful channels treat their platform as a community hub rather than a sales channel. They engage with viewers, collaborate with fellow creators, and share authentic experiences that resonate with their audience.
Nine AuthorTube channels to emulate and learn from
With all of that said… Check out these nine successful AuthorTube channels, which will provide you with lots of inspiration and ideas for how to get your own AuthorTube channel off the ground.
1Established Voices
The Creative Penn, helmed by New York Times bestselling author Joanna Penn, stands out as a cornerstone of writing advice on YouTube. Her weekly videos cover an impressive range of topics, from the nitty-gritty of self-publishing to the broader aspects of maintaining a successful writing career. Penn’s approach combines practical advice with inspiring insights, making her channel particularly valuable for writers who view their craft as both an art and a business.
Diane Callahan’s Quotidian Writer offers a refreshingly artistic take on writing education. As a developmental editor and author, Callahan crafts visually stunning videos that blend educational content with creative storytelling. Her bi-monthly uploads might be less frequent than other creators, but each video is a meticulously produced piece that elevates the standard of writing education on YouTube.
2Fresh Perspectives
Ana Neu’s channel offers a distinctive blend of writing advice and creative journey documentation that resonates particularly well with emerging authors. With over 111,000 subscribers, she combines practical writing guidance with personal insights, especially through her journey of self-publishing her debut novel, Project Ghost. Her content stands out for its intuitive approach to writing craft, featuring everything from live writing sessions to detailed plotting techniques and theme development strategies. She regularly collaborates with other writing YouTubers, as evidenced by her recent “Top 10 Tips for Writing a Book in 2024” series.
Rachel Writes, managed by Rachel Lachmansingh, brings a contemporary approach to writing content. Her channel stands out for its intimate look at the writing process, featuring weekly vlogs and live writing sessions that create a sense of community. Her series on diverse topics, from writer’s block to character development, offers practical advice wrapped in relatable experiences.
ShaelinWrites has carved out a unique niche with their in-depth technical discussions about writing and editing. Their content particularly resonates with new writers, offering detailed explorations of prose improvement and finding one’s authorial voice. Their approach to teaching writing fundamentals combines technical expertise with accessible explanations.
3Publishing and Marketing
Dave Chesson’s Kindlepreneur channel focuses on the business side of writing. His easily digestible videos cover everything from Amazon publishing procedures to book formatting and marketing strategies. For writers looking to navigate the commercial aspects of publishing, Chesson’s practical, results-oriented approach proves invaluable.
The Self Publishing Formula, run by Mark Dawson, offers comprehensive insights into the indie publishing landscape. His collaboration with successful authors who utilise social media advertising provides a modern perspective on book marketing. The channel’s weekly updates keep writers informed about current industry trends and opportunities.
4Craft and Community
WordNerds has built an engaging community through their live-streaming format. With eight different hosts covering various genres, their channel feels like a virtual writing group, complete with nearly 1,500 videos spanning topics from inspiration to author interviews. The interactive nature of their content makes it particularly valuable for writers seeking community connection.
Jenna Moreci has won over audiences with her distinctive approach to writing advice. Her weekly videos deliver practical tips with a sharp wit and humour that cuts through the often-serious tone of writing education. While her content might not suit everyone’s taste, her direct style and practical advice on craft fundamentals have earned her a dedicated following.
