So You Want a Cookbook Deal? Use These 5 Resources First
Photo by @karaeads at Unsplash
Your bookshelves are packed with Carla Hall, Samin Nosrat, and Alison Roman. On your favorite days, you grab a stack of cookbooks and thumb through them for inspiration all while thinking: One day, this is going to be me.
But how do you even get there?
You have ideas swirling around with bits of free information from the internet and a journal with pages of random notes. Now, you need some insight from the experts. So, before you do any more dreaming about your cookbook deal, start with these 5 resources to give you the foundation you need.
Quick note: If I love something, I freaking LOVE it, and I only recommend resources I believe in. By clicking the links below, at no cost to you, I may receive some $$$ in my pocket. I appreciate your support in advance.
1. Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob
There’s a reason why this book is in its fourth edition, and I believe the blurb from Anthony Bourdain on the cover says it best:
A concise, illustrative, and eminently useful guide to the nuts and bolts of professional food writing.
From recipe testing to finding the idea for your cookbook and getting it published, there isn’t a single topic Dianne Jacob skips over. You’ll also walk away with heaps of books to read and professional organizations to join. Networks are less talked about for food writers and creators, but it’s often the most important. The industry is small, and a couple of introductions could be the difference makers.
Her knowledge and willingness to share her expertise makes you think there has to be a catch. But her generosity is real, and if this is the only book you read before writing your cookbook, you’ll be better off for it.
2. The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman
Every writer, regardless of genre, should own this book. Aimed at writers in the beginning of their careers, Jane Friedman’s best advice comes from her years in publishing. Specifically, her insights on book proposals smack you awake.
Before you land a cookbook deal, you have to write a book proposal — a business plan. Publishers need to know why you’re an authority, who would care, why this book needs to be written and how you plan to promote it. Friedman walks you through why book proposals fail and how you’d work with your publisher after the contract is signed. If there was one phrase to describe this book, it would be: Setting realistic expectations.
You can snag the cookbook deal. Just know what ingredients you’re working with first.
3. How to Write a Book Proposal by Jody Rein and Michael Larsen
If you want someone to walk you through each section of the book proposal including author bio, comps, and personal promotion, this is your next purchase. Veteran literary agents Rein and Larsen have assembled a variety of voices (for the 5th time) to weigh in on what works and doesn’t all while taking you through the proposal process one step at a time.
You’ll quickly pick up that there are a million and two different ways to write a proposal. With dozens of examples from actual proposals, you’ll be able to find the path that works best for you and the agents you want to pitch your book to.
4. The Cookbook Deal by Jessica Murnane
Sometimes, you just want someone to give it to you real over a steamy cup of chai tea. Jessica Murnane spills it all with great pleasure over a 9 part podcast series. She guides you through her own process of landing a cookbook deal for One Part Plant as well as the writing process, publishing, promotion and what happens with your book advance checks.
Episodes are good chunks of 20 minutes if you need a quick break, or easily bingeable if you find her and her crew addictive. Spoiler: You’re going to fall in love with one person in particular by episode 2. Guaranteed!
With NPR-style interview clips mixed in with her own narration, you get a masterclass in publishing in language you understand and with someone you just want to have a drink with.
5. Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum
If you just want the nitty gritty of what the writing and publishing process is like from beginning to end, this is your new best friend. Author Courtney Maum couldn’t find a solid resource on what to expect when your first book comes out, so she wrote the book she needed before she was published.
Filled with personal anecdotes and countless bits of advice from published authors, you’ll find everything you need from what to expect from an advance to cracking the mystery around best-selling lists. For all of the questions you didn’t even know you had, this is your new go-to book for every step of the publishing journey.
Your Next Move
Publishing can seem like the Wild West with endless choose your own adventure options. Once you know what you’re working with, you can craft your journey any way you like. And if you want someone to be with you through the process, add your name to my coaching waitlist and we can get started as soon as the doors open up next.
