While I realize that the timeline was originally set by the British media, I really did expect to hear some big business news from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex this fall. Granted, they could still announce plenty of stuff and I appreciate the fact that they’re not allowing the tabloids to dictate anything. Archewell Audio is one area in which there’s a big question mark. They parted ways with Spotify in June, didn’t respond to Spotify executive Bill Simmons calling them “f–king grifters” and then…nothing. We’ve heard rumors, of course, of WME deal-making and Meghan’s possible desire to start fresh at a different pod-streamer. But nothing from Archewell, nothing in the trade papers. Is it possible that Meghan is “close to signing” with Audible?

Meghan Markle could be set for a “huge payout” as the former royal is on the cusp of signing a major deal. The Duchess of Sussex is said to be “thrilled” at the prospect of the new deal, particularly since she parted ways with Spotify earlier this year.

Now, new sources have revealed that Meghan has a brand-new deal on the way with Audible, a streaming service that specialises in audiobooks and podcasts. The deal is set to be a “make or break for her Hollywood dream”.

Speaking to Closer, the source said: “Word of mouth is spreading that it will lead to a huge payout – even bigger than the millions Spotify splashed out – and Meghan is thrilled that she’ll be in the company of Michelle and Barack Obama.”

The source continued: “Meghan seems very confident at the moment but the reality is that she’s been in a pretty desperate spot. Losing the Spotify deal was a massive blow to her, not to mention her ego. She’s been pretty lost since but this deal could turn everything around.”

They added: “Meghan knows her new deal with Audible could be make or break for her Hollywood dream. She feels ready but that doesn’t mean this isn’t seriously daunting. She hardly sleeps thanks to the pressure of it all, but knows that the pressure will only get worse if she lands the deal – it will be make or break.”

[From The Daily Express]

“It will be make or break” – no it won’t and she’s not losing sleep over it either way. I’d love Meghan to come back to podcasting, either with Archetypes or a new pod format, and I agree that if she comes back, it will likely be through Audible. But the days of “throwing millions at podcasters” is over, and whether Meghan goes to Audible or not, it’s not make or break or even some super-profitable situation. I am hopeful that Meg has a lot of stuff she’s working on behind-the-scenes though. Announce something, Meg!!

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.