Shows
Kind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 34 - An Inside Look at Traditional Publishing From Authors and Book Coaches Lauren Marie Fleming and Richelle FredsonWhat if the book you’re trying to write is actually the wrong one?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson sits down with publishing experts Lauren Marie Fleming and Richelle Fredson for an honest, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to write a meaningful book and navigate traditional publishing without losing yourself along the way.Together, they challenge the obsession with trends, hacks, and overnight success. Instead, they make a compelling case for writing the book you needed years ago, not the one you think the market wants to...
2026-02-161h 13Kind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 33 - The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make When Trying To Get a Book DealWhat if your dream of landing a book deal is being held back by mistakes you don't even realize you're making?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on what really matters in traditional publishing for entrepreneurs and experts. She explains why great ideas alone are not enough, and why proof of concept, a strong audience, and a clear strategy are essential for success. Meghan reviews her “Three P’s” framework: Potential, Platform, and Proposal, and shows how each one plays a critical role in getting publishers to say yes.You will learn why te...
2026-02-0926 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 32 - How I Would Get a Book Deal in 2026 If I Had to Start OverIn this episode, publishing expert and host Meghan Stevenson breaks down exactly how she would land a traditional book deal in 2026 if she had no followers, no connections, and only an idea she believed in. Instead of chasing shortcuts or hype, Meghan lays out a clear, grounded path built on business growth, real audience demand, and patience.She explains why publishers care less about big dreams and more about proof, platform, and profitability, and why growing a business first makes you a stronger author later. You will hear why creating consistent content is not optional, how testing...
2026-02-0228 min
WICC The Voice of ConnecticutMelissa in the Morning: Homeschooling in CTThe homeschooling population in Connecticut is feeling like a scapegoat again after recent egregious cases of child abuse in our state. Recently, the Office of Child Advocate released a report that recommended tightening state oversight for homeschoolers. Now, groups like the National Homeschooling Education Legal Defense, an advocacy and legal group dedicated to defending the rights of homeschoolers, are pushing back on that report. We spoke about this with Attorney Deborah Stevenson who represents The National Homeschooling Education Legal Defense.
2026-01-2915 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 31 - Skills and Secrets for Your Book Journey with Sexpert and Author Caitlin VWhat if the real measure of success is not the numbers, the lists, or the applause, but the moment your work truly helps one person?In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with sex and relationship coach Caitlin V to explore what it really takes to turn years of lived experience, research, and repetition into a powerful book. Caitlin shares her journey from academia to coaching to YouTube fame, and why writing a book was never about money, influence, or status. It was about access.Together, they...
2026-01-2656 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 30 — Why Traditional Books Sell More (Than Self-Published or Hybrid)Most books never break 300 copies. That single fact alone stops a lot of aspiring authors in their tracks. In this episode of the Kind of a Big Book Deal Podcast, Meghan Stevenson breaks down why traditionally published books consistently sell more copies and what that means if you are thinking about writing a book.Meghan explains that traditional publishing forces authors to build an audience and prove demand before a deal is ever offered. While that hurdle can feel intimidating, it actually sets authors up for stronger sales because they already know how to reach readers. She...
2026-01-1907 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 29 - Learn (Nearly) Everything You Need to Know About Traditional Publishing with Author Jamie SearsWhat if landing a book deal wasn’t about luck at all, but about learning how the publishing world really works? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan sits down with bestselling author and former teacher–turned–entrepreneur Jamie Sears to break open the truth behind traditional publishing, platform building, and writing a book that actually gets picked up.Jamie shares how she went from creating classroom resources with nothing but scrapbook skills to building a massive online audience and securing a major deal with Penguin Random House. Her story is a reminder that s...
2026-01-1250 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 28 - Get a Book Deal This YearWhat if the book deal you dream about isn’t actually far away, it just needs the right plan, the right timing, and the right support?In this episode, Meghan Stevenson opens the doors to traditional publishing even wider by sharing the exact framework she uses to help experts and entrepreneurs land major book deals. She breaks down her trusted Three P Framework: Potential, Platform, and Proposal; and explains why each step matters more than most aspiring authors realize. From understanding whether your idea can sell, to proving you have a real, working audience, to crafting a co...
2026-01-0510 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 27 - How to Hire a Book CoachWhat if the guidance you’re trusting for your book dream is actually slowing you down? In this episode, Meghan pulls back the curtain on the publishing world, and the people profiting from it, to help you avoid the traps so many first-time authors fall into. After 20+ years in traditional publishing, she’s seen how crowded the “get published” space has become, and how much of it is built on shaky advice, recycled teachings, and experts with no real experience.Megan breaks down the two filters every author must use before hiring anyone:(1) What is the actual d...
2025-12-2209 min
Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & LifeReflections from Season Three: Crafting Better Days and Bigger IdeasEver feel like your days could be more intentional and full of meaning? As we wrap up the end of 2025, I’m reflecting on the top three episodes of season three that resonated with you most and why they matter. From Bruce Stanley’s The Art of Daycrafting, we explore designing your day with autonomy and experimenting with routines to boost energy and well-being. Megan Stevenson’s How to Land a Book Deal shows how focused creativity within a “corral” can help you manage diverse interests, and my conversation with my very own podcast manager, Al...
2025-12-1914 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 26 - Leverage PR to Build Platform with Caitlin Copple and Full Swing PRWhat if your story could open doors and reshape who gets to be seen? In this episode, Meghan talks with PR expert Caitlin Copple, co-founder of Full Swing PR, about the kind of visibility that actually drives results for entrepreneurs who want book deals and real impact.Caitlin shares why PR only works when your business is ready for it, what founders must have in place before hiring a publicist, and how “publicity that fills your pipeline” differs from the vanity wins most people chase. She explains the value of consistent visibility habits, why many entrepreneurs aren’t prep...
2025-12-0847 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 25 - How and When To Choose Your Book's Categories and CompsWhat if your book idea isn’t the problem, it’s your platform? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, publishing expert Meghan Stevenson breaks down why building your author platform matters more than obsessing over comps, subcategories, or bookstore placement. Using listener Mike C.’s question about his music and wellness book, Meghan reveals the truth behind prescriptive nonfiction (a.k.a. how-to or self-help books), why comparing yourself to bestselling authors can backfire, and how understanding your audience makes category and positioning decisions effortless.If you’ve ever wondered what makes agents and publ...
2025-11-2412 min
History & Factoids about todayNov 14th-Pickles, Run DMC, Yanni, Patrick Warburton, Josh Duhamel, UK 1st #1 Song, McClean StevensonNational pickle day. Entertainment from 20104. Marshall University football team plane crash, England ups speedl limit to 14MPH, 1st blood transfusion. Todays birthdays - Brian Keith, Mclean Stevenson, Yanni, Joseph Simmons, Patrick Warburton, Josh Duhamel. Booker T. Washington died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/The Pickle Song - Jim CrosgroveAll about that bass 0 Meghan TrainerLeave the night on - Sam HuntHere in my heart - Al MartinoBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent http://50cent.com/The storm - YanniWalk this...
2025-11-1412 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 24 - Why Authors Can Stop Competing with Ruchika MalhotraWhat if success wasn’t about competition but collaboration? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with bestselling author Ruchika Tulshyan, whose new book Uncompete flips the script on what it means to win. Ruchika shares how the myth of “doing it all yourself” keeps entrepreneurs and authors burnt out and isolated and how equity, generosity, and radical collaboration can build true, sustainable success.Listeners will learn why letting go of scarcity thinking opens doors to creativity, opportunity, and community. Ruchika and Meghan talk candidly about navigating publishing gatekeepers, buildi...
2025-11-1053 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 23 - How to Build an Author Platform With—or Without—Social Media FollowersMost entrepreneurs dream of writing a book but few realize what really catches a publisher’s eye. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson reveals the missing piece behind most failed book pitches: intellectual property that’s uniquely yours. She explains why having your own framework, language, and approach isn’t just nice, it’s non-negotiable if you want to stand out to agents and publishers.Meghan also breaks down what a strong author platform actually looks like today, from building genuine social media engagement (not fake followers) to diversifying your reach th...
2025-10-2711 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 22 - From Corporate Darling to Entrepreneurial Author with Jamie TrullWhat if the financial system you’ve been told to follow is actually holding your business back? In this episode, host Meghan Stevenson sits down with CPA and profit strategist Jamie Trull to talk about building businesses that thrive, not just survive. Jamie shares her journey from corporate life at Coca-Cola to creating a booming financial education platform that guided thousands of small business owners through the uncertainty of COVID.Listeners will discover why popular frameworks like Profit First often fall short for entrepreneurs earning beyond $200K, and how Jamie’s new book Hidden Profit offers a smar...
2025-10-1347 min
Shining Athletes PodcastEp 7: The Student-Athlete Experience: Leadership, Integrity, and Growth with Meghan CroyleIn this episode of the Shining Athletes Podcast, hosts Tyler Baum and Erin Molay sit down with Meghan Croyle, a standout hockey player at Stevenson University and Shining Athletes intern. Meghan shares her journey from Connecticut youth hockey to competing at the college level — reflecting on lessons in teamwork, leadership, and resilience along the way.She opens up about what it means to lead with integrity, the transition from high school to college competition, and how she chose a university that fit her both on and off the ice. Plus, Meghan gives a behind-the-scenes lo...
2025-10-1053 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 21 - When Rejections Matter—and When They Don'tWhat if the rejection you got from a publisher wasn’t really about you at all? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson pulls back the curtain on the truth behind publishing rejections and what they actually mean for your book journey.Meghan shares her unforgettable story about passing on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and uses it to highlight an important lesson: rejection is rarely personal. Listeners will learn the difference between rejections that deserve attention, like feedback about platform size, crowded categories, or consistent editor comments, and those yo...
2025-09-2911 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 20 - How Self-Published Authors Get a Traditional PublisherWhat does it really take to land a traditional book deal and is it even worth the leap from self-publishing? In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, host Meghan Stevenson answers a common question from listener DeShanna, an educator with three self-published books who’s eager to break into traditional publishing.Megan breaks down the 3P Framework: Potential, Platform, and Proposal, to explain what publishers are really looking for and why many authors stumble at the platform stage. She highlights the hidden costs of building an author platform, the importance of aligning your book wi...
2025-09-1517 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 19 - How 18 Months of Rejection Turned Into a Six-Figure Book Deal with Dr. Natalie NixonWhat if the very thing holding you back from a book deal isn’t your writing, but your platform? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Dr. Natalie Nixon to unpack the highs and lows of her author journey. From countless rejections to finally landing a deal for The Creativity Leap, Natalie reveals the grit, courage, and community support it took to get there.Whether you dream of landing a traditional publishing deal or simply want to bring your ideas into the world, Natalie’s story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and believing in your work even...
2025-09-0159 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 18 - Is Traditional Publishing Right For You?What separates the dreamers from the authors with a big book deal? In this real talk episode, Meghan Stevenson pulls no punches. She shares the uncomfortable truth behind traditional publishing success rates and the one thing that determines who makes it and who doesn’t: alignment.Spoiler alert: it’s not your book idea, your expertise, or even your writing skills. It’s whether you're willing to grow a large audience and build a platform that can sell 20,000+ books in a year.Meghan walks through examples of both success and failure, revealing the mindset, effort, and st...
2025-08-1813 minKind Of A Big Book DealEpisode 17 - How Many Followers You Need to Get a Book DealIf you’ve ever wondered whether your social media numbers are good enough for a book deal, this episode is a must-listen. Meghan Stevenson breaks down one of the most common questions aspiring authors ask: Do follower counts make or break your shot at traditional publishing?The answer isn’t what you think.Meghan shares real-world examples from authors with tiny social followings landing massive deals to those leveraging podcasts, YouTube, corporate clients, or speaking gigs instead. What matters more than a magic number? Systems that actually sell books.You’ll walk away with a...
2025-08-0411 min
Uncorked: A Cult Wines PodcastBucking the Trend: Burgundy’s Secret | Episode 3We’re back with the third episode of Uncorked, the Cult Wines podcast. Hosted by our Co-founder and CEO, Tom Gearing, joined once again by Jonathan Stevenson, EVP of Cult Wines North America, this episode welcomes special guest Paul Declerck, one of our London-based Client Relationship Managers, and author of the upcoming book ‘How to Appreciate Wine’.Together, we dive into Paul’s unique journey from the Loire Valley to London’s fine wine scene, hear how a lockdown realisation sparked a total career pivot, and get an early look at his practical, no-nonsense framework...
2025-07-241h 17Kind 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. You’ll learn why writing a book is less about immediate profit and more about long-term ROI, like doubling your mastermind rates, landing speaking gigs, or scaling your brand. Plus, Meghan explains how tax structures (S Corp vs. sole prop) can affect your take-home income, and why your literary agent and col...
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 expert 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 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 succee...
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