Natasha Lester on setting goals, the business behind a bestseller and her latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance

In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary chats with  international bestselling author Natasha Lester. They discuss Natasha's latest novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance (26 March 2025, Hachette Australia), inspired by Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance movement in WWII France. But she was also a rally car driver, a pilot and a highly skilled concert pianist! The conversation delves into Natasha's writing journey from contemporary fiction to historical novels, what Penny from Costco did to help her career, her experiences in publishing, and her advice for writers on balancing creativity with the business side of writing. The episode also highlights the importance of remembering the crucial efforts of Marie-Madeleine Fourcade and her network of 3000 resistance agents to the success of the Allied invasion of France in WW2.

This week's Debut in the Spotlight is Angie Cui. Angie's debut book and picture book is My Mum is a Bird (1st April 2025, UQP).

00:00 Introduction to The Book Deal Podcast

00:43 Meet Natasha Lester: International Bestselling Author

03:26 Natasha's Latest Novel and Writing Journey

05:09 The Early Days: Natasha's First Book Deal

11:49 From Marketing to Writing: Natasha's Career Shift

15:21 The Business of Being a Writer

18:34 Writing Historical Fiction

24:14 The Journey to Becoming a New York Times Bestseller

26:04 The Impact of Penny's Pick at Costco

28:46 Introducing 'My Mum is a Bird' by Angie Cui

30:05 The Significance of the New York Times Bestsellers List

31:12 Discovering Marie-Madeleine Fourcade's Extraordinary Life

40:05 Researching Historical Fiction

41:33 Goals and Optimism for 2025

44:01 Advice for Emerging Writers

45:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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: Subscribe here

Tina: Subscribe here

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary explore the multifaceted landscape of author earnings, from advances and royalties to additional income streams like ELR/PLR, speaking engagements and library visits. They discuss the financial realities authors face, such as the impact of book piracy, including the recent revelations that Meta used the pirated-book database Library Genesis to train its AI. Pirated works includes members of the 2025 Debut Crew, who have only just been published in Australia. 

The Debut Author in the Spotlight is James Hinchon, author of 'Llamas in the Library,' published by Five Mile and released on 1 February 2025. 

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:43 Newsletter Launch Announcement

01:20 Our Updates

10:36 Social Media and AI Piracy Concerns

16:25 How Authors Make Money

19:51 Introducing James Hinchon and His Debut Book

21:07 Earning Money as an Emerging Writer

22:05 Understanding Book Advances

22:53 The Reality of Earning Out

23:34 The Flip Side of Advances

24:09 Breaking Down a Six-Figure Deal

26:55 Royalties Explained

28:43 Additional Revenue Streams for Authors

33:10 Library Lending and Author Compensation

34:52 The Importance of Supporting Authors

42:05 Realistic Goals and Aspirations

44:19 Final Thoughts and Tips

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 recently signed deal for his 20th book. He provides practical tips for aspiring authors on getting published, creating a profile, building a writing community, and making a profit in the industry. Rory discusses his first book deals, methods for managing a busy schedule with a full-time job and young family, and the importance of staying resilient through rejections. He also emphasizes the value of professional conduct in the industry, leveraging connections, and tapping into opportunities such as school visits and literary festivals to generate income. Additionally, Rory offers advice on establishing a presence as an author and the significance of acknowledging oneself as a writer during the early stages of the journey.

The Debut Spotlight this week if Marion Taffe introducing her historical fiction novel, By Her Hand, out now with HarperCollins.

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:43 Interview with Rory H. Mather

01:30 Rory's Journey to 20 Picture Books

04:08 The Importance of Illustrators

06:30 Navigating Rejections and Successes

18:31 The Role of Agents in Publishing

28:36 Facing Rejection and Moving Forward

31:08 Dealing with Rejections in the Writing Industry

33:34 Balancing Writing with a Busy Life

37:30 Making Writing Profitable

38:06 Engaging with Schools and Speaking Engagements

48:31 Tips for Aspiring Authors

54:41 Embracing Your Debut Year

56:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 offers insightful advice on developing a writing practice, the importance of setting boundaries, and the collaborative but challenging editing process. They also share experiences from significant events like the Sydney Writers' Festival and provide a glimpse into their upcoming queer coming-of-age novel, 'Romeo, A Tale of Four Jumps.' Kaya emphasizes the value of strategic planning, the role of grants, and the emotional complexity of writing memoirs versus fiction.

Our debut in the spotlight this week is Steve Minon, whose literary fiction novel, First Name Second Name, was released on 4 March 2025 with UQP.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast
00:39 Meet Kaya Wilson: Author and Scientist
01:13 Kaya's Elevator Pitch and Writing Style
03:45 The Importance of Boundaries in Memoir Writing
08:41 Navigating the Publication Journey
10:27 Finding and Working with an Agent
17:45 The Role of Competitions and Fellowships

16:00 Steve Minon's novel: First Name Second Name

19:22 The Waiting Game: Resubmission and Acceptance
20:47 Navigating the Editing Process
23:15 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Legal Edits
24:15 Memoir Release and Festival Experience
27:29 Transitioning to Fiction Writing
30:15 Balancing Work and Writing
36:06 Tips for Emerging Writers
37:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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, Natasha Rai, and her book 'An Onslaught of Light,' published on 4 March 2025 by Pantera Press. The conversation reveals Natasha's eight-year path to publication, from early long-listings in the Richell Prize and the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award, to eventual success with Pantera Press. Natasha discusses the inspiration behind her novel, which explores themes of cultural identity, family grief, and queerness. She also shares invaluable insights and tips for emerging writers, stressing the importance of community, resilience, and continual writing. Additionally, Natasha reflects on how her experience as a trauma counsellor influences her writing, and offers a glimpse into her future projects.

Our debut in the spotlight this week is Christine Newell, whose travel memoir Five Seasons in Seoul was released on 25 February 2025 with Affirm Press. Madeleine highly recommends it!

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:44 Introducing Natasha Rai and Her Debut Novel

04:10 The Inspiration Behind 'An Onslaught of Light'

05:14 Exploring Themes of Home and Identity

15:44 The Journey to Publication

21:38 Christine Newell's Memoir: Five Seasons in Seoul

23:05 Acknowledgements and Initial Struggles

23:39 The Importance of Taking Breaks

24:40 Finding the Right Editor

25:26 Publisher Introduction Day

27:57 Navigating Feedback and Revisions

34:09 The Role of Community

38:00 The Journey to Publication

40:31 Final Tips and Farewell

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 Madeleine's upcoming 'The Butterfly Women,' discussing their experiences, challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of seeing their books on shelves. They also cover the excitement of author events, pitches, and the vital balance between publicity and writing. Additionally, the episode highlights upcoming author panels and conferences, offering invaluable insight for both emerging and established writers.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast
00:43 Catching Up with Tina and Madeleine
01:10 Natasha Rai's Upcoming Episode
01:37 Tina's Pathway to Publication
02:19 The Day in the Life of a Published Author
05:54 Book Launch Day Excitement
12:26 Sydney Bookstore Adventures
15:59 Balancing Publicity and Writing
19:15 Final Edits and Self-Imposed Timelines
19:55 Promo Work and Creative Writing Challenges
23:41 The Reunion: A Crime Thriller Preview
25:09 Exciting Social Events and Networking
26:03 Pitching at the Author and Aperol Roadshow
32:05 Pre-Launch Anxieties and Excitement
34:38 Upcoming Events and Debut Author Support
38:36 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

2025 Debut Authors on book deals, how to debut, writing tips and launch feelings

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary delve into the journeys of three 2025 debut authors, Kate Horan, Emma Pignatiello, and Marion Taffe. 

• 'Last Shot' by Emma Pignatiello (Penguin Random House, 28 January 2025 in Australia).
• 'The Inheritance' by Kate Horan (HQ Fiction, 1 January 2025 in Australia).
• 'By Her Hand' by Marion Taffe (HarperCollins Australia, 6 March 2025 in Australia).

The episode explores the unique themes and backgrounds of their novels, their experiences navigating the publishing world, and the highs and lows of the writing and editing process. Featuring Kate, Emma and Marion's unique stories about shocking DNA test results, murder plots in wineries, and a 10th-century poetess, the discussion highlights the different paths to becoming a published author, craft advice, and tips for aspiring writers. 

This episode's 'Debut Spotlight' is author Nadia Mahjouri, and her book 'Half Truth' (Penguin Random House, 11 February 2025): A daughter searches for her father; a mother for her son. From isolated Tasmania to vibrant Morocco, two women seek the truth about what happened to the same man.

Emma, Kate and Marion also recommend some debut novels for your TBR: 

• 'The Safe Keep' by Yael van der Wouden
• 'Everything is Perfect' by Maxine Fawcett
• 'Tidelines' by Sarah Sasson
• 'Whenever You're Ready' by Trish Bolton
• 'Into the Margins' by Gail Holmes
• 'Green Dot' by Madeleine Gray
• 'Anomaly' by Emma Lord.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast

00:42 Introducing the Debut Crew

02:11 Meet Marion Taffe: Historical Fiction Writing

06:36 Emma Pignatiello: From YA Fantasy to Romantic Suspense

12:57 Kate Horan: Unveiling Family Secrets in 'The Inheritance'

32:26 Debut Spotlight: Nadia Mahjouri

34:34 Managing Publicity and Social Media

36:44 Pre-Launch Anxieties

38:47 Post-Launch Reflections

42:04 Debut Author Recommendations

48:17 Writing Tips and Techniques

57:12 Finding Your Voice as a Writer

01:00:26 Conclusion and Farewell

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 November 2023 by Gazebo Books. She discusses the unexpected path her collection took, the importance of feedback, and her ongoing efforts in writing fiction novels. Christine also delves into the challenges of the writing and publication process, offering insights on how she navigates disappointment, maintains her passion for storytelling, and manages the business aspects of being an author.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast

00:39 Meet Christine Shamista: Poet and Writer

01:41 Christine's Poetry Journey

06:30 The Path to Publication

08:34 Navigating the Writing Process

17:08 Balancing Business and Creativity

21:58 The Challenge of Receiving Feedback

23:02 Introducing Lisa Torreno and Her Novel

23:46 The Journey of Prince of Fortune

24:28 The Importance of Traditional Publishing

25:36 Overcoming Writing Challenges

26:53 The Joy of Storytelling

31:51 Managing Disappointment and Perseverance

35:23 Knowing When to Submit Your Work

39:29 Final Tips for Aspiring Writers

42:47 Conclusion and Farewell

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 shy, anxious child passionate about drawing to becoming a prolific illustrator and author, discussing his latest book series 'Death Metal Emo Elves.' The conversation delves into the challenges of merging writing and illustrating, the impact of AI on creative industries, and practical advice for aspiring author-illustrators. Dean emphasizes the importance of persistence, navigating rejections, and leveraging side gigs to sustain a creative career. Additionally, the episode explores his role in comic conventions and the enriching, albeit demanding, experience of conducting school workshops.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dean Rankin

02:17 Dean's Journey as an Illustrator

04:37 The Impact of AI on Creativity

13:20 Dean's Notable Works

15:31 Creating Death Metal Emo Elves

20:39 Persistence in the Publishing Industry

28:41 Drawing for The Simpsons and Rick and Morty

37:22 Influence of Reading on Writing

37:54 Comic Book Creation Process

38:32 Challenges of Being an Author-Illustrator

40:19 Navigating the Publishing World

41:50 Successful Collaborations

50:33 Balancing Side Gigs and Creative Work

01:00:05 Comic Conventions and Workshops

01:08:54 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors and Illustrators

01:11:48 Philosophy on Creative Success

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here

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 the Missing Key,' Book One of the Wilder Zoo Series, illustrated by Max Hamilton and released on January 29 2025. Tina shares her journey from conceptualising the story to getting a book deal, winning the CYA Conference competition, and her unique experiences as a zookeeper. They explore the challenges of balancing writing with motherhood and a full-time job, emphasising the supportive nature of the writing community. The episode also includes a special feature from debut author Kate Horan discussing her book 'The Inheritance' and concludes with news about their new co-host, Natasha Rai.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast
00:43 Season Two Kickoff
01:24 Tina's Debut Novel: Neeka and the Missing Key
04:35 The Elevator Pitch
06:49 Tina's Writing Journey
13:24 From Zookeeper to Author
18:53 Winning the CYA Competition
31:50 Meeting with the Publisher
33:20 Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Writer
33:34 From Zookeeper to Author: A Unique Journey
35:01 The Publisher's Interest: A Turning Point
35:47 Navigating the Publishing Process
36:23 The Importance of Timing and Market Trends
37:43 Writing Sample Chapters: The Challenge
39:49 The Acquisitions Process: A Writer's Experience
45:47 Balancing Writing with Life's Demands
46:43 The Long Road to Publication
54:33 Celebrating the Book Launch
57:37 The Writing Community: A Source of Support
01:03:15 Exciting News for The Book Deal Podcast

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first.
Madeleine: Subscribe here
Tina: Subscribe here
Natasha: Subscribe here