FAMILY COOKBOOKS
When you embark on a family cookbook, a traditional publisher isn’t your goal. You most likely want to either self-publish a cookbook or you may turn to cookbook and recipe software online. Here’s a review of The Best Cookbook and Recipe Software of 2018.
COOKBOOK WRITING
Many of my cookbook-writing clients ask about the difference between their cookbook introduction and their cookbook concept overview in their cookbook proposal. While they are very similar, the biggest difference is the audience:
Cookbook Introduction audience is the reader. You sell them what the book is about, who you are, and make them buy your book!
Cookbook Concept Overview audience is the agent or editor. You sell them on representing you and publishing your idea.
Here are a few articles on Cookbook Introductions:
Cookbook Introductions: How to Write One and Why You Should Read Them
How to Write a Cookbook Introduction
Here is advice on how to write a cookbook proposal that attracts agents and publishers.
MY ADVICE ABOUT CONTENT IS CONSISTENCY
As a writer and business owner, I talk a lot about creating content as a cornerstone of a successful business.
Content is about offering your audience value and helping them. Give them something they like – a tip, recipe, mindset shift.
Now, here’s the rub: no matter how you deliver this – via post, podcast, newsletter, print media, YouTube, or other social media platform, the one key to it all is consistency.
Here are my 5 secrets to create consistent content.
COOKBOOK NEWS
Ina Garten’s 11th cookbook is coming out in October. She feels lucky to be writing cookbooks. She keeps notes on what she wants to cooks. She works with flavors and combinations and cooks what she loves. That sounds like a recipe for success to me.
Have you heard about ckbk an online site to search, save, and share from an online database of cookbooks launching in Spring 2018? I have heard it called the Spotify for recipes. Visit ckbk.com to learn more.
And, finally, as if we need to buy more cookbooks, here is a list of 10 Books About Food To Add To Your Home Library, presented by eater.com.
Cookbook author, editor, and Culinary Dietitian Maggie Green, RDN, LD coaches first-time cookbook authors during the pre-publication phase of writing a cookbook.
Would you like to write a cookbook, but feel alone in the pre-publication phase of writing?
Are you stuck thinking about your cookbook idea or has you project fizzled?
Do you feel overwhelmed with publishing options and the recipes, photography, and publishing process?
I’ve been there. I know first-hand that there’s not a lot of support for first-time cookbook authors who don’t have an agent or a publisher yet. That’s why I started my work as a cookbook writing coach.
Here are a few resources for you as you venture into the world of cookbook writing:
Checklist
An 11-point checklist that helps you answer the question, “Am I Ready to Write a Cookbook?”