In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to become a bestselling author. Using client examples like Vivian Tu, she explains that bestseller status isn’t random and it’s not always about raw sales either. The New York Times list is curated, while USA Today rankings are based on actual sales data. That difference matters.

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with literary agent Steve Troha of Folio Literary Management to unpack what really helps entrepreneurs, experts, and creators land traditional publishing deals. One of the biggest takeaways is that a strong book idea is not enough on its own. You also need platform, positioning, and the right people around you. Steve explains why agents do far more than pitch books. They help shape the concept, negotiate better deals, guide authors through a slow and often confusing process, and protect the author’s relationships with publishers.

In this episode, Megan Stevenson breaks down the traditional publishing world using two familiar shows: American Idol and Shark Tank. Through these simple comparisons, she explains why authors usually get only one real shot to impress agents and editors, why publishers want partners, not passengers, and why preparation is everything.

In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on traditional publishing and exposes one of the industry’s biggest myths: there is no magic shortcut. Instead, success comes from mastering the 3P Framework™—Potential, Platform, and Proposal. Meghan explains why your idea must be proven, why your audience matters more than vanity metrics, and why a professional proposal can make or break your chances.

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 demand, and leveraging relationships instead of chasing vanity metrics. One of the biggest takeaways is that platform is not just about audience size. It is about distribution, engagement, and your ability to move people to action.

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. She walks listeners through the core elements of her book deal readiness assessment, revealing why having a strong idea alone isn’t enough. Your business, audience, intellectual property, and proven sales systems all work together to determine whether publishers see you as a smart investment.

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 that passion and personal stories are enough, reminding listeners that readers care most about solving their own problems—your job as an author is to serve them.

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson sits down with publishing experts Lauren Marie Fleming and Richelle Fredson for an honest, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to write a meaningful book and navigate traditional publishing without losing yourself along the way.

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what really matters in traditional publishing for entrepreneurs and experts. She explains why great ideas alone are not enough, and why proof of concept, a strong audience, and a clear strategy are essential for success. Meghan introduces her 3P Framework™: Potential, Platform, and Proposal, and shows how each one plays a critical role in getting publishers to say yes.

In this episode, publishing expert and host Meghan Stevenson breaks down exactly how she would land a traditional book deal in 2026 if she had no followers, no connections, and only an idea she believed in. Instead of chasing shortcuts or hype, Meghan lays out a clear, grounded path built on business growth, real audience demand, and patience.

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with sex and relationship coach Caitlin V to explore what it really takes to turn years of lived experience, research, and repetition into a powerful book. Caitlin shares her journey from academia to coaching to YouTube fame, and why writing a book was never about money, influence, or status.

Most books never break 300 copies. That single fact alone stops a lot of aspiring authors in their tracks. In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, Meghan Stevenson breaks down why traditionally published books consistently sell more copies and what that means if you are thinking about writing a book.

What if landing a book deal wasn’t about luck at all, but about learning how the publishing world really works? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan sits down with bestselling author and former teacher–turned–entrepreneur Jamie Sears to break open the truth behind traditional publishing, platform building, and writing a book that actually gets picked up.

What if the book deal you dream about isn’t actually far away, it just needs the right plan, the right timing, and the right support? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson opens the doors to traditional publishing even wider by sharing the exact framework she uses to help experts and entrepreneurs land major book deals. She breaks down her trusted Three P Framework and explains why each step matters more than most aspiring authors realize. From understanding whether your idea can sell, to proving you have a real, working audience, to crafting a compelling proposal, Meghan shows you the path publishers actually want to see.

What if the guidance you’re trusting for your book dream is actually slowing you down? In this episode, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the publishing world, and the people profiting from it, to help you avoid the traps so many first-time authors fall into. After 20+ years in traditional publishing, she’s seen how crowded the “get published” space has become, and how much of it is built on shaky advice, recycled teachings, and experts with no real experience.

What if your story could open doors and reshape who gets to be seen? In this episode, Meghan talks with PR expert Caitlin Copple, co-founder of Full Swing PR, about the kind of visibility that actually drives results for entrepreneurs who want book deals and real impact.

What if your book idea isn’t the problem, it’s your platform? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, publishing expert Meghan Stevenson breaks down why building your author platform matters more than obsessing over comps, subcategories, or bookstore placement.

What if success wasn’t about competition but collaboration? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with bestselling author Ruchika Tulshyan, whose new book Uncompete flips the script on what it means to win. Ruchika shares how the myth of “doing it all yourself” keeps entrepreneurs and authors burnt out and isolated and how equity, generosity, and radical collaboration can build true, sustainable success.

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson reveals the missing piece behind most failed book pitches: intellectual property that’s uniquely yours. She explains why having your own framework, language, and approach isn’t just nice, it’s non-negotiable if you want to stand out to agents and publishers.

In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with CPA and profit strategist Jamie Trull to talk about building businesses that thrive, not just survive. Jamie shares her journey from corporate life at Coca-Cola to creating a booming financial education platform. Jamie’s new book Hidden Profit offers a smarter, more adaptable approach to managing money. She also reveals the power of building genuine community and how showing up with service first leads to long-term loyalty and growth.