The Book Deal

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 into the latest trends in the book market, particularly the resurgence of YA fiction. Madeline shares her recent experience of imposing a self-ban from Instagram to improve focus and creativity, and how it has positively impacted her writing. They also talk about their current writing projects - Tina's multiple works in progress and Madeline's focus on character development. The episode provides insights into the creative processes, struggles, and strategies of authors, offering useful tips for aspiring writers on managing character passivity and developing strong storylines.

00:00 Introduction and Sunday Plans
01:27 HarperCollins Author Day Experience
03:11 Instagram Ban and Digital Detox
09:35 Writing Progress and Work in Progress
18:21 Discovering New Writing Techniques
18:58 Visualizing Stories Like Movies
21:25 Character Development Challenges
22:49 Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors
23:30 Exploring Character Questionnaires
25:48 Juggling Multiple Writing Projects
26:56 Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
30:18 Engaging with the Writing Community
31:00 Conclusion and Future Plans

Links mentioned in this episode:
Curtis Brown Creative Character Development course
Masterclass: Writing Character Development
Brooke Vitale's Character Development Questionnaire

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 and Madeleine 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

In part two of the interview with Samuel Bernard, a literary agent from Zeitgeist Literary Agency, he shares insights on landing an agent, the importance of polished manuscripts, and the role of timing in the publishing process. Samuel discusses his preferences and current interests in genres, accessibility for aspiring writers, and how timing and market trends can impact the chances of getting published. The episode also touches on the advantages and challenges of the agent-author relationship post-book deal, as well as advice on genre identification and emerging market trends, culminating in a rapid-fire segment addressing practical questions from listeners.

00:00 Introduction to the Interview Series
01:29 Samuel Bernard's Role and Preferences
03:19 How Aspiring Writers Can Reach Out
05:35 Rapid Fire Questions
09:20 Trends and Timing in Publishing
13:04 Genre Identification and Crossovers
15:18 Agent-Author Relationship Dynamics
27:23 Final Tips for Aspiring Writers

Links mentioned in this episode:
Zeitgeist Literary Agency
Bad Crime Writers Festival
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival
Brisbane Writers Festival

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 and Madeleine 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

In this first episode of the Publishing Deal series, where Madeleine and Tina chat to publishing insiders, they begin by sharing their latest updates, including Madeleine's proofreading process for her manuscript and Tina's experiences at a writing conference. They also dive into a discussion about receiving feedback, particularly on spicy scenes, offering practical advice on how to handle such critiques. The episode then transitions to an interview with Samuel Bernard, a literary agent at Zeitgeist Literary Agency, who shares insights on the importance of social media for authors, what agents look for in submissions, and the benefits of having a literary agent in Australia. The interview covers how to effectively use comparative titles, the critical first 500 words of a manuscript, and the agent's role in negotiating contracts and advocating for authors.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

01:11 Madeleine's Book Update

02:06 Tina's Fortnight Highlights

04:35 Discussing Feedback

12:20 Interview with Samuel Bernard

19:31 The Journey to Now

20:29 The Power of Social Media for Authors

25:03 The Role of a Literary Agent

27:42 Navigating Submissions and Manuscripts

31:21 Comparative Titles and Their Importance

37:19 Benefits of Having an Agent in Australia

41:21 Final Thoughts on Agents and Publishing

Links mentioned in this app:
Booklinks Story Arts Brisbane
Author Kirsten Ealand
Illustrator Deb Hudson
Samuel Bernard
Zeitgeist Literary Agency

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 and Madeleine 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

Tina and Madeleine discuss the rigorous editing processes, the joy of completing manuscripts, the importance of celebratory naps, preparing for book releases and the importance of record-keeping and strategic planning. Then guest Alli Paker, best-selling author of The Foot of the Cherry Tree, shares personal anecdotes and professional journeys, detailing the transition from screenwriting to novel writing, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extensive research required for historical fiction. The episodes highlight the power of social media in book marketing, the critical role of local bookstores, and the necessity of strong community relationships. This behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry is rich with tips on refining manuscripts, developing an author brand, and leveraging platforms like TikTok to connect with readers and boost book sales.

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:40 Catching Up: Busy Weeks and Exciting Updates

01:09 Tina's Editing Journey

04:27 Celebratory Naps and Audiobook Auditions

06:22 Madeleine's Exciting Fortnight

07:16 Writing the Author's Note and Acknowledgements

09:44 Melbourne Events and Author Headshots

14:05 Book Links Story Arts Brisbane Event

16:56 Interview with Alli Parker: Writing Family Stories

38:46 Life in Far North Queensland

39:47 Finishing the Manuscript

40:13 Navigating the Publishing World

41:42 The Power of Networking

42:57 Getting an Agent

48:37 The Twitter Breakthrough

51:43 Editing and Refining the Novel

58:37 The Importance of Social Media

01:07:20 Building Relationships with Booksellers

01:17:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

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 and Madeleine 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

In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Madeleine Cleary and Tina Strachan discuss the challenges and triumphs of writing and editing with their guest, Lisa Kenway, an Australian writer and anesthetist whose debut psychological thriller 'All You Took From Me' was published by Transit Lounge Publishing. The conversation covers topics like the intricacies of balancing writing with a demanding career, the importance of a supportive writing community, experiences with the publishing process, and practical tips for aspiring writers. They also touch on the emotional impacts of pursuing a writing career and maintaining an effective social media presence. With insights from Lisa on how her professional background inspired her novel, the discussion provides an in-depth look at the dedication and perseverance required to succeed as an author.

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:40 Catching Up with Madeline and Tina

01:17 Writing Between the Cracks

02:48 The Joys and Challenges of First Drafts

07:51 Copy Edits and Historical Fiction

14:42 Top Tips for Writers

18:06 Interview with Lisa Kenway

31:13 Organizing the 2024 Debut Group

32:12 Sharing Drafts and Feedback

34:05 The Journey to Finalizing the Manuscript

34:59 Dealing with Rejections and Feedback

41:49 The Breakthrough Moment

47:07 The Editing Process

55:56 Public Speaking and Book Launches

59:04 Navigating Reviews and Social Media

01:02:26 Future Projects and Final Tips


Links mentioned in this episode

Lisa Kenway

Transit Lounge

The Whole Truth Podcast by Nadia Mahjouri

Emma Schwarcz Freelance Editor

Trove

Printable - Queensland Writers Centre

NaNoWriMo

Scrivener

Jacqueline Bublitz - Before You Knew My Name

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 and Madeleine 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

Hosts Madeleine and Tina are podcasting from a Gold Coast café! Join them as they provide updates on their writing projects and experiences. Madeleine shares her positive feedback from her publisher and her excitement and anxiety about a renowned historian reading her novel. Tina discusses the complexities of editing her third series book and the importance of character development and writing resources like Scrivener. Then Tina interviews the bright and bubbly Michelle Upton, who emphasizes balancing market demands with personal passion in commercial fiction, tackling imposter syndrome, and the significance of preparation for promotional events. She offers practical writing tips and advice for managing the marketing aspects of a writing career. The episode concludes with a feel-good message about the importance of engaging with the writing community and finding supportive peers for the writing journey.

00:00 Café Catch-Up: A Different Kind of Episode
01:14 Weather Talk and Queensland Life
01:43 Writing Updates and Editing Milestones
02:21 The Copy Edit Process
05:16 Publication Schedules and Printing Curiosities
08:47 Character Decisions and Structural Edits
11:16 Plotting and Scene Management
13:59 Illustrations and Visualizing the Novel
15:36 Writing Tools and Top Tips
21:12 Interview with Michelle Upton: Journey to Publication
39:18 The Journey to Getting Published
40:43 The Excitement of Getting Published
42:50 Navigating Rejections and Perseverance
44:09 The Importance of Competitions and Networking
45:54 Building a Supportive Writing Community
50:18 Starting the Writing Journey
54:27 Learning the Craft and Finding Your Voice
01:00:12 The Reality of Publishing and Market Trends
01:05:41 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Writing
01:10:05 Tips for Aspiring Authors
01:20:36 Preparing for Book Launches and Events
01:25:38 Final Words of Encouragement

Links mentioned:
Michelle Upton
Scrivener
NaNoWriMo
HarperCollins Banjo Prize
Red Litzner Anthology
Save The Cat
Story Grid
Emotion Thesaurus, Conflict Thesaurus, Emotional Wound Thesaurus
Queensland Writers Centre writing competitions

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 and Madeleine 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

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 practices, including plotting versus pantsing. Madeleine interviews Kylie Orr and they discuss the influence of social media on an author’s life and the challenges debut authors face in the publishing industry, such as managing expectations and gaining visibility. While reflecting on writer's block and finding inspiration in daily life, Kylie also celebrates the joy of seeing her books on shelves and the supportive nature of the writing community. The episode wraps up with motivational advice for aspiring authors.

00:00 Sunny Weather and Catching Up
01:05 Behind the Scenes of an Author Video Shoot
04:33 Exploring Middle Grade Books
09:10 The Journey of Writing and Publishing
21:59 From Feature Articles to Novels
35:17 Finding the Right Editor
35:54 Rewriting the Book
36:18 Entering the Richell Prize
36:57 Securing a Book Deal
38:01 The Eleventh Floor Pitch
39:30 Writing the Second Book
41:58 Insights on Agents
47:37 The Third Book
50:48 Social Media and Writing
58:35 Organizing Book Events
01:05:53 Wins and Woes

Links mentioned:

• Kylie Orr Kylie Orr
• Tina's book WILDER ZOO (BOOK ONE): NEEKA AND THE MISSING KEY Neeka and the Missing Key (Wilder Zoo, #1) :HarperCollins Australia
• Story Grid Story Grid - How to Write a Book People Will Read
• Save the Cat Screenwriting & Story Structure Software, Books, Classes - Save the Cat!®
• Scrivener Scrivener | Literature & Latte (literatureandlatte.com)
• Richell Prize The Richell Prize - Hachette Australia
• Fiona McIntosh masterclasses Masterclasses - Fiona McIntosh
• HQ fiction HarperCollins HQ - HarperCollins Australia :HarperCollins Australia
• Zeitgeist Agency Zeitgeist Agency

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 and Madeleine 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

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. They also revisit their very first guest interview with Australian children's author Jess Horn. Jess shares the journey of publishing her debut picture book 'Bernie Thinks in Boxes', from participating in competitions and assessments to securing a contract with Affirm Press. Alongside, she gives practical advice on handling rejections, leveraging social media, and the importance of community and feedback in the publishing process. The episode highlights Jess's exclusive tips on writing and editing.

00:00 Morning Catch-Up

01:27 Byron Bay Writer's Retreat

02:54 Recording Challenges

04:30 Editing Milestones

07:48 Book Cover Design

10:00 Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)

15:28 Interview with Jess Horn

29:17 Gaining Insight from Assessments

29:26 The Journey of 'Bernie Thinks in Boxes'

32:16 Facing Rejections and Perseverance

35:48 Upcoming Book Releases

37:41 Balancing Writing and Life

42:13 The Importance of Community and Social Media

50:49 The Publishing Process and Final Tips

56:24 Conclusion and Book Launch Details

Links mentioned:
Jess Horn Jess Horn Author
Zoe Bennet Zoe Bennett.
ASA Literary Speed Dating Literary Speed Dating - Australian Society of Authors (asauthors.org.au)
CYA Conference CYA Conference | Writers And Illustrators Conference
KidLitVic KidLitVic
Affirm Press Home - Affirm Press
Bright Light Bright Light Books (hellobrightlight.com)
Hardi Grant Publishing Hardie Grant Children's Publishing
Natural Readers Free Text to Speech Online with Realistic AI Voices (naturalreaders.com)

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 and Madeleine 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

In the inaugural episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary introduce themselves and share their experiences and updates on their writing journey. Tina discusses her recent manuscript assessments with publishers and the benefits of the CYA Conference, while Madeleine talks about her structural edits and the long publication process. They highlight the importance of writing conferences, competitions, and maintaining a playful approach to writing. The episode sets the stage for future interviews with authors and industry professionals, offering valuable advice and insights for aspiring writers.

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast!
00:53 Our Book Deal Journey
02:11 The CYA Conference Experience
03:34 Balancing Multiple Projects
05:16 Navigating the Publishing Industry
07:14 The Importance of Feedback
14:56 The Editing Process
23:07 Building a Writing Community
25:07 Signing the Book Deal
30:25 Tips for Aspiring Authors

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 and Madeleine 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

Links mentioned:
CYA conference CYA Conference | Writers And Illustrators Conference

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 and Madeleine 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

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 and Madeleine 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