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

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

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,' 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

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, 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

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 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

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 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
Ruby Ashby-Orr

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