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, Sunday Edition!
Let’s do an experiment. I am going to ask you a question. Do you have a coffee table? If so, please take a moment to go count how many books are on there.
I’ll wait.
Next question: Do you have a bookshelf? Maybe you even have a bookcase or multiple bookcases. Go on ahead and count every book on all of your shelves…wait, I’m just kidding.
You get the idea.
My point is that, while I’m sure some of you have a stray book or two on your coffee table, most of your books don’t live on your coffee table.
This is why, when someone pitches me a “coffee table style book,” I immediately pause. I am reluctant to sign a client who has grand ideas about oversized trim and glossy pages. Those books are so expensive to produce that they demand a sticker price that can deter many potential buyers. They also simply do not sell at the rate of books that are typically found on just a good ‘ol bookshelf.
Don’t forget, publishing is a business. Higher production cost and less customers isn’t exactly ideal.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love a big beautiful cookbook. Heck, most of the books on my list are those books. But when they were pitched and sold to publishers, the format was clearly explained.
***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: Often, when aspiring authors say “coffee table book,” they aren’t necessarily after the “coffee table” style. Rather, they just want to make a book their readers can cherish. Maybe it’ll take up bedside table real estate (the best IMO) for a while, or perhaps it’ll spend some years as a VIP (VIB?) perched on the kitchen bookshelf. These authors want a beautiful, well-crafted book that they are utterly proud of, one that people can gift with confidence. I am totally on board with this!***
Too often, writers work endlessly on recipes, headnotes, and on fine-tuning a masterful book proposal only to then misrepresent it by saying it’s intended to be a coffee table book.
Is this you?
That said, I would never pass on a proposal simply because of an outdated idea or expensive format. I try to hone in on an author’s expectations and tease out which format might best meet their goals. Together, we work on taking the vision in their head and heart and putting it on the page.
If you are curious about how cookbooks, or any highly visual book comes together, I hope you will join our next Not So Secret Agent Skill Building Session all about book design with special guest
.These NSSA 90-min virtual chats are designed to offer you access to real humans working in this industry. The first 60 mins is a short presentation, followed by Q&A from attendees. The final 30 mins is an OFFER & ASK session where I facilitate networking among the group. It is your chance to share about your work and connect with people to help support your current goals. Readers have formed proposal accountability groups, landed press placements, connected with recipe testing gigs, and so much more. Honestly, I am floored by the connections being forged in these groups – and this is only my third one so far!
If you can’t attend live but want to submit a question, reply to this email or comment below by Tuesday October 21st at 3pmET.
When: Wednesday October 22nd from 1-2:30ET.
Where: on Zoom (recording provided after)
This event is reserved exclusively for paying readers to ensure that those most engaged in professional development are in the same room. Equity spots are available as always.
Click HERE to upgrade your subscription.
The next time you set out to pitch your cookbook, leave the coffee table dreams behind and focus on building a book that earns its place in your readers’ hearts and on their favorite shelves. And, just like coffee, it’s all about the right blend. Make sure your proposal is bold in concept, rich in storytelling, and ground(ed) in a format that sells.
~Sally~
Paying subscribers should see the Zoom info to attend below. Reply to this email or send me a DM if you encounter any issues. If you upgrade after reading this post and for some reason can’t access the info below, never fear! All paid subscribers will get an email on Tuesday October 21st with the link!
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