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.
I've written six books. Three were requested by publishers. Each wanted a page or two. But the Big One that won two awards drew blood. It was 52 pages. The proposal truly is the hardest part about writing a cookbook. It's just the beginning. By the time you've finished the proposal, it feels as if you've written the book plus the jacket material. I wish it weren't so, but authors should know there's some real burnout after writing a proposal. I'd add that the agent and publisher should try out copy editors. Get a good fit.
Sally Ekus has laid out the proposal process better than any, and many have tried. It should not be a secret. Sally's sharing is a gift.
Thank you Elaine! And yes to copy editors that’s a great addition that I didn’t mention. Not all my authors opt for a copy edit before they go out the door on submission but more and more I’m strongly suggesting it. It’s such a valuable final review! Plus it sets the stage for the book writing process too.
This is so generous of you to share! I took a cookbook seminar where you presented proposal information but to have it laid out so clearly is a gift. Thank you.
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
Thank you for this, Sally! (I’m working on mine 😊)
Yes!!!
Bookmarking this one - thank you, Sally!
Thanks for reading!
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—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! 🥂
I've written six books. Three were requested by publishers. Each wanted a page or two. But the Big One that won two awards drew blood. It was 52 pages. The proposal truly is the hardest part about writing a cookbook. It's just the beginning. By the time you've finished the proposal, it feels as if you've written the book plus the jacket material. I wish it weren't so, but authors should know there's some real burnout after writing a proposal. I'd add that the agent and publisher should try out copy editors. Get a good fit.
Sally Ekus has laid out the proposal process better than any, and many have tried. It should not be a secret. Sally's sharing is a gift.
Elaine Corn
Thank you Elaine! And yes to copy editors that’s a great addition that I didn’t mention. Not all my authors opt for a copy edit before they go out the door on submission but more and more I’m strongly suggesting it. It’s such a valuable final review! Plus it sets the stage for the book writing process too.
And as part of a deal, you and the author should be allowed to get a copy editor with manners.
Thank you so much for this! I'm saving it and dreaming of using it one day in the future!
perfect, that’s what it is here for!
This is so generous of you to share! I took a cookbook seminar where you presented proposal information but to have it laid out so clearly is a gift. Thank you.
Oh good, glad this is a helpful reference!