Shows / The Book Deal
The Book Deal
Motivation and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them pave their own pathway to publishing success.
Episodes
- The Book Deal
Date with a Debut - The Book Deal crossover episode
Host Tina Strachan welcomes Date With a Debut host Nick Wasiliev for a collaboration episode. Nick explains his podcast’s focus on debut authors’ books…
- The Book Deal
Debut Picture Book Crew 2026 - journeys, excitement and advice from the other side of the book deal
Hosts Tina Strachan welcomes debut authors Brenton Cullen, Jemima Parker, and Seetha Dodd to discuss their publication journeys and picture-book craft. Brenton…
- The Book Deal
The Publishing Deal: behind the scenes with publisher, publicist and author, Kelly Doust
Hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai interview publishing professional and author Kelly Doust about her two-decade career across major and independent…
- The Book Deal
Debut Crew 2026 Part 2: on the other side of publication - thoughts and feels
Natasha Rai hosts a follow-up conversation with Debut Crew 2026 authors Sophie Stern (What Is Left For Us), Inessa Jackson (Devil Mountain), and Leearna Shaw…
- The Book Deal
Pip Williams on the challenges of writing her latest novel, The German Ward
Madeleine chats with Pip Williams ahead of the release of her third novel, The German Ward. Pip set out with a mission to write a mature love story, but the…
- The Book Deal
LIVE! With Agony Aunt Toni Jordan at the Emerging Writers Festival
Recorded live at day one of the National Writers’ Conference at the Emerging Writers Festival 2026, this special Book Deal Podcast “agony aunt” session…
- The Book Deal
How rejections, agents, sleep-deprived writing and persistence led to Shara Curlett's blockbuster new series
Tina Strachan interviews New Zealand author Shara Curlett during the launch of her new middle-grade fantasy series Protector of Beyond. Curlett describes book…
- The Book Deal
Andrea Mara on adapting a novel for TV and writing bestselling fiction
This week, Madeleine chats with Irish author, Andrea Mara, about TV adaptations, getting permission to write, writing bestselling crime fiction, and her latest…
- The Book Deal
Shannon Kelly-White on writing fearlessly and owning your voice
Madeleine chats with debut Aussie novelist, Shannon Kelly-White. Shannon is a happy country girl who writes gritty, hopeful fiction about women who push back…
- The Book Deal
Literary agent, Grace Heifetz, on how to get published and championing Aussie authors
The Book Deal podcast interviews Australian literary agent Grace Heifetz about her career and advice for writers seeking traditional publication. Heifetz…
- The Book Deal
What we have learned (and observed) after 100 episodes of Book Dealin'
We've hit 100 episodes! Thank you so much for supporting us over the last two years. We couldn’t have done it without you. In our 100th episode, we reflect on…
- The Book Deal
How to create best selling survival thrillers and writing for all ages with Sarah Armstrong
Tina Strachan interviews award-winning children’s author Sarah Armstrong about the wide recognition of her middle-grade survival thriller Run (including CBCA…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Tina checks in on Madeleine and Natasha in the editing trenches
Tina Strachan interviews Madeleine Cleary and Natasha Rai about being deep in the editing trenches for their second books while juggling demanding jobs and…
- The Book Deal
Representation and writing magical stories with Jasmin McGaughey
Natasha Rai interview's Jasmine McGaughey, a Torres Strait Islander and African American writer and editor, about her debut YA speculative novel Moonlight and…
- The Book Deal
SPECIAL EP: School Author Talks - Everything You Need to Know (Part 2)
This Book Deal podcast mega Author Talk special (part two) focuses on how to deliver successful school author visits ahead of Book Week. Children’s author…
- The Book Deal
SPECIAL EP: School Author Talks - Everything You Need to Know (Part 1)
This special “mega ep” of The Book Deal Podcast, hosted by Tina Strachan, focuses on how to deliver successful school author visits ahead of August Book Week…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Are too many books being published and is community the key to increased readers? Plus the joy of book boxes! Catch up with Tina and Natasha.
Hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai catch up. Natasha shares being highly commended for a Varuna fellowship (amid 812 entries), explains Varuna as the National…
- The Book Deal
Jessie Tu on writing real characters, obsession with older women and being seen as an author
Join our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer…
- The Book Deal
Kayte Nunn on writing bestselling fiction across genres and publishers
Kayte Nunn is the bestselling author of nine novels, including The Botanist’s Daughter, The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant, The Silk House and The Last…
- The Book Deal
Sarah Clutton shares how travelling the world and 'trusting the process' helped her create The Bookshop of Buried Pasts
Tina Strachan interviews author Sarah Clutton about her new novel ‘The Bookshop of Buried Pasts’. Clutton outlines the story of antiquarian book dealer…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: It's EOFY! Natasha, Tina & Madeleine discuss the business of being an author
Tina, Madeleine and Natasha catch up and discuss: Natasha's successful workshop on creativity and the nervous system, and how to get the most from creative…
- The Book Deal
Emily Maguire on non-fiction vs fiction writing, overcoming discouragement and practicalities of sustaining a writing life
Natasha Rai interviews author Emily Maguire about her Queensland Literary Award–winning, Prime Minister’s Literary Award–shortlisted novel Rapture, inspired by…
- The Book Deal
Rebecca Lim on genre-hopping, rejection and the joy of 'having no brand'
Content warning: Please note this episode contains brief references to crimes against children, including mentions of historical cases and industry…
- The Book Deal
Jess Galatola: reaching young readers through writing books with heart
Tina Strachan welcomes author and teacher Jess Galatola to The Book Deal podcast to discuss her upcoming children’s books: picture book The Witch Who Couldn’t…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina discuss editing deadlines, getting heckled and reading while writing
Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai introduce The Book Deal podcast and share monthly updates. Tina takes a break from an intense…
- The Book Deal
Ashley Kalagian Blunt on novel structure, strategic selling and compartmentalising when researching
Natasha Rai interviews author Ashley Kalagian Blunt about her thriller Like, Follow, Die. Blunt shares an elevator pitch: a Sydney mother, known as “the most…
- The Book Deal
Bookstagram, community, events, reviews and reading with Brooke Michie (a.k.a @bmichie31)
Brooke Michie is a lifelong reader and passionate supporter of Australian authors. She works in public libraries and loves nothing more than matching readers…
- The Book Deal
Jacqueline Harvey: inside the world of one of Australia's most popular kidlit authors, and the rocky road it took to get there
Tina Strachan interviews bestselling children’s author Jacqueline Harvey about her 20+ year publishing career, including nearly 70 books, 40 audiobooks, and…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Tina and Madeleine discuss 'stalking' story ideas, bookstore bravery, and 'who are you really writing for'?
Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai reconnect after a busy few months. Natasha begins major structural edits on a 120,000-word second novel…
- The Book Deal
Jack Heath on novel ideas, writing practice and building a writing career
Natasha Rai interviews award-winning author Jack Heath (49 novels, published in 10 languages) about his YA thriller 'I Know What You’re Hiding'. Heath gives an…
- The Book Deal
Rebecca Armitage on rejection and the road to a bestseller (with pre-empts, Reese's Book Club, and a TV adaptation on the way!)
Madeleine interviews Tasmania-based ABC journalist and digital editor Rebecca Armitage about her debut novel, The Heir Apparent (December 2025, HarperCollins…
- The Book Deal
How to succeed in writing competitions, agent and publisher assessments and networking, with Tina Clark, CYA conference coordinator
Tina Strachan interviews author and CYA Conference coordinator Tina Clark about how the CYA writers and illustrators conference helps aspiring and emerging…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'
The Writing Deal: Natasha, Madeleine and Tina on being a 'good literary citizen'. Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai share their updates in…
- The Book Deal
Bridie Blake on writing romcoms, writing practice and 20 years of persevering for a book deal
Natasha Rai interviews author Bridie Blake days before her rom-com debut The Boyfriend Clause releases. Blake pitches the novel: café owner Sabrina Fogarty…
- The Book Deal
The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the Heart
The Publishing Deal: Catherine Milne, Head of Fiction at HarperCollins, on Success, Bestsellers and Writing from the Heart Catherine Milne has worked in…
- The Book Deal
Amy Doak on writing young adult fiction, twisty crime, new books and tips for navigating the querying process
Tina Strachan interviews author Amy Doak about her YA mystery thriller What Have They Done to Liza McLean?, pitched as a twisty story set at an elite boarding…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Tina, Madeleine and Natasha discuss 'listening' to Book 2, wading through the poo and figuring out the 'write' routine
Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss recent author life updates and practical publishing-event etiquette. Tina shares launching book three…
- The Book Deal
Debut Crew 26 pre-release feels, fears and excitement about having your debut novel out in the world
Natasha Rai explores the inspiring stories behind anticipated debut books of 2026 in her interview with Sophie Stern, Leearna Shaw, and Inessa Jackson, members…
- The Book Deal
Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book
Alli Parker and Mark Mupotsa-Russell on finding success with your second book In this episode, Madeleine chats second books with Alli Parker and Mark…
- The Book Deal
Amie Kaufman on celebrating all the wins, setting writing goals, connecting with readers and the realities of bestseller lists.
Tina Strachan interviews renowned science fiction and fantasy author Amie Kaufman. The conversation covers Amie's new book 'Red Star Rebels,' the writing…
- The Book Deal
The Writing Deal: Madeleine, Natasha and Tina's 2026 writing goals, journaling, royalty statements explained, and 'what is rest?'
Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai return for the 2026 edition of The Book Deal podcast. They reflect on their successful live podcast event with…
The Book DealSUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Publisher Ruby Ashby-Orr from Affirm Press
Hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary delve into the world of book publishing and the journey to getting a book deal. They are joined by Ruby Ashby Orr, a…
The Book DealSUMMER SERIES Holly Brunnbauer on securing a book deal and social media tips that create true connections
Hosts Natasha Rai delves into an inspiring conversation with emerging fiction author Holly Brunnbauer. Holly shares her journey from catching the writing bug…
The Book DealSUMMER SERIES 20 book deals! Rory H Mather tells us how its done
The summer season features an interview with Rory H. Mather, a renowned Australian picture book author. Rory shares his journey of getting published, tips for…
The Book DealSUMMER SERIES The Publishing Deal: Literary agent Samuel Bernard
Host Tina Strachan kicks off the summer season by announcing a short break for the team while replaying some of the most popular episodes. Tina and co-hosts…
The Book DealSUMMER SERIES Kylie Orr on competitions, writing craft, social media and letting go
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…
- The Book Deal
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: Kate Mildenhall on The Hiding Place
SPOILER BOOK CLUB: 'The Hiding Place' with Kate Mildenhall Madeleine leads a spoiler-filled discussion with Kate on her latest novel, The Hiding Place…
- The Book Deal
Agony Aunt Hayley Scrivenor on 'bloody mindedness' for writing success, live at Writing NSW
In this final episode of the Book Deal podcast season 2025, Tina and Madeleine have a quick catch up reflecting on their debut year and share personal…
- The Book Deal
Holly Cardamone on pre-launch strategies, communications and why publishing is a marathon, not a sprint
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast Madeleine interviews Australian award-winning author Holly Cardamone. Holly's debut novel, Summer, In Between (Hawkeye…
- The Book Deal
The Publishing Deal: Publisher, Tom Langshaw, on the strongest elements in a fiction manuscript, what to include in your submission pitch, and industry trends
In this episode of The Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai interviews Tom Langshaw, publisher at Pantera Press. Tom discusses his journey from working at…
- The Book Deal
Kidlit superstar Kate Foster on managing multi-publications, co writing, celebrating diversity and being a good industry citizen
Host Tina Strachan dives deep into the world of publishing, interviewing international multi-published Kid Lit author Kate Foster. Kate discusses her most…
- The Book Deal
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on festival preparation, public speaking tips and embarrassing mothers
The Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai dive deep into the intricacies of securing book deals, managing writing…
- The Book Deal
Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, publicity tips and what it means to be a good industry citizen
Kate Mildenhall on publishing and resilience, tips for interviewing other writers and what it means to be a good industry citizen Madeleine interviews…
- The Book Deal
Believing in yourself and the benefits of constant learning with Valerie Khoo, CEO of the Australian Writers Centre
Join our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer…
- The Book Deal
Nadia Mahjouri on finding writing support and submitting work to as many opportunities as possible
Natasha Rai interviews Nadia Mahjouri, a Moroccan Australian writer, about her debut novel 'Half Truth'. Nadia shares the journey of crafting her novel from…
- The Book Deal
Editing: spreadsheets, reading backwards, rulers and when readers point out errors
Hosts Tina Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai catch up on their busy lives, upcoming events, and delve into a detailed discussion about their editing…
- The Book Deal
Emily Paull on "retiring" from writing and her 17-year journey to publishing The Distance Between Dreams
Emily Paull is a Western Australian librarian, author and book reviewer. Having formerly worked in bookselling, Emily is an avid reader and a big supporter of…
- The Book Deal
Angie Faye Martin on writing layered stories, Indigenous representation and how to prepare for publicity and book promos
In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Natasha Rai dives into the debut novel 'Melaleuca' by Angie Faye Martin. Angie, an Australian writer of Kooma…
- The Book Deal
Middle Grade Debut Special with Shara Curlett, Sandy Bigna and Lucie Stevens
Getting That Elusive Book Deal: Insights from Debut Authors In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews three debut middle grade…
- The Book Deal
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout, anchoring your writing in time and intention setting
Natasha, Tina and Madeleine on strategies to identify and manage author burnout and intention setting In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina…