Are you thinking about writing a cookbook, but have no idea where to start? We’re here to help – here are 10 tips to help you succeed!
1. Do you know how to write a proposal? Check out our website for guidelines!
2. Know your competition: what other books have been published on this topic?
3. What is your USP (unique selling point)? You need to be able to clearly articulate and define your concept in 2-3 sentences.
4. Know your audience: Is there a market for this book? Who are they? Why do they need your book?
5. Know how to promote the book: More and more publishers are looking for author-driven promotional ideas. Goodbye book tours, hello blog tours. Do you have a platform? What kind of audience do you have? Followers, media colleagues, friends, readers, subscribers, students?
6. Know your concept: Do you have a fully fleshed out idea? Agents and publishers get queried dozens of times a day. If you don’t have a solid concept, hold off on pitching it.
7. Know your recipes! Make sure all your recipes are thoroughly tested and that they work. Test more than once if necessary.
8. Know how to listen to feedback and criticism. Make sure your proposal has been copyedited and read by several outside sources before you take this to an agent.
9. Think of a cookbook as a brand and marketing tool, with possible (hopefully) financial benefits. But don’t give up your day job!
10. Get an agent! They will be your advocate, business advisor, contract negotiator, and conduit between you and a publisher.
And overall – have fun!
