
The Book Deal
Motivation and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them pave their own pathway to publishing success.
Episodes
38 episodes
Cross stitch, wine and other tips and tangents with Madeleine and Tina
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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45:38

The Takeover: Shankari Chandran on writing for pleasure, giving up on the dream of getting published, and how to create longevity in the publishing industry
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 C...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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48:18

Goodreads reviews, social media and day jobs: the reality of being a (newly) published author
Behind the scenes and the reality of being a (newly) published author - with Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai. Tina and Madeleine alongside our Takeover star, Natasha Rai, chat about their experiences as (newly) publ...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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52:32

Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on memoir writing and sharing personal stories
WARNING: This episode contains explicit language.Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on writing memoir, book deals and moreIn this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine interviews debut authors Carly-...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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54:32

The Takeover: Zahid Gamieldien on story structure, flawed characters, and planning a novel
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews debut author and screenwriter Zahid Gamieldien. Known for his novel 'All The Missing Children', published by Ultimo Press in 2024, Zahid discusses his path to publication, st...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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46:17

Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime
Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime.In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with writing duo Gareth and Louise Ward, authors and owners of two Wardini Bookshop...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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54:19

Madeleine Cleary and The Butterfly Women: ancestry, inspiration and her publication journey
Tina Strachan interviews Madeleine Cleary about her debut novel, 'The Butterfly Women'. They explore Madeleine's ancestral inspiration, her meticulous research process, and the trials and triumphs of getting a book published. Madeleine shares i...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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1:11:02

Irma Gold on managing constant crises of confidence, finding the spark in your writing and how to trick yourself into writing a novel.
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine chats with award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster Irma Gold. Recently launching to great acclaim her second novel, Shift, out now...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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54:19

Sophie Beer on the importance of writing inclusively and her new middle grade novel, Thunderhead
Tina Strachan chats with Sophie Beer, a prolific children's literature author and illustrator. The discussion delves into Sophie's journey in publishing, her passion for inclusivity in writing, and the inspiration behind her middle-grade book, ...
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46:41

The Takeover: Zaheda Ghani on writing goals, how to keep momentum and setting intentions for writing practice
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Zaheda Ghani, an Afghan refugee and author of 'Pomegranate and Fig'. Zaheda shares her path to publication, starting from her early handwritten novels to her debut book b...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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41:40

Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade
Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel, The Mademoiselle AllianceIn this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with international bestselling author Natasha Lester....
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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48:00

Advances, royalties, pirated books and other ways authors may (or may not) earn money
If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly newsletters for the latest news first. You'll be in the draw for a giveaway of their new books!Madeleine:
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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46:16

20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how it's done
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Tina Strachan chats with picture book author Rory H. Mather. Known for his works such as 'Vlad's Bad Breath' and 'Laugh in the Bath,' Rory shares his journey of publishing 14 picture books with a recent...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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55:38

The Takeover: writing fiction after memoir with Kaya Wilson
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosted by Natasha Rai, multi-talented writer and tsunami scientist Kaya Wilson discusses their unique publishing journey. Their debut memoir, 'As Beautiful As Any Other,' was widely acclaimed, and Kaya ...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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38:12

Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal
Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal.In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into the story behind the story of debut author, Nata...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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41:54

Book launches, author events and pre-release pressures
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary delve into the highs and lows of their busy lives as debut authors. They catch up on their recent book launches, including Tina's 'Neeka and the Missing Key' and...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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39:41

Debut Panel: Emma Pignatiello, Kate Horan and Marion Taffe on book deals, writing tips and launch feelings
2025 Debut Authors on book deals, how to debut, writing tips and launch feelingsIn this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary delve into the journeys of three 2025 debut authors, Kate Horan, Emma Pignatiello, and Marion Taff...
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1:00:52

The Takeover: from poetry to prose with Christine Shamista
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Natasha Rai hosts Christine Shamista, a poet of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry living in Sydney. Christine shares her journey to publishing her debut poetry collection, 'Soft Side of Red,' released in Novemb...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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43:30

Author/Illustrator Dean Rankine on what it takes to make a career out of your craft
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan interviews Dean Rankine, a renowned author-illustrator best known for his work on iconic franchises such as The Simpsons, Futurama, and Rick and Morty. Dean shares his journey from a...
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1:15:09

Tina Strachan on how to win a competition, secure a three-book-deal and release a debut novel
Welcome to Season 2!! In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary return for the second season with a bang. They discuss the exciting launch of their debut novels, starting with Tina's 'Neeka and th...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:04:28

The Debut Year in Review with picture book author Kirsten Ealand
In this episode of 'The Book Deal Podcast,' host Tina Strachan interviews picture book author Kirsten Ealand, discussing her debut book 'Like a Gannet,' her writing journey, and the challenges and surprises of her debut year. Kirsten shares inv...
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37:00

The Debut Year in review with YA crime author Troy Hunter
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, YA author Troy Hunter discusses the creation and publication journey of his novel 'Gus and the Missing Boy', which was released in February 2024. Troy shares insights into the idea that sparked his book...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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35:18

The Debut Year in review with Mark Mupotsa-Russell and Kyra Geddes
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Madeliene Cleary and Tina Strachan talk with Australian debut authors Kyra Geddes and Mark Mupotsa-Russell about their experiences writing, publishing, and promoting their first novels. Kyra discu...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:03:28

The Publishing Deal: Publisher Ruby Ashby-Orr
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Madeleine Cleary and Tina Strachan talk with Ruby Ashby-Orr, publisher at Affirm Press. The discussion covers topics such as Tina's upcoming book release, the importance of pre-orders, strategies ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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54:49

How to win (or nearly win) a writing competition
In this episode, Madeleine and Tina discuss Madeleine's recent experience with the Australian Fiction Prize, including the excitement of being shortlisted and the process involved. They delve into the importance of writing competitions for emer...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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38:11
