Unexpected Journey: From Special Olympics to Bestseller Lists
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Meghan Quinn, the bestselling author of romance novels like “A Not So Meet Cute.” The following has been edited for length and clarity.
Meghan Quinn never envisioned herself as a full-time author, yet she has become a prominent name in the romance genre. Her journey began during her tenure at the Special Olympics, where long commutes sparked her imagination, leading to the creation of various book ideas.
Quinn’s initial attempt at writing resulted in a manuscript she believed to be a masterpiece, but it was met with rejection from literary agents. Her mother suggested self-publishing, a path that eventually led Quinn to release her first romance e-book on Amazon in 2013. The venture started modestly with three sales on the first day and a first check amounting to $128.
Turning Passion into Profession
By 2015, Quinn’s self-publishing efforts began to bear fruit, allowing her to contribute $7,000 from book sales toward a new house. However, a pivotal moment came when she was unexpectedly fired from her job while in the process of adopting her son. This turn of events prompted her to pursue writing full-time.
Quinn’s dedication paid off when her book, “A Not So Meet Cute,” achieved the No. 1 spot on Amazon in 2021. Her continued success culminated in her first appearance on The New York Times bestseller list with “How My Neighbor Stole Christmas” in 2024.
Embracing a Hybrid Publishing Model
Though self-publishing was instrumental in her early success, Quinn eventually adopted a hybrid model, retaining e-book and audio rights while collaborating with Bloom, a Sourcebooks imprint, for paperback editions. Her partnership with Montlake Publishing in 2018 provided valuable insights into traditional publishing, yet it was Bloom that facilitated the distribution of her books in stores.
Quinn notes that self-publishing requires significant effort but becomes manageable with experience. She has developed an efficient writing process, producing up to 1,000 words in 20-minute sprints, a skill honed during her son’s infancy.
Writing to Inspire and Heal
Quinn’s love for romance stems from her high school days, where she was drawn to rom-coms and musicals. Her books have resonated with readers, offering solace during difficult times. Writing has been therapeutic for Quinn as well, providing an escape during her mother’s cancer treatments.
She aspires to bring joy to her readers, offering them an escape through her stories. Her upcoming book, “Rules for the Summer,” exemplifies her enduring commitment to crafting narratives that uplift and inspire.
