How did I do it? I sent my proposal to a handful of agents per their guidelines, starting with agents at the top of my list. This involved editing each proposal to fit the particular agent's guidelines, and crafting unique query emails tailored to each agent that showed I knew who they were and why I was reaching out to them specifically. I also used my network of friends and colleagues who have published other books--I asked them about their agents, their editors, and for referrals if they were willing to share. Because they weren't cookbook/food authors, I got a couple of referrals to other agents in their agency or another agency. Most agents said, "No, thank you." Thankfully, a couple were interested!
I've cooked professionally for decades and have written/obsessed over recipes for just as long, but I'm relatively new to Substack. Writing a cookbook has been a dream since I was a recipe-obsessed little girl, but it always felt like a pipe dream. The roadmap you've provided gives me hope (and motivation) that I might actually do this someday! Thank you! <3
This is extremely helpful Sally, thank you so much for sharing this! It can be such an overwhelming process, but with your help and guidelines (rule of thumb to finding an agent) it clears up a lot of questions and concerns. Your passion for helping people is remarkable and most appreciated. :)
Great insight on the agent-finding process.
How did I do it? I sent my proposal to a handful of agents per their guidelines, starting with agents at the top of my list. This involved editing each proposal to fit the particular agent's guidelines, and crafting unique query emails tailored to each agent that showed I knew who they were and why I was reaching out to them specifically. I also used my network of friends and colleagues who have published other books--I asked them about their agents, their editors, and for referrals if they were willing to share. Because they weren't cookbook/food authors, I got a couple of referrals to other agents in their agency or another agency. Most agents said, "No, thank you." Thankfully, a couple were interested!
I am absolutely intrigued. Keep these posts coming because I am learning a lot. You have no idea how much I appreciate your insights.
wow, thank you!! that means a lot and is exactly why I am writing this newsletter!
I've cooked professionally for decades and have written/obsessed over recipes for just as long, but I'm relatively new to Substack. Writing a cookbook has been a dream since I was a recipe-obsessed little girl, but it always felt like a pipe dream. The roadmap you've provided gives me hope (and motivation) that I might actually do this someday! Thank you! <3
I am so glad! Welcome to Substack and thank you for reading. I hope you join the Ask Me Anything next month for subscribers!
Got my spot for Pitch Slam, see you on the 17th, Sally!
fabulous!
I love learning about the querying process. Thank you sally!
Thanks for demystifying things a little … Onwards .
Thanks for this peek at the process Sally!!
Thank you for sharing this Sally, super helpful and interesting!
This is extremely helpful Sally, thank you so much for sharing this! It can be such an overwhelming process, but with your help and guidelines (rule of thumb to finding an agent) it clears up a lot of questions and concerns. Your passion for helping people is remarkable and most appreciated. :)
Thank you so much for reading and appreciating what I’m putting out here