Welcome to the very first episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal! In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson kicks off a 10-part crash course on traditional publishing.
Meghan explains the difference between publishers and imprints, showing how big companies like Penguin Random House own many smaller brands, which can be confusing for authors. She also breaks down the Big Five publishers—Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Macmillan—explaining their history, who owns them, and how many books they publish each year.
The key takeaway? Success in publishing isn’t about chasing a specific publisher—it’s about knowing what matters to you as an author. Whether you're aiming for a big deal or just learning how publishing works, this episode gives you the foundation to move forward with confidence. Stay tuned for future episodes where Megan will cover everything from book advances to getting an agent!
Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:47) What are imprints vs. publishers?
(5:06) The Big Five publishers explained
(13:23) Honorable mentions: Independent publishers to know
(14:42) Why your success depends on your goals
(16:09) Outro
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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.
