How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Cookbook or Food Memoir

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If you’ve found yourself in the middle of the night searching, “how to find a literary agent”, and feeling even more confused about how you should find an agent, you’re in the right place. Listen, there are LOADS of information out there about publishing, which used to not be the case. But it feels like there’s always some secret handshake you need to get in front of the right people in the right rooms. 

Someone else is probably doing this better with more ease, and you’re just the dummy who can’t figure it out.

Fun fact: No one knows what they’re doing, and you won’t know what works for you until you get out there. So, how do you find a literary agent for your cookbook or food memoir? Let’s look at three overlooked opportunities that you could take advantage of, right now.

Look in the acknowledgments of your favorite cookbooks

This technique is oh-so simple, but often overlooked. Cookbook authors include any and everyone who was involved with the book creation process, and that normally means their literary agent will get a nod. Agents tend to have their niches or subjects they’re obsessed with. If you love a cookbook and want to do something in the same vein, but with your unique voice attached, add this literary agent to your list. 

Ask friends and colleagues to introduce you to their agents 

If you’re in the food space at all, chances are you know someone who’s published a cookbook or know of someone who has. Reach out to them for a quick 15-20 minute chat about their experience, and ask for an introduction to their agent. A personal intro is way better than a cold email. Plus, you can see whether or not there’s a connection. Some people are so worried about how to find a literary agent, they forget that a lot of it comes down to personality and whether or not you like working with someone. 

And if they ask you to send some pages over, even better. They’ll likely give you feedback on what you have so far, and may even want you to send your proposal when it’s ready. Some food writers want to wait for agent introductions until their book proposal is complete. But why wait? It’s always better to have a decision maker waiting to see your work than overthinking when’s the right time to reach out to them. 

Join professional organizations and network like you mean it

Literary agents aren’t hiding in caves. They’re showing up to industry events, like Cherry Bombe’s Jubilee or the International Association of Culinary Professionals’ annual conference. And they’ll probably be guest speakers for regional and national conferences. Oh, and if there’s a members-only meeting, they’ll be there.

Agents are constantly scouting for talent, so make it easier on yourself and join at least one professional organization. They’ll have a members directory where you can reach out to fellow members and invite them to a virtual or in-person meeting. The more people you meet, the more chances you’ll have of building your authority with culinary agents. 

And if you’re a member of multiple organizations, it shows people you’re serious about what you do. Part of being a cookbook author or food memoirist is networking, promoting your projects, and collaborating with other industry folks. Which means you’re the kind of person agents and publishers want to work with.

How to know you’ve found the right agent for you

It’s exciting when you’ve found a literary agent who’s interested in working with you. Especially after you’ve done your research and opened up your network, so people can find you. But now, you have to figure out who’s the best person to take your project all the way. 

There’s a lot to consider. How long have they been an agent? Are they able to give you the time and attention you need? Do they have a communication style that’ll be a good match for you? Are they able to give you praise, but also constructive criticism, so you’re actually improving? And do they “get” you and what you’re trying to do?

Yes, it’s very cool when someone says they’re interested in working with you, but if it’s not the right person for you and your project, you’re wasting your time. So, if you’re stuck on which way to go, apply to work with me here, and we can navigate this better together. Click here to grab your spot, and let’s make the most out of this moment.