Cloudy with a chance of meet ups
reporting back on conferences, connections, and the cookbook community
Not So Secret Agent is an email newsletter all about the inside scoop on cookbook publishing from senior literary agent, Sally Ekus (that’s me!). Make sure we never miss the chance to connect. Subscribe!
Dear Not So Secret Agent readers,
My past two weeks have been a whirlwind of travel, literally (shoutout to those who hunkered down with me down south to escape the TORNADOS) and figuratively.
I was in Nashville for the inaugural M.F.K. Fisher Food Writing Symposium, where I taught a 2.5-hour workshop for aspiring authors, journalists, and food writers looking to get the most up-to-date information on the state of cookbook publishing. You will be pleased to know that many people brought business cards.
There is one question I always ask when people pitch me. I also ask it when I am scouting a new author:
Why do you want to write a cookbook?
People often seem struck by the question, and they stumble over their answers. One of the biggest takeaways I heard from the evaluations of my workshop (aside from literally everyone wishing it was longer, thank you very much for somehow wanting more Sally!) was this slide right here:
As a literary agent, I can tell when someone is ready to write a book. The moment occurs when their motivation evolves from an inward focus to an outward one. Rather than being an exclusively personal goal (of course writing a book can remain a personal goal!), their desire to write a book transforms into a desire to share their expertise. They recognize a market need, a space they are equipped to fill. The author has become an expert in their field.
***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: While there’s no one way to evaluate if you are “ready” to write a book or if someone should be defined as an expert, there are a few key indicators. An author might secure a number of bylines in major media outlets, establish a community of readers (often online on a social media platform like IG for those wanting to publish cookbooks), or become the go-to name associated with a particular topic. One way I like to further “define” expert status is to google your name alongside your topic’s keyword. I want to see at least 4-8 top search results that connect you as the thought leader to this concept/conversation. ***
After three whirlwind days in the land of tornados, where 200 women and I discussed fact checking, journalism, and had transparent/honest conversations about food and media, I ventured back to Maybelline and the land of markers, laundry, and pipe cleaners.
Fast-forward! This past weekend, I traveled to New York to traipse around the city to meet with clients and publishing colleagues. The trip culminated with the Jubilee conference for Cherry Bombe members, a gathering of women in food that brought together over 1000 women. Many attendees are in the various stages of starting food businesses, running restaurants, changing the face of restaurant policy and sustainability practices thanks to the IRC (Independent Restaurant Coalition), and just around all around being bad asses.
From the top left:
Adriana Stimola, an incredible literary agent that represents cookbooks among other genres. We got together to gab about agenting and it was everything!
Michael Solomonov *heart*
Look Substack, I got to meet Caroline Chambers IRL and thank her for the generous sharing of knowledge she dropped in the Cherry Bombe member meeting.
Finally got to meet up with Jenna Helwig who just launched a newsletter for all of us cookbook lovers. Join the rest of us and go hit subscribe!
Your Not So Secret Agent flanked by two first time cookbook authors, Sapna Punjabi and Corrie Locke-Hardy in the Cherry Bombe box.
Yours truly with Cook-It Media founder and CEO, Laurie Buckle. If you are a content creator in food and you aren’t a part of the Cook-It community, bookmark this and thank me later.
Selfie with Abena Anim-Somuah and Nasim Lahbichi.
Rollin with my crew: Melissa Tate, Sapna Punjabi, and Phoebe Lapine who is about to launch Munch Menus!
Jubilee was a massive day of connecting with and celebrating women, and some men, in the food space. I adored seeing clients sign their cookbooks for the first time (thank you Kitchen Arts & Letters!)! The experience was made even more special because I got to work the room alongside my sister, Amelia, who also works in the food industry, but in a totally different sector.
***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: I have heard from many readers that you want more sister content. Is this true?! Leave a comment so I can show Mia (nickname) how in demand she is among the Not So Secret Agent community!***
Jubilee’s closing keynote speaker, Gloria freaking Steinem! (middle name is not actually “freaking”) had a lot to say about our innate human need for connection. At 91 she is still bringing people together in her home to connect, talk, and create change.
Use whatever space you have, which is different for each of us, to create community, she said.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a minute to gush about each of you reading this right now. During these past two conferences, countless people came up to me to express appreciation for the NSSA corner of the internet:
I love your newsletter, You really know the market!
I've learned so much, and you are no BS while somehow guiding us all!
Thank you so much for the conversation you had with me, it really helped me and I'm still working out exactly what I want to say!
Thank you for creating community!
Well reader, thank YOU!
In the words of Gloria Steinem, I hope each of you have a communal space that you can share your voice.
Thanks for being part of mine.
As a reminder, and speaking of community… on April 30th from 2:30-4pm ET, I will be hosting an AMA (ask me anything). This virtual gathering will be recorded, and you can submit questions ahead of time. The event is reserved exclusively for paying readers to ensure that those most engaged in spending quality time together are in the same room. Registration for this event closes at noon ET on April 29th at which point all paying subscribers will get an email with the zoom info.
Now, through the end of April, I am offering 15% off my annual subscription. This means that for $68/year or $5.66/month, you are indicating to me that this is a newsletter you value. As always, equity spots for new paying readers are available, no questions asked. Just reply to this note or send me a DM.
This AMA will start with the question I get asked the most which is “Do I really need a social media platform to secure an agent and a book deal?”
The AMA will be structured in two parts. The first hour will be an open AMA where I will answer questions. Then I will facilitate 30 minutes of networking. This will be an opportunity for participants to briefly share about your work. I will conduct an “offer & ask” session where you can make an offer to someone in the group or make an ask for something you need some support with. Please come with a generous and abundant mindset, whatever this means to you!
Another important announcement:
While access to me directly is reserved for upcoming Zooms, I have been getting wild over in the Substack app’s chat feature lately. I’ve been randomly picking one new person to call and talk with as I take a brisk walk. These “Huff & Puff” chats are great because while I am outside getting fresh air, I am also getting all fired up offering personalized insights to one random reader. This is not a time to formally pitch me, but it is a way to get insights on your platform, book idea, or just generally to have a chance to ask me questions that pertain to your specific work.
CLICK HERE to join the Chat forum, and keep an eye out for new threads that I title WILD IDEA. The readers that I choose are at random and this opportunity is open to free subscribers too!
Lastly, I'm going to try something a little different today. Would you mind humoring me with a bit of a community strengthening exercise?
Think of someone who has made an impact in your professional career and reach out to them. This could be a quick text, email, or even a handwritten letter (yes I still write letters!) to let them know you are thinking about them. Let’s send a ripple of appreciation across the industry.
Your Not So Secret Agent,
~Sally~
Sally, I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again: your posts are a wealth of invaluable information! Thank you!
I am fangirling so hard about you getting to go to any party thrown in MFK Fisher’s honor and then getting to hear from The Gloria Steinem. Plus: Kitchen Arts & Letters 😍 This all sounds so fun!