What if the book you’re trying to write is actually the wrong one?

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.

If you’ve been stuck overthinking, waiting for permission, or chasing the “right” way to do this, this conversation will help you refocus on what actually moves the needle.

This week’s guests are Lauren Marie Fleming and Richelle Fredson.

Lauren Marie Fleming (xe/her) is a multimedia storyteller and the founder of School for Writers®. Her work explores power, desire, resilience, and the stories we tell about our bodies and our lives.

Xe is the author of the queer rom-com Because Fat Girl and multiple nonfiction books, including Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body and The Writer’s Career Guide.

Learn more at LaurenMarieFleming.com or SchoolForWriters.com. Find her free Creative Resilience Toolkit at https://schoolforwriters.com/creative-resilience-toolkit/. Her 33 Asks program can be found at https://33asks.com and her Write Your Friggin’ Book Already ® program is at https://writeyourfrigginbookalready.com.

Find Lauren on social
www.instagram.com/laurenmariefleming

laurenfarmiefleming.substack.com

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Richelle Fredson is a book publishing coach and consultant working with aspiring and published authors to create impactful book concepts and competitive book proposals. Richelle’s clients have amassed over $6 million in book advances from top publishers. Her recent clients include Farnoosh Torabi, Shadé Zahrai, Chrissy King, Vanessa Marin, Chika Uwazie, and many more.

Richelle is the host of the Forbes-featured Bound + Determined podcast, where she interviews industry experts, authors, and creative business owners. She’s also the creator of The Book Proposal Blueprint Program.

Richelle is writing her first book, Do the Thing: A Creative and Practical Guide for Women Bringing Their Big, Bold Ideas to Life (Hachette, Spring 2027).

Learn more at Richellefredson.com.

Find Richelle on social
www.instagram.com/RichelleFredson

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 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.