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A traditional book deal is not a magic ticket to becoming a thought leader, gaining validation, or creating impact out of thin air. You are ready to pursue one when you already have proof that your advice matters, works for the people you serve, and has the potential to reach people at scale.

In a lot of ways, coming up with a viable book idea is easy. But writing a book requires practice: practice sharing your ideas with your target audience, practice learning what they want from you, and practice knowing what resonates and what doesn’t — and refining that message while growing your ability to reach more and more people.

There is a reason most of the entrepreneurs, experts, and creators Meghan Stevenson works with have millions of followers and run multimillion-dollar businesses. They are not depending on their book to share their message because, in many ways, they are the message.

Instead of seeing yourself only as a writer — or even as a guide with a message that matters — you understand that a book deal is a business partnership.

And that changes everything.

Your publisher is not a fairy godmother who will magically create impact out of thin air. A book deal is also not the magic ticket you need to be seen as a thought leader or to get the validation you really, really want.

The clients Meghan has seen succeed and hit bestseller lists were focused on more than writing their book. They were also prepared to promote, market, and launch their work into the world like any other product or service offering in their business.

Their book mattered, but it was not their only focus.

You are ready to pursue a traditional nonfiction book deal when:

• You have tested your ideas and know your advice works for the people you serve.
• You have proof that your message matters to people.
• You understand what resonates with your target audience and what does not.
• You have refined your message through practice sharing your ideas.
• You are growing your ability to reach more people.
• You have the platform that makes a book appealing to a publisher.
• You are prepared to promote, market, and launch the book.
• You see the book as one component of a bigger mission and broader business impact.

To understand whether you are ready, take Meghan’s free assessment and have custom advice delivered right to your inbox: 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.

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