In this first episode of the Publishing Deal series, where Madeleine and Tina chat to publishing insiders, they begin by sharing their latest updates, including Madeleine's proofreading process for her manuscript and Tina's experiences at a writing conference. They also dive into a discussion about receiving feedback, particularly on spicy scenes, offering practical advice on how to handle such critiques. The episode then transitions to an interview with Samuel Bernard, a literary agent at Zeitgeist Literary Agency, who shares insights on the importance of social media for authors, what agents look for in submissions, and the benefits of having a literary agent in Australia. The interview covers how to effectively use comparative titles, the critical first 500 words of a manuscript, and the agent's role in negotiating contracts and advocating for authors.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:11 Madeleine's Book Update
02:06 Tina's Fortnight Highlights
04:35 Discussing Feedback
12:20 Interview with Samuel Bernard
19:31 The Journey to Now
20:29 The Power of Social Media for Authors
25:03 The Role of a Literary Agent
27:42 Navigating Submissions and Manuscripts
31:21 Comparative Titles and Their Importance
37:19 Benefits of Having an Agent in Australia
41:21 Final Thoughts on Agents and Publishing
Links mentioned in this app:
Booklinks Story Arts Brisbane
Author Kirsten Ealand
Illustrator Deb Hudson
Samuel Bernard
Zeitgeist Literary Agency
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Natasha Rai | Author | Mentor
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