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 Publishing, September 2025) is a great one for your beach bag this summer. Holly shares insights from her book's developmental journey, including a surprising setback when she lost a notebook filled with manuscript ideas on a train in Italy, followed by a decade-long creative detour. She also discusses her manuscript winning the 2024 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and the exhilarating process of getting her book published despite numerous challenges. Holly offers valuable advice on writing processes and book promotion strategies. She emphasises the importance of authentic connections within the literary community, engaging with booksellers, and how her background in communications has influenced her successful pre-launch strategy. As mentioned by Madeleine, join us for a special Zoom Spoiler Book Club with Kate Mildenhall on The Hiding Place on Wednesday 10 December at 7pm. Tickets are free, but you'll need to sign up here.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast01:23 Holly Cardamone's Debut Novel03:59 Nostalgia and Setting in 'Summer In Between'05:12 Holly's Teenage Years and Writing Aspirations06:57 The Journey to Becoming a Writer12:27 The Lost Manuscript and Family Life14:23 Writing 'Summer In Between'19:23 Crafting Characters and Voice23:47 Writing Romance and Green Flag Characters30:11 Manuscript Assessment and Revisions34:12 The Writing Day Dilemma35:02 Balancing Life and Writing36:18 Turning 50 and Running a Marathon39:23 From Manuscript to Hawkeye Prize39:57 The Joy of Writing Again42:14 Winning the Hawkeye Prize47:13 Building Author Connections50:26 Social Media and Bookseller Strategies01:00:49 Final Tips and ConclusionJoin 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 videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...
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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 Penguin Random House to his current role, explaining the intricacies of the publishing process from manuscript acquisition to promotion. He shares insights on what makes a manuscript stand out, the importance of voice and character in fiction, and the significance of timing and market trends in publishing decisions. Tom also emphasizes the value of respectful and collaborative relationships with authors and offers advice for emerging writers on perfecting their pitches. Additionally, Tom highlights concerns about the consolidation in the publishing industry and the importance of supporting independent publishers.00:00 Welcome to The Book Deal Podcast00:56 Meet Tom Langshaw: Publisher at Pantera Press01:57 A Day in the Life of a Publisher04:45 The Art of Manuscript Selection08:31 From Editorial Assistant to Publisher12:17 Navigating the Publishing Industry16:06 The Role of Sales and Trends in Publishing21:19 Transitioning to Pantera Press32:16 Building Relationships in Publishing33:21 Connecting with Booksellers34:34 Reading for Work vs. Pleasure36:03 Editing Tips for Writers38:48 Common Mistakes in Pitching45:43 Trends in the Publishing Industry48:32 Advice for Emerging Writers56:39 Exciting Upcoming Books01:00:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin 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 videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...
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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 recent book, 'Camp Spooky,' co-written with Pip Harry, and shares insights into the co-writing process, the importance of diversity in children's literature, and her dedication to promoting awareness through initiatives like the Danz Awards and the Author Pen Pals Program. This episode is a treasure trove of advice, experiences, and behind-the-scenes details for aspiring authors at every stage of their writing journey.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement02:25 Interview with Kid Lit Superstar Kate Foster09:18 The Joys and Challenges of Co-Writing14:22 Promoting Neurodiversity in Children's Books16:44 The Dans Awards: Celebrating Diversity in Literature24:03 Author Pen Pal Program24:43 The Magic of Author Visits25:15 Launching the Free Author Pen Pals Program26:36 Personal Experiences with Author Pen Pals27:40 The Importance of Literacy and Storytelling29:39 How to Get Involved with Author Pen Pals30:39 Being a Good Industry Citizen31:16 Navigating Rejection and Building Community34:41 Top Tips for Aspiring Authors42:53 Managing Time and Staying Motivated46:19 Looking Forward to the FutureJoin 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 videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...
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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 schedules, and preparing for festivals. The conversation includes insights from experienced authors on pitching to festivals, the balance of self-care, and practical advice to handle writing burnout. They also share humorous and touching personal stories about family support and navigating audience interactions. Special announcements include a live event in Sydney featuring bestselling author Hayley Scrivenor and an exciting book giveaway. Tune in for valuable writing tips, festival prep advice, and much more.Book tickets for Christmas with The Book Deal live episode November 25 2025 at Writing NSW here.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Special Christmas Episode Announcement02:25 Technical Difficulties and Catching Up02:41 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers07:37 Upcoming Writing Festival and Tips09:31 Navigating Festival Invitations and Pitches19:05 Preparing for Festivals and Public Speaking25:08 Handling Unexpected Questions26:51 Coping with Stage Fright28:51 Funny Mum Stories35:08 Daily Routines and Time Management45:26 Final Tips and Wrap-UpJoin 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 videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...
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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 citizenMadeleine interviews acclaimed and bestselling author Kate Mildenhall. Kate gives an honest account of her journey to publication, detailing the rejections and the success along the way. Kate's latest novel, THE HIDING PLACE (November 2025, S&S), described as 'White Lotus meets The Slap, is a razor-sharp literary thriller about what happens when good people make bad decisions. Kate discusses themes like land ownership, the environment, and the evolving dynamics of long-term friendships. Kate offers valuable tips for writers navigating publicity, handling interviews, and maintaining the momentum in their writing careers. This engaging and generous chat is a must-listen for aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts.00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:56 Introducing Kate Mildenhall04:04 Kate's Journey to Becoming an Author13:37 The Rollercoaster of Publishing19:26 Navigating Rejection and Finding Success29:27 Tips for Authors on Publicity and Interviews34:45 Setting Boundaries in Publicity37:18 Discussing 'The Hiding Place'40:02 From Hummingbird to The Hiding Place41:06 Camping Memories and Inspirations49:40 The Challenges of Writing Multi-POV57:29 Themes of Land Ownership and Environmentalism01:03:50 Future Writing Plans and Dreams01:07:31 Final Tips for WritersJoin 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 videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...
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