A traditional book deal is not a magic ticket to becoming a thought leader, gaining validation, or creating impact out of thin air. You are ready to pursue one when you already have proof that your advice matters, works for the people you serve, and has the potential to reach people at scale.
You know it is time to pursue your book deal when you have proof that your advice matters to people — and, to some extent, that what you have to say is effective and that people will pay for it. Preferably at scale, and preferably with a business.
In a lot of ways, coming up with a viable book idea is easy. But writing a book requires practice: practice sharing your ideas with your target audience, practice learning what they want from you, and practice knowing what resonates and what doesn’t — and refining that message while growing your ability to reach more and more people.
Ultimately, the difference between people who want a book and those who end up getting a book with a traditional publisher is about impact.
Specifically, it is about their desire to make an impact not just with a book, but with everything they do.
Why Impact Matters to Publishers
There is a reason most of the entrepreneurs, experts, and creators Meghan Stevenson works with have millions of followers and run multimillion-dollar businesses. They are not depending on their book to share their message because, in many ways, they are the message.
These entrepreneurs, experts, and creators get up every day ready to slay in their particular lane, on their particular topics of expertise, for the particular people they serve and work with.
This level of purpose and commitment drives people to build the platform necessary to get a book deal. That work also pays off in the proposal and manuscript, where the message is clear, is concise, and it resonates.
Seeing your book as one piece of the broader impact you are going to make fundamentally shifts the way you approach traditional publishing.
Instead of seeing yourself only as a writer — or even as a guide with a message that matters — you understand that a book deal is a business partnership.
And that changes everything.
Your publisher is not a fairy godmother who will magically create impact out of thin air. A book deal is also not the magic ticket you need to be seen as a thought leader or to get the validation you really, really want.
When you put your book in its rightful place as one piece of your greater impact, you realize that you need to be thoughtful, strategic, and ready.
To be ready, you have to know who you are writing for and know that what you are sharing is really going to matter. Your advice needs to work.
The clients Meghan has seen succeed and hit bestseller lists were focused on more than writing their book. They were also prepared to promote, market, and launch their work into the world like any other product or service offering in their business.
Their book mattered, but it was not their only focus.
For some clients, writing a book is not even intended to generate revenue. Instead, the book is one part of their broader mission to make an impact with the audience they already serve — and to move their followers, clients, and audience to deeper work at a higher cost.
How Do You Know Your Book Idea Is Ready?
You are ready to pursue a traditional nonfiction book deal when:
You have tested your ideas and know your advice works for the people you serve.
You have proof that your message matters to people.
You understand what resonates with your target audience and what does not.
You have refined your message through practice sharing your ideas.
You are growing your ability to reach more people.
You have the platform that makes a book appealing to a publisher.
You are prepared to promote, market, and launch the book.
You see the book as one component of a bigger mission and broader business impact.
Doing this work creates the potential for a bestseller. It also gives you the platform that makes your book appealing to a publisher.
From there, all you need to do is show up and slay to make an even bigger impact with your words.
Questions Answered in This Episode
When are you ready to pursue a traditional nonfiction book deal?
What proof do you need before seeking a book deal?
Does your advice need to work before you write a book?
Why does testing your ideas matter before pursuing traditional publishing?
What is the difference between wanting a book and getting a book idea with a traditional publisher?
Why is impact important when pursuing a traditional book deal?
Do you need a platform to get a book deal?
Why do entrepreneurs, experts, and creators build large audiences before pursuing a book?
Is a traditional publisher responsible for creating your impact?
Will a book deal automatically make you a thought leader?
Is a traditional book deal a form of validation?
Why should you view a book deal as a business partnership?
What does it mean to see your book as part of your greater impact?
Do authors need to market and promote their books?
Do books need to generate revenue directly?
How can a book support deeper work with your followers, clients, and audience?
What creates the potential for a bestseller?
What might be blocking you from pursuing your book deal?
To understand whether you are ready, take Meghan’s free assessment and have custom advice delivered right to your inbox: meghanstevenson.com/quiz.
