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 for making a compelling book pitch, and insights into the acquisitions process within publishing houses. Ruby shares her journey in publishing, the types of books she finds appealing, and offers practical advice for emerging writers on how to perfect their manuscripts and navigate rejections. The episode provides a deep dive into the collaborative aspects of editing and the intricacies of launching a debut novel.

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:40 Exciting News from Tina Strachan

03:23 Meet Ruby Ashby Orr

06:08 Tips for Perfecting Your Pitch

08:09 The Importance of Query Letters

12:54 The Role of Pitch Events

17:31 Ruby's Journey in Publishing

21:33 Understanding the Publishing Landscape

25:35 Advice for Aspiring Authors

27:27 Mastering Manuscript Evaluation

29:35 The Importance of a Synopsis

32:48 Common Mistakes Leading to Rejection

35:17 What Publishers Are Looking For

38:44 The Collaborative Editing Process

47:10 Understanding the Acquisitions Process

51:40 Top Tips for Emerging Writers

53:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

 Links mentioned in this episode:
Neeka and the Missing Key by Tina Strachan preorder
Ruby Ashby-Orr

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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, 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 emerging writers, Madeleine's unexpected phone call from Caroline Overington, the significance of mastering synopses and pitches, and how these elements can significantly bolster a writing career.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:22 A Surprise Call from Caroline Overington
03:23 The Australian Fiction Prize
05:33 Writing and Competitions
07:24 The Journey of the Second Book
10:16 The Importance of Competitions
13:25 The Shortlisting Experience
17:30 Managing Expectations and Community Support
19:40 The Importance of Entering Writing Competitions
19:57 Crafting the Perfect Logline and Pitch
20:29 Mastering the Art of Writing a Synopsis
21:00 Debate: Writing the Synopsis Before the Story
23:44 Challenges of Writing the Middle of a Story
24:26 Synopsis Writing Tips and Techniques
30:22 The Unboxing Experience for Authors
34:39 Upcoming Interviews and Future Plans
37:07 Year-End Reflections and Future Excitement

Links mentioned in this episode
The Australian Fiction Prize

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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, the hosts welcome author and book coach Katherine Collette. Known for her books 'The Helpline,' 'The Competition,' and 'The Too Tall Tales of Alma T. Best,' Katherine shares her insights on writing, pitching, publishing, and marketing. She delves into her own writing journey, discusses the role of perseverance and community, and highlights the highs and lows of becoming a published author. Katherine also offers invaluable advice for debut and aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of resilience and enjoying the writing process.

00:00 Introduction to Katherine Collette

02:44 Katherine's Latest Book: The Too Tall Tales of Alma T. Bess

05:26 Transitioning from Adult to Children's Books

08:38 The Story of the First Yes

13:06 The Importance of Writer's Groups

20:44 Navigating the Publishing World

24:39 Securing a Book Deal

28:07 The US Publishing Experience

30:26 A Disappointing Meeting

30:56 The Rollercoaster of Publishing

31:14 Market Research Insights

32:29 Preparing for Book Release

33:22 The Emotional Journey of Debut Authors

39:36 The Importance of Community

44:09 Book Coaching Explained

46:29 Top Tips for Aspiring and Debut Authors

48:20 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

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

Madeleine and Tina delve into the challenges of knowing when a manuscript is ready to submit, sharing personal anecdotes about their own journeys to becoming published authors. Key topics include the importance of thorough editing, the patience required in the publishing industry, and the benefits of pre-ordering books to support authors. The conversation also touches on the creativity of children and the idea of doing writing workshops to nurture young writers.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:42 Bali Trip Highlights
01:18 Writing on the Go
02:54 Creative Kids and Rainbow Poo
05:10 Encouraging Young Writers
06:41 Personal Writing Journeys
13:54 Reading to Write Better
19:06 The Challenge of Writing Pre-Mobile Phone Stories
20:59 Knowing When to Submit Your Manuscript
21:43 The Importance of Polishing Your Manuscript
23:01 Handling Structural Changes and Feedback
29:03 The Role of Competitions in Getting Published
34:40 The Waiting Game: Patience in Publishing
37:15 The Power of Pre-Orders for Authors
38:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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 Madeline Cleary and Tina Strachan interview Caitlin Lawless, the publicity manager at New South. Caitlin shares her extensive experience in the publishing industry, offering invaluable advice to aspiring authors. Topics include the difference between marketing and publicity, building a relationship with your publicist, and preparing for a successful book launch. Caitlin also discusses her journey in the industry, the importance of persistence, and tips for leveraging social media and local festivals to enhance book visibility.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast
00:40 Meet Caitlin Lawless: Publicity Manager and Author
02:07 Caitlin's Journey in the Publishing Industry
06:44 Understanding Marketing and Publicity
10:31 Building Relationships with Publicists
20:33 The Role of ARCs in Publicity Campaigns
24:18 High Profile Campaigns and Their Impact
26:43 The Role of Social Media in Publicity
28:26 Optimizing Your Online Presence
30:52 Creating Buzz as an Aspiring Author
32:58 The Importance of Community and Networking
38:27 Effective Pre-Order Strategies
41:14 Navigating Festival Programs
45:02 Final Tips for a Successful Campaign

Links from the episode:
NewSouth Books

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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, 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