The Book Deal

Jessica Box (co-founder of Matched) on portfolio careers for creatives, growing your author business, content creation and social media. In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine delves into the intersection of writing and business with Jessica Box, an accomplished growth executive and founder of Matched [https://www.matched.community/]: a knowledge-sharing marketplace with 250+ vetted advisors and coaches.  Jessica shares her journey from a creative student to a tech leader, discusses the importance of storytelling in business, and offers actionable advice on managing a portfolio career, utilising social media, and avoiding burnout. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of connection and knowledge sharing through Jessica's platform, Matched, offering invaluable insights for writers at any stage of their career. If you would like to connect with Jessica, reach out to her at: * Instagram: @matched.community [https://www.instagram.com/matched.community/] This week's Debut in the Spotlight is the delightful Holly Cardamone with her YA novel Summer, In Between [https://hawkeyebooks.com.au/products/summer-in-between] (Hawkeye Publishing, September 2025).  00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:42 Introducing Jessica Box: A Multifaceted Leader 01:14 The Intersection of Business and Writing 01:55 A Journey Through Friendship and Career 07:39 The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity 12:08 Navigating the Tech World and Personal Growth 25:07 Building a Portfolio Career 29:46 The Guilt of Taking Time Away from Writing 30:00 Allocating Time for Tasks 30:28 The Importance of Structured Time Blocks 32:11 Introducing 'Summer in Between' 32:32 The Story of Kat and Paul 34:09 Excitement and Implementation of New Strategies 35:25 Finding Joy and Boundaries in Social Media 37:28 The Power of TikTok for Authors 40:30 The Future of AI and Social Media 46:11 Introducing the Matched Platform 48:20 Becoming a Good Coach or Trainer 52:58 Final Thoughts and Top Tips Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] 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 [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist] Tina: Subscribe here [https://www.tinastrachan.com/] Natasha: Subscribe here [https://natasharai.substack.com/]

In this episode, host Natasha Rai sits down with paramedic and debut author Sally Gould to discuss her memoir, "Frog." Sally shares her journey from keeping clinical journals as a student to transforming her experiences into a compelling narrative. The conversation explores the challenges of writing memoir, the process of seeking feedback, navigating the publishing world, and the emotional impact of sharing personal stories. Sally offers candid insights into the realities of paramedic life, the importance of time in the creative process, and advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 – Introduction Natasha introduces the Book Deal Podcast and previews the episode’s focus on debut and seasoned authors. 00:27 – Acknowledgement of Country Madeleine Cleary delivers the land and waters acknowledgment. 00:40 – Meet Sally Gould Natasha introduces Sally, her background as a paramedic, and the inspiration behind "Frog." 01:29 – Sally’s Elevator Pitch Sally describes her memoir and its focus on personal and professional growth. 02:37 – The Origins of "Frog" Sally discusses her early journals, the transition from private reflection to public story, and the initial audience she imagined. 05:46 – Turning Journals into a Book Sally explains her self-directed learning process, editing, and the challenges of writing as a novice. 09:07 – Feedback and Growth Sally shares her experiences with feedback from family, manuscript assessments, and professional editors, and how she learned to process and use criticism constructively. 13:17 – The Publishing Journey Sally details her approach to competitions, mentorship, and ultimately securing an agent and publishing deal. 18:45 – Editing, Publication, and Self-Care Sally reflects on the final editing rounds, the emotional impact of publication, and strategies for handling negative feedback. 24:03 – Life After Publication Sally talks about her current writing practice, balancing work and family, and the challenges of starting new projects. 27:42 – Community Response and Advice for Writers Sally discusses feedback from colleagues and readers, the importance of visibility, and offers tips for aspiring memoirists and those seeking traditional publication. 31:38 – Closing Thoughts & Intention Setting Natasha wraps up with reflections on the theme of time in the creative process and encourages listeners to revisit their own projects with fresh eyes. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] 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 [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist] Tina: Subscribe here [https://www.tinastrachan.com/] Natasha: Subscribe here [https://natasharai.substack.com/]

In episode 48 of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews Bethany Loveridge, a champion of children's literature. The episode explores Bethany's journey from writing her first story as a child to becoming a debut author with her middle grade novel, Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer. Bethany shares insights into her experiences, including the creation and publication of her graphic novel publishing house, Perenti Press. She offers valuable advice on navigating the publication process, writing strategies, and the importance of reading. Listeners also get an exclusive preview of Perenti Press's upcoming projects and tips for pitching submissions. Additionally, author Jessica Mansour-Nahra briefly discusses her upcoming Australian Gothic thriller, The Farm. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 00:46 Meet Bethany Loveridge: Kid Lit Powerhouse 03:59 Bethany's Journey to Her First Book Deal 18:51 The Birth of Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer 24:32 Upcoming Works and Future Plans 25:29 Exciting New Picture Book Release 25:55 Introducing 'The Farm': An Australian Gothic Thriller 27:51 Understanding Middle Grade Literature 34:36 The Importance of Graphic Novels 35:02 Launching Parenti Press: A New Publishing Venture 41:30 Tips for Aspiring Authors and Pitching Advice 48:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] 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 [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist] Tina: Subscribe here [https://www.tinastrachan.com/] Natasha: Subscribe here [https://natasharai.substack.com/]

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai share their experiences from their writing residency at Magnetic Island, Northern Queensland. Joined by other writers as part of the Roderick Centre's Writers on the Reef Residency, Tina and Natasha discuss the inspirational impact of the island on their work, the productivity from uninterrupted writing time, and the joy of being part of a supportive writers’ community. They talk about their respective projects, the benefits of the residency, and chat with Nicole Crowe, who manages the residency program. The episode also features insights on what the program looks for in applications and shares Nicole Crowe's upcoming debut book, 'The Washup.' 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:42 Magnetic Island Writing Retreat 01:46 The Residency Experience 03:10 Writing Progress and Inspirations 10:16 Event at Mary Who Books 11:52 Reflections and Future Plans 13:33 Introducing A Zaykova and Galaxy Grifter 14:24 Introduction to Galaxy Grifter 15:01 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 15:22 Writers on the Reef Residency 17:04 Application Process and Tips 21:43 Common Application Mistakes 24:48 Nicole Crowe's Debut Book 28:07 Publishing Journey Insights 31:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] 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 [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist] Tina: Subscribe here [https://www.tinastrachan.com/] Natasha: Subscribe here [https://natasharai.substack.com/]

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Michelle See-Tho, the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize winner. Michelle discusses her debut novel, 'Jade and Emerald,' the thematic elements of class, race, loneliness, and family in her story, and her journey from ideation to publication. She reflects on her experience in the Kill Your Darlings Mentors Program, which helped shape her manuscript, and the subsequent process of winning the prestigious Penguin Literary Prize. The conversation covers the intricate details of structural and line edits, cover design deliberations, and the ensuing publicity and launch events. Michelle also shares valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of constantly improving one's craft. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 00:34 Meet Michelle See-Tho: Freelance Writer and Award-Winning Author 01:18 Discussing 'Jade and Emerald': Themes and Inspirations 02:43 The Writing Process: From Idea to Manuscript 08:48 Mentorship and Development: The Kill Your Darlings Program 14:42 Submitting to Competitions: The Road to Winning the Penguin Literary Prize 18:46 The Moment of Victory: Winning the Penguin Literary Prize 21:39 Special Segment: Introducing Emma Babington and Her Novel 'The Neighbors' 22:19 Liv's Quest and the Murder Mystery 23:03 The Announcement and Penguin Office Visit 24:08 Structural Edits and Initial Changes 27:30 Line Edits and Cover Design 31:09 Publication and Publicity 36:24 Reflections and Advice for Writers Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/the_book_deal_podcast/] You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/td_strachan/] Tina Strachan children's book author [https://www.tinastrachan.com/about-tina-strachan-childrens-book-author] Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/madeleineclearywrites/] Madeleine Cleary | Author [https://www.madeleinecleary.com.au/] Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/raiwriting/] Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor [https://www.raiwriting.com.au/] 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 [https://madeleinecleary.substack.com/?r=5df0no&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist] Tina: Subscribe here [https://www.tinastrachan.com/] Natasha: Subscribe here [https://natasharai.substack.com/]