The Book Deal
Episodes
How to succeed in writing competitions, agent and publisher assessments and networking, with Tina Clark, CYA conference coordinator
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan interviews author and CYA Conference coordinator Tina Clark about how the CYA writers and illustrators conference helps aspiring and eme...
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'.Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai share thei...
Bridie Blake on writing romcoms, writing practice and 20 years of persevering for a book deal
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha Rai interviews author Bridie Blake days before her rom-com debut The Boyfriend Clause releases. Blake pitches the novel: café owner Sabrina F...
The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the Heart
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the HeartCatherine Milne has worked i...
Amy Doak on writing young adult fiction, twisty crime, new books and tips for navigating the querying the process
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Listening to Book 2, wading through the poo and figuring out the 'write' routine
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss recent author life updates and practical publishing-event etiquette. Tina shares launching bo...
Debut Crew 26 pre-release feels, fears and excitement about having your debut novel out in the world
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha Rai explores the inspiring stories behind anticipated debut books of 2026 in her interview with Sophie Stern, Leearna Shaw, and Inessa Jackson...
Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second bookIn this episode, Madeleine chats second books with Alli Parker and Mark M...
Amie Kaufman on celebrating all the wins, setting writing goals, connecting with readers and the realities of bestseller lists.
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan interviews renowned science fiction and fantasy author Amie Kaufman. The conversation covers Amie's new book 'Red Star Rebels,...
2026 writing goals, journaling, royalty statements explained, and 'what is rest?'
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai return for the 2026 edition of The Book Deal podcast. They reflect on their successful live podcast e...
SUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Publisher Ruby Ashby-Orr from Affirm Press
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
SUMMER SERIES Holly Brunnbauer on securing a book deal and social media tips that create true connections
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Natasha Rai delves into an inspiring conversation with emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer. Holly shares her journey from catching the writ...
SUMMER SERIES 20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how its done
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The summer season features an interview with Rory H. Mather, a renowned Australian picture book author. Rory shares his journey of getting published, ...
SUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Literary agent Samuel Bernard
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
SUMMER SERIES Kylie Orr on competitions, writing craft, social media and letting go
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Tina and Madeleine as they candidly discuss their paths in the writing world, from shooting author videos and exploring middle grade fiction to a...
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: Kate Mildenhall on The Hiding Place
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: 'The Hiding Place' with Kate MildenhallMadeleine leads a spoiler-filled discussion with Kate on her latest novel, The Hid...
Agony Aunt Hayley Scrivenor on 'bloody mindedness' for writing success, live at Writing NSW
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Holly Cardamone on pre-launch strategies, communications and why publishing is a marathon, not a sprint
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast Madeleine interviews Australian award-winning author Holly Cardamone. Holly's debut novel, Summer, In Be...
The Publishing Deal: Publisher, Tom Langshaw, on the strongest elements in a fiction manuscript, what to include in your submission pitch, and industry trends
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Tom Langshaw, publisher at Pantera Press. Tom discusses his journey from working...
Kidlit superstar Kate Foster on managing multi-publications, co writing, celebrating diversity and being a good industry citizen
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tina Strachan dives deep into the world of publishing, interviewing international multi-published Kid Lit author Kate Foster. Kate discusses her ...
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on festival preparation, public speaking tips and embarrassing mothers
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai dive deep into the intricacies of securing book deals, managing writing ...
Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, publicity tips and what it means to be a good industry citizen
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, tips for interviewing other writers and what it means to be a good industry citizenMadeleine interviews ...
Believing in yourself and the benefits of constant learning with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers Centre
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pr...
Nadia Mahjouri on finding writing support and submitting work to as many opportunities as possible
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha Rai interviews Nadia Mahjouri, a Moroccan Australian writer, about her debut novel 'Half Truth'. Nadia shares the journey of craftin...
Editing: spreadsheets, reading backwards, rulers and when readers point out errors
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai catch up on their busy lives, upcoming events, and delve into a detailed discussion about their...
Emily Paull on "retiring" from writing and her 17-year journey to publishing The Distance Between Dreams
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Emily Paull is a Western Australian librarian, author and book reviewer. Having formerly worked in bookselling, Emily is an avid reader and a big supp...
Angie Faye Martin on writing layered stories, Indigenous representation and how to prepare for publicity and book promos
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai dives into the debut novel 'Melaleuca' by Angie Faye Martin. Angie, an Australian...
Middle Grade Debut Special with Shara Curlett, Sandy Bigna and Lucie Stevens
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Getting That Elusive Book Deal: Insights from Debut AuthorsIn this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews three debut middle ...
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout, anchoring your writing in time and intention setting
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout and intention settingIn this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts T...
Jessica Box on portfolio careers for creatives, coaching, growing your author business, managing your time and social media
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Box (co-founder of Matched) on portfolio careers for creatives, growing your author business, content creation and social media.In this episod...
Paramedic and writer Sally Gould shares her experiences of writing and editing memoir; how to use feedback and giving yourself time to make your work the best version of itself
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, host Natasha Rai sits down with paramedic and debut author Sally Gould to discuss her memoir, "Frog." Sally shares her jour...
Graphic novel publisher and debut author, Bethany Loveridge, shares tips for navigating kidlit publishing
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 48 of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews Bethany Loveridge, a champion of children's literature. The episode explore...
The importance of writing residencies, enjoying uninterrupted time to think and write, and eating ALL the cheese
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai share their experiences from their writing residency at Magnetic Island,...
The Takeover: Michelle See-Tho on winning a major literary prize, what happens behind the scenes after the win, and invaluable editing tips
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Michelle See-Tho, the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize winner. Michelle discusses her...
Bookselling behind the scenes: author tips and advice with bookseller and writer Charlotte Guest
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Tina Strachan and Madeliene Cleary interview Charlotte Guest, a writer and bookseller based in Geelong, Victoria. The conversation covers Charlo...
Debut author Carla Salmon on writing fiery stories for the young adult market
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Tina Strachan chats to debut author Carla Salmon about the journey of her young adult mystery thriller, 'We Saw What You Started'. Carl...
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine are titillated by their ONE YEAR of The Book Deal
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrating One Year of The Book Deal Podcast: Memorable Moments and InsightsIn this special one-year anniversary episode of The Book Deal Podcast, ho...
The Takeover: Holly Brunnbauer on securing a book deal, and savvy tips on how to befriend social media while connecting with people
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast hosted by Natasha Rai, emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer discusses her path to publication, detailing ...
Writerly breakthroughs and author disappointment
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary share a candid and engaging discussion about their current writing ...
Supercharged brains and publishing advice with author and Publisher Dani Vee
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan welcomes multi-published author, podcast host, and publisher Dani Vee to discuss her journey and the release of her two new books, &apos...
Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timeline
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timelineIn this episode of the Book Deal Podcast,...
Manifest your writing success with Jane Tara
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews author Jane Tara about her book 'Tilda Is Visible' and how she uses ...
Madeleine and Tina on post-launch feels and the value of taking creative breaks
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
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
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Australian Tamil lawyer and author Shankari Chandran. They discuss Chandran&apos...
Goodreads reviews, social media and day jobs: the reality of being a (newly) published author
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Behind the scenes and the reality of being a (newly) published author - with Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai. Tina and Madeleine alo...
Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on memoir writing and sharing personal stories
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: This episode contains explicit language.Debut Panel: Carly-Jay Metcalfe and Christine Newell on writing memoir, book deals and moreIn this ep...
The Takeover: Zahid Gamieldien on story structure, flawed characters, and planning a novel
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews debut author and screenwriter Zahid Gamieldien. Known for his novel 'All Th...
Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gareth and Louise Ward on the business of bookselling and writing bestselling cosy crime.In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, Madeleine Cleary ch...
Madeleine Cleary and The Butterfly Women: ancestry, inspiration and her publication journey
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan interviews Madeleine Cleary about her debut novel, 'The Butterfly Women'. They explore Madeleine's ancestral inspiration,...
Irma Gold on managing constant crises of confidence, finding the spark in your writing and how to trick yourself into writing a novel.
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine chats with award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster Irma Gold. Recently launching to great accl...
Sophie Beer on the importance of writing inclusively and her new middle grade novel, Thunderhead
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tina Strachan chats with Sophie Beer, a prolific children's literature author and illustrator. The discussion delves into Sophie's journey i...
The Takeover: Zaheda Ghani on writing goals, how to keep momentum and setting intentions for writing practice
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Zaheda Ghani, an Afghan refugee and author of 'Pomegranate and Fig'. Z...
Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel, The Mademoiselle AllianceIn this episode of The Book Deal Podc...
Advances, royalties, pirated books and other ways authors may (or may not) earn money
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how it's done
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 B...
The Takeover: writing fiction after memoir with Kaya Wilson
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosted by Natasha Rai, multi-talented writer and tsunami scientist Kaya Wilson discusses their unique publis...
Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal.In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina S...
Book launches, author events and pre-release pressures
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Debut Panel: Emma Pignatiello, Kate Horan and Marion Taffe on book deals, writing tips and launch feelings
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Takeover: from poetry to prose with Christine Shamista
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Author/Illustrator Dean Rankine on what it takes to make a career out of your craft
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Tina Strachan on how to win a competition, secure a three-book-deal and release a debut novel
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. The...
The Debut Year in Review with picture book author Kirsten Ealand
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of 'The Book Deal Podcast,' host Tina Strachan interviews picture book author Kirsten Ealand, discussing her debut book &apo...
The Debut Year in review with YA crime author Troy Hunter
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Debut Year in review with Mark Mupotsa-Russell and Kyra Geddes
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Madeliene Cleary and Tina Strachan talk with Australian debut authors Kyra Geddes and Mark Mupotsa-Rus...
The Publishing Deal: Publisher Ruby Ashby-Orr from Affirm Press
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How to win (or nearly win) a writing competition
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Madeleine and Tina discuss Madeleine's recent experience with the Australian Fiction Prize, including the excitement of being sh...
Katherine Collette on the highs and lows of publishing and how to build resilience
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, the hosts welcome author and book coach Katherine Collette. Known for her books 'The Helpline,' &a...
When is your manuscript ready to submit?
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Madeleine and Tina delve into the challenges of knowing when a manuscript is ready to submit, sharing personal anecdotes about their own journeys to b...
The Publishing Deal: Publicist Caitlin Lawless
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Madeline Cleary and Tina Strachan interview Caitlin Lawless, the publicity manager at New South. Caitl...
Tina and Madeleine chat digital detox, WIPs, new words and 'the muse'
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tina and Madeline discuss a range of topics from managing time on a busy Sunday to attending the HarperCollins Author Day. They delve...
The Publishing Deal: Literary Agent Samuel Bernard (Part 2)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In part two of the interview with Samuel Bernard, a literary agent from Zeitgeist Literary Agency, he shares insights on landing an agent, the importa...
The Publishing Deal: Literary agent Samuel Bernard (Part 1)
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this first episode of the Publishing Deal series, where Madeleine and Tina chat to publishing insiders, they begin by sharing their latest updates,...
Alli Parker on how to become a debut bestseller
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tina and Madeleine discuss the rigorous editing processes, the joy of completing manuscripts, the importance of celebratory naps, preparing for book r...
Lisa Kenway on slush pile success, crafting and editing thrillers, and the writing community
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Madeleine Cleary and Tina Strachan discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing and editing with the...
Michelle Upton on persistence through rejections, setting writing goals and the value of the author community
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Madeleine and Tina are podcasting from a Gold Coast café! Join them as they provide updates on their writing projects and experiences. Madelein...
Kylie Orr on competitions, writing craft, social media and letting go
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Tina and Madeleine as they candidly discuss their paths in the writing world, from shooting author videos and exploring middle grade fiction to a...
Jess Horn's pathway to picture book publication
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, co-hosts Madeleine and Tina discuss Tina's recent writer's retreat in Byron Bay and their busy schedules as debut authors. ...
Introducing The Book Deal: first ep from debut authors Tina and Madeleine!
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the inaugural episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary introduce themselves and share their experiences and updat...
The Book Deal trailer
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pr...