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Book Riot - The Podcast

Book Riot
Literary Fiction
Publishing Industry
Book Riot
Books
Book Recommendations
Book Banning
Literature
Book Riot Podcast
Diversity In Publishing
Neil Gaiman
Diversity In Literature
Audiobooks
Fourth Wing
Censorship
Patreon
Book Adaptations
Amazon
Pulitzer Prize
Book Bans
George Saunders

News in the world of books and reading, including hot industry releases, adaptations, publishing industry events, and more with Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky. Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes907Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsTV & Film

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Latest Episodes

Vanessa Diaz returns to regale Rebecca with the messy tale of the marriage between a well-known Harlem Renaissance poet and the daughter of a famous public thinker.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast ... more

Jeff and Rebecca talk about some new best books of the year so far lists, adaptation news, recent reading, and more before talking with the new President of the American Library Association, Dr. Maria McCauley.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podc... more

Jeff and Rebecca select the It Book of June 2026.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening.

Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get ... more

Jeff and Rebecca talk about a relatively sleepy week in book news, but James Daunt bails us out by not shutting up about AI books that don't exist.

To show our appreciation for your time, everyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chanc... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Cathy Galliano
Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million
Episode: MCD Shutters, Audible's Story House, and More of the Week's Book News.
Louise Erdrich
Author of Python's Kiss, longtime author and writer
Author
Episode: Wait, How Many Books Were Published in 2025? PLUS: Louise Erdrich!
Markus Zusak
Australian author, author of The Book Thief
Author
Episode: Markus Zusak on THE BOOK THIEF at 20
Kelly Jensen
Contributor/author featured in Book Riot piece
Book Riot
Episode: A Proposed Nationwide Book Ban, The NYPL's Most Checked Out Books of All-Time, and more
Kim Snyder
Director of the documentary 'The Librarians', Peabody award-winning filmmaker
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines
Martha Hickson
Participant in 'The Librarians', recipient of the 2022 Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines
Carolyn Foote
Retired Texas school librarian, co-founder of the Texas Freedom Fighters
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines
Erica Ezefedi
Director of Content at Book Riot, has a passion for historical fiction.
Book Riot
Episode: UPDATED - Our Favorite Books of 2025
Vanessa Diaz
Managing Editor at Book Riot, specializing in literary history
Book Riot
Episode: What is Magical Realism?

Hosts

Jeff O'Neal
Host shaping Book Riot content with a focus on publishing news, trends, and book recommendations; co-host of the show.
Rebecca Schinsky
Co-host and voice driving book discussions, industry analysis, and recommendations; frequently leads conversations.
Vanessa Diaz
Co-host providing commentary and book insights; participates in discussions and book-curation episodes.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.5k ratings
  • Correction pu Pulitzer episode parentheses the correspondent

    Rebecca mentioned that the correspondent has received no awards or recognition. That is not correct. It is a finalist for the women’s prize for fiction. It won the pin Hemmingway debut novel of the year. There’s no comparison between the correspondent and Theo of Golden. I agree Theo is right contrite. With weak writing, but that is certainly not the case with the correspondent she is a serious talented writer. It would certainly be worth your time to read it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Hikingreader
    United Statesa month ago
  • My bookish friends

    I’m more into books than most of the people I know- and I work in a library, so I know a lot of bookish people. I’m so into books that recently, after a gummy when I randomly opened Goodreads, I let the FEELINGS of so many books I’ve loved wash over me for awhile. I’m so into books that I’m still angry that my favorite book reviewer, Ron Charles, was fired by The Washington Post, and I signed up for his Substack about a minute after I found out about his firing. I discover a book by a favorite a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dianabolical
    United Statesa month ago
  • Ep March 39 — professional malpractice and waste of time

    Why on earth would you discuss books you haven’t read (the Don DeLillo discussion). Why have on a host who hasn’t read the book(s)? Just comes across as disrespectful of both subject and audience. Ugh.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tsundokuchan
    United States2 months ago
  • Advertising Generative AI Narration?!?!?!

    I love this podcast but recently I was so disappointed to hear an advertisement for a generative AI narrator program. You have spent a long time talking about how prompters creating books with generative AI aren’t authors, just prompters, but you don’t extend that thought process to another art form?!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    reluctant_runner
    United States3 months ago
  • Favourite hosts!

    My favourite podcast hosts!!! Great interaction

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jmooreb
    Canada3 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the hosts' chemistry and conversational banter, making episodes feel like a chat with fellow book-loving friends.
Many appreciate deep dives into publishing trends and awards with practical takeaways for readers and industry folks.
Ads and occasional topic tangents are noted, with some listeners wanting more note-worthy show notes and fewer interruptions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#38
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#108
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#46
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#141
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#179
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#41
Argentina/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why Literary Agents Matter with Laura McGrath
Q: What is the core function of a literary agent beyond securing a book deal?
Agents serve as matchmaking conduits who understand editors, imprints, and market taste, ensuring a project is positioned for the right audience and long-term career growth rather than just a one-off sale.
MCD Shutters, Audible's Story House, and More of the Week's Book News.
Q: What is Books-A-Million doing to bring communities into stores and keep them engaged?
Cathy Galliano explains the 'third space' concept, noting large in-store and offsite events in historic theaters, which foster community and turn bookstores into social hubs.
Wait, How Many Books Were Published in 2025? PLUS: Louise Erdrich!
Q: What ending in the story made you cry?
Erdrich says almost every ending in Python's Kiss brought her to tears, highlighting how emotional closure and character resolution can be deeply affecting, with particular attention to how the stories unfold and land emotionally for the reader.
How Much Are You Like The Characters You Read About?
Q: So, do you tend to read books with characters whose lives or identities resemble your own?
Intentionally, no. I love engaging with other modes of experience.
How Much Are You Like The Characters You Read About?
Q: What was the last book you read?
I just read Kin by Tyari Jones.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Book Riot

What is Book Riot about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A conversation-driven show centered on books, publishing, and reading culture, blending news, industry analysis, and wide-ranging recommendations. Hosts discuss new releases, prize politics, adaptations, and book club dynamics, interspersed with sponsor reads and listener questions. The tone balances insider industry chatter with accessible, reader-focused discussions, often featuring lively banter and strong personal picks. Noteworthy elements include frequent sponsor integrations, a collaborative atmosphere with educational insights from the publishing world, and a approachable, conversational style that appeals to voracious readers and book industry enthusiasts alike.

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How many subscribers and views does Book Riot have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Book Riot?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Book Riot:

1. All the Books!
2. Well-Read
3. Book Talk, etc.
4. Sarah's Bookshelves Live
5. Zero to Well-Read

How many episodes of Book Riot are there?

Book Riot launched 13 years ago and published 907 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Book Riot?

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What guests have appeared on Book Riot?

Recent guests on Book Riot include:

1. Cathy Galliano
2. Louise Erdrich
3. Markus Zusak
4. Kelly Jensen
5. Kim Snyder
6. Martha Hickson
7. Carolyn Foote
8. Erica Ezefedi

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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