The Book Deal

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Madeliene Cleary and Tina Strachan talk with Australian debut authors Kyra Geddes and Mark Mupotsa-Russell about their experiences writing, publishing, and promoting their first novels. Kyra discusses her historical fiction, 'The Story Thief,' and the long journey of research and rewriting, while Mark shares insights into his thriller, 'The Hit Woman's Guide to Reducing Household Debt,' and the unexpected path to a screen deal. The episode also includes discussions on manuscript assessments, author community support, dealing with reviews, and tips for aspiring writers. 00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast 00:40 Introducing Our Summer Series 00:56 Meet Kyra Geddes and Mark Mupotsa-Russell 06:32 Kyra's Journey to Publication 20:33 Mark's Journey and Mentorship Award 27:26 The Editorial Process 33:54 Promoting Your Debut Novel 35:17 Maintaining Momentum After Book Release 36:09 Big Wins and Screen Deals 40:04 Rapid Fire Questions: Year in Review 43:02 Challenges and Surprises in the Author Journey 46:50 Navigating Reviews and Mistakes 55:30 What's Next for the Authors? 01:00:35 Top Tips for Aspiring Writers 01:03:05 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/]

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 [https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460716434/neeka-and-the-missing-key-wilder-zoo-1/] Ruby Ashby-Orr [https://au.linkedin.com/in/ruby-ashby-orr-785329b0] 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/]

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 [https://www.harpercollins.com.au/theaustralianfictionprize/] 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/]

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 [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/]

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 [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/]