As an editor I love that you put this all together. I can't emphasize enough the need for every author to create a proposal before they start writing. Many authors in their eagerness sometimes try to jump ahead to parts that aren't important yet (often authors will spend a ton of time on the book's introduction, when what I really needed to see was the scope of the book and a sample chapter with recipes. The actual book introduction is often the last thing that needs to be written. I am also a big believer in having a very solid Vision and that authors should have it in writing asap. When I first begin working with an author I will give them homework to write their Vision and have it ready for our next meeting. I tell them to give me 4 to 5 sentences (it can be longer depending on the complexity of the topic) that answer these questions:
What is the book?
Who is it for?
What will the reader get out of it?
The Vision in its early stages will be a living document--it will get tweaked until it's exactly what the author wants it to be. Once you have the vision, that is the touchstone for the book, and everything else leads from there. Sometimes I find it's helpful to call it an extended elevator pitch--how you describe your book if you ran into Jacques Pepin in the elevator?
Sorry to spout on Sally but your article on proposals is so needed and I've never seen it so clearly spelled out anywhere else. I often think that half the job of being an editor (and an agent!) is education. You are hitting it out of the park. Bravo!
Everything Sally says here is true, 100%. My most recent book proposal (not a cookbook; recently placed at a great publisher) landed at 60 pages and took me 9 months and a lot of tearing apart, putting back together, and agony — even after having written many books. Writing the actual book now feels interesting and productive rather than agonizing, because I put the sweat and tears into the proposal. Sally's road map applies to all kinds of nonfiction.
Sally, your generosity in demystifying publishing continues to amaze me. You're such a breath of fresh air, and quite frankly a boon for writers. Whether or not I ever make good on this goal, knowing this resource and a person like you is out there is so encouraging. Looking forward to reading this over and over.
What a thorough dive into what makes a great cookbook proposal. It's not just about a great concept and great recipes; it's also about who you are and how you can sell the book. It took me nine months to assemble a good draft of my first proposal, then another eight months to get it in submission shape. I can't wait to get started on the next book proposal...after I finish the first book.
I am working on (my fifth) cookbook proposal now, and this is the most detailed and helpful write-up I have read in 15 years of writing book proposals! It is so generous of you to share all of this so widely. Even as a seasoned author, there’s so much here I am hearing or appreciating in new ways. Thank you!!
Thank you!! Hearing feedback from seasoned authors who are learning from this is so exciting. I love that it’s resonating with such a range of experiences
This is just brilliant! I'm going to share with my food blogger friends. I think a lot of creators hesitate to even think about creating a proposal, but this post is just the road map they need!
This is such a comprehensive cookbook proposal guidelines . Writing cookbook proposals really helps in defining the overall image and structure of the cookbook. It's a challenging task, but definitely worth it in the end.
Yet, I've been rejected by two publishers who were initially interested in my cookbook because they had issues with the title, chapters, and concept. Still, I was willing to make changes if needed.
Thank you for this post. I enjoyed reading this, and I learned something new. I’m wondering, would this apply for all sorts of books generally speaking?
This applies for non fiction books for the most part. Though some non fiction genres, like memoir usually require a full MS like in fiction. What genre are you specifically thinking about? Usually agents will be clear in their submission guidelines if it’s a proposal or pages (the latter of which means they expect a full MS to be ready if they ask for it).
Personally though, I think having an author go through the exercise of filling out each of these sections will help an author ready themselves for the business of selling their book.
As an editor I love that you put this all together. I can't emphasize enough the need for every author to create a proposal before they start writing. Many authors in their eagerness sometimes try to jump ahead to parts that aren't important yet (often authors will spend a ton of time on the book's introduction, when what I really needed to see was the scope of the book and a sample chapter with recipes. The actual book introduction is often the last thing that needs to be written. I am also a big believer in having a very solid Vision and that authors should have it in writing asap. When I first begin working with an author I will give them homework to write their Vision and have it ready for our next meeting. I tell them to give me 4 to 5 sentences (it can be longer depending on the complexity of the topic) that answer these questions:
What is the book?
Who is it for?
What will the reader get out of it?
The Vision in its early stages will be a living document--it will get tweaked until it's exactly what the author wants it to be. Once you have the vision, that is the touchstone for the book, and everything else leads from there. Sometimes I find it's helpful to call it an extended elevator pitch--how you describe your book if you ran into Jacques Pepin in the elevator?
Sorry to spout on Sally but your article on proposals is so needed and I've never seen it so clearly spelled out anywhere else. I often think that half the job of being an editor (and an agent!) is education. You are hitting it out of the park. Bravo!
Thank you so much!! I love this commentary. My hope is people who are working in our industry will continue to weigh in.
I also use “homework” strategically when working with author.
Thank you!
Everything Sally says here is true, 100%. My most recent book proposal (not a cookbook; recently placed at a great publisher) landed at 60 pages and took me 9 months and a lot of tearing apart, putting back together, and agony — even after having written many books. Writing the actual book now feels interesting and productive rather than agonizing, because I put the sweat and tears into the proposal. Sally's road map applies to all kinds of nonfiction.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Sally, your generosity in demystifying publishing continues to amaze me. You're such a breath of fresh air, and quite frankly a boon for writers. Whether or not I ever make good on this goal, knowing this resource and a person like you is out there is so encouraging. Looking forward to reading this over and over.
Wow, thank you! That means so much to hear and is exactly why I’m writing this newsletter
What a thorough dive into what makes a great cookbook proposal. It's not just about a great concept and great recipes; it's also about who you are and how you can sell the book. It took me nine months to assemble a good draft of my first proposal, then another eight months to get it in submission shape. I can't wait to get started on the next book proposal...after I finish the first book.
Yes!! Time and effort makes the difference! I should do a follow up post that talks about the comprehensiveness of a second proposal
I am working on (my fifth) cookbook proposal now, and this is the most detailed and helpful write-up I have read in 15 years of writing book proposals! It is so generous of you to share all of this so widely. Even as a seasoned author, there’s so much here I am hearing or appreciating in new ways. Thank you!!
Thank you!! Hearing feedback from seasoned authors who are learning from this is so exciting. I love that it’s resonating with such a range of experiences
Are you all out of breath like I am?
This is GOLD! Thank you, Sally!
This is just brilliant! I'm going to share with my food blogger friends. I think a lot of creators hesitate to even think about creating a proposal, but this post is just the road map they need!
Thank you for passing this along!
Wow! Super detailed, helpful info. Thank you; I have my work cut out for me!
It’s worth it!! Good luck and feel free to drop questions in here.
Thank you for this, Sally! (I’m working on mine 😊)
Yes!!!
Thank you—I have no doubt that anyone following this advice would have a better chance at success than if they hadn’t
This is such a comprehensive cookbook proposal guidelines . Writing cookbook proposals really helps in defining the overall image and structure of the cookbook. It's a challenging task, but definitely worth it in the end.
Yet, I've been rejected by two publishers who were initially interested in my cookbook because they had issues with the title, chapters, and concept. Still, I was willing to make changes if needed.
This is fantastic! Thank you. It’s in my saved folder! 🥂
Yay! 🥂
Bookmarking this one - thank you, Sally!
Thanks for reading!
Sally, your resources are gold. Thanks for putting it out there! When I get my proposal done you’ll be the first person I send it to.
Thank you, I tried to map it all out for people as much as possible.
Thank you for this post. I enjoyed reading this, and I learned something new. I’m wondering, would this apply for all sorts of books generally speaking?
This applies for non fiction books for the most part. Though some non fiction genres, like memoir usually require a full MS like in fiction. What genre are you specifically thinking about? Usually agents will be clear in their submission guidelines if it’s a proposal or pages (the latter of which means they expect a full MS to be ready if they ask for it).
Personally though, I think having an author go through the exercise of filling out each of these sections will help an author ready themselves for the business of selling their book.
I didn’t have any specific category in mind. I was just curious 😊
Starting 2025 with you and this awesome guide!! This has been 35 yrs in the making..Wish me luck
Good luck! Thanks for being here and supporting my work! You’ve got this!