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What if the biggest thing standing between you and a book deal is not talent, but hesitation?

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson shares four hard-earned lessons from her 20+ years in traditional publishing that can help aspiring authors move forward with more clarity and courage. She explains why success often starts by saying yes to opportunities before you feel fully ready, and why trusting your instincts can open doors other people do not yet see. Meghan also makes a strong case that great books usually grow out of strong businesses, not the other way around.

One of the most useful takeaways is that long-term book success comes from having an audience, a clear message, and a business foundation that keeps selling over time. She also reminds listeners that timing matters more than most people think, and while you cannot control the market, you can control when you take action. This episode is especially helpful for entrepreneurs, experts, and creators who want to become authors but need a clearer path forward.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:20) Four Career Lessons For Authors
(3:06) Lesson One Take The Risk
(3:57) Lesson Two Trust Your Instincts
(6:20) Lesson Three Build The Business First
(8:05) Lesson Four Timing Changes Everything
(9:04) Recap Of The Four Lessons
(10:47) Quiz For Aspiring Authors
(11:20) 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.

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This week’s guest is Aiko Bethea. Aiko is a nationally recognized thought leader, educator, and facilitator who advances transformational and accountable leadership through executive coaching, practice-based learning, and systems-level change. She is the founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, where she supports leaders and teams at Fortune 100 companies and global nonprofit organizations. Her work is grounded in a powerful leadership framework that helps individuals anchor in values, align intentions and actions, and lead with accountability—tools she uses to help leaders build cultures of trust, clarity, and impact.

Aiko has served in executive roles with the City of Atlanta, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She also led the Daring Way™ and Dare to Lead™ facilitator communities at the Brené Brown Education and Research Group, where she designed the global belonging strategy for a network of more than 1,500 facilitators.

A sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, Aiko has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top seven anti-racism educators for companies and named by CultureAmp as a leading voice in inclusive and equitable leadership. Her writing has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and The New York Times bestselling anthology You Are Your Best Thing, edited by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown.

She holds a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree from Smith College. Her upcoming book, Anchored, Aligned, Accountable: How to Transcend the Bullsh*t to Live a Transformational Life at Home and at Work, will be published by Penguin Random House in April 2026.

Find Aiko on social
facebook.com/RARECoach
instagram.com/rare_coach
twitter.com/rare_coach
linkedin.com/in/aikobethea/
linkedin.com/company/rare-coaching-consulting

Find Rare Coaching at www.rarecoaching.net, and the RARE resources page at www.rarecoaching.net/media-resources/. Preorder Aiko’s book at https://rep.club/products/anchored-aligned-accountable.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:32) Guest introduction: leadership coach Aiko Bethea
(4:11) Defining the “bullshit” that blocks growth
(7:26) Why leadership begins with inner self-awareness
(9:14) Why most people misunderstand their values
(12:08) Turning values into behaviors and boundaries
(15:28) The Anchored, Aligned, Accountable framework
(17:02) How values guide decisions and prevent regret
(22:20) Why leadership requires acknowledging power and identity
(25:44) Why people struggle with accountability
(28:04) Accountability through curiosity instead of blame
(31:27) Why the book uses real-life scenarios for learning
(36:32) Channel one, two, and three listening explained
(39:36) Lessons from writing a book over several years
(50:36) How authors can use values to guide their book
(57:21) Advice for entrepreneurs pursuing a book deal
(1:05

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 the biggest mistake aspiring authors make isn’t writing a bad book… but spending money in the wrong places?

In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, host Meghan Stevenson shares eight things entrepreneurs, creators, and experts should stop spending money on if they want to land a traditional book deal. Drawing on years of experience working with major publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, Meghan explains why many popular strategies in the publishing world simply don’t work for nonfiction authors.

From pricey PR agencies and writing retreats to book coaches focused only on beautiful writing, Meghan argues that most aspiring authors are investing in the wrong priorities. Instead of polishing prose or chasing visibility without a plan, she says the real key to landing a book deal is building an audience and developing a strong author platform.

This episode is a practical reality check for anyone dreaming of traditional publishing. Meghan breaks down where authors often waste time and money, and what actually moves the needle when publishers evaluate book proposals. If you want a smarter, more strategic path to becoming a published author, this conversation will save you both time and thousands of dollars.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:11) Eight things aspiring authors shouldn’t spend money on
(1:40) Why books about book proposals often waste your time
(2:22) The problem with hiring PR agencies too early
(3:29) Why writing retreats can slow your progress
(4:16) Book coaches and editors focused only on writing craft
(6:02) Why author platform matters most for book deals
(6:12) Membership programs promising publishing success
(10:21) Author-led courses, events, and summits explained
(12:21) Why writers’ conferences rarely help nonfiction authors
(15:09) Recap of the eight biggest money-wasting mistakes
(17:15) 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 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.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:14) Vivian Tu’s bestseller example
(2:23) How the New York Times list works
(3:47) USA Today vs New York Times differences
(4:26) Why USA Today is more achievable
(5:21) Two traits of bestselling authors
(6:13) Building platform before the book
(8:45) Bigger vision beyond publishing
(10:09) Two questions to ask yourself
(11:44) 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 the biggest thing standing between you and a book deal is not your writing, but your strategy?

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with literary agent Steve Troha of Folio Literary Management to unpack what really helps entrepreneurs, experts, and creators land traditional publishing deals. One of the biggest takeaways is that a strong book idea is not enough on its own. You also need platform, positioning, and the right people around you. Steve explains why agents do far more than pitch books. They help shape the concept, negotiate better deals, guide authors through a slow and often confusing process, and protect the author’s relationships with publishers.

The conversation also covers why honest feedback matters more than praise from friends and family, why AI can be useful for brainstorming but risky for actual writing, and why many authors should get help instead of trying to do everything alone. For listeners, this episode is a practical reality check. It shows what makes a book commercially viable, where first-time authors often get stuck, and how to approach publishing with more clarity, patience, and leverage.

This week’s guest is Steve Troha. Steve is a partner with Folio Lit. He has a consistent track record of working with some of the world’s most prominent and pioneering voices. In the past 15 years, he has worked with more than 60 New York Times bestselling authors, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Gabrielle Bernstein, Tracy Anderson, Amanda Kloots, Andrew Morton, Kris Carr, Misty Copeland, Vani Hari, Mollie Katzen, The Johnny Cash Estate, and The Grand Ole Opry as well as several of our clients here at MSB.

Steve is currently closed for submissions.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:28) Meeting Steve Troha and his publishing background
(2:22) What a literary agent really does
(5:16) Why going direct to publishers can backfire
(12:04) What makes a book project a yes
(15:09) Red flags that make agents say no
(22:02) Why cover and publishing decisions feel frustrating
(24:48) Using AI without losing your voice
(30:06) Why traditional publishing moves so slowly
(34:01) Publicity, promotion, and investing in your book
(37:28) Why getting help can protect your platform
(43:11) Steve’s advice for growing platform and handling feedback
(49:16) Why Substack, persistence, and resilience matter
(51:06) 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 landing your dream book deal is less about luck and more about how well you prepare?

In this episode, Megan Stevenson breaks down the traditional publishing world using two familiar shows: American Idol and Shark Tank. Through these simple comparisons, she explains why authors usually get only one real shot to impress agents and editors, why publishers want partners, not passengers, and why preparation is everything.

Megan shares her experience working with major publishers and reveals what decision-makers are really looking for when considering a new author. She explains why pitching blindly rarely works, how literary agents fit into the process, and why authors are expected to play a major role in marketing their own books.

Listeners also learn her practical 3P Framework™: Potential, Platform, and Proposal. This system helps entrepreneurs and experts avoid rushing into publishing before they are truly ready.

If you want a clear, realistic roadmap to traditional publishing without overwhelm, this episode gives you the mindset and strategy to move forward with confidence.

Book a paid consultation with Meghan here.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:38) Publishing compared to American Idol and Shark Tank
(2:29) Why you only get one real shot with agents and editors
(3:43) Publishers want partners, not scholarships
(4:26) What authors are expected to handle
(5:24) Why preparation makes or breaks your chances
(6:21) Common mistakes new authors make
(6:50) The 3P Framework™: Potential, Platform, Proposal
(7:03) Final lessons for landing a book deal
(7:24) 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

What if the biggest thing holding you back from a book deal isn’t lack of talent, connections, or followers—but believing there’s some “secret” you’re missing?

In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson busts one of the industry’s biggest myths. There is no magic shortcut. Instead, success comes from mastering the 3P Framework™—Potential, Platform, and Proposal. Meghan explains why your idea must be proven, why your audience matters more than vanity metrics, and why a professional proposal can make or break your chances.

She also walks listeners through what really happens behind the scenes with agents, editors, and publishing boards, and why much of that process is outside your control. What is in your control is how well you prepare.

Through real-world experience and practical guidance, Meghan encourages aspiring authors to slow down, build strong intellectual property, grow an engaged audience, and invest in the right support. Her message is clear and empowering: you don’t need expensive retreats or hidden formulas. When you do the work, you create your own “magic.”

Book a consultation with Meghan here.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:07) The “magic solution” myth in publishing
(1:46) Why you don’t need to pay for secrets
(2:50) There is no single right path to success
(4:16) The 3P Framework™: Potential, Platform, Proposal
(5:12) Proving your idea and building your audience
(6:21) Getting a literary agent and editor approval
(7:36) What parts of publishing you can’t control
(8:38) Slowing down and doing the work properly
(9:15) Building a business and platform first
(10:08) Creating your own “magic”
(10:49) One-on-one consultations and next steps
(12:03) Final message: You are the magic
(12:07) 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

In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with author and media expert Nick Wolny to unpack the real mechanics behind getting traditionally published. Nick shares how he secured his book deal by identifying a clear niche, validating market demand, and leveraging relationships instead of chasing vanity metrics. One of the biggest takeaways is that platform is not just about audience size. It is about distribution, engagement, and your ability to move people to action.

Nick introduces a simple but powerful content framework built around four questions that every funnel should answer, along with practical advice on practicing your craft consistently and creating for humans rather than algorithms.

Whether you want a book deal, a stronger platform, or a more sustainable business, this conversation offers clear direction and actionable insights you can apply immediately.

This week’s guest is Nick Wolny. A classically trained French hornist by education, Nick Wolny is a managing editor at CNET Group, where he oversees the Perspectives franchise and written branded content across CNET Group's publications. He was previously a senior editor on CNET's Money team, and outside of CNET Group is the finance columnist for Out magazine. Nick has previously written for Fast Company, Business Insider, Fortune, Entrepreneur magazine and The Advocate, and has provided broadcast commentary for CNBC, Good Morning America, and others. He writes Financialicious, a newsletter about business, money, and queer culture, and his first book, Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your Future, is out now.

Find Nick on social
instagram.com/nickwolny
TikTok.com/@nickwolny1

Sign up for Nick’s Financialicious newsletter at https://nickwolny.com/newsletter.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
1:32) Nick Wolny’s background and publishing journey
(3:07) Platform building lessons and audience tiers
(7:28) How networking led to a book deal opportunity
(11:51) Claiming a niche and creating urgency for publishers
(12:42) Why follower count is not the most important metric
(15:00) Distribution, media leverage, and platform strategy
(22:27) Backlist strategy and bookstore relationship building
(30:26) Mindset barriers that block entrepreneurs
(41:34) Why your idea matters more than your identity
(42:10) The four questions every funnel must answer
(49:14) Advice for aspiring authors: practice publishing often
(51:39) The Beyoncé story and loving the craft
(56:02) Creating for humans instead of algorithms
(58:25) 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.