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What really makes a book a bestseller, and is the famous “blueprint” worth following?

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson breaks down what entrepreneurs need to understand about bestselling books, platform growth, and the publishing machine behind major author success. Using Mel Robbins, James Clear, and other big self-help names as examples, Meghan explains why simple ideas, wide audience appeal, and massive platforms often drive bestseller momentum.

She also looks at the darker side of influence, including parasocial relationships, copycat strategies, and the line between learning from others and losing your own integrity. This episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs, experts, and creators who want to publish a meaningful book without feeling pressured to chase trends or copy someone else’s path.

The big reminder: You do not need a New York Times bestseller badge to write a book that matters. You need clarity, purpose, and a publishing path that actually fits you.

Read the Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/04/let-them-mel-robbins-cassie-phillips/686840/.
Watch journalist Scott Carney’s YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VFa7AVis7E.

Episode Highlights:
(1:24) Why Mel Robbins Is the Case Study
(2:02) How James Clear Reverse Engineered Success
(2:42) Platform Matters More Than Content Alone
(3:27) Mel Robbins’ Publishing Path
(4:48) Finding a Broad but Specific Niche
(5:48) Influencers, Trust, and Parasocial Relationships
(7:32) Bestseller Dreams Without Losing Integrity
(8:28) The Let Them Theory Controversy
(9:24) Copying, Learning, and Bestseller Strategy
(10:42) Bestseller Lists Are Not the Only Impact
(11:37) How to Start Your Publishing Journey

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


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.

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A six-figure book deal sounds exciting, but the real story is more honest and more useful than a big number. In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson explains what entrepreneurs, experts, and creators need to understand about traditional publishing advances, literary agents, and the real value of a book deal.

Meghan breaks down why publishing is a reputation-based business, why many agents aim for deals of $100,000 or more, and why not every strong proposal lands a massive advance. She shares how market timing, editor interest, competition, and the economy can all affect what a publisher offers. She also explains her 3P Framework™: potential, platform, and proposal, and why those are the pieces authors can actually control.

Listeners will walk away with a clearer view of what book advances mean, why lower upfront money does not always mean a weaker book opportunity, and how traditional publishing can create long-term visibility, credibility, speaking opportunities, and business growth.

Meghan’s episode about money in publishing can be found at https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcast/episode-14.

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:24) Why six figures became the goal
(2:45) How literary agents make money
(3:13) Publishing as a business model
(5:03) Common book deal advance ranges
(6:53) The 3P framework for authors
(7:41) Why publishing mirrors real estate
(9:17) Best deal does not mean biggest deal
(10:17) Why lower advances still matter
(11:25) Books as business growth tools
(13:22) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


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.

Send us Fan Mail

What if the book deal you want depends less on your idea and more on the business you build around it?

In this episode of Kind of a Big Book Deal, Meghan Stevenson sits down with Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas, founder of 7-Figure Educator™ and forthcoming author of 7-Figure Educator™. Erica shares the real journey behind preparing for a traditional publishing deal, from hearing the hard truth about audience size to spending two years growing her platform with strategy, consistency, and data.

She explains why social media growth is not about vanity metrics, but about learning what your audience needs and proving you can sell your message. Erica also opens up about building the team, systems, and support needed to write a book while running a multiple seven-figure business. This episode is a grounded look at authorship, entrepreneurship, visibility, and why expert support can make the publishing process smoother, stronger, and more strategic.

Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas is the CEO and Founder of 7-Figure Educator™, a business development company shifting power in education and closing the racial wealth gap by equipping high-performing educators to build 7-figure consulting businesses. Through her programs, she’s worked with over 20,000 educators nationwide. Her clients earn an average of $92,000 in annual business revenue outside their 9-to-5s, 42% more than the average teacher’s salary.

A former math teacher and school principal, Dr. Erica holds degrees from The Ohio State University, Relay Graduate School of Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned her doctorate. She’s also a real estate investor and CEO of Emma & Easter Realty Group, and the forthcoming Hay House author of 7-Figure Educator: Turn Your Experience as an Educator Into Income, Impact, and Freedom, available everywhere books are sold on June 16, 2026.

Find Dr. Jordan-Thomas on social
https://www.instagram.com/e_jordanthomas/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drericajordanthomas/

Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:34) Meet Dr. Erica Jordan-Thomas
(3:00) Starting the publishing journey in 2022
(4:21) Getting direct feedback on audience growth
(6:24) Why platform size matters to publishers
(9:25) Building a strategic social media presence
(11:25) Hiring support without losing your voice
(14:41) Preparing the business to write a book
(20:06) Using time, joy, and revenue as filters
(25:45) Balancing manuscript deadlines and live events
(35:47) Finding the right literary agent
(39:14) Why New York Times bestseller matters
(42:39) Investing in a serious book launch
(48:20) The best advice for growing an audience
(51:26) Outro

Have a great idea for a book but don't know where to start? MeghanStevenson.com/quiz


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.