How to Hire a Book Coach episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 22, 2025 · 9 MIN

How to Hire a Book Coach

from Kind Of A Big Book Deal · host Meghan Stevenson

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 deliverable? Many workshops sell inspiration, not outcomes.(2) What are their real results? Because a great proposal means nothing if the expert can’t help you build the platform needed to sell books.She shares stories from her own business evolution, hard-won insights from working with major publishers, and the real numbers behind her team’s success, like an 88% proposal-to-book-deal rate and dozens of six-figure deals.This episode is your roadmap for choosing the right support, protecting your time and money, and putting your book in the hands of people who know exactly how to bring it to life.Episode Highlights:(0:00) Intro(0:33) Why so many publishing programs fall short(1:23) The truth about scammers, grifters, and bad advice(2:44) The #1 filter: Always check the deliverable(3:35) Why writing the book too early leads to disappointment(4:05) The #2 filter: Who are you learning from?(5:30) Why Meghan avoids workshops + her integrity stance(7:10) Meghan breaks down her three clear deliverables(8:20) Real receipts: Meghan’s shocking success stats(9:00) Helping authors avoid wasted time, money, and stress(9:25) OutroHave a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quizTraditional 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. 

Send us Fan Mail What 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 d...

NOW PLAYING

How to Hire a Book Coach

0:00 9:48

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Ask A Spaceman Archives - 365 Days of Astronomy Ask A Spaceman Archives - 365 Days of Astronomy Podcasting Astronomy Every Day of the Year Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Kind Of A Big Book Deal?

This episode is 9 minutes long.

When was this Kind Of A Big Book Deal episode published?

This episode was published on December 22, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Send us Fan MailWhat 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...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Kind Of A Big Book Deal episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!