Shows
Kind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 16 - From Self-Publishing To a Three-Book Deal with Denise Duffield-ThomasWhat if your messy first draft could become a bestselling book? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Denise Duffield-Thomas opens up about her journey from self-publishing her first book Lucky Bitch to landing a traditional deal with Hay House. She shares how imposter syndrome nearly stopped her, how she turned early success into industry credibility, and why writing a book is more about momentum than mastery. Denise, together with host Meghan, demystifies the traditional publishing process, highlights why a book should be part of your marketing funnel (not your main income st...2025-07-2142 min
Media Savvy with Bonnie Taub-DixHow to Land a Book Deal: Meghan Stevenson Shares What Publishers Actually WantHave you ever dreamed of writing a book?
Maybe you’ve had the idea tucked away for years… or maybe a literary agent or publisher has come knocking, and you're not sure what to do next. Either way, today’s episode will help you finally move forward with confidence.
My guest is Meghan Stevenson, a former editor at Simon & Schuster and Penguin who now runs a boutique publishing consultancy helping experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders land traditional book deals—with clients earning over $6 million in deals from publishers like Penguin Random House, Wiley, and Hay House.
In this e...2025-07-0948 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 15 - How Entrepreneurs Sabotage Their Book DealWhat’s really holding you back from landing that big book deal? In this no-BS episode, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the most common mistakes aspiring authors make and how to avoid them. From hiding your ideas out of fear, to trying to do everything yourself, to staying stuck in analysis paralysis, Meghan calls it all out with hard-earned insight and humor. You’ll learn why educating yourself, building a real platform, and getting expert help are non-negotiables in today’s publishing landscape. Whether you're dreaming of a traditional publishing deal or just want to final...2025-07-0720 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 14: How Book Advances WorkWhat if your book deal didn’t pay you the way you expected, but still made you rich in other ways? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the financial truths of traditional publishing, answering listener Becky’s smart questions about advances, royalties, taxes, and startup costs. From the real cost of writing a book proposal What if your book deal didn’t pay you the way you expected, but still made you rich in other ways? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson breaks down the financial truths of traditional publishing, answering listener Becky’s smart questions about advances, royalties, taxes, a...2025-06-2322 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 13: Financial Freedom, Podcast Growth, and Publishing Power Plays with Jamila SouffrantWhat if your “impossible” dream isn’t so impossible after all?In this powerful episode, publishing strategist Meghan Stevenson sits down with Jamila Souffrant, host of Journey to Launch and author of Your Journey to Financial Freedom, to unpack how Jamila turned a personal blog into a multiple six-figure book deal. Jamila shares how she started from scratch, built a loyal podcast audience, and stayed rooted in her financial values while navigating traditional publishing. From overcoming imposter syndrome to deciding whether to write a book proposal herself, she reveals the exact mindset, strategy, and support that helped her su...2025-06-091h 05Kind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 12: How To Understand Your Author Platform Right NowWhat shows up when someone Googles your name? If you’re dreaming of landing a traditional book deal, that search result matters more than you think. In this punchy and insightful episode, publishing expert Meghan Stevenson breaks down why your author platform is just as important as your book idea, and how a quick Google search is the first litmus test agents and editors use to decide if you're worth a call.Meghan explains why most aspiring authors aren’t ready to pitch, the three common business models that shape successful platforms, and how to build...2025-05-2617 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 11: How To Get The Best Advice For Your BookEver wonder why some writers’ retreats and book conferences leave you feeling inspired but stuck? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson gets real about why so much advice out there won’t actually help you land a traditional publishing deal—and what will. Megan shares three crucial lessons for getting the right help for your book journey: finding experts who truly specialize, being wary of vague promises from conferences and memberships, and doing real due diligence before investing time or money.If you're an entrepreneur or expert dreaming of a big b...2025-05-1224 min
WSUM Daily NewscastMay 01, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, Madison City Clerk resigns amidst past ballot-counting controversies, Kohl's fires its brand new CEO for unethical behavior, Ukraine and the US sign a minerals and reconstruction deal, and eleven Syracuse high schools face charges over hazing.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-05-0207 min
On WisconsinCampus Community and Creativity with Wisconsin Design Team's Josh KuhnNews Director Paige Stevenson, as well as News Writers Meghan Reimann, Vincent Nayman, Nathan Jahn, and Matt Catalani chatted with Wisconsin Design Team's co-founder, Josh Kuhn about what it's like to start a popular UW-Madison-inspired clothing brand fresh out of college.Originally aired 04/27/20252025-05-0127 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 30, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, the US Supreme Court appears open to approve religious charter school funding, the US Government outlines new policies for ending international students' status, Wisconsin and 23 other states file a lawsuit against Trump administration over cuts to AmeriCorps, the Swedish police arrest a teenaged suspect of fatal triple shooting, and a Mali coup leader wins enough support to be declared president for the next five years.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-05-0108 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 29, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, Mark Carney wins the Canadian Prime Minister election, 70% of the US Justice Department's Civil Rights Division accepts resignation offers, and UnityPoint Health-Meriter expands its medical services via an outreach van.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-3005 min
Coffee N° 5 with Lara SchmoismanWriting the Right Way: Book Publishing Wisdom with Meghan StevensonSend us a textPublishing a book? Learn the truth behind self-publishing, hybrid models, and traditional book deals with expert Meghan Stevenson. From securing an agent to building your platform, get industry-level insight in this episode of Coffee N° 5. We'll talk about:Meghan’s journey from Big Five publishing to independent author advocacyThe three paths to publishing: self-publishing, hybrid, and traditionalWhy audience size and platform are non-negotiables in traditional publishingCommon misconceptions about advances, agents, and bestseller lists2025-04-2935 minKind Of A Big Book DealFrom Idea to Deal: Elaine Lin Hering's Publishing JourneyIn this inspiring episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson talks with author and leadership expert Elaine Lin Hering about her nine-year journey to publishing her debut book Unlearning Silence with Penguin Random House. Elaine shares how the idea sparked from her work at the Harvard Negotiation Project, what held her back, and how she finally took action. From doomscrolling on LinkedIn to securing a six-figure book deal, Elaine offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional highs and lows of traditional publishing.Listeners will learn how to trust their gut, why finding the...2025-04-2849 min
Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & LifeWhat Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About GhostwritingIn this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, I’m joined by Meghan Stevenson, a talented ghostwriter and collaborator in the publishing world. Meghan takes us through her journey, from being a passionate reader to launching her own ghostwriting and editing business. We dive deep into the world of prescriptive nonfiction, and I pick Meghan’s brain about the importance of finding the right fit in publishing and the challenge of narrowing down ideas and niches for aspiring authors.We also talk about the power of focus in entrepreneurship, how each author brings their uniq...2025-04-2548 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 24, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, the Madison Police Department designs an underage drinking amnesty policy, four UW-Madison professors were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the US Attorney General issues a memo requiring Justice Department employees to enforces policies against transgender youth, a federal judge limits US President Trump's ability to withhold funding from schools for DEI initiatives, and Russia strikes Kyiv, Ukraine.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-2508 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 23, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, Apple and Meta are sued by the European Union for over $700 million, opening arguments begin today for Harvey Weinstein's re-trial in New York, Bosnia state police fail to arrest the Serbian leader, and US and European officials meet in London over Ukraine peace talks.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-2407 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 21, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, dissent in the US Supreme Court blocks permits deportations of Venezuelans under a wartime law, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shares military information in another Signal chat, the DNR investigates the death of bull elk in Jackson County, Wisconsin, the Saudi Arabia-state owned oil grant, Aramco, signs a deal with Chinese EV giant, BYD, Pope Francis passes at 88, and South Sudanese army recaptures a key city from the ethnic Nuer, a white army militia. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 F...2025-04-2209 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 17, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, research discovers signs of potential life on a planet other than Earth, US President Donald Trump calls for resignation of Jerome Powell, the United Kingdom high court decides transgender women are not included under the definition of "women" under an equalities law, two are dead and six left wounded in Florida State University shooting, and changes are expects for multi-factor authentication across UW-Madison's campus.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-1808 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 16, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, the board president of Madison's Urban Triage dismisses claims of poor contract vetting, Israel plans to keep troops in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, the Fed Chair gives a warning on the economic state of the US, and the US Pentagon investigates potential leaks. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-1708 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 15, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, bipartisan support limits the White House from trying to end legal aid for unaccompanied minors, US President Trump threatens Harvard University's tax status, and Madison's Literacy Network loses federal funding for its US citizenship test-prep.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-1608 min
Your Story Will Be DifferentSentinelSEASON 2 FINALE!The last living Sentinel must repel wave after wave of magical creatures and fiends to defend a castle removed from time and space.Be sure to check out Sentinel by Meghan Cross!Support the podcast here.2025-04-1526 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 14, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, one man is arrested and charged with an arson attack against Pennsylvanian Governor Josh Shapiro, housing tax credit recipients may expand in rural Wisconsin, the president of El Salvador says he won't return mistakenly deported man, and China and Vietnam strengthen economic ties in response to White House tariffs.Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-1508 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: What Bestseller Lists Don't Tell You: NYT, USA TodayIn this episode, publishing pro Meghan Stevenson breaks down the truth behind bestseller lists—and it’s not as straightforward as you might think. From the mysterious and curated New York Times list to the purely data-driven USA Today list and the sometimes-misleading Amazon categories, Meghan pulls back the curtain on what these rankings actually mean.She explains why the USA Today list is the most objective, how bulk buys can skew numbers, and why some wildly successful books never make any list at all. Meghan also highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing and makes the case for...2025-04-1420 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 10, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, the US House Representatives vote to bar district judges from making nationwide injunctions, a helicopter crashes in the Hudson River, Ben Wilker plans to step down as Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair, the Trump administration is looking to cancel social security numbers of self-deportees, and heavy opposition exists towards amendments in India's Right to Information Act. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-1107 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 09, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, UW-Madison School of Education ranked top in the nation, the Associated Press regains access to the White House, toxic oceanic algae bloom in Southern California results in sea lion attacks on beachgoers, the Trump administration halts funding for top colleges, President Trump reversed environmental protections to increase timber production, Trump backs down on reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, the US restores food aid to many nations, yet neglects Afghanistan and Yemen, and anthrax attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo kill 50 hippos. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday a...2025-04-1011 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 08, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, UW students and alumni receive visa cancellations, the US Supreme Court resumes Venezuelan deportations and the Supreme Court pauses a ruling requiring 16,000 federal workers to be rehired, Meghan Markle announces she suffered with postpartum preeclampsia, Ukrainian President Zelensky says Chinese citizens were caught fighting alongside Russia in the Donetsk region, tariffs on Chinese goods goes up to 104%, and the US and Iran will hold direct talks on April 12. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.org.2025-04-0910 minOn WisconsinSexual Assault Awareness Month and Post-Assault Care with DaneMACNews Director Paige Stevenson, as well as News Writers Avery Chheda, Ethan Moreland, Nathan Jahn, Meghan Reimann, and Vince Hesprich sat down with Marta, a Forensic Nurse Examiner working with DaneMAC, to talk about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses, preventing sexual assault, and how community members can access the unique post-assault services offered by DaneMAC. View DaneMAC's resources here: https://www.danecenter.org/ Originally aired 04/06/20252025-04-0730 minWSUM Daily NewscastApril 01, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, NASA astronauts return home from the International Space Station after being there for nine and a half months, layoffs hit US health agencies, Lee Zeldin closes National Environmental Museum, Europe has a strong plan to retaliate against US tariffs, China practices military attacks, blockades, and exercises in the area surrounding Taiwan, and Russian president, Vladimir Putin issues a new military draft as the recent offensive against Ukraine continues to slow down. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.o...2025-04-0209 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: Choosing Your Publishing Path: Self, Hybrid, TraditionalThinking about publishing your book? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important to find the best fit for your goals. In this episode, we break down the three main options: self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Each path has its pros and cons, so knowing what to expect is key. Tune in for real-world insights to help you make the best choice! Have questions? Send us an email or leave a voicemail—we’d love to hear from you!Find the 3Ps freebie here: https://meghanstevenson.kit.com/50230df9e1 Writer Beware we...2025-03-3125 minWSUM Daily NewscastMarch 18, 2025 Daily NewscastIn the news today, Google makes its largest acquisition ever, Israel breaks ceasefire agreement and launches airstrikes that kill more than 400 Palestinians, Germany's Bundestag approves massive increase in defense spending in a move to bolster European security, Putin agrees to stop attacks against Ukrainian energy targets in call with US President Trump, a plane crashes off of the coast of Honduras, and House Democrats push for details on DOGE under the Freedom of Information Act. Hosted by News Director Paige Stevenson, the daily newscast airs every Monday-Thursday at 5 & 6 pm. Tune in on WSUM 91.7 FM or on wsum.o...2025-03-1810 minOn WisconsinThe 2025 Wisconsin Film Festival with Artistic Director Mike KingNews Director Paige Stevenson, as well as News Writers Ethan Moreland, Nathan Jahn, and Vince Hesprich got the opportunity to talk with the 2025 Wisconsin Film Festival's Artistic Director, Mike King, all about the programming making up this year's festival, as well as the process that goes behind choosing the Festival's movies. View this year's scheduling here: https://wifilmfest.org/ Originally aired 03/16/20252025-03-1727 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: Book Proposals 101Writing a book proposal can be overwhelming, especially for experts and entrepreneurs who want to publish a nonfiction book. In this episode, we break down why book proposals matter and why most authors shouldn’t write them alone. Our guest, an experienced proposal writer and publishing insider, shares how a strong proposal can make or break your chances of landing a literary agent and a book deal. We cover the key elements of a proposal, from the business sections—like competitive titles and marketing plans—to the editorial sections that showcase your book’s unique message.You’ll also he...2025-03-1730 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: Why Publishers Want Author PlatformsIn this episode, we break down what it really takes to land a book deal—hint: it’s not just about having a great idea. With over 850 people taking our book quiz in 2024, we found that 64% were working on books outside of what we focus on: self-help and how-to books. If you’re an entrepreneur or expert aiming for a book deal, this episode is for you.The key to getting a book deal? Your author platform—the audience and credibility that prove you can sell books. We cover why social media, speaking gigs, media features, email lists, a...2025-03-0327 min
Piers Morgan UncensoredDave Rubin vs Gary Stevenson + Black Jesus, Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds & MoreThe global news may be fraught with crime, division and war, but for the vast majority of people, the most pressing issue they face in real life is money. All those who haven’t been living underground in the last 10 years will know that prices are going up and budgets are getting tighter. So why has this happened? Can it be reversed? Are billionaires and bankers the culprits? Piers Morgan moderates a vital debate between rogue economist and ex-trader Gary Stevenson and pro-capitalist political commentator, Dave Rubin.Then, Piers Morgan pivots to a discussion on...2025-02-211h 24Kind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: Is Your Book Idea Ready for Traditional Publishing?In this episode of Kind Of A Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson breaks down the first key element of landing a traditional book deal: Potential. She explains how to determine if your idea is truly book-worthy, why having a built-in audience is crucial, and how to assess whether similar books have been successful. Meghan shares real-world examples, including an unusual book pitch she once received about stadium security fencing, and why not every idea is meant to be a book.She also discusses the reality of book sales, revealing that women are the primary book buyers...2025-02-1721 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: Three Ps Every Author Needs to Get a Book DealWelcome to Kind of a Big Book Deal with host Meghan Stevenson! If you’ve ever dreamed of landing a book deal but felt lost in the process, this episode is for you. Meghan, a former editor at top publishing houses, shares her hard-earned insights on what it takes to turn your book idea into a reality.In this episode, Meghan introduces her Three P’s framework—Potential, Platform, and Proposal—the key elements every author needs to secure a traditional publishing deal. She explains why your book idea must be fresh and marketable, how to build an audie...2025-02-0317 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: The Essential (and Secret) Strategy to Land a Book DealIn this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the most overlooked but essential parts of publishing—understanding your book’s category. If you’re an entrepreneur hoping to land a traditional book deal, knowing where your book fits is key to getting the right publisher, agent, and audience.Meghan starts by debunking the myth of the "prescriptive memoir"—a book that tries to be both a personal story and a how-to guide. Spoiler: it doesn’t work. She explains the four main categories of nonfiction: lifestyle, reference, narrative, and prescr...2025-02-0322 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: How Entrepreneurs and Experts Get a Book DealIn this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, host Meghan Stevenson walks entrepreneurs through the key stages and roles in traditional publishing. She breaks down the six main steps to getting a book deal, from writing a book proposal and securing an agent to landing a deal, writing the manuscript, preparing for publication, and, finally, promoting the book once it's out. Meghan emphasizes the importance of having the right team—including a collaborator, a literary agent, and an editor—to ensure success.She also explains the many people involved in publishing a book, from...2025-02-0316 minKind Of A Big Book DealThe Basics: How to Publish Your Prescriptive Nonfiction Book TraditionallyWelcome 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. She shares a funny and eye-opening story about a client who thought she missed out on her dream book deal—only to realize she actually got exactly what she wanted.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 & Schu...2025-02-0316 minKind Of A Big Book DealKind Of A Big Book Deal TrailerWelcome to "Kind of a Big Book Deal," the podcast where entrepreneurs like you learn the ins and outs of navigating the traditional publishing world. I'm your host, Meghan Stevenson. With my background as an editor for major publishers and now helping entrepreneurs turn into authors, I've seen it all. My clients have raked in over $5 million in deals with heavyweights like Penguin, Random House, Simon Schuster, and Harper Collins. Whether you're dreaming of hitting the bestseller lists or just getting started, this podcast is your new go-to resource. Have a great idea for a book but d...2025-02-0101 min
Entrepreneurial Thinkers with Rob RyanEp 149: "Diversity in Venture Capital; Driving Better Returns" with Meghan Stevenson-KrauszDiverse fund teams are more profitable! Do you believe diversifying the venture capital investment industry actually creates better investment returns? Hint, it does! In this episode of Entrepreneurial Thinkers, Rob sits down with Megan Stevenson-Krausz, co-CEO of Diversity VC, a unique non-profit organization helping its VC Firm members worldwide, to uncover why diversity isn’t just a moral imperative but a business and profit advantage. From redefining equity in venture capital to balancing meritocracy with inclusion, they discuss practical strategies for creating more diverse investment teams. Megan shares her insights on cultural nuances, intersectional diversity in Latin America and glo...2025-01-231h 19
The Resilient Writers Radio ShowHow to Write and Sell Your Nonfiction BookSend us a text! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.In this first episode of Season 6 of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, host Rhonda Douglas dives into the world of nonfiction writing with expert Meghan Stevenson. Meghan, a seasoned professional in crafting nonfiction book proposals, shares her wealth of experience, having helped her clients secure over $5 million in publishing advances and contributing to the success of 16 New York Times bestsellers.The conversation explores the distinct differences between nonfiction and fiction markets, emphasizing how nonfiction is driven by purpose—whether to edu...2025-01-0929 min