Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Simon Mayo, Matt Williams

Booking Overview

An author interview show focused on books, writing, and the creative lives of prominent writers and public figures who have published books. Suitable pitches include bestselling or award-winning authors, notable novelists, and high-profile comedians or actors with a substantive new book and strong personal or literary angles; booking difficulty is high.

Metrics

Episodes: 308

Frequency: Weekly

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10k-100k

Gender skew: Unknown

Location: United Kingdom

Contact Information

podcasts@bauermedia.co.uk

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

Host

Simon Mayo - British broadcaster, journalist, and author known for presenting major radio and literary programming.

Matt Williams - Co-host of a books-focused podcast featuring interviews with authors and other notable writers.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

high
Typical Credentials:  
Bestselling or award-winning authors, established novelists, and high-profile public figures with a substantial new book and a credible writing or literary angle.
Required Achievements:  
Pulitzer Prize or other major literary recognition, Bestselling books, Established careers in literature, comedy, or acting

Recent Guest Discussions

Elizabeth Strout - Writing Routine, Literary Inspirations, Character Development, Recurring Fictional Worlds, And Her New Novel The Things We Never Say.

Dawn French - Writing Routine, Influences, Literary Recommendations, And The People She Shares Her Books With First.

Dawn French - Writing A New Novel, Personal Inspiration, Grief, Family, And Adapting Fiction For Film.

Recent Topics

Literature, Authors, Fiction, Novels, Writing

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Simon Mayo's Books of the Year
:

Elizabeth Strout

July 08, 2026

Pulitzer Prize winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her brilliant new novel, 'The Things We Never Say'.She talks about her writing routine, inspirations, listening to conversations, making every word count - and - why returning to characters and worlds is so enjoyable. They also discuss writing about covid, and the joy of discovering what your book is about halfway through writing it! Here's the blurb for Elizabeth's novel:Artie Dam is a man with a secret. H...

Dawn French Q&A

July 01, 2026

Comedian and author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode. We learn about her writing routine, favourite snacks, her love for Kae Tempest's writing, the people she always shares her book with first - and - who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Dawn with a question from the poet, Donna Ashworth! Remember you can email us anytime: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com

Dawn French

June 24, 2026

Comedian, actor and bestselling author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her new novel, 'Enough'. She talks about her personal inspirations for the story, white crows, teenage crushes (Donny Osmond VS David Cassidy) and how she sees her book a as a film. There are some deep and poignant moments too - where Dawn talks about her father's suicide, and her Mum's death - specifically the agency her mum had over the end of her life. They also chat about a shared love of Barcelona,...

podcasts@bauermedia.co.uk

For verified host and producer emails, sign up to view.

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