The Book Deal

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast hosted by Natasha Rai, emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer discusses her path to publication, detailing her journey from blogging and copywriting to becoming a published author. Holly provides insights into her debut rom-com 'What Did I Miss?', her character development process, and the challenges she faced in getting a book deal with Harper Collins. She also shares her social media strategies and gives valuable advice for aspiring authors on obtaining professional feedback and engaging with the writing community. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the publication process and practical tips to enhance their own writing careers. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 00:39 Meet Holly Brunnbauer: Award-Winning Fiction Author 01:22 Holly's Debut Novel: What Did I Miss? 01:39 Interview with Holly: Writing Journey and Inspirations 02:20 Exploring the Themes and Characters of What Did I Miss? 06:03 Character Development and Writing Process 13:46 The Role of Sex Scenes in Storytelling 16:04 Addressing Serious Themes in Romcoms 21:15 Holly's Publication Journey 30:42 Sam Guthrie's The Peak: An International Thriller 32:07 The Importance of Author-Publisher Relationships 34:11 The Anxiety of Waiting for News 35:09 A Glut of Good News 36:51 Navigating Competitions and Grants 37:52 The Adaptable Pitching Experience 39:06 The Journey to a Book Deal 42:44 The Long Wait for Publication 43:18 The Editing Process 44:58 Social Media and Branding for Authors 59:33 Advice for Aspiring Writers 01:02:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 and Madeleine 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/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly 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/]

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary share a candid and engaging discussion about their current writing projects and experiences. Tina talks about her recent book release, 'Neeka and the Storm,' and the whirlwind of emotions she felt around its launch. Meanwhile, Madeleine opens up about her progress on her second book, the challenges of writing a crime narrative, and her breakthrough in plotting. The episode also delves into the broader writing community, touching on the feelings of disappointment many authors face around royalty statements, rejections, and the competitive nature of the industry. Special references are made to encouraging posts by author Kylie Orr and the importance of community and perseverance. The hosts conclude with book recommendations and a note on the importance of enjoying the writing process. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:43 Catching Up on a Saturday Night 02:11 Book Release Excitement 06:58 Writing Challenges and Progress 18:11 Exploring Different Writing Perspectives 20:41 Reader Preferences and Writing Styles 21:41 End of Financial Year Reflections 22:50 Understanding Author Royalties 23:52 Facing Disappointments in Publishing 27:24 The Importance of Community and Persistence 31:22 Balancing Writing with Realistic Expectations 42:54 Current Reads and Recommendations 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 and Madeleine 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/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly 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/]

Tina Strachan welcomes multi-published author, podcast host, and publisher Dani Vee to discuss her journey and the release of her two new books, 'My Pet Croc' and 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain.' Dani dives into the inspiration behind her books, her personal ADHD experience, and the dynamics of writing humorous kids' books. The episode also highlights tips for aspiring writers and debut authors, focusing on market awareness, honing one's craft, and building a supportive community. Additionally, Carla Salmon introduces her upcoming teen crime mystery 'We Saw What You Started,' out now.   00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:43 Introducing Dani Vee: Author and Publisher 01:52 Discussing 'My Pet Croc' 05:30 Exploring 'My Supercharged ADHD Brain' 12:55 Carla Salmon's Upcoming Book 14:42 ADHD in Writers: Tips and Experiences 18:18 The Power of Deadlines and Competition 19:00 Sleep Patterns and Productivity 21:20 Using Alarms to Stay on Track 22:31 Creating a Productive Writing Environment 23:39 Advice for Aspiring Authors 25:34 The Importance of Honing Your Craft 31:50 Tips for Debut Authors 34:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 and Madeleine 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/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly 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/]

Literary festivals, pitching yourself for events (and podcasts!), new books and the special art of a timeline In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into lively discussions about their writing processes and experiences. They  reveal insights on writing timelines, the importance of mapping them out carefully, and how timelines can impact the narrative structure. The episode highlights the excitement and challenges involved in attending and speaking at literary festivals, emphasising the significance of networking and building community within the literary world. Tina promotes the upcoming Currumbin Crime Writers Festival, while Madeleine advises checking out Literary Listings for festival information. Engaging and informative, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts. Festival lists in Australia * Literary Listings (Victoria) [https://literarylistings.com/writers-festivals/] * ArtsHub [https://www.artshub.com.au/news/news/australian-literary-festivals-in-2025-2769340/] Our Debut in the Spotlight is author Sarah Lane with Surprise Shark [https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Surprise-Shark!/Sarah-Lane/9781922992826] (Affirm Press, 2025), illustrated by Patrick Corrigan.  00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:43 19th Century Vibes and Writing Influences 03:35 Madeleine's New Book Announcement 05:18 Deep in Edits and Upcoming Releases 06:47 The Importance of Timelines in Writing 12:26 Upcoming Events and Workshops 15:05 Surprise Shark: A Delightful New Picture Book 16:33 Williamstown Literary Festival Highlights 17:01 Sex, Love, and Taboo: A Festival Experience 18:30 Meeting Literary Heroes in the Green Room 19:39 The Importance of Networking and Community Building 23:39 Pitching Yourself to Festivals 28:06 The Value of Paid Festival Appearances 30:25 Upcoming Currumbin Crime Writers Festival 32:25 Top Tips and Recommendations 33:42 Conclusion 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 and Madeleine 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/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly 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/]

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews author Jane Tara about her book 'Tilda Is Visible' and how she uses manifesting and visualization to achieve her writing dreams. Jane discusses her journey, the power of understanding what you want, and taking steps to get there. They explore the impact of meditation, the creation of vision boards, and how being clear about goals can lead to success. Jane shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on the importance of aligning with your goals, manifesting creatively, and overcoming self-doubt in the writing journey.  This week’s Debut Spotlight is Angela Tonioli and her book ‘Mavis the Little Plane Spotter’ with Wombat Books. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:46 Introducing Jane Tara and Her Unique Approach 02:06 Jane Tara's Writing Journey and Career Insights 05:57 The Inspiration Behind 'Tilda is Visible' 11:18 Manifesting Success and Overcoming Challenges 23:15 The Power of Vision Boards and Manifestation 38:02 A Magical Encounter in West Hollywood 39:09 The Power of Vision Boards 41:15 Navigating Opportunities as an Author 42:20 Finding the Right Publisher 51:22 The Role of Meditation in Creativity 01:01:54 Visualization Techniques for Success 01:07:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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 and Madeleine 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/] If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine and Tina's quarterly 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/]