The Book Deal

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 [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,' host Tina Strachan interviews picture book author Kirsten Ealand, discussing her debut book 'Like a Gannet,' her writing journey, and the challenges and surprises of her debut year. Kirsten shares invaluable advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing patience, perseverance, and the strategic benefit of 'quitting' to rejuvenate creativity. She reveals the meticulous process behind crafting her book, including multiple revisions and incorporating editor feedback. Kirsten also touches on dealing with rejection and the importance of manuscript assessments. She gives a sneak peek of her upcoming release 'The Big Backyard Plan' and provides insights into handling publication pressures. 00:00 Introduction to Kirsten Earland 01:13 Kirsten's Debut Book: Like a Gannet 02:30 The Writing Process and Challenges 05:44 Manuscript Assessments and Feedback 12:04 Dealing with Rejections 18:14 Surprises in the Publishing Journey 20:30 Book Launch Day Adventures 21:12 The Emotional Journey of Seeing Your Book in Print 23:13 Navigating the Editing Process 25:18 Finding Your Voice in the Publication Process 28:56 Upcoming Releases and Future Projects 33:52 Top Tips for Aspiring Writers 34:59 The Importance of Taking Breaks 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, YA author Troy Hunter discusses the creation and publication journey of his novel 'Gus and the Missing Boy', which was released in February 2024. Troy shares insights into the idea that sparked his book, the lengthy process it took to write and transform it from an adult crime novel to a young adult thriller, and the critical role of pitching, competitions, and agent feedback. He offers valuable advice for aspiring authors on completing their manuscripts, dealing with rejections, and the importance of writing groups and competitions. The episode also covers the excitement and unexpected challenges of seeing his first book on the bookstore shelf, along with a sneak peek into his upcoming sequel 'Gus and the Burning Stones'. 00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast 00:52 Meet Troy Hunter: Author of 'Gus and the Missing Boy' 01:16 The Inspiration Behind 'Gus and the Missing Boy' 01:59 From Idea to Manuscript: The Writing Journey 03:36 Navigating the Publishing World 06:54 The Role of Competitions in Getting Published 12:43 Dealing with Rejections and Feedback 19:08 The Importance of Writing Groups and Courses 23:46 Seeing Your Book on the Shelf 27:01 Goodreads Reviews and Reader Feedback 28:52 Exciting News: The Sequel to 'Gus and the Missing Boy' 32:34 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors 34:46 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/]

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/]