Podcast Writing

Writing a podcast script can be more complex than you might think, and writer’s block is a common problem in the podcast writing process. Few people realize that even the best podcasts often have a published author, screenwriter, or publishing industry professional behind the scenes. In fact, many aspiring writers start their writing careers as podcast writers. So if you’re thinking, “I should be writing my podcast,” but you constantly come up with excuses for why you can’t, it may be time to hire a creative writing professional. Whether you need a nonfiction writer, a specific industry expert, or a writing coach, you can find someone with the right writing skills—or the skills to help you start writing—on Upwork.

The length of time it takes to write a new episode of a podcast can vary widely depending on the length, content, and type of podcast. A half-hour weekly podcast reviewing best-selling new books, for example, probably won’t take as long to write as a two-hour podcast on book marketing and the business of writing.

There’s no one-size-fits-all template for starting a podcast, but there are a few elements that all new podcasts share. For example, you’ll need to choose a topic and decide whether you want a co-host. Then you’ll need to establish a voice; professional podcasters and bloggers on Upwork can offer practical tips and writing techniques to find your unique voice. You’ll also need to choose where you’ll offer your podcast: Apple and Spotify are popular platforms, for example. Finally, you’ll need to market yourself to find new listeners.

The craft of writing a podcast episode generally begins with an outline. The next step is the first draft. The outline is critical to the final product, as it determines the direction of the podcast. If you’re struggling to write a podcast outline, start by considering your message: What story do you want to tell your listeners? What building blocks do you need to tell that story? Ensure your outline includes all of these building blocks, ending on an impactful note.