Kind Of A Big Book Deal
"Kind of a Big Book Deal" is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs eager to dive into the world of traditional publishing. Hosted by Meghan Stevenson, a seasoned editor with deep roots in the publishing industry, this podcast is perfect for anyone dreaming of topping the bestseller lists. Meghan shares her wealth of experience, including securing over $5 million in book deals for her clients from giants like Penguin and Harper Collins. Each episode is packed with insider tips on snagging a book deal, building a compelling author platform, and the realities of the publishing journey.
Meghan's approachable style and candid discussions make learning about the often-intimidating publishing process enjoyable and relatable. She brings on successful authors to share their stories, offers straightforward advice, and answers listener questions, all while keeping things light and engaging. "Kind of a Big Book Deal" isn't just informative—it's like sitting down with a good friend who knows the ins and outs of the publishing world.
The podcast airs new episodes every other Friday, providing fresh insights and ongoing support for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting out or you're looking to expand your reach in the literary world, Meghan's guidance and the vibrant community she fosters can help you navigate your way to publishing success with confidence and a few laughs along the way.
Episodes
60 episodes
Does Your Book Idea Have a Fatal Flaw?
A strong nonfiction book idea is not about what you care about — it’s about a specific problem that a clearly defined audience already wants solved and is willing to pay for. If your idea doesn’t pass that test, it will struggle to sell to both...
From Burnout to Book Deal with Dr. Jen Rafferty, author of The Empowered Educator
A book deal is not just about having a good idea. It is about becoming the kind of person who can carry that idea all the way into the world.In this episode of *Kind of a Big Book Deal*, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Dr. Jen Rafferty,...
Get Paid to Make a Bigger Impact
What if your book deal could do more than publish your ideas? What if it could help fund your legacy?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson explains why traditional publishing can be a powerful form of leverage for...
What AI Means for Authors (and Publishers)
AI may be loud, but your real ideas still matter. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan breaks down what entrepreneurs, experts, creators, and thought leaders need to understand about AI, copyright, and traditional publishing. She ...
Traditional Publishing for Entrepreneurs: The ROI of Investing in Your Book Deal
What if your book idea could become more than a book and become the reason your audience, business, and income finally grow?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what entrepreneurs, exper...
How to Get a Literary Agent with Dani Segelbaum of Arc Literary Management
A book deal is not just about having a great idea. It is about knowing how publishing really works before you step into the room. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson talks with literary agent Dani Segelbaum about what e...
The Real Reason Mel Robbins Became a Bestseller
What really makes a book a bestseller, and is the famous “blueprint” worth following?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson breaks down what entrepreneurs need to understand about bestselling books, platform growth...
How My Clients Land Six-Figure Book Advances (And How You Can Too)
A six-figure book deal sounds exciting, but the real story is more honest and more useful than a big number. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson explains what entrepreneurs, experts, and creators need to understand abou...
Why Bestselling Authors Invest in Book Deals with Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas
What if the book deal you want depends less on your idea and more on the business you build around it?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, founder of 7-Figure Educator™ and...
Please Stop Writing Your Book (and Other Common Mistakes)
Stop writing the book before you build the platform. In this fiery episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs, experts, and creators make when trying to land a traditional publishi...
How to Think Like a Founder with Amy Smilovic
What if the biggest risk is letting other people define success for you?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi and author of Almost Reckless, to talk about building a life and business that feels ...
How My Clients Earned $7M+ from Big 5 Publishers
What actually makes a publisher say yes to a book deal? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the real thinking behind successful traditional publishing deals through her 3P framework: potential, platform, and proposal. She explains tha...
Why Big Authors (Usually) Don't Self Publish
What if the biggest value of your book has nothing to do with book sales alone?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson explains why a book is more than a product. It is intellectual property, and that changes the way entrepreneurs should thin...
Why Entrepreneurs, Experts, and Creators Hire Book Collaborators with Daphne Delvaux
What happens when years of hard-earned expertise finally become a book that can help thousands of people at once?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson talks with employment lawyer Daphne Delvaux about building a platform, landing a traditio...
What Happens When You Get a Book Deal
What if getting a book deal is not the finish line, but the start of a real business partnership?In this episode, Megan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what actually happens after you land a traditional publishing deal. She explains...
4 Lessons I Learned About Book Publishing So You Don't Have To
What if the biggest thing standing between you and a book deal is not talent, but hesitation?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson shares four hard-earned lessons from her 20+ years in traditional publishing that can help aspiring authors m...
Get Aligned To Your Book Deal with Aiko Bethea
This week’s guest is Aiko Bethea. Aiko is a nationally recognized thought leader, educator, and facilitator who advances transformational and accountable leadership through executive coaching, practice-based learning, and systems-level change. ...
8 Things That Are a Total Waste of Money When You Want a Traditional Book Deal
What if the biggest mistake aspiring authors make isn’t writing a bad book… but spending money in the wrong places?In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, host Meghan Stevenson shares eight things entrepreneurs, creators...
How to Have a New York Times Bestselling Book
What if the reason you haven’t hit a bestseller list has less to do with talent and more to do with timing, platform, and perspective?In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what i...
How Literary Agents Help Authors with Steve Troha of Folio Literary Management
What if the biggest thing standing between you and a book deal is not your writing, but your strategy?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with literary agent Steve Troha of Folio Literary Management to unpack what really helps e...
How to Get a Book Deal: Give Me 6 Minutes and I'll Save You Two Years of Confusion About Book Deals
What if landing your dream book deal is less about luck and more about how well you prepare?In this episode, Megan Stevenson breaks down the traditional publishing world using two familiar shows: American Idol and Shark Tank. Through th...
Mistakes that Kill Your Book Deal: Understanding the Biggest Lie You Might Believe About Traditional Publishing
What if the biggest thing holding you back from a book deal isn’t lack of talent, connections, or followers—but believing there’s some “secret” you’re missing?In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson busts one of the industry’s biggest my...
Get a Book Deal with 15,000 Followers (or Less) with Nick Wolny
In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with author and media expert Nick Wolny to unpack the real mechanics behind getting traditionally published. Nick shares how he secured his book deal by identifying a clear niche, validating market de...
The One Question Every Author Must Answer to Land a Book Deal
What if the biggest factor in landing a book deal has nothing to do with your writing talent?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson explains the real question publishers care about: how many copies you can sell and exactly how you’ll do it. ...
Seven Things Nobody is Telling You About Writing a Book People Buy
What if everything you believe about getting a book deal is wrong?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson delivers a bold, honest breakdown of what it really takes to write and publish a nonfiction book that sells. She challenges the idea tha...