What if the biggest thing standing between you and a book deal is not your writing, but your strategy? In this episode, Meghan Stevenson sits down with literary agent Steve Troha of Folio Literary Management to unpack what really helps entrepreneurs, experts, and creators land traditional publishing deals. One of the biggest takeaways is that a strong book idea is not enough on its own. You also need platform, positioning, and the right people around you. Steve explains why agents do far more than pitch books. They help shape the concept, negotiate better deals, guide authors through a slow and often confusing process, and protect the author’s relationships with publishers. The conversation also covers why honest feedback matters more than praise from friends and family, why AI can be useful for brainstorming but risky for actual writing, and why many authors should get help instead of trying to do everything alone. For listeners, this episode is a practical reality check. It shows what makes a book commercially viable, where first-time authors often get stuck, and how to approach publishing with more clarity, patience, and leverage. This week’s guest is Steve Troha. Steve is a partner with Folio Lit. He has a consistent track record of working with some of the world’s most prominent and pioneering voices. In the past 15 years, he has worked with more than 60 New York Times bestselling authors, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Gabrielle Bernstein, Tracy Anderson, Amanda Kloots, Andrew Morton, Kris Carr, Misty Copeland, Vani Hari, Mollie Katzen, The Johnny Cash Estate, and The Grand Ole Opry as well as several of our clients here at MSB. Steve is currently closed for submissions. Episode Highlights: (0:00) Intro (1:28) Meeting Steve Troha and his publishing background (2:22) What a literary agent really does (5:16) Why going direct to publishers can backfire (12:04) What makes a book project a yes (15:09) Red flags that make agents say no (22:02) Why cover and publishing decisions feel frustrating (24:48) Using AI without losing your voice (30:06) Why traditional publishing moves so slowly (34:01) Publicity, promotion, and investing in your book (37:28) Why getting help can protect your platform (43:11) Steve’s advice for growing platform and handling feedback (49:16) Why Substack, persistence, and resilience matter (51:06) Outro Follow Meghan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevensonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/megstevensonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanstevenson/TikTok: @meghan.stevenson.booksWebsite: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/Leave Meghan a voicemail: https://sayhi.chat/KOBBD 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.
