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 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.

But the real takeaway goes deeper. Meghan shares two consistent traits she sees in bestselling authors: a willingness to build for years without guarantees, and a bigger vision that goes beyond just “having a book.” Platform, audience, credibility, and lived experience all come first. The book becomes an extension, not the starting point.

If you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or creator dreaming of a book deal, this episode will help you reset expectations, focus on what’s in your control, and ask yourself the right questions before chasing the list.