Best Books About Starting a Podcast (2026): 5 Picks Compared

If you want to start a show but do not know where to begin, the best books about starting a podcast map the path from idea to launch. We compared five guides for new podcasters, plus three extra options.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Podcasting for Beginners by Larson	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	NPR's Podcast Start Up Guide	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Podcasting Made Simple by Larson	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Make Noise by Nuzum	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Podcast Launch by Dumas	9.3/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Podcasting for Beginners by Larson

Daniel Larson·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Two guides in one for beginners who want launch plus marketing; skip it for launch basics only.

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Pros

• Two guides in one: launch plus marketing
• 386 pages, the longest here
• For people with no experience

Cons

• Reading age 7+ does not match an adult audience
• Overlaps the other Larson pick
• No grade level or Lexile stated

2

NPR's Podcast Start Up Guide

Glen Weldon·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The definitive guide to creating, launching and growing a podcast, from NPR.

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Pros

• From NPR's talent and producers
• Step-by-step podcast launch advice
• 304 pages, June 2024

Cons

• About podcasting, not leading
• 304 pages, the longest here
• No edition stated

3

Podcasting Made Simple by Larson

Daniel Larson·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A step-by-step launch walkthrough for beginners; skip it if you already run a show.

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Pros

• Walkthrough for no previous experience
• Recording, editing and launch strategy
• Equipment recommendations included

Cons

• 2020 edition, older than the Value Edition
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Lowest stated page count here at 180 pages

4

Make Noise by Nuzum

Eric Nuzum·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A guide to audio storytelling from a veteran producer; skip it for setup steps only.

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Pros

• Advice from a veteran podcast creator
• Interviews and audience building
• Published by Workman Publishing Company

Cons

• 2019 edition, the second oldest here
• Storytelling focus, less on launch mechanics
• No reading age or grade level stated

5

Podcast Launch by Dumas

John Lee Dumas·9.3/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 2014 launch checklist from a longtime host; skip it for current platform details.

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Pros

• From equipment to publishing
• Covers monetization and audience growth
• A behind-the-scenes launch story

Cons

• 2014 edition, the oldest here
• No print length stated in the listing
• No reading age or grade level stated

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Podcasting for Non-Techies by CallananFor beginners wary of tech, 98 pages from 2018.Check on Amazon
• How to Start a Podcast by KingFor gear and workflow basics in 31 pages.Check on Amazon
• M.A.D. Guide to Podcasting by DonovanFor new podcasters, 81 pages, 2025 edition, ages 12-18.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Only one pick lists a reading age. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best books about starting a podcast

Match the book to your experience

True beginners should start with Podcasting Made Simple, while the Value Edition adds a second guide on marketing. Readers who care more about craft than setup will get more from Make Noise.

Check the edition year

The Value Edition is from 2021 and Podcasting Made Simple from 2020, while Podcast Launch is from 2014. If your goal is a business show, see our business books about Disney list and the self-improvement books shelf.

One book or two?

The Value Edition bundles two Larson guides in 386 pages for readers who want launch and growth in one volume. Everyone else can pick the single guide that matches their gap.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date on the listing, since podcast platforms and tools change year to year.
• For the Value Edition, confirm both guides are in the volume you are buying, since bundles vary.
• Note the reading age: the Value Edition lists 7 years and up, which does not match its adult audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book should I start with?

Start with Podcasting Made Simple if you have no experience. Pick Make Noise if you want craft over setup steps.

Are these books current enough to use?

The Value Edition is from 2021 and Podcasting Made Simple from 2020, while Podcast Launch is from 2014. For launch mechanics, prefer the newer two.

Do any of these books cover marketing?

The Value Edition includes Podcast Marketing as its second guide. Podcasting Made Simple covers launch strategy and sponsor emails on its own.

Still deciding? Our top pickPodcasting for Beginners by Larson

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Related lists

See every nonfiction list and all business books lists.

More lists: business books about Disney, books about starting kindergarten, books about starting preschool.