Kind Of A Big Book Deal

Please Stop Writing Your Book (and Other Common Mistakes)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] Stop writing the book before you build the platform. In this fiery episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs, experts, and creators make when trying to land a traditional publishing deal: writing the entire manuscript too soon. Meghan explains that prescriptive nonfiction, including self-help, business, leadership, money, parenting, health, and how-to books, is usually sold through a book proposal, not a finished manuscript. She shares the story of Paul, a business consultant who had strong expertise and a solid book idea but was focusing on the wrong thing. His issue was not the manuscript. It was his author platform. This episode helps listeners understand why traditional publishing is a business, why audience matters, and why the ability to sell books can be just as important as the idea itself. For anyone dreaming of a traditional book deal, Megan’s advice is clear: pause the manuscript, build your platform, strengthen your audience, and create the foundation that makes publishers want to say yes. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:31) You do not need to write the book (2:52) Why writing first gets in the way (3:05) Book proposals sell prescriptive nonfiction (3:34) The common writer’s group mistake (4:25) Why author platform matters most (5:28) Completed manuscripts often go nowhere (6:41) The real gap before a book deal (8:24) Platform work builds bigger impact (9:13) Focus on the three Ps (10:33) Outro Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz [https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes] 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.

How to Think Like a Founder with Amy Smilovic

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What if the biggest risk is letting other people define success for you? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Amy Smilovic, founder of Tibi and author of Almost Reckless, to talk about building a life and business that feels true to you. Amy shares how chasing outside markers like money, status, and industry approval can leave you deeply unhappy, even when things look successful on paper. Instead, she explains why contentment comes from three things: agency, shared mindset, and doing work that lets you be creatively at your best. This conversation is a strong reminder that success is personal. Amy breaks down why your best decisions come from knowing your own principles, not blindly following someone else’s playbook. She also talks about the value of being present in every stage of life, because even small jobs and ordinary experiences can become the “dots” that shape your future. For listeners building a business, writing a book, or trying to carve their own path, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for defining success on your own terms and having the courage to pursue it. This week’s guest is Amy Smilovic. Amy is an author, founder, and creative director. Born in the American Midwest, raised in the South, she moved to New York City and Hong Kong after college. In 1997, she founded the designer clothing brand Tibi, where she is the Creative Director. Tibi has grown to be America’s longest standing independently owned women’s designer brand, something Amy is intensely proud of.  Amy said, “I built this business with an incredible team that looks like a veritable UN Assembly. I have no doubt this fact has played a role in our success — not the optics of it, but that the composition of our team has always forced us to be very clear in our communications and work through the discourse that arises with varied points of view. And if I’m honest, the team’s shared mindset — exhibited every day in their work ethic and their willingness to take risks — is, in my opinion, the result of a through line that runs through our respective experiences.” Find Amy at amysmilovic.com. Find Amy on social  instagram.com/amysmilovic  instagram.com/tibi  Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:23) Meet Amy Smilovic and her new book (2:35) Why she decided to write it (4:00) Who Almost Reckless is for (6:31) What contentment really means (8:25) Defining success for yourself (10:50) Why following others can mislead you (13:03) The three principles behind real contentment (18:25) Collecting the dots of your life (24:21) Turning personal story into practical lessons (29:20) Building your “reckless resume” (41:32) Why thoughtful people connect with this message (45:47) You are your own algorithm (48:38) Outro Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz [https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes] 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.

How My Clients Earned $7M+ from Big 5 Publishers

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What actually makes a publisher say yes to a book deal? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the real thinking behind successful traditional publishing deals through her 3P framework: potential, platform, and proposal. She explains that a strong book idea is not enough on its own. It also has to fit the market, reach the right audience, and be presented in a way that answers a publisher’s biggest concerns before they even ask. One of the biggest takeaways is that platform is more than follower count. Meghan shows why audience trust, engagement, and clear messaging matter just as much as visibility. She also explains how a proposal can make or break a deal, especially when it anticipates objections and proves the book can sell. This episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs, creators, and experts who want a traditional book deal. It gives listeners a clearer picture of why some books get rejected, why some advances are bigger than others, and what they can do now to improve their chances of success. Listen to Meghan’s 3P framework episode at https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcast/episode-4  Leave Meghan a voicemail at https://telbee.io/channel/qe1lgsl0yrjbrcj-xcb3pa/  Send Meghan an email with your questions at meghan@meghanstevensonbooks.com  Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:31) Real book deal numbers and what they show (2:17) How the 3P framework drives results (3:24) What makes a book idea marketable (4:18) Why crowded categories can hurt potential (5:53) Why platform matters more than followers (7:14) How content builds frameworks and clarity (9:16) Why advances depend on platform and sales potential (11:01) How strong proposals win publisher interest (12:55) Anticipating objections inside the proposal (14:08) What usually goes wrong in the 20 percent (16:01) Can they get a deal soon or later (17:39) When even strong proposals still do not sell (19:38) Outro Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz [https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes] 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.

Why Big Authors (Usually) Don't Self Publish

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What if the biggest value of your book has nothing to do with book sales alone? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson explains why a book is more than a product. It is intellectual property, and that changes the way entrepreneurs should think about publishing. She breaks down the hidden advantages of traditional publishing, especially for experts, creators, and business owners who want their book to reach more people and create more long-term opportunities. One of the biggest takeaways is that traditional publishing offers wider distribution, which gives your book a better chance of landing in bookstores, airport shops, and places beyond Amazon. Megan also highlights subsidiary rights, like international editions, magazine excerpts, and even film or TV adaptations. These rights can create added income, more visibility, and a bigger platform for your message. This episode is especially useful for anyone deciding between self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. It gives listeners a clearer understanding of what they may gain or give up with each path, so they can make a smarter and more aligned decision. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:11) The Rich AF example and why it matters (2:13) What entrepreneurs give up outside traditional publishing (4:13) Two major reasons traditional publishing stands out (4:25) Why distribution gives books a bigger reach (5:19) What subsidiary rights actually mean (5:43) International rights and how authors earn from them (6:52) First and second serial rights explained (7:49) TV and film rights and when they happen (8:31) Why rights are only valuable if the book has reach (9:16) Real example of world rights sold fast (9:33) Final advice for choosing the right publishing path (10:07) Outro Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz [https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes] 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.

Why Entrepreneurs, Experts, and Creators Hire Book Collaborators with Daphne Delvaux

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What happens when years of hard-earned expertise finally become a book that can help thousands of people at once? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson talks with employment lawyer Daphne Delvaux about building a platform, landing a traditional book deal, and turning deep expertise into something practical, clear, and useful. Daphne shares how she grew her audience by speaking in a real voice, testing ideas online, and refusing to sound like everyone else. She also explains why her book, Moms in Labor, matters so much, especially for mothers trying to understand their rights at work. One of the biggest takeaways is that strong content does not come from sounding polished and safe. It comes from telling the truth in a way people can feel. This is a great listen for entrepreneurs, authors, and experts who want to grow their platform, share what they know, and build something that lasts. Daphne Delvaux, Esq. is an employment lawyer and trial attorney. She is the Founder of Delvaux Law, the nation’s first and only law firm devoted to mothers’ rights at work. She has been graced with the prestigious Outstanding Trial Lawyer award, elected by her peers. Daphne is also the creator of the Mamattorney, a platform on a mission to educate mothers on their rights at work and teach them how to advocate for their needs, including extended maternity leaves, financial benefits, telework, flexibility, more breaks, pumping protections, and more, all without sacrificing their career goals. As the only employment lawyer in the motherhood space, Daphne is routinely seen as THE expert on maternal rights. Daphne offers The Portal through Liberated Mother Society, a membership with attorney-drafted HR scripts plus 1:1 support. Her mission as a “love lawyer” is to protect the mother-baby bond, help mothers maximize time off, and confidently seek the accommodations they need. She reminds moms that their baby’s needs come first, and that motherhood is a superpower, not something to hide. Find Daphne on social  https://www.instagram.com/themamattorney/ https://www.facebook.com/themamattorney Find Daphne’s “Bundle of Joy” freebie at https://www.themamattorney.com/book/. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:33) Meet Daphne and her book mission (4:38) Why she started posting online (7:35) How real content builds trust (14:24) Why she hired experts for the book (23:18) Publisher pushback and proving demand (30:24) Helping mothers and employers work better (40:15) Why books change your business model (49:01) Daphne’s advice for growing an audience (55:57) Outro Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz [https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show+notes] 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.