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 Podcast

01:23 Holly Cardamone's Debut Novel

03:59 Nostalgia and Setting in 'Summer In Between'

05:12 Holly's Teenage Years and Writing Aspirations

06:57 The Journey to Becoming a Writer

12:27 The Lost Manuscript and Family Life

14:23 Writing 'Summer In Between'

19:23 Crafting Characters and Voice

23:47 Writing Romance and Green Flag Characters

30:11 Manuscript Assessment and Revisions

34:12 The Writing Day Dilemma

35:02 Balancing Life and Writing

36:18 Turning 50 and Running a Marathon

39:23 From Manuscript to Hawkeye Prize

39:57 The Joy of Writing Again

42:14 Winning the Hawkeye Prize

47:13 Building Author Connections

50:26 Social Media and Bookseller Strategies

01:00:49 Final Tips and Conclusion

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.

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You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 Podcast
00:56 Meet Tom Langshaw: Publisher at Pantera Press
01:57 A Day in the Life of a Publisher
04:45 The Art of Manuscript Selection
08:31 From Editorial Assistant to Publisher
12:17 Navigating the Publishing Industry
16:06 The Role of Sales and Trends in Publishing
21:19 Transitioning to Pantera Press
32:16 Building Relationships in Publishing
33:21 Connecting with Booksellers
34:34 Reading for Work vs. Pleasure
36:03 Editing Tips for Writers
38:48 Common Mistakes in Pitching
45:43 Trends in the Publishing Industry
48:32 Advice for Emerging Writers
56:39 Exciting Upcoming Books
01:00:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 Podcast
00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement
02:25 Interview with Kid Lit Superstar Kate Foster
09:18 The Joys and Challenges of Co-Writing
14:22 Promoting Neurodiversity in Children's Books
16:44 The Dans Awards: Celebrating Diversity in Literature
24:03 Author Pen Pal Program
24:43 The Magic of Author Visits
25:15 Launching the Free Author Pen Pals Program
26:36 Personal Experiences with Author Pen Pals
27:40 The Importance of Literacy and Storytelling
29:39 How to Get Involved with Author Pen Pals
30:39 Being a Good Industry Citizen
31:16 Navigating Rejection and Building Community
34:41 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors
42:53 Managing Time and Staying Motivated
46:19 Looking Forward to the Future

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 Podcast
00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement
02:25 Technical Difficulties and Catching Up
02:41 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers
07:37 Upcoming Writing Festival and Tips
09:31 Navigating Festival Invitations and Pitches
19:05 Preparing for Festivals and Public Speaking
25:08 Handling Unexpected Questions
26:51 Coping with Stage Fright
28:51 Funny Mum Stories
35:08 Daily Routines and Time Management
45:26 Final Tips and Wrap-Up

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, tips for interviewing other writers and what it means to be a good industry citizen

Madeleine 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 Podcast
00:56 Introducing Kate Mildenhall
04:04 Kate's Journey to Becoming an Author
13:37 The Rollercoaster of Publishing
19:26 Navigating Rejection and Finding Success
29:27 Tips for Authors on Publicity and Interviews
34:45 Setting Boundaries in Publicity
37:18 Discussing 'The Hiding Place'
40:02 From Hummingbird to The Hiding Place
41:06 Camping Memories and Inspirations
49:40 The Challenges of Writing Multi-POV
57:29 Themes of Land Ownership and Environmentalism
01:03:50 Future Writing Plans and Dreams
01:07:31 Final Tips for Writers

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If 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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
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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 Podcast

00:56 Introducing Nadia Mahjouri

02:00 Nadia's Debut Novel: Half Truth

04:19 The Journey of Writing Half Truth

06:50 From Memoir to Fiction

13:56 The Path to Publication

14:03 Claiming the Writer Identity

25:21 Building a Writing Community

28:01 Post-Assessment Actions

28:32 Navigating Feedback and Courses

30:56 The Road Trip and Penguin Submission

32:12 Facing Rejections and Ghosting

33:36 Literary Speed Dating and Agent Search

37:19 Publishable Program and Mentorship

39:37 Final Offers and Negotiations

45:46 Reflections and Advice for Writers

49:25 Closing Thoughts and Intentions

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 Podcast

00:29 Meet the Hosts

01:33 Upcoming Live Episode Plans

02:55 Listener Stats and Shoutouts

05:42 Author Burnout and Health

09:03 Event Preparations and Challenges

17:12 The Importance of Printing Out Your Manuscript

20:11 Rebecca Grant Introduces 'Potion Commotion'

21:28 Using Spreadsheets for Plotting and Structuring

24:38 Editing Failures and Lessons Learned

29:59 Top Tips for Editing Your Manuscript

35:04 Dyslexia Awareness and Special Formats

35:44 Thank You to Our Supporters

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 videos

You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here:

Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
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