2025 Debut Authors on book deals, how to debut, writing tips and launch feelings

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Madeleine Cleary delve into the journeys of three 2025 debut authors, Kate Horan, Emma Pignatiello, and Marion Taffe.

• 'Last Shot' by Emma Pignatiello (Penguin Random House, 28 January 2025 in Australia).
• 'The Inheritance' by Kate Horan (HQ Fiction, 1 January 2025 in Australia).
• 'By Her Hand' by Marion Taffe (HarperCollins Australia, 6 March 2025 in Australia).

The episode explores the unique themes and backgrounds of their novels, their experiences navigating the publishing world, and the highs and lows of the writing and editing process. Featuring Kate, Emma and Marion's unique stories about shocking DNA test results, murder plots in wineries, and a 10th-century poetess, the discussion highlights the different paths to becoming a published author, craft advice, and tips for aspiring writers.

This episode's 'Debut Spotlight' is author Nadia Mahjouri, and her book 'Half Truth' (Penguin Random House, 11 February 2025): A daughter searches for her father; a mother for her son. From isolated Tasmania to vibrant Morocco, two women seek the truth about what happened to the same man.

Emma, Kate and Marion also recommend some debut novels for your TBR:

• 'The Safe Keep' by Yael van der Wouden
• 'Everything is Perfect' by Maxine Fawcett
• 'Tidelines' by Sarah Sasson
• 'Whenever You're Ready' by Trish Bolton
• 'Into the Margins' by Gail Holmes
• 'Green Dot' by Madeleine Gray
• 'Anomaly' by Emma Lord.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast

00:42 Introducing the Debut Crew

02:11 Meet Marion Taffe: Historical Fiction Writing

06:36 Emma Pignatiello: From YA Fantasy to Romantic Suspense

12:57 Kate Horan: Unveiling Family Secrets in 'The Inheritance'

32:26 Debut Spotlight: Nadia Mahjouri

34:34 Managing Publicity and Social Media

36:44 Pre-Launch Anxieties

38:47 Post-Launch Reflections

42:04 Debut Author Recommendations

48:17 Writing Tips and Techniques

57:12 Finding Your Voice as a Writer

01:00:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

You can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:
Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author

In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, Natasha Rai hosts Christine Shamista, a poet of Sri Lankan Tamil ancestry living in Sydney. Christine shares her journey to publishing her debut poetry collection, 'Soft Side of Red,' released in November 2023 by Gazebo Books. She discusses the unexpected path her collection took, the importance of feedback, and her ongoing efforts in writing fiction novels. Christine also delves into the challenges of the writing and publication process, offering insights on how she navigates disappointment, maintains her passion for storytelling, and manages the business aspects of being an author.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast

00:39 Meet Christine Shamista: Poet and Writer

01:41 Christine's Poetry Journey

06:30 The Path to Publication

08:34 Navigating the Writing Process

17:08 Balancing Business and Creativity

21:58 The Challenge of Receiving Feedback

23:02 Introducing Lisa Torreno and Her Novel

23:46 The Journey of Prince of Fortune

24:28 The Importance of Traditional Publishing

25:36 Overcoming Writing Challenges

26:53 The Joy of Storytelling

31:51 Managing Disappointment and Perseverance

35:23 Knowing When to Submit Your Work

39:29 Final Tips for Aspiring Writers

42:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

You can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:
Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author

In this episode of The Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan interviews Dean Rankine, a renowned author-illustrator best known for his work on iconic franchises such as The Simpsons, Futurama, and Rick and Morty. Dean shares his journey from a shy, anxious child passionate about drawing to becoming a prolific illustrator and author, discussing his latest book series 'Death Metal Emo Elves.' The conversation delves into the challenges of merging writing and illustrating, the impact of AI on creative industries, and practical advice for aspiring author-illustrators. Dean emphasizes the importance of persistence, navigating rejections, and leveraging side gigs to sustain a creative career. Additionally, the episode explores his role in comic conventions and the enriching, albeit demanding, experience of conducting school workshops.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast

00:43 Introducing Dean Rankin

02:17 Dean's Journey as an Illustrator

04:37 The Impact of AI on Creativity

13:20 Dean's Notable Works

15:31 Creating Death Metal Emo Elves

20:39 Persistence in the Publishing Industry

28:41 Drawing for The Simpsons and Rick and Morty

37:22 Influence of Reading on Writing

37:54 Comic Book Creation Process

38:32 Challenges of Being an Author-Illustrator

40:19 Navigating the Publishing World

41:50 Successful Collaborations

50:33 Balancing Side Gigs and Creative Work

01:00:05 Comic Conventions and Workshops

01:08:54 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors and Illustrators

01:11:48 Philosophy on Creative Success

Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videos

You can find out more about Tina and Madeleine and follow their journeys here:
Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videos
Tina Strachan children's book author
Madeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videos
Madeleine Cleary | Author