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Hi everybody. Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I’m excited to welcome Kristin to the podcast. Kristin “Baker Bettie” is a baking instructor & trained chef. She teaches workshops in Chicago & surrounding areas along with private classes and corporate events. BakerBettie.com is where she shares recipes, classic baking techniques & approachable baking science. Things We Mention In This Episode: Connect with Kristin at Baker Bettie Bakers Apprentice: Mastering the Art of the Extraordinary Bread The Bread Bible The Bakers Manual Bread Science On Food and Cooking  Join Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook GroupLearn more about How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook during this free masterclass 

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I share a letter from a listener and have some words of encouragement for all of my listeners who are cookbook writers, readers, and collectors.  Listen To This Episode: Apple Podcast AppStitcher Spotify Things We Mention In This Episode: Free Cookbook Writing Masterclass - How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook  

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. I’ll be honest I am tired of what’s going on in the world right now. Maybe a little weary too. The global pandemic. The election in the US. The Thanksgiving and Christmas Plans we aren't making. Maybe you feel the same. So today I want to talk about some thoughts I’ve had this week that have helped me snap out of it so that I can show up here today to talk to you and help you take a new look at your life just as it is right now and understand better where we are now and where we are called to go. Things We Mention In This Episode: Free masterclass For Food and Nutrition Experts: How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook Libby app - Because thousands of public libraries offer audiobook and eBooks for free

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today we are going to talk about “not pitching”. In order to become cookbook writers who get paid to write a cookbook, we have to send a publisher our idea for a cookbook. But in reality, we’re not just sending our idea or cookbook concept, we’re sending our belief in ourselves, our readers, and in publishing. Let’s dive into a discussion of 6 reasons that cookbook writers don’t pitch and therefore don’t get paid to write cookbooks.  And if you’re wondering exactly what Cookbook Publishing VS Cookbook Printing, head over to Episode 104. They can’t decide on what to write about. They have so many ideas. So they don’t pick an idea. When we’re not willing to pick one idea, we can’t pitch. Episode 109 How to Stop Feeling All Over the Place They are afraid of rejection and in fact this is all that sometimes “publishing gurus” talk about is the rejection. In order to gain a contract with a traditional publisher, we have to be willing to get rejected. They don’t think they are expert enough. Here’s the truth - to truly help others heal, learn, or have fun in their kitchens you only need to be a few steps ahead of the people you can help.  They spend too much time looking at competition or colleagues and saying that it’s all been done before or thinking that they have nothing else to add to the conversation. In order to write a cookbook, you don’t need to be ahead of your colleagues and competitors. That’s not the bar. Stop worrying about what colleagues and competitors are doing. They don’t have a writing and cooking routine. They lack a plan or the discipline to stick to their plan. They don’t have any accountability or a visible path forward. They don’t incorporate the thoughts and actions required to pitch into their week. If you struggle with this, listen in to Episode 108 Commitment Can Feel Terrible. They don’t think their platform is “big” enough. The secret to getting paid to get published isn’t all about the numbers of a platform. Writing a good proposal can overcome platform numbers. Listen to How Cookbook Writers Get Paid: Literary Agent Sally Ekus Episode 112 for more about this topic of “the size of a platform”. Watch free, on-demand free masterclass How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook  Let’s connect on Instagram @greenapron

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. I recently held a series of interviews with food & nutrition experts to find out what they considered to be their biggest challenges when it came to writing a cookbook and getting published. I thought it would be fun today to talk a little bit about these challenges and for you to see that you’re not alone if any of these resonate with you too. Things We Mention In This Episode: Register for the free masterclass How to Get Paid to Write a Cookbook Without Spending Your Own Money to Get Published

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent time talking to Food and Nutrition Experts and Food Bloggers who want to write a cookbook. Many of them told me that they feel all over the place. When we feel all over the place, it’s typically because our thoughts are all over the place. So in today’s episode, I want to break down some ways to rein in your thoughts about your cookbook project and what to do when you feel all over the place: Write down your idea Write down your why for writing a cookbook? Why I Write Cookbook Episode 38 of the podcast What is the burning issue you want to talk about?  Where do you want to take them? What story or journey are you going to talk about?  Identify your reader.  Narrow down or layer the topic with two stories or journeys. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Look at competitive titles. This shows the possibility. How will your topic be different? Create a loose outline for your book. Capture the main topics you want to convey. Do you still feel all over the place - that means your thoughts are still all over the place. What are the main thoughts you want to convey to your reader? Start your research for what you don’t know.  What recipes will best help you convey the idea you want to talk or teach about? Create a loose recipe list to go with your loose outline Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. First, a sad note to recognize the death of cookbook author and writer Julia Reed. Julia died from cancer at the end of August in Newport, Rhode Island. She was 59. Her books and articles were a joy to read. Which brings me to the topic of this show - cookbooks and food books I love to read. See the links below and listen in as I discuss some of my favorite cookbooks and food books to read. And thanks to all the cookbook readers who are faithful to this podcast. Things We Mention In This Episode: Julia Reed Obituary - Garden and Gun Magazine A Collection of Julia's work in Garden and Gun Ham Biscuits, Hostess Gowns, and Other Southern Specialties by Julia Reed Big Bad Breakfast by John Currence Chocolate and Zucchini by Clotilde Dusoulier Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain The Kitchen Dairies by Nigel Slater Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen by Lidia Bastianich Pot on the Fire by John Thorne and Matt Lewis Thorne Outlaw Cook by John Thorne and Matt Lewis Thorne Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today on the podcast I discuss the differences between cookbook coaches and cookbook agents. There is a role for both coaches and agents in the writing landscape, just like in sports.  Coaches are paid by the writer upfront for their coaching sessions, programs, or services. Cookbook coaches help writers: Achieve their dream of writing a cookbookRefine their book ideaDefine their audiencePitch agents and publishers who accept unsolicited proposalsEdi work on the proposalProvide accountability and move the project alongWith emotional support to writersUnderstand the publishing process With their contacts in the publishing industryAgents are generally not paid upfront by the author. They earn their income from their  15% cut of the earnings of the writer. Agents assist writers with their:Contacts in the publishing industryRole as the middle-person between writers and publishersExperience as a negotiatorContract and advance negotiationInside knowledge about editorial budgetsInside knowledge about what editors may be looking forShaping the proposal to send what publishers wantLeverage subsidiary rights and foreign language translationsListen To This Episode: Apple Podcast AppStitcher Google Music PlaySpotify Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I’m excited to have an interview with Patricia Greenberg. Patricia is a best-selling cookbook author, dietitian, chef, fitness expert, wife and mom. In her work with Fitness Gourmet Patricia is ushering in a new era of bite-sized livable health, nutrition and fitness solutions. The Fitness Gourmet is a wellness consulting firm that specializes in teaching seminars nationwide. Patricia has a special interest in enhancing the education of the general public, through television, radio, and her web series, providing accurate nutrition and health information to today’s consumer which has had an impact on the lives and health of thousands of people. Today on the podcast we talk about Patricia’s four cookbooks, her journey through agent-assisted publishing to self-publishing, and Patricia’s belief in the power of storytelling in all of our writing.  Listen To This Episode: Apple Podcast AppStitcher Google Music PlaySpotify Things We Mention In This Episode: The Fitness Gourmet Patricia’s Amazon Author Page Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I want to talk about the difference between cookbook printing and cookbook publishing. Many of my students and those I talk to about writing cookbooks, start to look for cookbook publishers. But some are not clear in the understanding of what a cookbook printer does and what a publisher does. So today I thought I’d talk a little bit about that. Printing Printing is ONE aspect of the entire publishing process. The key focus in new technology and adapting to the needs of the people who buy book printing through sales, managing materials. Printers print for hundreds of publisher. Publishers typically don’t have their own printing press. A printer manufactures a physical product  - a book. A publisher requests a print job. A publisher pays the book printer to produce the book - they print it, and they bind it. A publisher can order one book or a print run. When the book is printed, the author or publisher receives a printed and bound book created to their specifications. The publisher retains rights to the intellectual property of the book. Some printers fulfill orders and some printers distribute books. Publishers The key activities of a publisher are: acquisition of manuscripts, editing, book design, coordinating the printing, and then marketing and sales of the book. Primarily responsible for bringing books to market. Publishers look for manuscripts to publish. Publishers shepherd and move manuscripts through the process. Publishers turn the raw manuscript into print-ready files. Book publishers own the rights to the books they publish. Book publishers make a profit from the sales of the book. Book publishers obtain the rights to publish a book from an author, or if they are self-publishing they already own the rights. Book publishers accept all financial responsibility for the production and promotion of the books they publish in return for the majority of the salves revenue from the sales of the book. The author receives a royalty payment based on a percentage of each book sold. Publishers organize and managing the printing of a book. Publisher market the book. Editing with a professional editor Design to create the layout for the book, choose the fonts, and format the book style as well as design the front and back cover. The legal department of a publisher obtains the copyrights for the book, registers the ISBN and arranges contracts and other legal documents that protect the IP of the book. Market the book through indirect channels like wholesalers and booksellers Reach the audience directly through their website and events like conferences Act as venture capitalists for authors fronting an advance for use during book writing, recipe testing, and development. Marketing to get the book in front of the audience through social media, author appearances, and other marketing strategies. Distribution and warehousing hold the inventory of books and distributes them to retail outlets or the customer directly as the orders are received. Note: some publishers order print-on-demand copies of the book to reduce the need to hold the inventory They also handle book production to include:

Writing a cookbook should not be a mysterious process. Also, writing a cookbook is not a project available only to celebrities and TV stars. If you have a passion for baking, nutrition, special diets, or cooking, and you have an audience who needs something you know about, then you can write a cookbook. Based on my experience with both my own and other author’s cookbook projects I’d like to dispel a few myths about writing a cookbook. Myth #1 I need to have a successful food blog before I write a cookbook. While a food blog might help with the promotion of a cookbook or it may provide the way that you connect with your audience, you do not have to have one prior to writing a cookbook. I have written two cookbooks, and am under contract for two more books, and I don’t have a food blog. I tried to start a food blog once, but it did not take long before I realized that I didn’t enjoy food photography. Also, I am interested more in cooking and building my business than I am in taking the time to learn how to photograph food. There are other cookbook authors who do not have a food blog. However, even if you don’t have a food blog, what you do need is a platform. This is how you connect with your audience and how your audience connects with you. If you are a consultant, speaker, cooking or baking teacher, food or nutrition writer, you have a connection with an audience even without a food blog. Agents and publishers like robust platforms, but this is not always specifically a food blog. Myth #2 I cannot write a book because someone has already written about my topic. Let’s put this myth to rest. Take a trip to a local bookstore or the Food, Cooking, and Wine section of cookbooks on Amazon.com and look at how many Italian cookbooks or cookie books or Paleo diet books are published and in print. Even if your topic has been written about before, there is room for you and your unique spin on the subject. That is the difference between your book and everyone else’s book – YOU! -and your unique approach to the topic. Insert yourself in any topic you write about and provide for your audience what they want and need in a way only you can. No one has written that book before. Myth #3 I must have my cookbook published by a major publisher. There are several routes to the publication of a cookbook. Large publishers look for authors with extensive, robust platforms. If you have that, then a larger publisher with nationwide distribution may be for you. However, I’d argue that small, regional publishers are worthy of your cookbook proposal as well. Smaller publishers create beautiful cookbooks generally on more regionally focused topics that are popular such as micro-cuisines as evidenced by the rise in interest in books about Appalachian cuisine and cooking. Mid-range and regional publishers also have wide distribution in smaller, boutique-like retails spots and non-traditional venues for cookbook sales. One of the best ways to get a feel for a publisher is to spend some time in a cookbook store or the cookbook section of a large bookstore. Browse the cookbooks and find out who publishes books that you like – the topic, the design, and the “feel” of the book. You can also browse the online book catalogs of publishers to get a feel for the cookbooks they are publishing this fall or spring. Myth #4 I do not know enough to write a cookbook. The best thing about working with food is that you always have something to learn. The day any of us thinks we have to know everything before we start our project is the day we get stuck and stalled in our writing. If you have an audience you can help, then give yourself permission to get started on your own cookbook project. I can say without a doubt that I learned the most about writing cookbooks, and about my topic, while in the midst of the research on a cookbook that I was under contract to write. I did not know everything before I started and wrote my proposals but knew I could always learn. I still don’t know it all, and I try not to let that lack of complete knowledge get in the way of my writing cookbooks. If every first-time cookbook author let their fears stand in the way, then we would have never seen a written book from many authors we know and love. Moreover, yes, there is always someone out there who knows more than you, but that is still not a good reason to get started, write your proposal, and research the topic for your cookbook. Myth #5 I need to know how to photograph food and design my own book pages before I write a cookbook. Your skillset is food, cooking, nutrition, or baking. Maybe you like food photography, and chances are you may have an interest in good design, but extensive knowledge of either of these skill sets is not a pre-requisite to writing a cookbook. I know I am too impatient to handle my own food photography, and I am not a graphic designer. However, I have a message about food and cooking that my audience needs. This is what’s most important. You do not need to know how to do every aspect of book publication to get started. Focus and excel at what you know best and communicate this to your publisher. Then, after you have a contract, and write your manuscript, they’ll assemble a team to put your cookbook together. Hopefully, this helps dispel some myths about writing a cookbook. Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. With the beginning of the school year, I wanted to talk about 20 things we can do to start the school year - to learn something new and grow into a new project or create a new habit.  Give yourself some time to complete this exercise. This is the kind of stuff I like to reflect on as I embark on a new school year. I hope you enjoy this reflection. Write down everything you have accomplished this past 12 months. Pat yourself on the back. Tell yourself the story of how awesome you are to accomplish all of that. Write down the name of three people who helped you become the person you are today. Write them a note of appreciation. Write on a piece of paper the story you tell yourself about not being worthy of becoming a writer, author, or business owner, or whatever you dream of doing. Burn this story in the next neighborhood firepit gathering or in your fireplace. Your worthiness is never questioned. Ever. You were born worthy. The end. Practice telling yourself this every morning.  Write down something you wanted to accomplish yesterday, but didn’t. Write down the reason you didn’t accomplish this.  Take a look at this reason. If your reason is one that crops up ever so rarely, like, “My son had a fever of 103F and I sat with him and watched movies” then as a mom tell yourself, “I was standing where you were supposed to be standing” as Ron Rohlheiser says. You were doing what you needed to do. This happens rarely so all is well. If your reason for not doing what you want to do repeats and repeats itself over and over in your life, reasons like “I didn’t want to”, “I’m too busy”, or “I decided it wouldn’t matter”, “I don’t have enough time”, then…. Understand that sometimes we have to feel discomfort (negative emotion) to get to our dreams of becoming a writer, decluttering our closet, drinking less, or losing weight. And acknowledge that the real reason we don’t write, declutter, drink less, or lose weight is because of how it makes us feel to change and do something different. Write a letter to time. Tell time how you feel about it.  Reflect on this: Time is truly finite and the one finite thing we have - the minutes of our lives. Are you using the minutes of your life to make a difference? Or watching others make a difference?  Update your Instagram app. In the top right corner of the updated app, tap and set the timer to alert you when you’ve been in IG for 15 minutes/day. IG is fun and I use it too, but in this new school year let’s get back to living our lives and not watching others live their life.  Write a list of the recipes you love to cook and bake that everyone asks you for. You know - the recipes that make you the hit of the family, neighborhood, or office party. How can you package and monetize these recipes? Maybe write a short PDF eBook for your website, or consider a print cookbook project. Write down one habit you need to break or start for this school year.  Write down 10 reasons you can’t break that habit. Write down 10 reasons you need to break the habit. Decide which list wins. Every morning, write down in your new notebook all your thoughts. Get them out. Then decide if your thoughts are helping you take action to be the person you want to be, or are your thoughts causing inaction? Or are you just reacting? Did you know you can change your thoughts to take the action you want to take to get the results you want to get? Lifechanging for sure. Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

When we have a question the first thing many of us do is turn to Google. Google will tell us the answer. Google is amazing, but for finding answers that will help us grow and expand, we have to turn to our brains. My business coach teaches that the secret to anything "better" is better questions - the type of question that inspires high-quality results. When I ask my brain questions I jot the answers in Google Keep, or my iPhone notes app. If I'm in the car or on a walk I'll even record the answers on my iPhone. When I'm near my notebook and have a pen, well that's my favorite spot to answer. Today I want to share some questions for you to consider. Take time to ask. Your brain knows the answer.     What would I need to think and feel so that I can make decisions like a writer who wants to find and pitch a publisher?     What would my life or book look like if I didn't procrastinate or self-sabotage my project?     What do I want to believe about finding a publisher for my cookbook?     How could my days or weeks change for the better if I got a grip on my schedule and stopped believing I don't have time?     How could I make pitching a publisher so easy that they couldn't do anything but offer me a contract?     How can I think, feel, and do to inspire cooks or bakers into action?     What new and fun opportunities will I have as a result of being the author of a print cookbook?     What thoughts about my cookbook project make me feel inspired? How can I inspire a publisher to take action on me?     What would I need to think to feel more confident as a cookbook writer?   What would a perfect day as a cookbook writer look like? what would it take to create that day? Do I have to have a perfect day to move forward with my project? Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today is episode 100! The plan for today’s show is to list for you 100 “things” to love about cookbooks. So enjoy this episode as I run though features, people, topics, and more - all components of a cookbook that I love. Recipes Stories History lessons Illustration Photographs Ingredient discovery How to use ingredients Techniques Flavor building Boxed tips Mistakes to avoid Chef tips Pro tips Pantry lists Glossaries Shopping lists Endpapers Foreward Acknowledgments Index Introductions Table of Contents Charts for measurements Equivalents Conversions Substitutions Recipe writing style Action method recipes Formula recipes Ratio recipes Step by step photos Ingredient photos Photos of people and cooks Dust jacket Casing Trim Size ISBN Bar codes Copyright Paper selection Paper edging Book design Fonts Recipe and page layouts Authors Chefs Home cooks Home economists Bloggers Celebrities Farmers and growers Dietitians Doctors Photographers Agents Acquisition editors Production editors Line or copy editors Indexer Printer Marketer Public relations expert Book packagers Book distributors Booksellers Readers  Publishers Cookbook stores Bookstores Online book shopping Series cookbooks Collectible cookbooks Collecting cookbooks Indian Asian European African South American North American Australia Antarctica Dictionaries Tip books Single-subject Restaurant Inns Cafes Meal courses Appliances Cooking technique Baking Health Healing Chronic disease Regional States  Countries First books by authors Historic Food fundamentals All-purpose Cooking schools Armchair travel Road trips Essay or narrative Menus  Meal Plans Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Today I want to talk about writing food memoirs. One of my private coaching clients is discerning the format of the food/cooking book she wants to write. Part of her wants to write a memoir and part of her a cookbook. One would be more story-driven, and the other more recipe-driven. She was then questioned whether she needed to write a book proposal for a memoir and wanted me to tell her what to do. As a coach, I try to avoid telling my clients my opinion about what they should do. I believe that they have internal guidance that directs them what to do and helps them have their own back and feel good about their decision. So, I do feel that not giving a direct response is a challenge because that’s often what my coaching clients desire – someone to validate their next step. As a coach, I certainly want to facilitate their decision-making process, and let them create their own results. But, in this instance, I also wanted an informed answer, from someone in the trenches, about whether writing a book proposal for her book concept was necessary. To get an informed answer, I emailed colleagues who are editors at traditional publishing houses and university presses. I asked them if they received a submission for a food memoir, would they expect to see a proposal or manuscript? Much to my delight, they all responded. (Never underestimate the power of asking and never be afraid to ask!) And here are their answers: Editor #1: She needs to write a proposal but does not need to write a full manuscript. Editor #2: I would advise the author to put together a proposal if possible. It is a wonderful and helpful exercise and ultimately will be a strong snapshot for a publisher or agent to gather information quickly about the project. It is important to include marketing thoughts and comparable books as well. Editor #3: My recommendation would be to put together a book proposal first to solicit either an agent or a traditional publisher, whether or not she has a manuscript completed. When soliciting an agent or editor, they are going to be bogged down with submissions so even if she has a completed manuscript, a comprehensive proposal is going to be much more compelling to catch their eye. My recommendation would be to keep it simple but engaging (around 8-10 pages is about perfect because you can include a lot of important information without asking too much time of the agent/editor.) Editor #4: A proposal is a way to go. That’s what literary agents and editors/publishers are going to want to see: an outline, sample chapter, author bio, competitive/comparative title overview, marketing strategy. So if you’re reading this, and want to find a publisher for your cookbook or your food memoir or any work of non-fiction related to health, wellness, or food, write a proposal. Don’t write your entire manuscript. To read more about writing a proposal, here’s a bunch of blog posts that will be helpful to you: Writing a Cookbook Proposal – 5 Tips for Success Q & A: How Do I Write a Cookbook Proposal that Attracts Agents and Publishers? Cookbook Proposals are Important Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Applications are now open to join the September 2020 Hungry for a Cookbook Mastermind. I started running Hungry for a Cookbook in 2017 and since then have had over 50 cookbook writers go through the mastermind. As a result of the mastermind,  have been defined, businesses built, proposals written, agents retained, publishers signed, manuscripts written, and cookbooks published. Here’s what Jack Canfield of The Success Principles has to say about masterminds. “We all know that two heads are better than one when it comes to solving a problem or creating a result. So imagine having a permanent group of five to six people who meet for the purpose of problem-solving, brainstorming, networking, and encouraging and motivating each other. This process, called masterminding, is one of the most powerful tools for success presented in this book. I don’t know anybody who has become super successful who has not employed the principle of masterminding.” Jack is right. Masterminding is a powerful tool. Over the next few days, you have a chance to join a small group of dietitians, cooks, and bakers in the Hungry for A Cookbook Mastermind. In this mastermind, we focus on cookbook concept development, platform building, and writing cookbook proposals.  What is a mastermind group? A Mastermind Group is a group of individuals who meet on a regular basis to challenge each other to set goals, brainstorm ideas and support each other in a spirit of compassion, respect, and honesty. Mastermind Groups help participants grow because the other participants are supportive, but can also help to clarify goals through being a devil’s advocate to one another. Each Mastermind Group meeting has an agenda, but participation by each group member is key, for the group cannot function without participants who are committed to attend the meetings, set goals, and help others set their goals as they grow alongside each other. Brainstorming and a spirit of community and cooperation are key to the success of a Mastermind Group. Anyone can join a Mastermind Group. Typically there are 5 to 8 people in a Mastermind Group. The members have a shared interest, similar skill or success level, and have a desire to make the next months of their life extraordinary. The want to be in a supportive group that helps them reach or exceed their goals. They are ready to let their desire to reach their goals overcome any fear of change or goal setting that they may have. Mastermind Groups are organized by an individual who is responsible to gather the group, set up the meeting space, set the agenda for the meetings, and ensure that the meetings run smoothly. Because of the group nature of a Mastermind Group, commitment from each member is crucial. Highly motivated participants who are willing to ask, and give, help and support, and who commit to showing up for meetings make the group successful. Mastermind Groups meet at least once a month, but sometimes more frequently such as weekly or every other week. The agenda is the same at each meeting, and every group member has a chance to share their goals and their progress on their goals and gain access to the brainstorming power of the group. Groups meet either in person, on the phone, or in a virtual conference room either through Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facebook groups, or Skype. There are many benefits of a Mastermind Group such as: *Emotional support through brainstorming to lead you to answers to your questions, solutions to your problems, or ideas for moving forward with a project or goal *Social contact and shared experiences add to your knowledge base and enhances your experience *Confidence that your decisions are vetted and decisions are in alignment with your goals *Accountability to get your goals accomplished and that you can make progress on your goals *Connection as you network and gain valuable support from colleagues *Sense of belonging through shared work and knowing there are others who support your goals *Positive mental energy through meeting with others and working towards your goals Who should join? Dietitians, cooks, bakers, health coaches who have recipes, solutions, or stories to share about health, relationships, saving money or budget cooking, healing, history, or how-to. Writers in this group are serious about not just their cookbook project, but moving their cookbook project forward.  If you are ready to define your concept, build your platform, and write a cookbook proposal or a cookbook manuscript, I invite you to apply for the September 2020 Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group.  Things We Mention In This Episode: Apply for next session of Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Hello and welcome back to another episode of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Today I want to talk about the anatomy of a cookbook project. I think if you’ve tuned in to the past several episodes of the podcast, Behind The Scenes of a Cookbook…., you can see that there are many people involved in the production or “publishing” of a cookbook. And whether the cookbook is self- or traditionally- published, the book needs to be edited, designed, photographed, or illustrated, printed, promoted, marketed, distributed, and sold. But, even before those wheels are set in motion, the writer of the book has decisions to make. That’s what I want to talk about today. What are the steps to get to the point where you have a cookbook manuscript to edit and a publishing plan in place? I believe that a cookbook is the most profitable and portable way to share your recipes, stories, and solution. If you find yourself repeating yourself record yourself to replace yourself. A cookbook extends you and your message for your readers to their kitchens. And you don’t have to be there. And they don’t even have to know you for your book to help them. So what are the steps that someone who is thinking about writing a cookbook and getting it published need to do: Identify Goals for Publication: Why are you wanting to write your cookbook and who is your book for. Define Your Cookbook Concept: What is your cookbook about? What is your unique solution? Pick Your Path to Publication: How do you want to get your cookbook published? Build Your Author Platform: Where can your readers find you now? How can they get to know you better? Write a Cookbook Proposal or  Write a Cookbook Manuscript Query Agents or Publishers if you want to get traditionally published Sign a Contract and write your manuscript Stay committed. This is a long-game project with a finite end.  Share Your Book with your readers.      If you are ready to define your concept, build your platform, and write a cookbook proposal or a cookbook manuscript, I invite you to apply for the September 2020 Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group.  Things We Mention In This Episode: Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Apply for next session of Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Today on the podcast I’m excited to continue our Behind The Scenes of a Cookbook Series with Barbara Scott Goodman. She has worked as an Art Director and designer of many cookbooks. Her work includes creating cover and interior design concepts, page and typography design, and their execution through all phases of production. She also organizes and supervises photo shoots, working with photographers, food stylists, prop stylists, location scouts, studio managers, and their assistants while overseeing schedules and budgets. Other responsibilities include reviewing page proofs for color and print quality and accuracy.  Today on the podcast Barbara and I discuss her work as a cookbook designer as we walk a cookbook manuscript through the production phase of editing, design, and printing. In this interview, we also discuss book packagers and book packaging and the role of book packaging in the publishing process.   Things We Mention In This Episode: Connect with Barbara on her website  Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Apply for next session of Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Today on the podcast I’m excited to continue our Behind The Scenes of a Cookbook Series with Cynthia Nims.  Cynthia is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Food and Travel Writer, and former managing editor of Simply Seafood magazine. Cynthia believes that there’s a great deal of value in a well-written recipe. Beyond a reliable outcome, solid recipes build trust in the cookbook author and reflect their source. Today on the podcast we discuss various tips for writing better recipes with everything from drafting the recipes before you test them, to ensuring that as a recipe writer you communicate to the user where you make mistakes or run into problems with a recipe, thus helping them overcome possibly making the same mistake. Things We Mention In This Episode: Connect with Cynthia on her website Mon Appetit Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Apply for next session of Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group

Today on the podcast I’m excited to interview Jessica Brand. Jessica is a professional graphic designer and website designer. She loves cooking and hosting and is always trying new recipes, tinkering with various ingredients, and learning from my mistakes. When visiting bookstores, the first area she would head to is the cookbook section. Being a graphic designer, she was drawn to beautiful covers, typography, and imagery. She felt like cookbooks are a treasure trove of inspiration and loved flipping through the pages and getting new ideas for recipes and techniques, much more so than scrolling through the Internet or Pinterest. The idea of a cookbook club was introduced to her by my neighbors back in 2012. Jessica and her husband had just moved in and they mentioned their “culinary book club” on numerous occasions. She was secretly waiting for an invitation, but it never came. As it turns out, it was a blessing a disguise. If she had joined their book club, she would have never started her own cookbook club, called Feast. So today on the podcast we talk about Jessica’s love for cookbooks, her Feast cookbook club, and her tips for starting a cookbook club of your own. Things We Mention In This Episode: Connect with Jessica on her website A Cookbook Club  Feast Cookbook Club on Meetup Paperless Post Download a copy of the Cookbook Publishing Roadmap Apply for next session of Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group Please join our Confident Cookbook Writer Facebook Group Let’s connect on Instagram @greenapron