The Book Deal

Natasha Rai interviews author Ashley Kalagian Blunt about her thriller Like, Follow, Die. Blunt shares an elevator pitch: a Sydney mother, known as “the most hated woman in Australia,” faces a homicide detective at her door as three narratives (mother, cop, and son ages 12–19) converge around whether she reveals secrets about her teenage son. She discusses the novel’s origin as an Audible Original, how removing a key twist reshaped the story, and why this book was easier to draft than Cold Truth, for which she discarded a full manuscript. Blunt also describes researching the manosphere and education for boys, her move from genocide-focused nonfiction to crime for strategic and creative reasons, her path to publication and agents, and tips for writers: maintain momentum (even one word a day), join a strong writers group, and prioritize structure.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Meet Ashley Blunt02:00 Like Follow Die Pitch03:24 Building The Detective05:00 Audible Origin Story07:17 Writing Process And POVs10:13 Manosphere And Policy13:16 Schools And Respect Crisis15:12 Staying Sane In Dark Research17:50 From Memoir To Crime25:35 Early Writing And Ego29:08 Illness And Finding Craft32:21 First Publishing Contract36:16 Novella Becomes Debut Book39:54 Switching Publishers42:50 Rejection and Resilience44:01 Affirm Press Breakthrough45:53 Going Agented49:14 US Subagent Reality Check53:41 Two Book Deal57:35 Writing With Chronic Illness01:02:55 Momentum Writers Groups Structure01:08:40 Why Structure Is Rarely Taught01:13:35 Final Thanks and WrapJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Brooke Michie is a lifelong reader and passionate supporter of Australian authors. She works in public libraries and loves nothing more than matching readers with their perfect book. As one of Australia’s most influential Bookstagrammers she reads and reviews hundreds of books every year and spends much of her time attending author events and raving about her favourite reads. Make sure you follow Brooke for all her recommendations on Instagram at @bmichie31. Madeleine chats with Brooke about how she first started her Instagram seven years ago and is now one of Australia's most influential Bookstagrammers. Find out how Brooke reads 20-25 books each month and how authors can work with Bookstagrammers! Brooke recommends:Sasha Wasley’s The Society of Literary MaraudersLeearna Shaw’s A Farm in Golden Clouds, andMark Mupotsa-Russell’s A Wolf Who Cried Boy.Our Debut in the Spotlight is Lorena Otes, with her memoir, Solo Mum by Choice (Hawkeye Publishing, May 2026). 00:56 Brooke Michie03:23 What Is Bookstagram09:24 Reading 25 Books Monthly10:29 Social Media Focus Struggles11:43 Choosing books to read15:31 Honest Reviews 18:03 Author-Bookstagrammer Etiquette25:03 Paid Review Scams27:34 Debut Crew Support29:04 Aussie Books 30:50 Author Social Media33:41 Content Burnout35:02 Book Events 37:38 Bookstagram Community39:30 Book Recommends42:49 Top Tip 44:19 Podcast Wrap UpJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan interviews bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Harvey about her 20+ year publishing career, including nearly 70 books, 40 audiobooks, and Alice-Miranda adaptations. Harvey discusses her latest middle-grade series, The Girl and the Ghost, inspired by meeting a prince in a Singapore bookshop and research at Versailles that led her to make Louis XVII the story’s ghost. She explains how travel sparks ideas across her series, how Alice-Miranda took off after years of rejections and a publisher change, and why she values testing manuscripts with young readers. Harvey shares practical advice on celebrating releases, planning while allowing story surprises, using simple tools (notebooks, whiteboard, Word), building loyal relationships with publishers and booksellers, being generous on social media, managing burnout through scheduling and saying no, and not quitting a day job too soon.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Meet Jacqueline Harvey02:21 New Release Spotlight02:53 Prince in the Bookshop07:40 Travel Sparks Stories10:35 Celebrating Book Launches12:37 From Teacher to Author15:27 Rejections and Ugly Covers19:28 Backing Alice Miranda22:37 Kid Readers as Testers22:58 Kid Feedback Before Print23:39 Editors Over Beta Readers24:35 One Publisher Loyalty27:10 Plotter Meets Pantser30:01 Tools Word Notebooks Whiteboard31:46 Marketing Teamwork Reality32:31 Bookshops And Booksellers35:00 Social Media Generosity38:30 Avoiding Burnout Planning42:49 Top Tips And FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai reconnect after a busy few months. Natasha begins major structural edits on a 120,000-word second novel with tight timelines and a tip to rewrite editorial notes in her own words. Madeleine describes how edits revealed deeper issues, advises asking for deadline extensions, and discusses proactively visiting bookshops, introducing yourself to booksellers, and signing stock to boost visibility and sales. Tina reports starting an exciting new project after a beach break, discusses “stalking ideas” from the Jack Heath interview, and suggests naps can help solve plot problems. Cassie Stroud introduces her debut novel Iluka, about siblings uncovering letters from their missing mother.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Hosts Catch Up07:44 Natasha Structural Edits12:02 Editing Tips and Mindset15:47 Madeleine Deadline Extension20:20 Tina New Story Spark26:32 Stalking Ideas Discussion28:00 Story Idea Sparks28:35 Channeling the Muse29:37 Naps and Liminal Breakthroughs32:04 Cassie Stroud Iluka33:30 Jack Interview Takeaways36:15 Write for Publishers42:54 Author Marketing Reality46:52 Bookseller Hand Selling53:46 Cold Calls and Signings56:52 Top Tips and WrapJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Natasha Rai interviews award-winning author Jack Heath (49 novels, published in 10 languages) about his YA thriller 'I Know What You’re Hiding'. Heath gives an elevator pitch: after a house fire kills one sister, survivor Jamie receives a blood-written note saying “I know what you’re hiding,” and teen true-crime podcaster Zoe investigates the blackmail. Heath discusses writing for ages 12–16, the book’s long development from an earlier pitch that spun into the 'Liars' series, and why Zoe returned after 'If You Tell Anyone You’re Next'. He explains lessons about series vs sequels, selling manuscripts to publishers, balancing promotion with writing, his daily process and project management, outlining, differences between adult and kids fiction, idea “odd sock drawer” blending, embracing negative feedback, and joining nonprofit writing groups. The Debut Spotlight features Lisa Moule’s debut 'The Mother of All Calamities'.00:00 Podcast Intro00:42 Meet Jack Heath01:44 Elevator Pitch03:28 Writing Dark YA05:42 Origins of the Novel10:04 Odd Sock Ideas11:35 Series Lessons14:15 Selling to Publishers18:28 Promotion Pressures21:43 Writing Routine25:45 Word Count Planning27:45 Editing and Reading Style30:12 Editing Versus Drafting31:44 Guest Introduction32:15 Outlining To Sell Books36:41 Adult Versus Kids Writing45:44 Ideas And Book Mashups50:33 Sustainable Career Lessons54:04 Embracing Negative Feedback58:47 Advice And Writing Communities01:01:25 Wrap Up And CreditsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Madeleine interviews Tasmania-based ABC journalist and digital editor Rebecca Armitage about her debut novel, The Heir Apparent (December 2025, HarperCollins Australia).One might think Rebecca’s journey to publication was a bit of a fairytale, with simultaneous releases in multiple territories, pre-empts, a Reese’s Book Club pick and even a TV deal! But her journey to publication was not without its challenges, and Rebecca has some fabulous advice about creating good writing habits, finding resilience when dealing with multiples rejections and some great tips for when your book hits the shelves. She details early rejections, pitching through the Australian Society of Authors, getting the 'yes', landing a HarperCollins pr-eempt and major US/UK deals, feels after being selected for Reese’s Book Club - and prompting a pub date shift, TV deals and more. She has some wonderful advice for emerging and debut authors on habit-setting, writing and pitching.Our Debut in the Spotlight is Leearna Shaw, whose debut novel is A Farm in Golden Clouds (March 2026, Allen & Unwin).00:56 Introduction to Rebecca Armitage01:39 Heir Apparent Elevator Pitch04:00 Journalism and Fiction06:08 Inspiration10:11 Research15:14 Plotter or Pantser17:40 Writing Habits and Targets21:56 Draft to Submission23:21 Pitching and Finding an Agent26:27 First Yes Moment26:58 Rejection Resilience28:35 HarperCollins Preempt30:11 Global Deal Whirlwind36:16 Reese Book Club Pick40:44 TV Adaptation Plans44:11 Launch Advice for Debuts47:06 Tassie Reading Recommends 49:25 Final Writing Top TipJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan interviews author and CYA Conference coordinator Tina Clark about how the CYA writers and illustrators conference helps aspiring and emerging creators secure publication through competitions, bootcamps, and agent/editor/publisher assessments. Clark explains her motivation to centralize trustworthy industry information and protect writers from predatory services, and she outlines CYA’s hybrid format, including online bootcamps, in-person July sessions, and a rooftop networking event at the Pullman Hotel. She details how bootcamps work in small groups with editors, how competitions provide two sets of blind-judged feedback and shortlist entries for a final publisher/editor decision, and gives practical submission tips like strictly following guidelines and formatting headers/footers. She advises not to argue with editors in assessments and emphasizes her top tip: finish the book—“bum in chair” writing. The Debut Spotlight for this week is Katie Hoskins and her debut novel 'When the Party's Over'.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Meet Tina Clark06:38 CYA Origins08:06 Shadows of Africa12:20 Why She Champions Writers16:15 CYA Overview16:46 Bootcamps Breakdown24:21 Debut Spotlight: Katie Hoskins25:36 CYA Competition Dates28:09 Judging Process33:29 Prizes And Growth35:24 Publisher Feedback Limits35:46 Follow Submission Guidelines37:35 Formatting Pitfalls39:42 Why Assessments Matter43:01 Submit the Opening Pages45:49 Networking Not Pitching46:58 Never Argue With Editors48:50 Success Stories And Notes55:26 Conference Day Options57:07 Panels And Program Highlights01:02:00 Rooftop Networking Night01:03:14 Bum In Chair FinaleJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'.Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai share their updates in March: somatic therapy training, writing and editing in the snatches, immersion time, journalling, book research and more. Plus they brainstorm what their promo boxes look like and chat about what they are reading.They reflect on advice from HarperCollins Australia Head of Fiction, Catherine Milne, about 'bailing-up' publishers at events, the art/commerce balance, comparison titles. They also discuss what being a 'good literary citizen' actually means. 00:00 Podcast intro00:56 Monthly catch up02:43 Writing in snatches04:34 Structural edits crunch11:11 Promo boxes!14:55 Tina's self-care journal18:57 Workshops and events20:05 Spiritualist church book research22:53 Publisher Pitch Reflections24:20 Art Meets Commerce29:31 Being a Good Literary Citizen37:39 What We Are Reading41:56 Wrap Up And SupportJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Natasha Rai interviews author Bridie Blake days before her rom-com debut The Boyfriend Clause releases. Blake pitches the novel: café owner Sabrina Fogarty enters a fake-dating deal with her broody neighbor, bestselling author Adam Whitaker, which escalates when he joins her family holiday to the UK. Blake discusses becoming a rom-com reader during the pandemic, her earlier years writing dark YA and suspense, and years of rejections, including a two-year US submission during COVID after signing a US agent. She explains developing The Boyfriend Clause from a “white lie,” outlining with a pitch and detailed plan, and choosing to publish in Australia so her dad could see it in bookstores. Text Publishing acquired it quickly, and Blake has submitted book two and is drafting book three.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Meet Bridie and Launch Day02:34 Release Nerves and Social Media04:08 Elevator Pitch The Boyfriend Clause05:27 Why Romcoms Feel Good08:59 From YA Darkness to Romcom10:08 Writing Since Childhood11:48 Resilience Through Rejection14:51 Querying and US Agent Journey18:28 Pandemic Submission Heartbreak20:14 Switching Genres to Adult Romcom20:49 Origin of The Boyfriend Clause25:38 Pitch First Then Outline30:04 Drafting Timeline and Agent Edits31:37 Making It Australian32:34 Americanize The Manuscript33:18 US Submission Reality Check34:55 Choosing Australia First38:39 Dream Publisher Submission41:18 Full Request To Offer47:29 Editing And Next Books52:48 US Vs Australia Publishing54:36 Routine Craft And Feedback59:33 Final Advice And WrapJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the HeartCatherine Milne has worked in publishing for many years, including with Penguin Books, Allen & Unwin, and since 2012, with HarperCollins, where she has been Head of Fiction since 2017.  Her list is eclectic, ranging across fiction and non-fiction, but consistently award-winning and bestselling. It includes such successes as Trent Dalton, Julia Baird, Holly Ringland, Meg Mason, Jacqueline Maley, Alli Parker, Rebecca Armitage, Jacinta Parsons, Stan Grant, Rick Morton and Ben Crowe.For more information about The Australian Fiction Prize, see here.The Debut in the Spotlight this week is Sophie Stern, with her debut novel What is Left For Us (Penguin, March 2026). 00:00 Welcome to Book Deal01:50 Catherine's start in publishing06:12 The slush pile08:35 Approaching publishers10:21 Pitching17:22 Inside Acquisitions Meetings22:30 Second Book Pressure25:48 Writing for Love26:55 Debut in the Spotlight: Sophie Stern28:11 Defining Success29:44 Advances33:26 Marketing Myths Breakouts36:23 Case Study Sorrow & Bliss41:20 State of the industry47:54 The Australian Fiction Prize52:49 Final TipJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan interviews author Amy Doak about her YA mystery thriller What Have They Done to Liza McLean?, pitched as a twisty story set at an elite boarding school with dual viewpoints and secrets leading to a death. Amy discusses crafting one-liners using comp titles to convey “vibe,” avoiding overthinking, and balancing the ongoing Eleanor Jones series (book four, Eleanor Jones Is Not Drowning, due in July) with writing a standalone to avoid being a “one trick pony.” She shares her publishing journey: an unsellable adult action-adventure manuscript, writing Eleanor Jones for her teenage self and niece, pitching agents, submitting to Penguin’s open window, and being selected after an editor spotted her pages at the printer; she signed with agent Alex Adsett, who negotiated a two-book deal. Debut Spotlight features Amanda Hewitt’s contemporary romance The Last Resort (Echo Publishing), about Abby’s solo holiday fling with Nick that becomes complicated when he buys her hotel chain; it was the only manuscript signed from 300 submissions in August 2024.00:00 Podcast Intro00:56 Meet Amy And The New Book01:17 Story Pitch And Premise02:19 One Liner And Comp Titles05:45 Eleanor Jones Vs Standalone08:43 Keep Writing While Waiting11:52 Writing Habits And Process13:50 Plotting Mysteries And Clues16:16 Standalone Or Sequel Plans18:16 Origin Story And First Drafts21:42 Rejections And Market Fit24:52 Penguin Submission Breakthrough28:35 Signing With An Agent29:05 Book Deal Spotlight31:01 Pitching Agents Vs Publishers34:15 Why Pitch Sessions Matter37:15 Defining The YA Market41:13 Kids Reading Up Too Fast43:40 Romance Spice And Labels46:10 BookTok And Going Viral47:23 Writing In The Cracks53:06 Top Tip Be Kind56:21 Podcast Wrap UpJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss recent author life updates and practical publishing-event etiquette. Tina shares launching book three of the Wilder Zoo series, “Neeka and the Great Search,” and they discuss gift ideas for in-conversation partners, the importance of stocking and pitching the partner’s books, and not feeling pressured to spend much. Tina talks about adjusting to a new writing routine, realizing she can’t sustain full-day creativity. Madeleine describes February becoming busier after a calm January, plans to restrict social media, and mentions discovering an unauthorized Melbourne walking tour based on her novel “The Butterfly Women,”. Natasha shares submitting book two to her publisher and reflects on how writing later books feels different from a first book, including higher expectations, risk-taking, and fluctuating confidence, and the group discusses how routine changes can affect creativity and productivity and how drafts can swing between feeling “terrible” and “good.” They talk about social media’s addictive design and strategies to limit it, and Natasha outlines her portfolio career schedule combining writing blocks, counseling work, and shifts at Roaring Stories bookstore. The conversation touches on the value of unpaid writing-related work, the difficulty of earning a living from writing alone, and measuring success beyond sales. They also promote applications for the Magnetic Island “Writers on the Reef” program through James Cook University (with flights and a stipend mentioned), and float the idea of a future Book Deal Podcast writers’ retreat.00:00 Podcast Intro00:43 Welcome and Acknowledgement00:56 Tina Launches Book Three02:09 Gifts for In Conversation06:56 Tina Finds a Routine10:46 Mads Social Media Rules12:18 Unexpected Walking Tour14:59 Tash Submits Book Two18:00 Writing Sequels and Pressure25:41 Routine Changes and Creativity28:18 Daily Writing Without Guilt29:01 When Books Flow or Fight30:44 Time Blocks and Trust32:07 Rest as Productivity33:02 Tasha’s Portfolio Routine33:50 Beating Instagram Dopamine39:40 What Portfolio Careers Mean42:08 Value Beyond Sales47:27 Magnetic Island Residency Plug48:57 Planning a Podcast Retreat50:19 Embrace the Poo FinaleJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Natasha Rai explores the inspiring stories behind anticipated debut books of 2026 in her interview with Sophie Stern, Leearna Shaw, and Inessa Jackson, members of the 'Debut Crew 2026.' The authors share their elevator pitches, writing processes, publishing journeys, and how competitions boosted their confidence. They also discuss preparing for their book launches, navigating public speaking anxieties, and building supportive writing communities. Ultimately, the episode offers valuable advice for budding writers on maintaining perseverance and finding joy in the creative process.00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast01:00 Introducing the Debut Crew 202603:32 Leearna Shaw's Elevator Pitch06:28 Inessa Jackson's Elevator Pitch09:00 Sophie Stern's Elevator Pitch10:56 The Journey to Becoming a Published Author23:33 The Supportive Community of Debut Crew 202625:00 Signing the Book Deals35:39 Understanding the Editing Process36:55 Navigating the Publishing Journey38:09 Dealing with Long Lead Times39:29 The Acquisition Process40:51 Receiving ARCs and Final Copies41:52 Balancing Writing with Life47:56 Finding Inspiration for Writing52:08 Preparing for Publication01:01:09 Building a Writing Community01:04:38 Top Tips for Aspiring WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second bookIn this episode, Madeleine chats second books with Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell. Is second book syndrome a thing? Is it harder or easier to publish a second time?This is an episode full for heart, craft, strategy, lessons learned, screenwriting tips for novelists and self-care and is useful for a writer at any stage of their journey. The Wolf Who Cried Boy by Mark Mupotsa-Russell (Affirm Press)Until The Red Leaves Fall by Alli Parker (HarperCollins Australia)You can listen to Mark and Alli's earlier episodes on the pod here:The Debut Year in Review (with Mark)Alli Parker on how to be a bestseller00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Meet the Guests: Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell02:28 Second books08:36 The Wolf Who Cried Boy17:18 Until the Red Leaves Fall19:11 Exploring Themes and Characters23:12 Writing Techniques and Storytelling Approaches36:12 Exploring Character Depth and Heroism39:41 Publishing Your Second Book: Lessons Learned40:43 Balancing Art and Commerce in Writing45:10 Marketing Strategies for Authors47:05 Self-care48:32 Managing Book Events and Publicity53:59 Screenwriting Tips for Novel Writing01:06:46 Top Tips for Writers01:12:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan interviews renowned science fiction and fantasy author Amie Kaufman. The conversation covers Amie's new book 'Red Star Rebels,' the writing journey, and the significance of comp titles. Amie discusses the realities of bestseller lists, the importance of celebrating small wins, and practical advice on managing social media and newsletters. This insightful episode is a must-listen for aspiring and debut authors, offering a blend of inspiration, practical tips, and industry know-how. Also featured is an introduction to Olivia Tolich and her upcoming rom-com 'Side Character Energy.'00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast00:57 Introducing Amie Kaufman02:32 Amie Kaufman on Writing and Publishing06:51 The Importance of Comp Titles19:19 Celebrating Book Launches19:45 Bestseller Lists and Awards31:57 Longevity in Book Marketing36:26 Olivia Tolich's debut book 'Side Character Energy'36:50 Author's Journey: From Rejections to Success37:46 Navigating the Publishing World41:39 The Importance of Writing Communities43:25 Connecting with Readers44:51 The Power of Newsletters55:46 Balancing Writing and Social Media01:00:38 Time Management and Self-Care for Writers01:08:00 Final Thoughts and EncouragementJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai return for the 2026 edition of The Book Deal podcast. They reflect on their successful live podcast event with Hayley Scrivenor, their plans to spotlight debut authors, and Natasha’s upcoming panel discussion. The hosts share their personal writing journeys, including Tina’s plans following the launch of her third book in the Wilder Zoo series, Madeleine’s approach to writing her third book, and Natasha’s insights from working at a bookstore. They delve into the importance of rest, setting intentions for the year, and offer industry insights on royalty statements.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast01:17 Reflecting on Last Year's Highlights02:04 Exciting Plans for 202604:09 Tina's Upcoming Book Launch09:10 Journaling and Creative Processes20:17 Madeleine's New Creative Project23:24 Removing Word Count Pressure24:05 Shifting from Word Count to Time Goals24:40 The Importance of Word Count for New Writers25:44 Introducing Lauren Novak and Her Book 'Meltdown'27:19 Understanding Royalty Statements29:29 The Impact of Bookstore Discounts on Royalties32:35 Supporting Independent Bookstores35:34 Experiences Working in a Bookshop38:10 The Concept of Rest and Self-Care47:48 Setting Goals and Intentions for the Year50:36 Conclusion and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary delve into the world of book publishing and the journey to getting a book deal. They are joined by Ruby Ashby Orr, a publisher from Affirm Press, who shares invaluable insights on how to perfect your book pitch, the importance of knowing your market, and what publishers are looking for in submissions. Ruby discusses the acquisitions process, offers tips for emerging writers, and highlights the importance of being open to feedback and collaboration in the publishing journey. The hosts also celebrate the upcoming release of Madeleine Cleary's debut novel, 'The Butterfly Women,' and prepare for a year of exciting new episodes.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Seasonal Break and Upcoming Episodes01:55 Introducing Ruby Ashby Orr02:31 Perfecting Your Pitch06:41 The Importance of Research and Personalization11:26 Pitching Events and Their Benefits16:03 Ruby's Journey in Publishing20:05 Understanding the Publishing Landscape24:07 Submission Tips for Aspiring Authors28:07 The Importance of a Detailed Synopsis31:19 Common Mistakes Leading to Rejections33:49 What Publishers Are Looking For37:15 The Collaborative Editing Process45:41 Understanding the Acquisitions Process50:07 Top Tips for Emerging Writers51:35 Final Advice for Debut AuthorsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Hosts Natasha Rai delves into an inspiring conversation with emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer. Holly shares her journey from catching the writing bug through blogging to landing a book deal with HarperCollins for her debut novel 'What Did I Miss?' Holly discusses her character development process, her innovative approach to flipping rom-com tropes, and the emotional depth and rage portrayed in her novel. She also provides valuable insights and practical advice for writers on feedback, publication, and leveraging social media as an author. The episode not only explores Holly’s professional trajectory but also touches on the broader themes of female rage and the importance of community in the writing world.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Summer Season Announcement01:52 Introducing Holly Brunnbauer02:35 Holly's Debut Novel: What Did I Miss?05:14 Character Development and Writing Process22:20 Publication Journey35:04 The Agonizing Wait36:37 A Glut of Good News38:04 Navigating Competitions and Grants39:05 The Adaptable Experience40:15 The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Book Deal41:51 From Draft to Deal: The Timeline43:57 The Long Wait for Publication44:31 The Editing Process46:11 Mastering Social Media and Branding01:00:22 Advice for Aspiring Writers01:03:36 Conclusion and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

The summer season features an interview with Rory H. Mather, a renowned Australian picture book author. Rory shares his journey of getting published, tips for aspiring authors, the importance of rhyme and promotion, and insights on how he balances a full-time job, family life, and writing. The discussion also covers practical tips for getting work in front of publishers, building a writing community, and making a profit from writing. Tune in for an inside look at Rory’s experiences and valuable advice for aspiring authors aiming to secure their first book deal.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:58 Seasonal Break and Upcoming Episodes01:52 Interview with Rory H. Mather07:39 Rory's Journey to Publication12:38 Insights on Agents and Publishing22:15 Marion Taffe's Debut Novel23:55 Challenges and Rejections in Publishing28:48 The Journey of a Picture Book Author31:04 Dealing with Rejections in the Publishing Industry33:30 Balancing Writing with a Busy Life37:26 Making Writing Profitable38:02 Engaging with Schools and Speaking Engagements48:27 Tips for Aspiring Authors54:43 Embracing Your Debut Year56:20 Conclusion and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Host Tina Strachan kicks off the summer season by announcing a short break for the team while replaying some of the most popular episodes. Tina and co-hosts Madeleine Cleary reflect on their recent activities and achievements in the literary world. They interview Samuel Bernard, a literary agent from Zeitgeist Literary Agency. Samuel shares his journey into the literary world, the importance of social media for authors, the dynamics of the author-agent relationship, and gives insights into trends in the publishing industry. He also provides invaluable tips on querying, the significance of comparative titles, and strategies for writing compelling submissions. The episode includes a rapid fire Q&A session addressing listener questions, highlighting the complex and evolving roles of agents in the publishing landscape.00:00 Welcome to the Summer Season00:56 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast02:48 Casual Catch-Up with Tina and Madeleine03:16 Tina's Exciting Book Update04:10 Madeleine's Writing Adventures06:40 Discussing Feedback and Writing Sex Scenes14:25 Interview with Literary Agent Samuel Bernard34:55 Bookshelf Placement and Comparative Titles36:15 Using Media and Vibes in Book Pitches39:06 The Role and Benefits of Literary Agents43:26 Agent-Author Relationship Dynamics46:41 Trends and Genre Considerations50:49 Rapid Fire Questions with a Literary Agent01:12:35 Top Tips for Aspiring WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Join Tina and Madeleine as they candidly discuss their paths in the writing world, from shooting author videos and exploring middle grade fiction to announcing upcoming book deals and generating new ideas. They reveal their personal writing practices, including plotting versus pantsing. Madeleine interviews Kylie Orr and they discuss the influence of social media on an author’s life and the challenges debut authors face in the publishing industry, such as managing expectations and gaining visibility. While reflecting on writer's block and finding inspiration in daily life, Kylie also celebrates the joy of seeing her books on shelves and the supportive nature of the writing community. The episode wraps up with motivational advice for aspiring authors.00:00 Sunny Weather and Catching Up01:05 Behind the Scenes of an Author Video Shoot04:33 Exploring Middle Grade Books09:10 The Journey of Writing and Publishing21:59 From Feature Articles to Novels35:17 Finding the Right Editor35:54 Rewriting the Book36:18 Entering the Richell Prize36:57 Securing a Book Deal38:01 The Eleventh Floor Pitch39:30 Writing the Second Book41:58 Insights on Agents47:37 The Third Book50:48 Social Media and Writing58:35 Organizing Book Events01:05:53 Wins and WoesJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

SPOILER BOOK CLUB: 'The Hiding Place' with Kate MildenhallMadeleine leads a spoiler-filled discussion with Kate on her latest novel, The Hiding Place (November 2025, Simon & Schuster). Kate shares insights into the book's development, character choices, and the ethical dilemmas the characters face. Kate discusses her research process, murder plots, star picket fences and death cap mushrooms. Kate Mildenhall  is an author, writing teacher and podcaster. Her debut novel Skylarking was longlisted for Debut Fiction in the 2017 Indie Book Awards and the 2017 Voss Literary Prize. Her second novel, The Mother Fault, was longlisted for the 2021 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year and shortlisted for the 2021 Aurealis Science Fiction Novel of the Year. The Hummingbird Effect was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year and longlisted for the 2024 Stella Prize and the 2024 Indie Book Awards for Fiction. In 2024, Kate released her first picture book, To Stir with Love, illustrated by Jess Racklyeft, shortlisted for the 2025 Indie Book Awards and the 2025 ABIA Children’s Book of the Year and Notable in the CBCA Book Awards for Early Readers. Kate co-hosted The First Time Podcast where she interviewed over 200 Australian and international writers.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Welcome to the Spoiler Book Club01:50  Characters and Plot Twists05:35 Writing Challenges and Inspirations12:35 The Evolution of Key Scenes22:10 Mapping Out the Novel23:05 Realizing the Right Structure23:24 Advice from Fellow Writers24:15 Pacing and Reader Expectations24:28 The Climactic Scenes25:17 Conflicted Feelings About the Ending26:06 The Final Scene and Its Inspiration26:40 The Role of Surveillance27:22 Stella's Motivations28:10 The Play Within a Play30:06 Multiple Endings31:17 Questions from the Audience35:46 Character Development and Dialogue37:13 Balancing Realism and Fiction37:29 Influence of Fellow Writers39:12 Mushroom Lady and Reader Response42:33 Research and Realism43:49 Camping Plans and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this final episode of the Book Deal podcast season 2025, Tina and Madeleine have a quick catch up reflecting on their debut year and share personal highlights. Then we switch to our LIVE episode with Writing NSW, where we interviewed Agony Aunt-in-residence, Hayley Scrivenor, who addresses all our writing woes. Hayley  offers valuable insights on jealousy and envy, managing public speaking anxiety, persevering through the writing process, and the importance of writing authentically. The episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of writing and publishing, providing encouragement and practical advice for both seasoned and emerging writers.Hayley Scrivenor is a former festival director and an internationally bestselling author. Her first novel, Dirt Town, won a number of national and international awards, including an ABIA for General Fiction Book of the Year, a Lambda Literary award for LGBTQ+ Mystery and the CWA New Blood Dagger. Her second novel, Girl Falling, won the People’s Choice Danger Award in 2025. Hayley has years of experience teaching writing and particularly enjoys one-on-one mentoring with emerging writers. Hayley holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Wollongong and lives on Dharawal country. She is currently working on a novel loosely inspired by the lives of her circus-performer grandparents.You can find out more about Hayley and her books on her website. As this was recorded live in Writing NSW, the audio may sound a little different. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Tina & Madeleine catch up01:55 Highlights and Memorable Moments06:27 Upcoming Episodes and Events10:45 Live Episode with Hayley Scrivenor15:19 Agony Aunt Segment: Writing Advice29:13 Navigating Rejection and Community Support31:02 The Importance of Writing What Excites You33:42 Balancing Publisher Expectations and Personal Passion36:30 Defining Success as an Author49:43 Handling Criticism and Persevering56:35 Mentorship and the Writing Process01:00:20 Avoiding Vanity Publishers01:01:37 Top Writing Tips and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast Madeleine interviews Australian award-winning author Holly Cardamone. Holly's debut novel, Summer, In Between (Hawkeye Publishing, September 2025) is a great one for your beach bag this summer. Holly shares insights from her book's developmental journey, including a surprising setback when she lost a notebook filled with manuscript ideas on a train in Italy, followed by a decade-long creative detour. She also discusses her manuscript winning the 2024 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and the exhilarating process of getting her book published despite numerous challenges. Holly offers valuable advice on writing processes and book promotion strategies. She emphasises the importance of authentic connections within the literary community, engaging with booksellers, and how her background in communications has influenced her successful pre-launch strategy. As mentioned by Madeleine, join us for a special Zoom Spoiler Book Club with Kate Mildenhall on The Hiding Place on Wednesday 10 December at 7pm. Tickets are free, but you'll need to sign up here.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast01:23 Holly Cardamone's Debut Novel03:59 Nostalgia and Setting in 'Summer In Between'05:12 Holly's Teenage Years and Writing Aspirations06:57 The Journey to Becoming a Writer12:27 The Lost Manuscript and Family Life14:23 Writing 'Summer In Between'19:23 Crafting Characters and Voice23:47 Writing Romance and Green Flag Characters30:11 Manuscript Assessment and Revisions34:12 The Writing Day Dilemma35:02 Balancing Life and Writing36:18 Turning 50 and Running a Marathon39:23 From Manuscript to Hawkeye Prize39:57 The Joy of Writing Again42:14 Winning the Hawkeye Prize47:13 Building Author Connections50:26 Social Media and Bookseller Strategies01:00:49 Final Tips and ConclusionJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Tom Langshaw, publisher at Pantera Press. Tom discusses his journey from working at Penguin Random House to his current role, explaining the intricacies of the publishing process from manuscript acquisition to promotion. He shares insights on what makes a manuscript stand out, the importance of voice and character in fiction, and the significance of timing and market trends in publishing decisions. Tom also emphasizes the value of respectful and collaborative relationships with authors and offers advice for emerging writers on perfecting their pitches. Additionally, Tom highlights concerns about the consolidation in the publishing industry and the importance of supporting independent publishers.00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast00:56 Meet Tom Langshaw: Publisher at Pantera Press01:57 A Day in the Life of a Publisher04:45 The Art of Manuscript Selection08:31 From Editorial Assistant to Publisher12:17 Navigating the Publishing Industry16:06 The Role of Sales and Trends in Publishing21:19 Transitioning to Pantera Press32:16 Building Relationships in Publishing33:21 Connecting with Booksellers34:34 Reading for Work vs. Pleasure36:03 Editing Tips for Writers38:48 Common Mistakes in Pitching45:43 Trends in the Publishing Industry48:32 Advice for Emerging Writers56:39 Exciting Upcoming Books01:00:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Host Tina Strachan dives deep into the world of publishing, interviewing international multi-published Kid Lit author Kate Foster. Kate discusses her most recent book, 'Camp Spooky,' co-written with Pip Harry, and shares insights into the co-writing process, the importance of diversity in children's literature, and her dedication to promoting awareness through initiatives like the Danz Awards and the Author Pen Pals Program. This episode is a treasure trove of advice, experiences, and behind-the-scenes details for aspiring authors at every stage of their writing journey.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement02:25 Interview with Kid Lit Superstar Kate Foster09:18 The Joys and Challenges of Co-Writing14:22 Promoting Neurodiversity in Children's Books16:44 The Dans Awards: Celebrating Diversity in Literature24:03 Author Pen Pal Program24:43 The Magic of Author Visits25:15 Launching the Free Author Pen Pals Program26:36 Personal Experiences with Author Pen Pals27:40 The Importance of Literacy and Storytelling29:39 How to Get Involved with Author Pen Pals30:39 Being a Good Industry Citizen31:16 Navigating Rejection and Building Community34:41 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors42:53 Managing Time and Staying Motivated46:19 Looking Forward to the FutureJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

The Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai dive deep into the intricacies of securing book deals, managing writing schedules, and preparing for festivals. The conversation includes insights from experienced authors on pitching to festivals, the balance of self-care, and practical advice to handle writing burnout. They also share humorous and touching personal stories about family support and navigating audience interactions. Special announcements include a live event in Sydney featuring bestselling author Hayley Scrivenor and an exciting book giveaway. Tune in for valuable writing tips, festival prep advice, and much more.Book tickets for Christmas with The Book Deal live episode November 25 2025 at Writing NSW here.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement02:25 Technical Difficulties and Catching Up02:41 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers07:37 Upcoming Writing Festival and Tips09:31 Navigating Festival Invitations and Pitches19:05 Preparing for Festivals and Public Speaking25:08 Handling Unexpected Questions26:51 Coping with Stage Fright28:51 Funny Mum Stories35:08 Daily Routines and Time Management45:26 Final Tips and Wrap-UpJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, tips for interviewing other writers and what it means to be a good industry citizenMadeleine interviews acclaimed and bestselling author Kate Mildenhall. Kate gives an honest account of her journey to publication, detailing the rejections and the success along the way. Kate's latest novel, THE HIDING PLACE (November 2025, S&S), described as 'White Lotus meets The Slap, is a razor-sharp literary thriller about what happens when good people make bad decisions. Kate discusses themes like land ownership, the environment, and the evolving dynamics of long-term friendships. Kate offers valuable tips for writers navigating publicity, handling interviews, and maintaining the momentum in their writing careers. This engaging and generous chat is a must-listen for aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Introducing Kate Mildenhall04:04 Kate's Journey to Becoming an Author13:37 The Rollercoaster of Publishing19:26 Navigating Rejection and Finding Success29:27 Tips for Authors on Publicity and Interviews34:45 Setting Boundaries in Publicity37:18 Discussing 'The Hiding Place'40:02 From Hummingbird to The Hiding Place41:06 Camping Memories and Inspirations49:40 The Challenges of Writing Multi-POV57:29 Themes of Land Ownership and Environmentalism01:03:50 Future Writing Plans and Dreams01:07:31 Final Tips for WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Join our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Natasha Rai interviews Nadia Mahjouri, a Moroccan Australian writer, about her debut novel 'Half Truth'. Nadia shares the journey of crafting her novel from mixing memoir and fiction, drawing from her personal experiences to the trials and triumphs of securing a book deal. She discusses her creative process, the challenges of fictionalizing real events, and the importance of emotional truth in storytelling. Nadia also provides valuable advice on how to navigate the writing and publishing process, emphasizing the significance of persistence, seeking feedback, and the willingness to put one's work out there despite the setbacks.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Introducing Nadia Mahjouri02:00 Nadia's Debut Novel: Half Truth04:19 The Journey of Writing Half Truth06:50 From Memoir to Fiction13:56 The Path to Publication14:03 Claiming the Writer Identity25:21 Building a Writing Community28:01 Post-Assessment Actions28:32 Navigating Feedback and Courses30:56 The Road Trip and Penguin Submission32:12 Facing Rejections and Ghosting33:36 Literary Speed Dating and Agent Search37:19 Publishable Program and Mentorship39:37 Final Offers and Negotiations45:46 Reflections and Advice for Writers49:25 Closing Thoughts and IntentionsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai catch up on their busy lives, upcoming events, and delve into a detailed discussion about their editing processes and tips. They provide personal experiences, practical advice like using a ruler to read line by line, and even reading a manuscript backward to catch errors. Special shout-outs include celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month and recognizing their supportive patrons, with a particular mention of Christine Newell. Additionally, Rebecca Grant shares insights into her new picture book, Potion Commotion.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:29 Meet the Hosts01:33 Upcoming Live Episode Plans02:55 Listener Stats and Shoutouts05:42 Author Burnout and Health09:03 Event Preparations and Challenges17:12 The Importance of Printing Out Your Manuscript20:11 Rebecca Grant Introduces 'Potion Commotion'21:28 Using Spreadsheets for Plotting and Structuring24:38 Editing Failures and Lessons Learned29:59 Top Tips for Editing Your Manuscript35:04 Dyslexia Awareness and Special Formats35:44 Thank You to Our SupportersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Emily Paull is a Western Australian librarian, author and book reviewer. Having formerly worked in bookselling, Emily is an avid reader and a big supporter of the WA writing community who regularly moderates author interviews around Perth. She is the author of the historical novel, The Distance Between Dreams (Fremantle Press, 2025) and the short story collection, Well-Behaved Women (Margaret River Press, 2019). The Distance Between Dreams was shortlisted for the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award under the working title 'The Dreamers.' Emily was also highly commended for the 2021 Fogarty Literary Award for her manuscript, 'The Good Daughter. Emily shares the highs and lows of her 17-year journey to publication, including the inspiration behind her works, the significance of setting, and the importance of place in historical fiction. They discuss Emily’s experiences with the publishing industry, her role as a book reviewer and librarian, and the value of libraries for authors. Emily also offers practical advice for writers at every stage of their journey and emphasises the importance of community and persistence in the literary world.You can subscribe to Emily's Substack here.This week's Debut in the Spotlight is Darcy Green with their debut novel, After the Siren (Penguin, September 2025), 00:55 Introducing Emily Paull01:37 Emily's Journey in the Book Industry04:58 The Reality of Being a Writer08:40 The Long Road to Publication19:07 Short Stories27:59 The Fogarty Literary Award30:35 The Distance Between Dreams33:07 Darcy Green's Debut Novel34:24 The Fogarty Award Journey40:23 Historical Research and Fremantle's Significance45:47 Writing About the Thai-Burma Railway49:25 Tips for Authors Working with Libraries58:44 Becoming a Book Reviewer01:02:16 Final Thoughts and Top Tips for WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai dives into the debut novel 'Melaleuca' by Angie Faye Martin. Angie, an Australian writer of Kooma, Kamilaroi, and European heritage, shares the journey of her career transition from policy roles to writing. She offers an elevator pitch of 'Melaleuca,' a gripping crime novel involving Aboriginal detective Renee Taylor, and explores the themes of violence against Aboriginal women, sovereignty, and intergenerational trauma. Angie outlines her writing process, including her use of dual timelines, the influence of personal experiences, and the importance of layered storytelling. She also gives insights into her publishing journey, mentorship, and the role of patience and enjoyment in writing. The episode concludes with advice for emerging writers, emphasizing the importance of research, patience, and maintaining a balanced life.00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast00:56 Introducing Angie Faye Martin01:48 Discussing Melaleuca: The Elevator Pitch05:10 The Inspiration Behind Melaleuca14:08 Angie's Writing Journey17:34 The Publishing Process and Mentorship25:13 Kasey Whitelaw's New Book Announcement26:50 Cover Design and Serendipity27:48 Signing the Contract29:21 Promotions and Public Speaking33:52 Writing Routine and Balancing Life35:14 Planning and Writing the Sequel42:03 Tips for Emerging Writers47:23 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Getting That Elusive Book Deal: Insights from Debut AuthorsIn this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews three debut middle grade authors: Lucie Stevens, Shara Curlett, and Sandy Bigna. The authors discuss their unique publication journeys, the importance of community and continuous learning, and share valuable tips for aspiring writers. They also delve into the genres of middle grade literature, discussing themes, character ages, and writing conventions. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, the role of social media, and maintaining the joy of writing. Special mention is made of the supportive writing communities and platforms such as the CBCA and the now-disbanded Duck Pond. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Special Episode: Middle Grade Debut Authors01:11 Meet the Authors: Lucie Stevens, Shara Curlett, and Sandy Bigna03:37 Lucie Stevens' Debut Novel: A Spooky Adventure05:21 Sandy Bigna's Verse Novel: Bones and Magic08:13 Shara Curlett's Magical Adventure: Welcome to Miracle10:08 Understanding Middle Grade Fiction14:47 Sandy Bigna's Publication Journey24:20 Lucie Stevens' Path to Publication33:20 The Thrill of a Two-Book Deal34:15 Shara's Unique Journey to Publication38:06 Finding Community and Support44:54 Debut Spotlight with Natalie Kyriacou46:46 The Importance of Continuous Learning47:32 Tips for Aspiring and Debut Authors59:47 The Role of Social Media in a Writer's Journey01:03:00 Final Thoughts and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout and intention settingIn this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss various aspects of the writing life, including burnout, the importance of nature, the benefits of cold showers, and practical tips for managing time and self-care. They also share personal updates and emphasise the need for thorough editing before submitting work to competitions. The episode concludes with an update on the podcast's growth plans and a call for Patreon support.PATREON: After a year of The Book Deal Podcast and 51 episodes, we're looking to grow our community. If you've been enjoying the show and want to help keep us bring you conversations about the writing life, we'd love for you to join our Patreon for the less than the cost of a coffee per month.Your contribution will be going directly to cover the costs of our podcast, and it also means we'll be able to keep paying our sound producer, Brogan. We've got lots of exciting things planned for our patrons, and we can't wait to share more as it all unfolds. So if you'd like to come along for the ride, head to our Patreon page.And we'd love to have you on board. Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Book Deal Podcast family.This week's Debut in the Spotlight is DJ Taylor with her YA novel Anna's War (July 2025, Riveted Press). 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Catching Up After a Long Time01:27 Tina's Exciting Book Launch03:06 Melbourne Weather Woes05:01 Natasha's Event at the Emerging Writers Festival07:18 Discussing Burnout for Writers17:22 Recognizing Burnout Symptoms20:03 Introducing Anna's War21:35 Managing Digital Distractions26:40 Intention Setting and Time Management32:29 Top Tips for Authors36:34 Podcast Updates and ConclusionJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Jessica Box (co-founder of Matched) on portfolio careers for creatives, growing your author business, content creation and social media.In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine delves into the intersection of writing and business with Jessica Box, an accomplished growth executive and founder of Matched: a knowledge-sharing marketplace with 250+ vetted advisors and coaches. Jessica shares her journey from a creative student to a tech leader, discusses the importance of storytelling in business, and offers actionable advice on managing a portfolio career, utilising social media, and avoiding burnout. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of connection and knowledge sharing through Jessica's platform, Matched, offering invaluable insights for writers at any stage of their career.If you would like to connect with Jessica, reach out to her at:Instagram: @matched.communityThis week's Debut in the Spotlight is the delightful Holly Cardamone with her YA novel Summer, In Between (Hawkeye Publishing, September 2025). 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:42 Introducing Jessica Box: A Multifaceted Leader01:14 The Intersection of Business and Writing01:55 A Journey Through Friendship and Career07:39 The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity12:08 Navigating the Tech World and Personal Growth25:07 Building a Portfolio Career29:46 The Guilt of Taking Time Away from Writing30:00 Allocating Time for Tasks30:28 The Importance of Structured Time Blocks32:11 Introducing 'Summer in Between'32:32 The Story of Kat and Paul34:09 Excitement and Implementation of New Strategies35:25 Finding Joy and Boundaries in Social Media37:28 The Power of TikTok for Authors40:30 The Future of AI and Social Media46:11 Introducing the Matched Platform48:20 Becoming a Good Coach or Trainer52:58 Final Thoughts and Top TipsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode, host Natasha Rai sits down with paramedic and debut author Sally Gould to discuss her memoir, "Frog." Sally shares her journey from keeping clinical journals as a student to transforming her experiences into a compelling narrative. The conversation explores the challenges of writing memoir, the process of seeking feedback, navigating the publishing world, and the emotional impact of sharing personal stories. Sally offers candid insights into the realities of paramedic life, the importance of time in the creative process, and advice for aspiring writers.00:00 – IntroductionNatasha introduces the Book Deal Podcast and previews the episode’s focus on debut and seasoned authors.00:27 – Acknowledgement of CountryMadeleine Cleary delivers the land and waters acknowledgment.00:40 – Meet Sally GouldNatasha introduces Sally, her background as a paramedic, and the inspiration behind "Frog."01:29 – Sally’s Elevator PitchSally describes her memoir and its focus on personal and professional growth.02:37 – The Origins of "Frog"Sally discusses her early journals, the transition from private reflection to public story, and the initial audience she imagined.05:46 – Turning Journals into a BookSally explains her self-directed learning process, editing, and the challenges of writing as a novice.09:07 – Feedback and GrowthSally shares her experiences with feedback from family, manuscript assessments, and professional editors, and how she learned to process and use criticism constructively.13:17 – The Publishing JourneySally details her approach to competitions, mentorship, and ultimately securing an agent and publishing deal.18:45 – Editing, Publication, and Self-CareSally reflects on the final editing rounds, the emotional impact of publication, and strategies for handling negative feedback.24:03 – Life After PublicationSally talks about her current writing practice, balancing work and family, and the challenges of starting new projects.27:42 – Community Response and Advice for WritersSally discusses feedback from colleagues and readers, the importance of visibility, and offers tips for aspiring memoirists and those seeking traditional publication.31:38 – Closing Thoughts & Intention SettingNatasha wraps up with reflectiJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In episode 48 of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews Bethany Loveridge, a champion of children's literature. The episode explores Bethany's journey from writing her first story as a child to becoming a debut author with her middle grade novel, Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer. Bethany shares insights into her experiences, including the creation and publication of her graphic novel publishing house, Perenti Press. She offers valuable advice on navigating the publication process, writing strategies, and the importance of reading. Listeners also get an exclusive preview of Perenti Press's upcoming projects and tips for pitching submissions. Additionally, author Jessica Mansour-Nahra briefly discusses her upcoming Australian Gothic thriller, The Farm.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:46 Meet Bethany Loveridge: Kid Lit Powerhouse03:59 Bethany's Journey to Her First Book Deal18:51 The Birth of Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer24:32 Upcoming Works and Future Plans25:29 Exciting New Picture Book Release25:55 Introducing 'The Farm': An Australian Gothic Thriller27:51 Understanding Middle Grade Literature34:36 The Importance of Graphic Novels35:02 Launching Parenti Press: A New Publishing Venture41:30 Tips for Aspiring Authors and Pitching Advice48:18 Final Thoughts and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai share their experiences from their writing residency at Magnetic Island, Northern Queensland. Joined by other writers as part of the Roderick Centre's Writers on the Reef Residency, Tina and Natasha discuss the inspirational impact of the island on their work, the productivity from uninterrupted writing time, and the joy of being part of a supportive writers’ community. They talk about their respective projects, the benefits of the residency, and chat with Nicole Crowe, who manages the residency program. The episode also features insights on what the program looks for in applications and shares Nicole Crowe's upcoming debut book, 'The Washup.'00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:42 Magnetic Island Writing Retreat01:46 The Residency Experience03:10 Writing Progress and Inspirations10:16 Event at Mary Who Books11:52 Reflections and Future Plans13:33 Introducing A Zaykova and Galaxy Grifter14:24 Introduction to Galaxy Grifter15:01 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast15:22 Writers on the Reef Residency17:04 Application Process and Tips21:43 Common Application Mistakes24:48 Nicole Crowe's Debut Book28:07 Publishing Journey Insights31:19 Final Thoughts and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Michelle See-Tho, the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize winner. Michelle discusses her debut novel, 'Jade and Emerald,' the thematic elements of class, race, loneliness, and family in her story, and her journey from ideation to publication. She reflects on her experience in the Kill Your Darlings Mentors Program, which helped shape her manuscript, and the subsequent process of winning the prestigious Penguin Literary Prize. The conversation covers the intricate details of structural and line edits, cover design deliberations, and the ensuing publicity and launch events. Michelle also shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of constantly improving one's craft.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:34 Meet Michelle See-Tho: Freelance Writer and Award-Winning Author01:18 Discussing 'Jade and Emerald': Themes and Inspirations02:43 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript08:48 Mentorship and Development: The Kill Your Darlings Program14:42 Submitting to Competitions: The Road to Winning the Penguin Literary Prize18:46 The Moment of Victory: Winning the Penguin Literary Prize21:39 Special Segment: Introducing Emma Babington and Her Novel 'The Neighbors'22:19 Liv's Quest and the Murder Mystery23:03 The Announcement and Penguin Office Visit24:08 Structural Edits and Initial Changes27:30 Line Edits and Cover Design31:09 Publication and Publicity36:24 Reflections and Advice for WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Hosts Tina Strachan and Madeliene Cleary interview Charlotte Guest, a writer and bookseller based in Geelong, Victoria. The conversation covers Charlotte's journey from an outdoor-loving child to managing an indie bookstore and obtaining a PhD in Creative Writing. Charlotte offers an inside look into the world of book selling, including the processes of ordering, the importance of face-to-face interaction with authors, and the small details that contribute to a bookshop’s success. The discussion also touches on the significance of events and the challenges of small bookstores in hosting them. Additionally, Charlotte discusses her experience being shortlisted for the Bookseller of the Year Award and shares her thoughts on the future of the book industry. The episode includes a segment with author Kasey Whitelaw sharing her debut picture book, 'Flute: A Dolphin's Wild Journey Home.' 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Introducing Charlotte Guest01:37 Casual Catch-Up with Tina and Madeline03:01 Charlotte's Journey in Writing and Bookselling25:25 The Power of Indie Bookshops31:36 Making Book Orders Easy for Bookstores32:14 Timing Your Bookstore Engagement33:26 The Etiquette of Signing Books in Stores34:53 Promoting Your Book in Bookstores36:40 Kasey Whitelaw introduces debut book 'Flute: A Dolphin's Wild Journey Home'38:30 Author Events in Bookstores42:07 The Role of Bookstores in the Community44:28 Favorite Moments as a Bookseller50:25 The Future of Bookstores54:56 Book Recommendations and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Host Tina Strachan chats to debut author Carla Salmon about the journey of her young adult mystery thriller, 'We Saw What You Started'. Carla discusses her path from the initial idea to signing with publisher Pan MacMillan. She highlights crucial aspects like the structural evolution of her manuscript, the importance of fleshing out characters, and the challenges of reaching young readers in the current market. Carla also shares practical advice on marketing and building professional platforms for aspiring authors. The episode includes a segment by Tanya Scott about her debut novel, 'Stillwater'.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Meet Carla Salmon: Debut Author03:10 The Journey to Publication06:15 Crafting a Young Adult Mystery08:50 The Editing Process and Agent Search16:38 Signing with a Publisher20:52 Writing for Teens and Tweens24:43 Debut Spotlight: Tanya Scott's Debut Novel 'Stillwater'25:52 Challenges in Middle Grade and Young Adult Reading30:22 Navigating the Young Adult Market36:21 Marketing Strategies for Authors46:11 Balancing Writing and Marketing48:49 Final Thoughts and Upcoming ProjectsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Celebrating One Year of The Book Deal Podcast: Memorable Moments and InsightsIn this special one-year anniversary episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai reflect on their favorite moments and insightful interviews from the past year. They share their most memorable quotes from guest authors, delve into the nuances of measuring success as a debut author, and discuss the benefits of having an agent. The episode is filled with laughter and gratitude, as the hosts celebrate their journey and the wonderful community they’ve built.This week's Debut in the Spotlight is Billie Rooney with her debut picture book, Creature Corridors (CSIRO, February 2025) and illustrated by Anke Noack. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:42 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting01:41 Reminiscing Over the Past Year07:37 Natasha's Favourite Moments17:05 Tina's Favourite Moments25:18 The Importance of Longevity in Publishing25:52 Introducing 'Creature Corridors' by Billie Rooney27:11 Navigating the Publishing Industry28:19 Building Relationships with Booksellers32:01 Quotes and Trivia Fun38:42 The Role of Agents in a Writing Career48:27 Celebrating One Year of the PodcastJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast hosted by Natasha Rai, emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer discusses her path to publication, detailing her journey from blogging and copywriting to becoming a published author. Holly provides insights into her debut rom-com 'What Did I Miss?', her character development process, and the challenges she faced in getting a book deal with Harper Collins. She also shares her social media strategies and gives valuable advice for aspiring authors on obtaining professional feedback and engaging with the writing community. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the publication process and practical tips to enhance their own writing careers.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:39 Meet Holly Brunnbauer: Award-Winning Fiction Author01:22 Holly's Debut Novel: What Did I Miss?01:39 Interview with Holly: Writing Journey and Inspirations02:20 Exploring the Themes and Characters of What Did I Miss?06:03 Character Development and Writing Process13:46 The Role of Sex Scenes in Storytelling16:04 Addressing Serious Themes in Romcoms21:15 Holly's Publication Journey30:42 Sam Guthrie's The Peak: An International Thriller32:07 The Importance of Author-Publisher Relationships34:11 The Anxiety of Waiting for News35:09 A Glut of Good News36:51 Navigating Competitions and Grants37:52 The Adaptable Pitching Experience39:06 The Journey to a Book Deal42:44 The Long Wait for Publication43:18 The Editing Process44:58 Social Media and Branding for Authors59:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers01:02:21 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary share a candid and engaging discussion about their current writing projects and experiences. Tina talks about her recent book release, 'Neeka and the Storm,' and the whirlwind of emotions she felt around its launch. Meanwhile, Madeleine opens up about her progress on her second book, the challenges of writing a crime narrative, and her breakthrough in plotting. The episode also delves into the broader writing community, touching on the feelings of disappointment many authors face around royalty statements, rejections, and the competitive nature of the industry. Special references are made to encouraging posts by author Kylie Orr and the importance of community and perseverance. The hosts conclude with book recommendations and a note on the importance of enjoying the writing process.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Catching Up on a Saturday Night02:11 Book Release Excitement06:58 Writing Challenges and Progress18:11 Exploring Different Writing Perspectives20:41 Reader Preferences and Writing Styles21:41 End of Financial Year Reflections22:50 Understanding Author Royalties23:52 Facing Disappointments in Publishing27:24 The Importance of Community and Persistence31:22 Balancing Writing with Realistic Expectations42:54 Current Reads and RecommendationsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Tina Strachan welcomes multi-published author, podcast host, and publisher Dani Vee to discuss her journey and the release of her two new books, 'My Pet Croc' and 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain.' Dani dives into the inspiration behind her books, her personal ADHD experience, and the dynamics of writing humorous kids' books. The episode also highlights tips for aspiring writers and debut authors, focusing on market awareness, honing one's craft, and building a supportive community. Additionally, Carla Salmon introduces her upcoming teen crime mystery 'We Saw What You Started,' out now. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Introducing Dani Vee: Author and Publisher01:52 Discussing 'My Pet Croc'05:30 Exploring 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain'12:55 Carla Salmon's Upcoming Book14:42 ADHD in Writers: Tips and Experiences18:18 The Power of Deadlines and Competition19:00 Sleep Patterns and Productivity21:20 Using Alarms to Stay on Track22:31 Creating a Productive Writing Environment23:39 Advice for Aspiring Authors25:34 The Importance of Honing Your Craft31:50 Tips for Debut Authors34:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timelineIn this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into lively discussions about their writing processes and experiences. They  reveal insights on writing timelines, the importance of mapping them out carefully, and how timelines can impact the narrative structure. The episode highlights the excitement and challenges involved in attending and speaking at literary festivals, emphasising the significance of networking and building community within the literary world. Tina promotes the upcoming Currumbin Crime Writers Festival, while Madeleine advises checking out Literary Listings for festival information. Engaging and informative, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts.Festival lists in AustraliaLiterary Listings (Victoria)ArtsHubOur Debut in the Spotlight is author Sarah Lane with Surprise Shark (Affirm Press, 2025), illustrated by Patrick Corrigan. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 19th Century Vibes and Writing Influences03:35 Madeleine's New Book Announcement05:18 Deep in Edits and Upcoming Releases06:47 The Importance of Timelines in Writing12:26 Upcoming Events and Workshops15:05 Surprise Shark: A Delightful New Picture Book16:33 Williamstown Literary Festival Highlights17:01 Sex, Love, and Taboo: A Festival Experience18:30 Meeting Literary Heroes in the Green Room19:39 The Importance of Networking and Community Building23:39 Pitching Yourself to Festivals28:06 The Value of Paid Festival Appearances30:25 Upcoming Currumbin Crime Writers Festival32:25 Top Tips and Recommendations33:42 Conclusion and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews author Jane Tara about her book 'Tilda Is Visible' and how she uses manifesting and visualization to achieve her writing dreams. Jane discusses her journey, the power of understanding what you want, and taking steps to get there. They explore the impact of meditation, the creation of vision boards, and how being clear about goals can lead to success. Jane shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on the importance of aligning with your goals, manifesting creatively, and overcoming self-doubt in the writing journey. This week’s Debut Spotlight is Angela Tonioli and her book ‘Mavis the Little Plane Spotter’ with Wombat Books.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:46 Introducing Jane Tara and Her Unique Approach02:06 Jane Tara's Writing Journey and Career Insights05:57 The Inspiration Behind 'Tilda is Visible'11:18 Manifesting Success and Overcoming Challenges23:15 The Power of Vision Boards and Manifestation38:02 A Magical Encounter in West Hollywood39:09 The Power of Vision Boards41:15 Navigating Opportunities as an Author42:20 Finding the Right Publisher51:22 The Role of Meditation in Creativity01:01:54 Visualization Techniques for Success01:07:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of The Book Deal, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary pull back the curtain on their lives as writers, blending personal stories with creative insights. From kombucha-fueled weekends and quirky hobbies like cross stitching and paint-by-numbers to unexpected adventures and laugh-out-loud moments, they share the real-life rhythms behind the writing.Listeners get an inside look at their current projects, upcoming book events, and a surprise writing residency on Magnetic Island. Along the way, Tina and Madeleine offer practical tips, relatable anecdotes, and a candid glimpse into the highs and lows of the writing process. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your writing journey, this warm, witty conversation will leave you inspired and entertained.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:43 Saturday Night Vibes01:13 Crafting and Creativity02:48 The Importance of Relaxation08:20 Madeleine's Recent Adventures21:13 Upcoming Events and Exciting News25:17 Dreaming of a Tropical Island Retreat26:23 Vision Boards and Manifesting Success26:55 Podcast Plans and Exciting Guests30:51 Balancing Writing and Personal Life31:48 Part-Time Work and Creative Goals33:59 Writing Tips and Recommendations37:29 Struggles and Solutions in Writing42:30 A Fun and Tangential Chat44:06 Wrapping Up and Listener EngagementJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Australian Tamil lawyer and author Shankari Chandran. They discuss Chandran's journey in writing and publishing, focusing on her novels 'Unfinished Business,' 'Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens,' and others. Chandran shares her experiences about navigating the literary world, dealing with rejections, and the importance of diversity in publishing. She also talks about her work's adaptation into TV series and offers advice for emerging writers. The episode sheds light on the challenges and triumphs faced by authors in the literary landscape.00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast00:34 Meet Shankari Chandran: Award-Winning Author01:28 Discussing 'Unfinished Business'03:11 The Journey of Writing and Publishing07:36 The Role of Writing in Social Change10:52 Navigating the Publishing Industry18:05 Building a Writing Community24:23 Introducing True South by Gisela Ervin-Ward25:53 The Journey of Writing and Publishing27:48 The Impact of Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens39:59 Navigating Diversity in Publishing46:44 Advice for Emerging WritersJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | MentorIf you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...