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Publishing is vulnerable enough to make even experienced professionals question themselves. The path to a traditional nonfiction book deal is not a checklist you can flawlessly complete — it is a long-term act of empathy, relationship-building, creative discernment, and learning how to work with the right people.

Traditional publishing often gets framed as a simple formula: write a great proposal, build a big social-media following, find an agent, get a deal.

But the reality is both harder and more hopeful.

A traditional nonfiction book deal comes from creating a clear, valuable book for a specific audience — and proving you have an authentic path to reach that audience. That proof is your author platform. But platform is not just Instagram followers, press mentions, or a rushed attempt to go viral. It is the accumulated trust, expertise, community, professional network, and real-world access you have built over time.

Literary agent Anna Sproul Latimer offers a more useful way to think about it: platform is not temporary scaffolding. It is a mountain.

To get a traditional nonfiction book deal, develop a book concept that serves a defined reader need, create a compelling nonfiction proposal, demonstrate a credible platform or audience pathway, and find a literary agent whose expertise and working style are a true fit for you.

For a prescriptive nonfiction author, a book that complements an existing business can be especially compelling. If you can credibly show that clients, workshop attendees, customers, members, or partner organizations will buy and share the book, you are demonstrating a concrete sales pathway.

Today’s guest is Anna Sproul-Latimer. She is a founding partner and president of Neon Literary, has over the course of her many years in book publishing sold multiple New York Times bestsellers, major book-to-film deals, and foreign translations in more than 50 languages. She represents all types of adult nonfiction — from memoir and history to pop culture, science, and parenting — as well as select literary and upmarket fiction. (For existing clients, Anna represents just about everything, but all of her clients’ careers start and primarily consist of work in one of her two focus areas.)

Anna is drawn to buzzing, bright, curious, slightly unhinged authors who are driven by enthusiasm so infectious that (inter)national audiences are already paying attention. She particularly loves books with the vibe of that one other sort-of-normal relative at the family reunion: humor, vulnerability, honesty, refuge, and relief.

A lifelong resident of the Washington, DC, area, Anna has spent her life watching power, money, and media interact to shape the line of history. Through her work as a literary agent, she hopes to take this access, experience, and privilege and lie down in traffic with it in an attempt to force it somewhere a little less depressing.

Prior to founding Neon, Anna spent nearly 15 years as a literary agent, foreign rights director, and developmental editor at DC’s Ross Yoon Agency, which has since folded into WME. A graduate of Columbia University (BA) and Oxford (masters), she lives in the DC suburbs with her family and travels to New York frequently.

Find Anna at https://neonliterary.substack.com.

Anna has offered 25% off a 1-year subscription just for Kind of a Big Book Deal listeners at this link: https://neonliterary.substack.com/6beefd17.

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

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If your book is out there, your audience will find it…

Absolutely not.

That’s the hard truth at the center of this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, hosted by traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson of Meghan Stevenson Books. It’s not enough to have a brilliant idea or even a finished manuscript. If you can’t reliably reach the people your book is for, your impact — and your sales — will be tiny.

“I have a strong book idea. How do I make it more appealing to publishers?”

Meghan’s answer:

A great idea is necessary but not sufficient. To get a traditional nonfiction book deal — and to have your book actually sell — you need all three parts of her 3P Framework™:

• POTENTIAL – A book idea that genuinely works and is needed.
• PLATFORM – An established way to reach the readers who will buy and benefit from your book.
• PROPOSAL – A strong, industry‑standard book proposal that clearly communicates both.

Most aspiring authors over‑index on potential and ignore platform. Without developing a way to bring your ideas in front of people who would be interested in your book, once the book is in the world, no one knows about it. Don’t assume if the idea is strong enough, the book will sell itself, and don’t assume if the book is in stores and online, readers will somehow find it. That’s not how it works.

Meghan sees this assumption everywhere:

• Entrepreneurs assume the potency of the problem they solve will carry their book.
• Experts assume the depth of their credentials will carry their book.
• Creators assume “once it’s on Amazon” or “once it’s in bookstores,” readers will magically show up.

But in practice:

• Very few books sell because someone randomly walks into a bookstore and discovers them.
• Very few books sell because someone types a vague search and your title happens to appear.

You need an author platform to get a book deal — and to sell the book once you have one.

If you don’t know how to reliably reach the readers who want your book, the book is a much riskier bet — for you and for the publisher.

A great idea (potential) is only one P. To truly be ready for a traditional nonfiction book deal, you need all three.

Visit meghanstevenson.com/quiz to take the free assessment and see where you’re at in your traditional book deal journey.

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

What if landing a literary agent, securing a book deal, and writing a bestselling nonfiction book didn’t have to feel overwhelming — or even hard? What if it could actually feel… straightforward, supported, and maybe even enjoyable?

After more than 20 years in the industry, including roles at Penguin and Simon & Schuster, Meghan Stevenson has seen firsthand that getting a traditional nonfiction book deal can be far more streamlined when you approach it the right way.

So let’s answer the big question: Can getting a traditional book deal actually be easy?

Yes — but “easy” doesn’t mean effortless or accidental. It means strategic, supported, and efficient.

The authors who experience a smoother path to publishing aren’t guessing their way through the process. They’re aligning three critical elements:

• A strong book idea with clear market potential
• A visible and engaged author platform
• A professionally developed book proposal

When those pieces come together — especially when guided by someone who understands the industry — the process becomes significantly faster and more predictable.

A lot of the frustration comes from following incomplete or outdated advice.

Common pitfalls include:

• Relying on free book proposal templates that don’t reflect current industry expectations
• Pitching agents before building a platform
• Trying to navigate the agent search and query process alone
• Treating the book as the starting point instead of part of a larger business strategy

The result is often months or even years of waiting, rejection, or silence.

Instead of navigating the process alone, Meghan’s model centers on:

• Weekly collaboration to develop your ideas and content
• Building a tailored, high-quality book proposal over 3–4 months
• Strategically aligning your platform with your book concept
• Connecting with literary agents who are already a strong fit

Rather than sending pitches into the void, authors can find themselves in active conversations with interested agents who already understand and value their work.

Even after landing a deal, many authors hit another wall: writing tens of thousands of words while managing edits, deadlines, and production demands.

Here again, structure and support can transform the experience.

With consistent guidance and a clear process, authors can:

• Stay accountable with weekly progress
• Shape their ideas into a cohesive manuscript
• Navigate edits and revisions with confidence

Instead of feeling isolated or overwhelmed, the process becomes collaborative and manageable.

Visit meghanstevenson.com/quiz to take the free assessment and see where you’re at in your traditional book deal journey.

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

If you’re wondering how long it takes to land a traditional book deal, here’s the truth: it’s probably longer than you want — and for reasons no one tells you upfront.

How long does it really take to get a book deal? The honest answer is: it depends on how ready you are.

Not how good your idea is.
Not how talented you are as a writer.
But how prepared you are to sell books.

Traditional publishing is a business. For a publisher to offer you a deal, especially a six-figure one, they need confidence they’ll earn that investment back. That confidence comes from your platform: your audience, visibility, speaking presence, and proven ability to reach readers.

The #1 thing blocking most book deals is a lack of platform.

Platform means your ability to reach and influence an audience. Publishers look at:

• Your social media following and engagement
• Speaking engagements and audience size
• Email list and community
• Past book sales (if any)
• Media presence and authority

Even a great idea isn’t enough without proof that people are already paying attention to you.

Agents and publishers are asking one core question: “How will this book sell?” If the answer isn’t clear, the proposal won’t move forward.

Before you write a proposal, focus on:

• Growing your audience intentionally
• Refining your message into clear, memorable ideas
• Saying yes to visibility opportunities (speaking, podcasts, media)
• Validating your concept through real-world feedback

Think of your platform as your proof — not just your potential.

The fastest way to a book deal isn’t rushing — it’s preparing. Because when your platform matches your vision, “no” turns into “not yet”… and eventually into “yes.”

Visit meghanstevenson.com/quiz to take the free assessment and see where you’re at in your traditional book deal journey.

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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 publishers and readers.

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the most common mistake she sees from aspiring nonfiction authors: building a book around a broad or personally meaningful topic instead of a sharp, market-driven problem.

Traditional publishing — especially in prescriptive nonfiction — runs on clarity and demand. Readers don’t buy “interesting ideas.” They buy solutions to problems they feel right now. If your concept doesn’t clearly answer “what problem does this solve, and for whom?” it’s unlikely to get traction with agents, publishers, or audiences.

Successful nonfiction books, especially how-to books, exist because something is broken.

Readers seek them out when they are:

• Struggling financially, emotionally, or professionally
• Facing a specific challenge they want to fix
• Actively looking for guidance or a solution

A strong book idea meets that moment with precision. It identifies a clear pain point and offers a tangible outcome.

If you’re thinking about writing a nonfiction book, this episode walks you through a simple but powerful validation test:

• Does your book solve a problem that other people — not just you — actually experience?
• Who specifically has this problem? (Be precise about the audience.)
• Do you have proof that people are willing to pay to solve it?

If you can’t confidently answer all three, your idea likely needs more development before you pursue traditional publishing.

This episode is a reality check for anyone serious about landing a traditional publishing deal, and a roadmap for turning a vague idea into a compelling, sellable concept.

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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, educator, TEDx speaker, founder of Empowered Educator, and author of *The Empowered Educator*. Jen shares how burnout, divorce, motherhood, and a major life reset led her from the classroom to building a mission-driven business and eventually landing a book deal with Penguin Random House.

Together, Meghan and Jen walk through the real path behind traditional publishing, including market potential, platform growth, proposal development, literary agent rejections, publisher interest, and the patience required to bring a book to life. Jen also shares why visibility has to feel safe, why there is no fast shortcut to a meaningful book deal, and how the “why times five” exercise can help authors get clear on the deeper reason behind their work.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, experts, and creators who want to write a book without losing sight of their purpose, their pace, or their important work.

Dr. Jen Rafferty is an educator, an author, a TEDx speaker, and the founder of Empowered Educator, an organization transforming the culture of education by placing educator well-being at the center of school success. She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology, degrees in music education and vocal performance, and certifications in Emotional Intelligence and Neuro-Identity Evolution. As a former middle school music teacher, Jen knows firsthand the challenges and joys of life in the classroom, and the toll it can take when personal well-being comes last. Her own journey from burnout to balance ignited her mission to help educators reconnect with their purpose, restore their energy, and feel empowered as leaders both in and out of the classroom.

Find Jen on social
IG: @jenrafferty_
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jenrafferty/
FB Group: @empowerededucatorfacultyroom

Get The Empowered Educator at https://www.empowerededucator.com/book.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:34) Meet Dr. Jen Rafferty and The Empowered Educator
(3:39) Jen’s transition from classroom teacher to entrepreneur
(6:07) The first P: market potential
(8:58) The second P: growing platform and visibility
(13:22) Why there is no fast path to a book deal
(16:38) The third P: building a strong book proposal
(20:38) Sending the proposal to literary agents
(24:53) Publisher interest and the Penguin Random House deal
(28:38) Why Jen hired help to write the book
(31:45) Why the book timeline required patience
(34:54) The “why times five” exercise for authors
(40:46) Turning a personal why into a strong business message
(47:21) Jen’s best advice for future authors
(50:17) Free resources from Empowered Educator
(50:37) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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 entrepreneurs, experts, and creators. She breaks down how publishers often act like business partners, taking on the upfront financial risk of producing, distributing, and supporting a book. Meghan also reframes the book advance, not as a simple payday, but as working capital that can help authors write, promote, and build something bigger.

She shares why investing in a strong book proposal can create a major return, especially when it helps attract the right agent and publisher. Through the story of Jamie Sears and her book How to Love Teaching Again, Meghan shows how a traditional book deal can expand both impact and reach. This episode is especially useful for creators who have valuable ideas and want to serve more people without carrying the full financial risk alone.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:15) Why publishers act like venture capitalists
(1:44) What a book deal really means
(2:15) How publishers take on the upfront risk
(2:33) Why your advance is working capital
(3:04) The leverage authors gain through traditional publishing
(3:34) Why many authors hire help with proposals
(4:22) The real numbers behind proposal investment
(5:35) Why impact matters beyond the money
(6:02) Jamie Sears’ book deal and mission
(6:36) How to Love Teaching Again reached thousands
(7:22) Why traditional publishing can grow your legacy
(7:45) How to start pursuing a book deal
(8:26) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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 explains why publishers are paying close attention to AI use, especially when it comes to protecting original work and avoiding copyright issues.

Meghan shares how AI clauses are already showing up in publishing contracts, what authors can safely use AI for, and where the line gets risky. She also explains the basics of copyright in simple terms, including why authors usually keep their copyright in a traditional book deal and why registration matters.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer view of how to use AI responsibly, why human expertise still has value, and why traditional publishing is not going away anytime soon. For anyone dreaming of a book deal, this episode is a smart reminder: tools can help, but your voice is still the asset.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:11) AI clauses in publishing contracts
(2:54) Why copyright matters for authors
(3:43) How traditional book deals handle copyright
(5:11) How ghostwriters and collaborators handle rights
(6:04) Fair use and copyright protection
(7:20) AI, copyright, and responsible use
(8:12) Lawsuits around AI training and books
(10:29) Publisher warnings against AI training use
(11:12) Why AI should not handle major creative work
(13:19) The pressure to adopt AI
(14:31) Why traditional publishing can survive AI
(15:24) How to take the next step toward a book deal
(15:56) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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, experts, and creators need to know about landing a traditional publishing deal. She explains her three-part framework: a book idea with real potential, a strong author platform, and a well-built book proposal. Using Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, author of Seven-Figure Educator, as a real example, Meghan shows why a great idea is only the starting point. Publishers want proof that you can reach readers and help sell the book.

Meghan also shares why growing your audience should support your business, not just your book dream. From six-figure advances to audiobook rights, foreign rights, royalties, and bigger business growth, this episode gives listeners a clear look at how a book can become a serious growth tool when done strategically.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:55) Megan’s three-key book deal framework
(2:16) Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas’ real book deal example
(2:52) Why potential alone is not enough
(3:08) Understanding your author platform
(3:38) Why publishers are not reader finders
(4:12) Growing audience and business together
(5:19) Building a strong book proposal
(5:54) Other ways books can earn money
(6:55) The real cheat code behind book success
(8:06) Free quiz for your book journey
(8:24) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life. 

Send us Fan Mail

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 entrepreneurs, experts, and creators need to understand before chasing traditional publishing.

Dani shares why literary agents matter, from contract negotiations and publisher relationships to helping authors understand what is really happening behind the scenes. She also explains what agents look for in nonfiction authors: strong ideas, real platform, proven audience demand, and the willingness to sell the book hard.

Meghan and Dani also break down the success of Caitlin V’s book and why trusting your audience can challenge old publishing assumptions. This episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs who want their book to become more than a passion project. It shows why platform-building, clear positioning, and the right book team can make the difference between a book that sits on a shelf and one that actually reaches people.

This week’s guest is Dani Segelbaum. Dani has nearly a decade of experience working in the publishing industry. She joined Arc Literary in 2024 after three years at the Carol Mann Agency. She began her publishing career as an editorial assistant at HarperCollins Publishers, focusing primarily on highly designed non-fiction titles. She previously worked as a literary assistant at New Leaf Literary & Media. Dani has worked on bestselling and award-winning books by authors including Justin Timberlake, Iris Apfel, Ann Patchett, and Jacqueline Winspear. 

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Dani is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication where she studied journalism and political science. In college, she worked as an intern for Marie Claire Magazine and as a writer for Boston Common Magazine and the Milford Daily News. Dani has been a voracious reader for as long as she can remember. She represents a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction in the adult and children's spaces, working with New York Times bestselling and debut authors, and is passionate about collaborating with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are meaningful to them.

In nonfiction, she is particularly drawn to books in the areas of women’s issues, popular culture, illustrated/photography, history, politics, self-help, and current events. She also loves narrative non-fiction, biography, business, lifestyle, and cookbooks. Dani collaborates with a diverse range of authors, including illustrators, photographers, academics, psychologists, and journalists.

In fiction, Dani seeks contemporary and upmarket adult fiction, historical fiction, rom-coms, and women’s fiction. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices.

Outside of her professional life, Dani enjoys spending time with her Aussiedoodle, trying out new restaurants with her husband, and indulging in her cookbook collection (which has officially reached "too many" status). Her guilty pleasures include reading the newspaper late at night and baking a never-ending array of treats for family and friends—many of which come straight from her extensive collection of cookbooks.

Dani is a member of the AALA.

Find Dani at 
instagram.com/danisegelbaum/ 
x.com/danisegelbaum
querytracker.net/query/danisegelbaum/
manuscriptacademy.com/faculty-members/dani-segelbaum 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:19) Meet Literary Agent Dani Segelbaum
(3:27) From HarperCollins Editor to Literary Agent
(5:05) Why Authors Need Literary Agents
(8:28) Putting Authors First in Publishing
(11:11) What Agents Look for in Authors
(13:38) Caitlin V’s Book and Market Resistance
(18:52) Turning Expertise Into a Sellable Book
(23:31) Queries, Referrals, and Proposal Access
(27:10) Dani’s Personal Agenting Approach
(33:21) The Truth About Marketing Your Book
(38:38) Building Platform Before the Book Deal
(42:47) Final Thoughts and Listener Callout

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


Traditional publishing expert Meghan Stevenson blasts open the gates of the “Big 5”—Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Macmillan—to share what every entrepreneur and expert needs to know about landing a book deal. 

In episodes released every Monday, Meghan shares wisdom and stories from 20+ years in publishing as well as interviews with authors, literary agents, and editors. She also answers questions from listeners like you. 

Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur with an empire, or are just starting out—this podcast will help you understand what you need to do in order to turn your dream of being a bestselling author into real life.