Episodes

  • The Publishing Deal: Publicist Caitlin Lawless
    Nov 20 2024

    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

    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

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    46 mins
  • Tina and Madeleine chat digital detox, WIPs, new words and 'the muse'
    Nov 13 2024

    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

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    32 mins
  • The Publishing Deal: Literary Agent Samuel Bernard (Part 2)
    Nov 6 2024

    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

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    30 mins
  • The Publishing Deal: Literary agent Samuel Bernard (Part 1)
    Oct 30 2024

    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

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    45 mins
  • Alli Parker on crafting family history into bestselling storytelling
    Oct 16 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Lisa Kenway on slush pile success, crafting and editing thrillers, and the writing community
    Oct 2 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Michelle Upton on persistence through rejections, setting writing goals and the value of the author community
    Sep 18 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Kylie Orr on competitions, writing craft, social media and letting go
    Sep 4 2024

    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

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    1 hr and 14 mins