Out on the Wire (Book)
Graphic-novel guide to audio storytelling craft based on interviews with top radio producers.
Storytelling craft book
Jessica Abel's illustrated book unpacks how This American Life, Radiolab, Planet Money, and others actually construct stories. The graphic-novel format makes it readable in a sitting. Named a Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015. Pair with the companion podcast for tape examples.
- Unique illustrated graphic-novel format
- Real producer interviews including Ira Glass
- Deep story-structure focus
- Published 2015 — pre-video-podcast era
- Narrative podcasts only
- Not a practical step-by-step how-to
Out on the Wire is a graphic-novel-format book by cartoonist Jessica Abel that walks through how leading narrative radio and podcast producers build their stories. With cooperation from Ira Glass and producers at This American Life, Radiolab, Planet Money, Snap Judgment, and others, Abel illustrates the workflow from story idea to broadcast: pitching, structuring acts, finding the question, cutting tape, scoring, and rewriting. Jad Abumrad of Radiolab talks about chasing moments of awe with scientists; Robert Smith of Planet Money explains his process. It's structurally a how-to, but reading it feels closer to reading a Scott McCloud comic about audio. Published in 2015 by Broadway Books / Penguin Random House and named a Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015. There's also a companion podcast "Out on the Wire" that breaks down the same principles with actual audio examples. Best for: anyone making narrative, documentary, or storytelling-heavy podcasts who wants to understand structure at a deep level. Less useful for: ad-supported interview shows, business podcasts, or video-first content where the craft demands are different. The book pre-dates the current video podcast era and the AI tooling revolution, so don't expect modern workflow discussion. The illustrated format alone makes it a worthwhile reference even after multiple reads — the visual treatment helps story-structure concepts stick differently than prose alone would.
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Out on the Wire (Book) FAQ
What is Out on the Wire (Book) in one line?
Graphic-novel guide to audio storytelling craft based on interviews with top radio producers.
Who should pick Out on the Wire (Book)?
Out on the Wire (Book) is shaped for storytelling craft book. Its biggest strength: unique illustrated graphic-novel format. The graphic-novel format makes it readable in a sitting
What should I watch out for with Out on the Wire (Book)?
published 2015 — pre-video-podcast era; narrative podcasts only. None of these are deal-breakers on their own, but they're worth knowing before you commit.
Is Out on the Wire (Book) free?
It's a paid tool in the $ range. Some plans have a free trial — check the latest on their pricing page.
What can I use instead of Out on the Wire (Book)?
Closest in the same category: Podnews, The Podcast Host, Discover Pods. Each has its own shape — see the alternatives page for a side-by-side.