What does it really take to land a traditional book deal and is it even worth the leap from self-publishing? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson answers a common question from listener DeShanna, an educator with three self-published books who’s eager to break into traditional publishing.

Megan breaks down the 3P Framework: Potential, Platform, and Proposal, to explain what publishers are really looking for and why many authors stumble at the platform stage. She highlights the hidden costs of building an author platform, the importance of aligning your book with your business, and why multiple book ideas can be a red flag for traditional publishing.

Listeners will gain clarity on whether pursuing a book deal is the right next step or if self-publishing (or hybrid publishing) is actually the smarter choice. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance passion, platform, and practicality in your publishing journey, this episode will give you the honest roadmap you need.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:19) DeShanna’s background and book history
(2:39) Challenges of transitioning from self to traditional
(4:08) The 3P Framework: Potential, Platform, Proposal
(5:20) Why building a platform is expensive and time-consuming
(7:26) The importance of frameworks and clarity for authors
(10:09) Why multiple book ideas can be a red flag
(12:28) Two paths forward: build a platform or stay indie
(14:47) The sales reality of self vs. traditional publishing
(16:18) Choosing the path aligned with your goals

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What if the very thing holding you back from a book deal isn’t your writing, but your platform? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Dr. Natalie Nixon to unpack the highs and lows of her author journey. From countless rejections to finally landing a deal for The Creativity Leap, Natalie reveals the grit, courage, and community support it took to get there.

Whether you dream of landing a traditional publishing deal or simply want to bring your ideas into the world, Natalie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and believing in your work even when the path isn’t clear.

This week’s guest is Natalie Nixon, Ph.D. Dr. Natalie Nixon is the creativity whisperer to the C-suite, helping companies connect the dots between creativity and business impact. At Figure 8 Thinking she’s a creativity strategist, global keynote speaker and author of the award-winning The Creativity Leap. She’s ranked in the 2024 Thinkers50 Radar cohort and Real Leaders named Natalie one of the top 50 keynote speakers globally. She’s been featured in Forbes, INC and Fast Company.

Natalie received her BA from Vassar College, and her PhD from the University of Westminster. She’s a lifelong dancer, swimmer and doodler. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, John Nixon.

Find Natalie Nixon on social 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalienixonphd
• https://www.instagram.com/natwnixon 
• https://youtube.com/@natalienixon
• https://vimeo.com/user231039213/albums

Preorder your Move. Think. Rest. hardcover today and sign up for the “Ever Wonder…?” Free newsletter at www.figure8thinking.com and https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/dr-natalie-nixon-ph-d/move-think-rest/9780306835582/?lens=balance 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:14) Introducing Dr. Natalie Nixon and her new book Move. Think. Rest.
(2:23) Natalie’s journey from academia to publishing her first book
(5:29) Facing 18 months of rejection and revising her proposal
(7:40) The chance email that led to a book deal
(10:08) How developmental editing shaped The Creativity Leap
(16:03) The hard truth about platform and publishing
(18:09) Building courage through life experiences
(21:07) Growing her platform through community and consistency
(23:11) Becoming a top 50 global keynote speaker
(29:10) The power of showing up authentically as an author

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What separates the dreamers from the authors with a big book deal? In this real talk episode, Meghan Stevenson pulls no punches. She shares the uncomfortable truth behind traditional publishing success rates and the one thing that determines who makes it and who doesn’t: alignment.

Spoiler alert: it’s not your book idea, your expertise, or even your writing skills. It’s whether you're willing to grow a large audience and build a platform that can sell 20,000+ books in a year.

Meghan walks through examples of both success and failure, revealing the mindset, effort, and strategy behind the rare 2% who land major deals. If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to land a publishing contract, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you decide if the traditional path is really right for you.

Get the Craptastic Mountain freebie here: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/2f3c13271d

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:45) The hard truth: 2% success rate
(3:06) The key factor: alignment
(4:36) What publishers actually expect
(5:38) Selling 20,000+ books is required
(6:13) Real example: alignment in action
(7:24) Real example: misalignment and resistance
(9:01) What the 2% do differently
(10:16) If audience growth isn’t for you…
(12:01) The biggest dream killer
(12:39) Outro 

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your social media numbers are good enough for a book deal, this episode is a must-listen. Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the most common questions aspiring authors ask: Do follower counts make or break your shot at traditional publishing?

The answer isn’t what you think.

Meghan shares real-world examples from authors with tiny social followings landing massive deals to those leveraging podcasts, YouTube, corporate clients, or speaking gigs instead. What matters more than a magic number? Systems that actually sell books.

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what a modern “author platform” looks like and why it’s so personal. If you're building an audience, running a business, or starting a podcast, this episode will help you understand how it all fits into your publishing path.

Craptastic Mountain: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/2f3c13271d 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:22) Listener question: Do follower counts matter?
(2:28) What “author platform” really means
(3:33) Followers vs. book sales: What publishers care about
(4:10) Low-following, high-impact author case study
(5:35) Is your book part of the plan?
(7:03) Real follower counts of successful authors
(9:19) Why publishers look beyond Instagram
(10:03) Systems > Hopes: The key to getting a deal
(10:34) Final thoughts + your next step
(11:05) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What if your messy first draft could become a bestselling book? 

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Denise Duffield-Thomas opens up about her journey from self-publishing her first book Lucky Bitch to landing a traditional deal with Hay House. She shares how imposter syndrome nearly stopped her, how she turned early success into industry credibility, and why writing a book is more about momentum than mastery. 

Denise, together with host Meghan, demystifies the traditional publishing process, highlights why a book should be part of your marketing funnel (not your main income stream), and explains the power of mentorship, hiring help, and letting go of perfection. If you’ve ever thought, “Who am I to write a book?” this episode will inspire you to say, “Why not me?”

Denise Duffield-Thomas is the money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world.⁣ She helps entrepreneurs like you charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. ⁣Her books Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and her newest Chill and Prosper give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout.⁣ Her Money Bootcamp has helped over 10,000 students from all around the world.⁣ She’s a lazy introvert, a Hay House author and an unbusy mother of 3. She lives on the East coast of sunny Australia with her family and two fur babies.

Website: www.denisedt.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deniseDT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisedt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/deniseduffieldthomas 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:00) From self-publishing to bestseller status
(4:42) Childhood chaos, ADHD, and writing
(7:00) The Lucky Bitch origin story
(8:12) Marketing with sweat, networking, and grit
(10:15) Books as business cards and funnels
(13:01) Rejection from Hay House and what it taught her
(16:45) Why she wrote Chill and Prosper
(19:16) Getting an agent with support
(25:01) The ROI of hiring help
(30:00) Books don’t cannibalize, they amplify
(32:49) Narrating her own audiobook and owning her voice
(36:42) Updating language to stay inclusive
(39:00) How to actually finish your book
(42:26) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What’s really holding you back from landing that big book deal? 

In this no-BS episode, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the most common mistakes aspiring authors make and how to avoid them. From hiding your ideas out of fear, to trying to do everything yourself, to staying stuck in analysis paralysis, Meghan calls it all out with hard-earned insight and humor. 

You’ll learn why educating yourself, building a real platform, and getting expert help are non-negotiables in today’s publishing landscape. Whether you're dreaming of a traditional publishing deal or just want to finally write that book, this episode is a must-listen wake-up call.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(01:26) The harsh truths about traditional publishing
(02:26) Mistake #1: Going in blind
(03:51) Mistake #2: Hiding your idea from the world
(05:02) How to protect your intellectual property
(07:44) Mistake #3: Staying small = staying invisible
(10:21) Mistake #4: Doing everything yourself
(12:27) Buying back your time is smart business
(15:00) Leveraging help to land the book deal
(16:41) Rapid-fire recap of the 4 big mistakes
(20:38) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What if your book deal didn’t pay you the way you expected, but still made you rich in other ways? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the financial truths of traditional publishing, answering listener Becky’s smart questions about advances, royalties, taxes, and startup costs. 

You’ll learn why writing a book is less about immediate profit and more about long-term ROI, like doubling your mastermind rates, landing speaking gigs, or scaling your brand. Plus, Meghan explains how tax structures (S Corp vs. sole prop) can affect your take-home income, and why your literary agent and collaborator will get paid before you do.

Whether you dream of a bestseller or a business-boosting book, this episode pulls back the curtain on the numbers that matter.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:25) Do you have to pay taxes on your advance?
(6:39) Why your advance might net $0
(8:25) How much to save before publishing
(12:01) Average advances and what’s left
(14:20) Where the real ROI actually comes
(15:34) Will your book actually sell?
(17:00) Do you repay the advance if you flop?
(19:03) Royalties explained with simple math
(21:15) Don’t let taxes stop your dream
(22:19) Where to ask your publishing questions
(22:29) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What if your “impossible” dream isn’t so impossible after all?

In this powerful episode, publishing strategist Meghan Stevenson sits down with Jamila Souffrant, host of Journey to Launch and author of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, to unpack how Jamila turned a personal blog into a multiple six-figure book deal. Jamila shares how she started from scratch, built a loyal podcast audience, and stayed rooted in her financial values while navigating traditional publishing. From overcoming imposter syndrome to deciding whether to write a book proposal herself, she reveals the exact mindset, strategy, and support that helped her succeed.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how to package your message, land a major publishing deal, or stay grounded when the pressure hits. You’ll hear honest insights on growth, vulnerability, and building your own version of a “guac level” lifestyle, on your terms.

Whether you’re starting at zero or already growing your platform, this conversation will leave you both inspired and equipped.

Jamila Souffrant is the author of Your Journey To Financial Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Wealth and Happiness and the host of the Journey To Launch podcast. She is a go-to thought leader in the personal finance field and her work has been featured in BuzzFeed, ESSENCE, Refinery 29, Money Magazine, CNBC, CBS, Business Insider and more. The Journey To Launch Podcast has over 4+ million total downloads and was listed by the NYTimes as a podcast to help you get better with your money. Jamila and her husband saved $169,000 in two years and is also a mother of three young children and lives in Brooklyn, NY. 

Find her at:
Website: www.journeytolaunch.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/journeytolaunch/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/journeytolaunch/
X: x.com/journeytolaunch/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@journeytolaunch
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jamilasouffrant/ 

Her book is available at yourjourneytofinancialfreedom.com/ 
The Journey to Launch podcast is available on Apple Podcasts at itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-launch-personal-finance-early-retirement/id1257126028?mt=2 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:32) Jamila’s Journey: From Blog to Book
(2:51) Why She Started Journey to Launch
(6:43) Slow Growth and True Com

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

What shows up when someone Googles your name? 

If you’re dreaming of landing a traditional book deal, that search result matters more than you think. In this punchy and insightful episode, publishing expert Meghan Stevenson breaks down why your author platform is just as important as your book idea, and how a quick Google search is the first litmus test agents and editors use to decide if you're worth a call.

Meghan explains why most aspiring authors aren’t ready to pitch, the three common business models that shape successful platforms, and how to build yours in a way that aligns with your brand. Whether you’re an influencer, a service-based entrepreneur, or a corporate consultant, this episode will help you understand what publishers are really looking for—and how to show up strong online.

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

Book a consultation with Meghan: https://calendly.com/meghanstevenson/paid-consultation-with-meghan-stevenson-books

Find Vivian Tu’s story here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHlbMJcu-yn/?igsh=MTMzZWo2cDY4NnAzbQ%3D%3D

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:27) The harsh truth about author platforms
(4:26) What agents look for online
(5:32) How to check your own platform
(7:48) When Google fails: hidden audiences
(11:03) The 3 models of author platforms
(14:29) The value of speaking engagements
(15:53) No magic number, but more is better
(16:35) Quiz and closing advice for aspiring authors
(17:26) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.

Ever wonder why some writers’ retreats and book conferences leave you feeling inspired but stuck? 

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson gets real about why so much advice out there won’t actually help you land a traditional publishing deal—and what will. Megan shares three crucial lessons for getting the right help for your book journey: finding experts who truly specialize, being wary of vague promises from conferences and memberships, and doing real due diligence before investing time or money.

If you're an entrepreneur or expert dreaming of a big book deal, this episode is a must-listen to avoid wasting energy, money, and momentum.

Find the Avoid Hiring a Hack freebie here: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/491a80fe49 

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:21) Why desperate advice-seeking can backfire
(2:49) Ski lift story: People crave real publishing help
(4:01) Lesson 1: Publishing experts specialize
(6:16) Lesson 2: Why writers’ conferences usually fail
(8:11) Scams, misinformation, and opportunists
(10:54) How to assess real vs vague promises
(13:41) Lesson 3: Check the expert’s receipts
(15:58) Risks of working with unqualified book coaches
(18:27) How to truly vet publishing help
(20:44) Final recap: Specialization, skepticism, receipts
(22:10) Real success stories are collaborative
(23:55) Outro

Follow Meghan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevenson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/
• TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.books
• Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/

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 other 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.