The Book Deal
Motivation and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them pave their own pathway to publishing success.
Episodes
79 episodes
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 80
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42:35
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 79
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1:03:07
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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56:38
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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57:37
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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51:13
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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1:09:12
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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1:13:19
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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1:10:37
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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51:19
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 69
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53:27
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 68
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1:04:26
SUMMER SERIES 20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how its done
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 balan...
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Season 1
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Episode 67
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57:00
SUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Literary agent Samuel Bernard
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 wo...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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1:14:41
SUMMER SERIES Kylie Orr on competitions, writing craft, social media and letting go
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 pra...
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Season 1
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Episode 65
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1:15:26
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: Kate Mildenhall on The Hiding Place
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: 'The Hiding Place' with Kate MildenhallMadeleine leads a spoiler-filled discussion with Kate on her latest novel, The H...
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Season 1
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Episode 64
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45:02
Agony Aunt Hayley Scrivenor on 'bloody mindedness' for writing success, live at Writing NSW
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 intervi...
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Season 1
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Episode 63
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1:02:45
Holly Cardamone on pre-launch strategies, communications and why publishing is a marathon, not a sprint
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, Sep...
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Season 1
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Episode 62
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1:05:18
The Publishing Deal: Publisher, Tom Langshaw, on the strongest elements in a fiction manuscript, what to include in your submission pitch, and industry trends
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 pro...
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Season 1
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Episode 61
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1:02:37
Kidlit superstar Kate Foster on managing multi-publications, co writing, celebrating diversity and being a good industry citizen
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-wr...
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Season 1
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Episode 60
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47:45
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on festival preparation, public speaking tips and embarrassing mothers
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 au...
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Season 1
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Episode 59
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46:26
Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, publicity tips and what it means to be a good industry citizen
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 58
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1:10:12
Believing in yourself and the benefits of constant learning with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers Centre
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32:00
Nadia Mahjouri on finding writing support and submitting work to as many opportunities as possible
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 triu...
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Season 1
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Episode 56
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52:17
Editing: spreadsheets, reading backwards, rulers and when readers point out errors
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 55
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36:31
Emily Paull on "retiring" from writing and her 17-year journey to publishing The Distance Between Dreams
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 54
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1:03:28