Featured Photo courtesy of Chow.com
I love food. I love to cook for my family and friends. I love to talk about food and think about what I’m going to make every night. I love to read books about food and watch films about chefs, and I would gladly give my right arm to just sit at a table with David Chang over a bowl of his sublime ramen. As a lifestyle publicist, I’ve worked on many a cookbook campaign, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the most amazing cookbook authors—most of whom are generally really cool people. Some are still very special to me. I still love watching their careers and lives unfold on Facebook and Instagram. And while I may no longer be working on their book publicity, they still remain dear to me, and their books will forever live on my own kitchen bookshelf.
Those who have made the greatest impact are the authors who also love food and everything food-centric, and are authentic, interesting and without the ego that generally accompanies celebrity. A few at the top of the list include Kim Kushner (The Modern Menu and The New Kosher), Kristine Kidd, former editor of Bon Appétit Magazine and icon in the culinary world (Weeknight Fresh & Fast, Weeknight Gluten-Free, Gluten-Free Baking), Sara Kate Gillingham (Good Food to Share) who is the founder of my favorite food blog, The Kitchn, James Oseland, former Editor-in-chief of SAVEUR, now the editor of Organic Life (The Way We Cook), Anna Getty (Easy, Green Organic) and well, there are just too many to name.
Because I have so many cookbook authors in my client portfolio, I am often asked (probably once or twice a week!) if I have any examples of a good cookbook proposal. Well, I do, but unfortunately, those are not mine to share. So, when I saw this blog post by the inimitable Heidi Swanson (with whom I would love to work with one day), on her blog, 101 Cookbooks, I was very excited. She wrote this for all those aspiring cookbook authors who need some guidance to craft their book proposal. Heidi shares the brilliant proposal she did for her upcoming cookbook, Near & Far, as an example. It’s a wonderful and enlightening post. Needless to say, I will be buying that book too!
I encourage all those who love to cook and would like to someday be published to read Heidi’s post and garner her sage advice. After all, the proposal is one of the most important tools you’ll need to land that great publishing contract. And like they say, you never get a second chance to make a great first impression. Take it from Heidi. She knows how to make an amazing impression. Follow her advice and maybe perhaps, one day, I can be a part of your success as a cookbook author too.
Click HERE to read: Writing a Cookbook Proposal By Heidi Swanson April 2015
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