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 Podcast

00:34 Meet Michelle See-Tho: Freelance Writer and Award-Winning Author

01:18 Discussing 'Jade and Emerald': Themes and Inspirations

02:43 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript

08:48 Mentorship and Development: The Kill Your Darlings Program

14:42 Submitting to Competitions: The Road to Winning the Penguin Literary Prize

18:46 The Moment of Victory: Winning the Penguin Literary Prize

21:39 Special Segment: Introducing Emma Babington and Her Novel 'The Neighbors'

22:19 Liv's Quest and the Murder Mystery

23:03 The Announcement and Penguin Office Visit

24:08 Structural Edits and Initial Changes

27:30 Line Edits and Cover Design

31:09 Publication and Publicity

36:24 Reflections and Advice for Writers

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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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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 Podcast
00:43 Introducing Charlotte Guest
01:37 Casual Catch-Up with Tina and Madeline
03:01 Charlotte's Journey in Writing and Bookselling
25:25 The Power of Indie Bookshops
31:36 Making Book Orders Easy for Bookstores
32:14 Timing Your Bookstore Engagement
33:26 The Etiquette of Signing Books in Stores
34:53 Promoting Your Book in Bookstores

36:40 Kasey Whitelaw introduces debut book 'Flute: A Dolphin's Wild Journey Home'
38:30 Author Events in Bookstores
42:07 The Role of Bookstores in the Community
44:28 Favorite Moments as a Bookseller
50:25 The Future of Bookstores
54:56 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

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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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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 Podcast
00:43 Meet Carla Salmon: Debut Author
03:10 The Journey to Publication
06:15 Crafting a Young Adult Mystery
08:50 The Editing Process and Agent Search
16:38 Signing with a Publisher
20:52 Writing for Teens and Tweens
24:43 Debut Spotlight: Tanya Scott's Debut Novel 'Stillwater'
25:52 Challenges in Middle Grade and Young Adult Reading
30:22 Navigating the Young Adult Market
36:21 Marketing Strategies for Authors
46:11 Balancing Writing and Marketing
48:49 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

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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Celebrating One Year of The Book Deal Podcast: Memorable Moments and Insights

In 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 Podcast
00:42 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting
01:41 Reminiscing Over the Past Year
07:37 Natasha's Favourite Moments
17:05 Tina's Favourite Moments
25:18 The Importance of Longevity in Publishing
25:52 Introducing 'Creature Corridors' by Billie Rooney
27:11 Navigating the Publishing Industry
28:19 Building Relationships with Booksellers
32:01 Quotes and Trivia Fun
38:42 The Role of Agents in a Writing Career
48:27 Celebrating One Year of the Podcast

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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 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 Podcast
00:39 Meet Holly Brunnbauer: Award-Winning Fiction Author
01:22 Holly's Debut Novel: What Did I Miss?
01:39 Interview with Holly: Writing Journey and Inspirations
02:20 Exploring the Themes and Characters of What Did I Miss?
06:03 Character Development and Writing Process
13:46 The Role of Sex Scenes in Storytelling
16:04 Addressing Serious Themes in Romcoms
21:15 Holly's Publication Journey
30:42 Sam Guthrie's The Peak: An International Thriller
32:07 The Importance of Author-Publisher Relationships
34:11 The Anxiety of Waiting for News
35:09 A Glut of Good News
36:51 Navigating Competitions and Grants
37:52 The Adaptable Pitching Experience
39:06 The Journey to a Book Deal
42:44 The Long Wait for Publication
43:18 The Editing Process
44:58 Social Media and Branding for Authors
59:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers
01:02:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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
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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 Podcast
00:43 Catching Up on a Saturday Night
02:11 Book Release Excitement
06:58 Writing Challenges and Progress
18:11 Exploring Different Writing Perspectives
20:41 Reader Preferences and Writing Styles
21:41 End of Financial Year Reflections
22:50 Understanding Author Royalties
23:52 Facing Disappointments in Publishing
27:24 The Importance of Community and Persistence
31:22 Balancing Writing with Realistic Expectations
42:54 Current Reads and Recommendations

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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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 Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dani Vee: Author and Publisher

01:52 Discussing 'My Pet Croc'

05:30 Exploring 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain'

12:55 Carla Salmon's Upcoming Book

14:42 ADHD in Writers: Tips and Experiences

18:18 The Power of Deadlines and Competition

19:00 Sleep Patterns and Productivity

21:20 Using Alarms to Stay on Track

22:31 Creating a Productive Writing Environment

23:39 Advice for Aspiring Authors

25:34 The Importance of Honing Your Craft

31:50 Tips for Debut Authors

34:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timeline

In 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 Australia

• Literary Listings (Victoria)
• ArtsHub

Our 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 Podcast
00:43 19th Century Vibes and Writing Influences
03:35 Madeleine's New Book Announcement
05:18 Deep in Edits and Upcoming Releases
06:47 The Importance of Timelines in Writing
12:26 Upcoming Events and Workshops
15:05 Surprise Shark: A Delightful New Picture Book
16:33 Williamstown Literary Festival Highlights
17:01 Sex, Love, and Taboo: A Festival Experience
18:30 Meeting Literary Heroes in the Green Room
19:39 The Importance of Networking and Community Building
23:39 Pitching Yourself to Festivals
28:06 The Value of Paid Festival Appearances
30:25 Upcoming Currumbin Crime Writers Festival
32:25 Top Tips and Recommendations
33:42 Conclusion and Farewell

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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