The Basics: The Essential (and Secret) Strategy to Land a Book Deal

Send us Fan MailIn 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 prescriptive. If you're writing a book to solve a problem, chances are it falls under prescriptive nonfiction, which includes self-help, business, health, and personal development books.Meghan also highlights why knowing your category helps you build the right publishing team, from editors to agents to marketing experts. She shares insider insights on how bookstores organize books, how publishers think about readers, and why choosing the right category from the start sets you up for success.If you’re serious about writing a book that sells, this episode is a must-listen!Episode Highlights:(0:00) Intro(3:29) The importance of understanding book categories(5:42) Why “prescriptive memoir” doesn’t work(6:24) Fiction vs. nonfiction: A crucial distinction(7:39) The four main types of nonfiction books(11:05) What is prescriptive nonfiction?(18:28) Why knowing your category helps you get a book deal(22:18) 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.