The Book Deal
Motivation and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them pave their own pathway to publishing success.
Episodes
93 episodes
Kayte Nunn on writing bestselling fiction across genres and publishers
Kayte Nunn is the bestselling author of nine novels, including The Botanist’s Daughter, The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant, The Silk House and The Last Reunion. Kayte grew up in England and the US, befor...
Sarah Clutton shares how travelling the world and 'trusting the process' helped her create The Bookshop of Buried Pasts
Tina Strachan interviews author Sarah Clutton about her new novel ‘The Bookshop of Buried Pasts’. Clutton outlines the story of antiquarian book dealer Phyllida Banks, who disappears and leaves her granddaughter Lottie to run their Southern Hig...
The Writing Deal: It's EOFY! Natasha, Tina & Madeleine discuss the business of being an author
Tina, Madeleine and Natasha catch up and discuss:Natasha's successful workshop on creativity and the nervous system, and how to get the most from creative flow. Natasha's title of her second book (!)All things...
Emily Maguire on non-fiction vs fiction writing, overcoming discouragement and practicalities of sustaining a writing life
Natasha Rai interviews author Emily Maguire about her Queensland Literary Award–winning, Prime Minister’s Literary Award–shortlisted novel Rapture, inspired by a 1,000-year-old legend of a woman disguising herself as a man, rising through monas...
Rebecca Lim on genre-hopping, rejection and the joy of 'having no brand'
Content warning: Please note this episode contains brief references to crimes against children, including mentions of historical cases and industry terminology. These topics are not discussed in detail, but listener discretion is adv...
Jess Galatola: reaching young readers through writing books with heart
Tina Strachan welcomes author and teacher Jess Galatola to The Book Deal podcast to discuss her upcoming children’s books: picture book The Witch Who Couldn’t Spell (launching 19 July) and graphic novel Seasons of Clementine (launching 4 July)....
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina discuss editing deadlines, getting heckled and reading while writing
Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai introduce The Book Deal podcast and share monthly updates. Tina takes a break from an intense manuscript, catches up on author admin, runs a kids’ workshop at The Little Book Nook in Palmwo...
Ashley Kalagian Blunt on novel structure, strategic selling and compartmentalising when researching
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 ...
Bookstagram, community, events, reviews and reading with Brooke Michie (a.k.a @bmichie31)
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 re...
Jacqueline Harvey: inside the world of one of Australia's most popular kidlit authors, and the rocky road it took to get there
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 an...
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Tina and Madeleine discuss 'stalking' story ideas, bookstore bravery, and 'who are you really writing for'?
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...
Jack Heath on novel ideas, writing practice and building a writing career
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...
Rebecca Armitage on rejection and the road to a bestseller (with pre-empts, Reese's Book Club, and a TV adaptation on the way!)
Madeleine interviews Tasmania-based ABC journalist and digital editor Rebecca Armitage about her debut novel, The Hei...
How to succeed in writing competitions, agent and publisher assessments and networking, with Tina Clark, CYA conference coordinator
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 ...
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'
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...
Bridie Blake on writing romcoms, writing practice and 20 years of persevering for a book deal
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, wh...
The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the Heart
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...
Amy Doak on writing young adult fiction, twisty crime, new books and tips for navigating the querying process
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 on...
The Writing Deal: Tina, Madeleine and Natasha discuss 'listening' to Book 2, wading through the poo and figuring out the 'write' routine
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 f...
Debut Crew 26 pre-release feels, fears and excitement about having your debut novel out in the world
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 processe...
Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book
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 se...
Amie Kaufman on celebrating all the wins, setting writing goals, connecting with readers and the realities of bestseller lists.
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 l...
The Writing Deal: Madeleine, Natasha and Tina's 2026 writing goals, journaling, royalty statements explained, and 'what is rest?'
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 pan...
SUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Publisher Ruby Ashby-Orr from Affirm Press
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 boo...
SUMMER SERIES Holly Brunnbauer on securing a book deal and social media tips that create true connections
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 D...
