Reviews
I just heard you mention this podcast on a previous episode of Scriptnotes and I haven’t read the books yet but this series is just so sweet and fun and interesting. I binged it all in one day!
Aki-WAH via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/22/23
John August is once again fantastic. Great podcast!
Corwyn Pendragon via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/06/20
We found the free audiobook on a pre-COVID drive back from a cabin in CO. The whole family was immediately drawn in. We loved it so much that we wanted to learn more about its creation.
Ecostud via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/24/20
Well I’ll give you one star for a creative title. Frustrating for me, but creative and smart. Frustrating for me because when I tell Siri I to launch podcast it starts playing this .... which I don’t want. Good luck. Maybe one day I’ll listen
LousyNotes via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/15/19
Interesting podcast. Not really your hero‘s journey, in spite of the author‘s efforts in trying to promise it. Summary: successful person tries something new and gets really successful again. If you‘re into the nitty-gritty of how a book is made from „nobody-knows-you-so-what“ to published book,...Read full review »
*barista** via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 05/08/19
I binged the whole thing in one day! I was entertained by the humor, educated on the ways of getting published and all the steps from the idea in your mind to holding the physical book in your hands. Very well done and thorough. Also creative with all of the side trips to interview bookstore...Read full review »
~Jen 🦋 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/13/19
John, The journey you took me on through Launch gave me the sparkly electric feeling. I just finished the podcast today and bought the book. I just can’t wait to meet Arlo Finch. Thank you for sharing the process you went through writing your first book. I absolutely love the piano tune during...Read full review »
Hjcamp21 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/08/19
This is a really interesting behind the scenes exploration of the process of getting a book published.
erikakimiya via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 12/18/18
There’s some good info here, some just generally interesting stuff. But generally I find this show annoying. They mention that a lot of people would like to publish a book. But the majority of them don’t have the advantages this guy has. They’re not successful screen writers who just have to ask...Read full review »
FranSharpAsATack via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/12/18
I really enjoyed this series. Interesting, well written, and wonderfully narrated. 5 stars to John August!
Jamie5555 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 10/05/18
John August knows how to write, he knows how to podcast. He also knows how to make me cry describing the first time he held his book in his hand. Love it!
Clint Hamlin via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/30/18
I’m hooked after the first episode. I love the way John describes the details of how he decided to make a book with honesty and vulnerability. I’m at a point in my life where I want to do something different, something that makes a difference and this podcast is giving me courage to figure it out...Read full review »
petamerlima via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 07/16/18
Listened to episode 1 and was not hooked. Was a bit thrown off from the beginning with the ad in the second minute. This guy seems more interested in the commercial viability of his writing rather than any love for the craft. Also nothing compelling about his time in the woods, not sure why...Read full review »
zdbdc via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/01/18
Great podcast.
bufflord via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/03/18
This podcast is sometimes genuinely useful to writers, but mostly just feels like a pre-release marketing push for a book that the author hopes will be a huge success. It’s fairly self-indulgent and self-aggrandizing. Most of the people who reviewed it seem to have left reviews based on the preview.
Drome McKauliff via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/30/18
As a screenwriter who recently starting writing middle-grade, this podcast is a godsend. Answers so many questions I had, even the little things I thought no one else cared about.
phastman21 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/11/18
I lost myself in Launch. Love all the interviews with other authors. Publishing seems so huge, but Launch makes it tangible and comprehensible. Its like Jonah talking you into the belly of the whale.
c.garthe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/25/18
As a published author and occasional writing teacher, I frequently get questions from students and friends about the logistics of publishing. Will I need an agent? How do I find one? Can I get a contract without a full manuscript? Though these questions are super important, because they have...Read full review »
Katie Quirk via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/23/18
I will not listen to any Wondery podcasts as long as they are associated with Mike Boudet.
Tshirley67 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/06/18
As an aspiring author; this gave me a window into the publishing world and got me back into writing after a long haitus from crafting a story.
Dillon Hounshell via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/04/18
But I am going to have to unsubscribe from all Wondery podcasts until something is done about the host of Sword & Scale.
only1amsa via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/03/18
I feel like John created this podcast just for me. If you’re writing a book (or a series), you owe it to yourself to listen to this well-crafted journey on how John birthed his YA series “Arlo Finch” into existence.
Mosscow via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/25/18
Wanted to switch things up a bit and was searching for a different kind of podcast season. This fit the bill perfectly. Well thought out, well produced, genuine and just simply fun. Listening to John August go through the process of writing a book (and seeing the production through to the end)...Read full review »
bamlinden via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 03/21/18
I really wanted to love and get a ton out of this podcast, not because I am a fan of August, but because I am an author trying to make it in the publishing world. Unfortunately I find this podcast only OK. August says it more than one that he realizes his story isn't typical and it isn't....Read full review »
JL Washington via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/20/18
I’ve listen to all of the episodes and loved them all! What a sweet story. I just received an ARC copy of the book and am excited to start it. Haven’t been able to yet but listening to the podcast will enhance the experience.
lellingw via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/18/18
I heard this show advertised on The Good Life Project podcast and it sounded interesting. I love how John August takes us on a tour of not only his creative process, but the entire book lifecycle, showing a glimpse of so many pieces of the journey that we might never think about. As a wanna-be...Read full review »
mrskaan via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/18/18
Thanks John, whom I have just discovered in this excellent podcast! I love learning. About everything, and teaching. So the approach of the Launch podcast is perfect for me. I am also hooked up for reading Arlos Finch :) For dreamers, who still want to stay real! I just finished episode 4. So far...Read full review »
Elfbelieve via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/15/18
This podcast is much more scripted than what I usually prefer. I listen to I Was There Too and James Bonding and Star Trek TNC and those seem anything but scripted! But listening to the story of how a book comes to book stores is fascinating and I was moved to tears as if I had written Arlo Finch...Read full review »
Party0f6 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/12/18
I'm a sucker for process stories, so the episode at the book factory is an all-timer for meRead full review »
MLscribe via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/11/18
so interesting!! Cannot wait to see where the book and podcast go from here!
bringmeapinotgrigio via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/08/18
John August is a good guy. You can tell. So getting to follow him around and watch the process of creating a new book unfold was a lot of fun and very inspiring. It’s very well produced.
Jarvmaestro via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/07/18
Launch is a great podcast for shining a light on many areas of publishing and book production that are often shrouded in mystery. It is also an endearing tale of a man following his passion for storytelling into a new format, moving from screenplays to writing middle grade fiction. Highly...Read full review »
Ungodly Hour via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 03/06/18
I loved this is so many ways...as a writer, as a reader, as someone who loves booksheleves filled with books, and as someone who loves to know how art gets made. This is a beautiful podcast and I hope there are more seasons with more cool stuff being launched.
thembob68 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/28/18
This podcast ranks in my top 5, and for a few great reasons: John is the most emotionally involved host of a Podcast that I have ever listened to. Also, living in Fort Collins, CO, just 45 min from where John August grew up, and getting to spend each day exploring the Front Range of Colorado,...Read full review »
Emphatic-apparatek via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/28/18
I liked it when it was about the process of writing and publishing a book but then the announcement came that it would be about the launching of all sorts of other things. I came to the podcast because I dream of publishing a book, not launching another idea. If I want to launch another idea I...Read full review »
sande007 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/28/18
Love this podcast, John. Kudos to you and your production team on this one. Thanks for putting this out there. You're making me want to be a writer, although I know this podcast makes it sound deceptively easy. Regardless, thanks for shining a light on some of the less-considered aspects of...Read full review »
cleverevans via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/27/18
Seeked out Scriptnotes for the Craig, stayed for the John & Launch (and Craig). Launch is the companion I am always happy to have arrive unannounced at my door. The behind-the-scenes access that John gives us into the book writing and publishing process is so interesting and appreciated. ...Read full review »
YourMother739475950 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/27/18
Who hasn't dreamt of writing a book? This behind-the-scenes of publishing your first novel feels more like a good coffee date with an old friend. It's personal and sweet. I was just as excited as John August when he saw the first copy of Arlo Finch on the printing press. The inner design...Read full review »
RubongiGirl via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/24/18
It's hard not to be moved by the stories of the people who make America work - in this case, bookmakers. Always loved Scriptnotes. Such a well-written podcast. Storytelling at its best.Read full review »
Olympic comedy via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 02/23/18
I listen to al lot of podcasts, but this one is different. In a good way! I love that we can go on the journey to al the different stages of making a book. I am no longer 12, but I am looking forward to reading the book!
Djnordy via Apple Podcasts · Netherlands · 02/23/18
I thoroughly enjoyed Launch. As a yet unpublished middle grade author, it was fascinating to hear the inside scoop of the process from start to finish. While most writing podcasts focus on craft (which I enjoy), Launch gets into the nitty gritty of the actual ins and outs of becoming a first time...Read full review »
chickentender23 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/22/18
At times, Launch has offered an open and in-depth look at a first time author's journey to getting published. I appreciated hearing the origins of Arlo Finch, John's writing process, and the episode focusing on the audiobook was truly fascinating. Here's the big caveat (and one that...Read full review »
Nick McNulty via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/21/18
Admittedly when I listened to the first episode I thought, nice humble brag. The thing is, this guy is really smart, and really good at what he does. Very entertaining, very creative, he has a gift that I certainly wish I had. (maybe why I was put off on the initial episode...ohh no too self...Read full review »
Jason Plett via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/21/18
Really helpful
Vino_Cipolotti via Apple Podcasts · Brazil · 02/13/18
I’ve been listening to Scriptnotes for years, so when John announced Launch, I was obviously going to subscribe. However, this is a whole other side of him as a novelist, so it’s very different — in a great way! All aspiring writers should listen to this podcast. This is very polished and...Read full review »
shesheshewrites via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/13/18
A fantastic podcast for writers, as John August walks listeners through the steps of creating his first middle grade book.
blythe025 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/12/18
Very well told tale of the making of a childrens‘ tale.
Thomas B., Hamburg via Apple Podcasts · Germany · 02/11/18
I enjoy programs that explore the creative process. John August starts documenting the creative process of writing a novel then goes beyond. The podcast takes us on a tour of the physical creation of book, from editing, copy editing, art choices, font selection to placing the book on the store...Read full review »
Tad Stones via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/11/18
Such a well produced, genuinely transparent, and inspiring recounting of a two year book writing journey. John shares his story in an honest way that makes you feel like you could do the same, eventhough his screenwriting connections and pedigree certainly helped pave his way. He still had to...Read full review »
ScubaSteve1010 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/09/18
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