Please Stop Writing Your Book (and Other Common Mistakes)

How to Get a Literary Agent with Dani Segelbaum of Arc Literary Management

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] 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 [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.

The Real Reason Mel Robbins Became a Bestseller

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What really makes a book a bestseller, and is the famous “blueprint” worth following? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson breaks down what entrepreneurs need to understand about bestselling books, platform growth, and the publishing machine behind major author success. Using Mel Robbins, James Clear, and other big self-help names as examples, Meghan explains why simple ideas, wide audience appeal, and massive platforms often drive bestseller momentum. She also looks at the darker side of influence, including parasocial relationships, copycat strategies, and the line between learning from others and losing your own integrity. This episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs, experts, and creators who want to publish a meaningful book without feeling pressured to chase trends or copy someone else’s path. The big reminder: You do not need a New York Times bestseller badge to write a book that matters. You need clarity, purpose, and a publishing path that actually fits you. Read the Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/04/let-them-mel-robbins-cassie-phillips/686840/. Watch journalist Scott Carney’s YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VFa7AVis7E. Episode Highlights: (1:24) Why Mel Robbins Is the Case Study (2:02) How James Clear Reverse Engineered Success (2:42) Platform Matters More Than Content Alone (3:27) Mel Robbins’ Publishing Path (4:48) Finding a Broad but Specific Niche (5:48) Influencers, Trust, and Parasocial Relationships (7:32) Bestseller Dreams Without Losing Integrity (8:28) The Let Them Theory Controversy (9:24) Copying, Learning, and Bestseller Strategy (10:42) Bestseller Lists Are Not the Only Impact (11:37) How to Start Your Publishing Journey 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 Land Six-Figure Book Advances (And How You Can Too)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] A six-figure book deal sounds exciting, but the real story is more honest and more useful than a big number. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson explains what entrepreneurs, experts, and creators need to understand about traditional publishing advances, literary agents, and the real value of a book deal. Meghan breaks down why publishing is a reputation-based business, why many agents aim for deals of $100,000 or more, and why not every strong proposal lands a massive advance. She shares how market timing, editor interest, competition, and the economy can all affect what a publisher offers. She also explains her 3P Framework™: potential, platform, and proposal, and why those are the pieces authors can actually control. Listeners will walk away with a clearer view of what book advances mean, why lower upfront money does not always mean a weaker book opportunity, and how traditional publishing can create long-term visibility, credibility, speaking opportunities, and business growth. Meghan’s episode about money in publishing can be found at https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcast/episode-14. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:24) Why six figures became the goal (2:45) How literary agents make money (3:13) Publishing as a business model (5:03) Common book deal advance ranges (6:53) The 3P framework for authors (7:41) Why publishing mirrors real estate (9:17) Best deal does not mean biggest deal (10:17) Why lower advances still matter (11:25) Books as business growth tools (13:22) 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 Bestselling Authors Invest in Book Deals with Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What if the book deal you want depends less on your idea and more on the business you build around it? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, founder of 7-Figure Educator™ and forthcoming author of 7-Figure Educator™. Erica shares the real journey behind preparing for a traditional publishing deal, from hearing the hard truth about audience size to spending two years growing her platform with strategy, consistency, and data. She explains why social media growth is not about vanity metrics, but about learning what your audience needs and proving you can sell your message. Erica also opens up about building the team, systems, and support needed to write a book while running a multiple seven-figure business. This episode is a grounded look at authorship, entrepreneurship, visibility, and why expert support can make the publishing process smoother, stronger, and more strategic. Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas is the CEO and Founder of 7-Figure Educator™, a business development company shifting power in education and closing the racial wealth gap by equipping high-performing educators to build 7-figure consulting businesses. Through her programs, she’s worked with over 20,000 educators nationwide. Her clients earn an average of $92,000 in annual business revenue outside their 9-to-5s, 42% more than the average teacher’s salary. A former math teacher and school principal, Dr. Erica holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Relay Graduate School of Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned her doctorate. She’s also a real estate investor and CEO of Emma & Easter Realty Group, and the forthcoming Hay House author of 7-Figure Educator: Turn Your Experience as an Educator Into Income, Impact, and Freedom, available everywhere books are sold on June 16, 2026. Find Dr. Jordan-Thomas on social  https://www.instagram.com/e_jordanthomas/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericajordanthomas/  Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:34) Meet Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas (3:00) Starting the publishing journey in 2022 (4:21) Getting direct feedback on audience growth (6:24) Why platform size matters to publishers (9:25) Building a strategic social media presence (11:25) Hiring support without losing your voice (14:41) Preparing the business to write a book (20:06) Using time, joy, and revenue as filters (25:45) Balancing manuscript deadlines and live events (35:47) Finding the right literary agent (39:14) Why New York Times bestseller matters (42:39) Investing in a serious book launch (48:20) The best advice for growing an audience (51:26) 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.

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.