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 WA writing community who regularly moderates author interviews around Perth. She is the author of the historical novel, The Distance Between Dreams (Fremantle Press, 2025) and the short story collection, Well-Behaved Women (Margaret River Press, 2019). The Distance Between Dreams was shortlisted for the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award under the working title 'The Dreamers.' Emily was also highly commended for the 2021 Fogarty Literary Award for her manuscript, 'The Good Daughter.

Emily shares the highs and lows of her 17-year journey to publication, including the inspiration behind her works, the significance of setting, and the importance of place in historical fiction. They discuss Emily’s experiences with the publishing industry, her role as a book reviewer and librarian, and the value of libraries for authors. Emily also offers practical advice for writers at every stage of their journey and emphasises the importance of community and persistence in the literary world.

You can subscribe to Emily's Substack here.

This week's Debut in the Spotlight is Darcy Green with their debut novel, After the Siren (Penguin, September 2025),

00:55 Introducing Emily Paull
01:37 Emily's Journey in the Book Industry
04:58 The Reality of Being a Writer
08:40 The Long Road to Publication
19:07 Short Stories
27:59 The Fogarty Literary Award
30:35 The Distance Between Dreams
33:07 Darcy Green's Debut Novel
34:24 The Fogarty Award Journey
40:23 Historical Research and Fremantle's Significance
45:47 Writing About the Thai-Burma Railway
49:25 Tips for Authors Working with Libraries
58:44 Becoming a Book Reviewer
01:02:16 Final Thoughts and Top Tips for Writers

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You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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, Kamilaroi, and European heritage, shares the journey of her career transition from policy roles to writing. She offers an elevator pitch of 'Melaleuca,' a gripping crime novel involving Aboriginal detective Renee Taylor, and explores the themes of violence against Aboriginal women, sovereignty, and intergenerational trauma. Angie outlines her writing process, including her use of dual timelines, the influence of personal experiences, and the importance of layered storytelling. She also gives insights into her publishing journey, mentorship, and the role of patience and enjoyment in writing. The episode concludes with advice for emerging writers, emphasizing the importance of research, patience, and maintaining a balanced life.

00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast
00:56 Introducing Angie Faye Martin
01:48 Discussing Melaleuca: The Elevator Pitch
05:10 The Inspiration Behind Melaleuca
14:08 Angie's Writing Journey
17:34 The Publishing Process and Mentorship
25:13 Kasey Whitelaw's New Book Announcement
26:50 Cover Design and Serendipity
27:48 Signing the Contract
29:21 Promotions and Public Speaking
33:52 Writing Routine and Balancing Life
35:14 Planning and Writing the Sequel
42:03 Tips for Emerging Writers
47:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 authors: Lucie Stevens, Shara Curlett, and Sandy Bigna. The authors discuss their unique publication journeys, the importance of community and continuous learning, and share valuable tips for aspiring writers. They also delve into the genres of middle grade literature, discussing themes, character ages, and writing conventions. The episode highlights the importance of resilience, the role of social media, and maintaining the joy of writing. Special mention is made of the supportive writing communities and platforms such as the CBCA and the now-disbanded Duck Pond.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast
00:56 Special Episode: Middle Grade Debut Authors
01:11 Meet the Authors: Lucie Stevens, Shara Curlett, and Sandy Bigna
03:37 Lucie Stevens' Debut Novel: A Spooky Adventure
05:21 Sandy Bigna's Verse Novel: Bones and Magic
08:13 Shara Curlett's Magical Adventure: Welcome to Miracle
10:08 Understanding Middle Grade Fiction
14:47 Sandy Bigna's Publication Journey
24:20 Lucie Stevens' Path to Publication
33:20 The Thrill of a Two-Book Deal
34:15 Shara's Unique Journey to Publication
38:06 Finding Community and Support

44:54 Debut Spotlight with Natalie Kyriacou
46:46 The Importance of Continuous Learning
47:32 Tips for Aspiring and Debut Authors
59:47 The Role of Social Media in a Writer's Journey
01:03:00 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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You can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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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 Strachan, Madeleine Cleary, and Natasha Rai discuss various aspects of the writing life, including burnout, the importance of nature, the benefits of cold showers, and practical tips for managing time and self-care. They also share personal updates and emphasise the need for thorough editing before submitting work to competitions. The episode concludes with an update on the podcast's growth plans and a call for Patreon support.

PATREON: After a year of The Book Deal Podcast and 51 episodes, we're looking to grow our community. If you've been enjoying the show and want to help keep us bring you conversations about the writing life, we'd love for you to join our Patreon for the less than the cost of a coffee per month.

Your contribution will be going directly to cover the costs of our podcast, and it also means we'll be able to keep paying our sound producer, Brogan. We've got lots of exciting things planned for our patrons, and we can't wait to share more as it all unfolds. So if you'd like to come along for the ride, head to our Patreon page.

And we'd love to have you on board. Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Book Deal Podcast family.

This week's Debut in the Spotlight is DJ Taylor with her YA novel Anna's War (July 2025, Riveted Press).

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:56 Catching Up After a Long Time

01:27 Tina's Exciting Book Launch

03:06 Melbourne Weather Woes

05:01 Natasha's Event at the Emerging Writers Festival

07:18 Discussing Burnout for Writers

17:22 Recognizing Burnout Symptoms

20:03 Introducing Anna's War

21:35 Managing Digital Distractions

26:40 Intention Setting and Time Management

32:29 Top Tips for Authors

36:34 Podcast Updates and Conclusion

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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Jessica Box (co-founder of Matched) on portfolio careers for creatives, growing your author business, content creation and social media.

In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, Madeleine delves into the intersection of writing and business with Jessica Box, an accomplished growth executive and founder of Matched: a knowledge-sharing marketplace with 250+ vetted advisors and coaches.

Jessica shares her journey from a creative student to a tech leader, discusses the importance of storytelling in business, and offers actionable advice on managing a portfolio career, utilising social media, and avoiding burnout. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of connection and knowledge sharing through Jessica's platform, Matched, offering invaluable insights for writers at any stage of their career.

If you would like to connect with Jessica, reach out to her at:

• Instagram: @matched.community

This week's Debut in the Spotlight is the delightful Holly Cardamone with her YA novel Summer, In Between (Hawkeye Publishing, September 2025).

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast

00:42 Introducing Jessica Box: A Multifaceted Leader

01:14 The Intersection of Business and Writing

01:55 A Journey Through Friendship and Career

07:39 The Importance of Storytelling and Authenticity

12:08 Navigating the Tech World and Personal Growth

25:07 Building a Portfolio Career

29:46 The Guilt of Taking Time Away from Writing

30:00 Allocating Time for Tasks

30:28 The Importance of Structured Time Blocks

32:11 Introducing 'Summer in Between'

32:32 The Story of Kat and Paul

34:09 Excitement and Implementation of New Strategies

35:25 Finding Joy and Boundaries in Social Media

37:28 The Power of TikTok for Authors

40:30 The Future of AI and Social Media

46:11 Introducing the Matched Platform

48:20 Becoming a Good Coach or Trainer

52:58 Final Thoughts and Top Tips

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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In this episode, host Natasha Rai sits down with paramedic and debut author Sally Gould to discuss her memoir, "Frog." Sally shares her journey from keeping clinical journals as a student to transforming her experiences into a compelling narrative. The conversation explores the challenges of writing memoir, the process of seeking feedback, navigating the publishing world, and the emotional impact of sharing personal stories. Sally offers candid insights into the realities of paramedic life, the importance of time in the creative process, and advice for aspiring writers.

00:00 – Introduction
Natasha introduces the Book Deal Podcast and previews the episode’s focus on debut and seasoned authors.

00:27 – Acknowledgement of Country
Madeleine Cleary delivers the land and waters acknowledgment.

00:40 – Meet Sally Gould
Natasha introduces Sally, her background as a paramedic, and the inspiration behind "Frog."

01:29 – Sally’s Elevator Pitch
Sally describes her memoir and its focus on personal and professional growth.

02:37 – The Origins of "Frog"
Sally discusses her early journals, the transition from private reflection to public story, and the initial audience she imagined.

05:46 – Turning Journals into a Book
Sally explains her self-directed learning process, editing, and the challenges of writing as a novice.

09:07 – Feedback and Growth
Sally shares her experiences with feedback from family, manuscript assessments, and professional editors, and how she learned to process and use criticism constructively.

13:17 – The Publishing Journey
Sally details her approach to competitions, mentorship, and ultimately securing an agent and publishing deal.

18:45 – Editing, Publication, and Self-Care
Sally reflects on the final editing rounds, the emotional impact of publication, and strategies for handling negative feedback.

24:03 – Life After Publication
Sally talks about her current writing practice, balancing work and family, and the challenges of starting new projects.

27:42 – Community Response and Advice for Writers
Sally discusses feedback from colleagues and readers, the importance of visibility, and offers tips for aspiring memoirists and those seeking traditional publication.

31:38 – Closing Thoughts & Intention Setting
Natasha wraps up with refle

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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In episode 48 of the Book Deal podcast, host Tina Strachan interviews Bethany Loveridge, a champion of children's literature. The episode explores Bethany's journey from writing her first story as a child to becoming a debut author with her middle grade novel, Harper Wells Renegade Timeline Officer. Bethany shares insights into her experiences, including the creation and publication of her graphic novel publishing house, Perenti Press. She offers valuable advice on navigating the publication process, writing strategies, and the importance of reading. Listeners also get an exclusive preview of Perenti Press's upcoming projects and tips for pitching submissions. Additionally, author Jessica Mansour-Nahra briefly discusses her upcoming Australian Gothic thriller, The Farm.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Deal Podcast
00:46 Meet Bethany Loveridge: Kid Lit Powerhouse
03:59 Bethany's Journey to Her First Book Deal
18:51 The Birth of Harper Wells: Renegade Timeline Officer
24:32 Upcoming Works and Future Plans
25:29 Exciting New Picture Book Release
25:55 Introducing 'The Farm': An Australian Gothic Thriller
27:51 Understanding Middle Grade Literature
34:36 The Importance of Graphic Novels
35:02 Launching Parenti Press: A New Publishing Venture
41:30 Tips for Aspiring Authors and Pitching Advice
48:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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In this episode of the Book Deal podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Natasha Rai share their experiences from their writing residency at Magnetic Island, Northern Queensland. Joined by other writers as part of the Roderick Centre's Writers on the Reef Residency, Tina and Natasha discuss the inspirational impact of the island on their work, the productivity from uninterrupted writing time, and the joy of being part of a supportive writers’ community. They talk about their respective projects, the benefits of the residency, and chat with Nicole Crowe, who manages the residency program. The episode also features insights on what the program looks for in applications and shares Nicole Crowe's upcoming debut book, 'The Washup.'

00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast
00:42 Magnetic Island Writing Retreat
01:46 The Residency Experience
03:10 Writing Progress and Inspirations
10:16 Event at Mary Who Books
11:52 Reflections and Future Plans
13:33 Introducing A Zaykova and Galaxy Grifter
14:24 Introduction to Galaxy Grifter
15:01 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast
15:22 Writers on the Reef Residency
17:04 Application Process and Tips
21:43 Common Application Mistakes
24:48 Nicole Crowe's Debut Book
28:07 Publishing Journey Insights
31:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love.

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, Madeleine and Natasha 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
Natasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videos
Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor

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