How to Think Like a Founder with Amy Smilovic

What AI Means for Authors (and Publishers)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] AI may be loud, but your real ideas still matter. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan breaks down what entrepreneurs, experts, creators, and thought leaders need to understand about AI, copyright, and traditional publishing. She explains why publishers are paying close attention to AI use, especially when it comes to protecting original work and avoiding copyright issues. Meghan shares how AI clauses are already showing up in publishing contracts, what authors can safely use AI for, and where the line gets risky. She also explains the basics of copyright in simple terms, including why authors usually keep their copyright in a traditional book deal and why registration matters. Listeners will walk away with a clearer view of how to use AI responsibly, why human expertise still has value, and why traditional publishing is not going away anytime soon. For anyone dreaming of a book deal, this episode is a smart reminder: tools can help, but your voice is still the asset. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:11) AI clauses in publishing contracts (2:54) Why copyright matters for authors (3:43) How traditional book deals handle copyright (5:11) How ghostwriters and collaborators handle rights (6:04) Fair use and copyright protection (7:20) AI, copyright, and responsible use (8:12) Lawsuits around AI training and books (10:29) Publisher warnings against AI training use (11:12) Why AI should not handle major creative work (13:19) The pressure to adopt AI (14:31) Why traditional publishing can survive AI (15:24) How to take the next step toward a book deal (15:56) 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.

Traditional Publishing for Entrepreneurs: The ROI of Investing in Your Book Deal

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430608/fan_mail/new] What if your book idea could become more than a book and become the reason your audience, business, and income finally grow? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what entrepreneurs, experts, and creators need to know about landing a traditional publishing deal. She explains her three-part framework: a book idea with real potential, a strong author platform, and a well-built book proposal. Using Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, author of Seven-Figure Educator, as a real example, Meghan shows why a great idea is only the starting point. Publishers want proof that you can reach readers and help sell the book. Meghan also shares why growing your audience should support your business, not just your book dream. From six-figure advances to audiobook rights, foreign rights, royalties, and bigger business growth, this episode gives listeners a clear look at how a book can become a serious growth tool when done strategically. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:55) Megan’s three-key book deal framework (2:16) Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas’ real book deal example (2:52) Why potential alone is not enough (3:08) Understanding your author platform (3:38) Why publishers are not reader finders (4:12) Growing audience and business together (5:19) Building a strong book proposal (5:54) Other ways books can earn money (6:55) The real cheat code behind book success (8:06) Free quiz for your book journey (8:24) 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 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.