This is another OMG thing that has changed so much over the years with cookbooks. Never used a recipe tester for my books or websites (other than myself) so I think I'd love to do it (for vegan, accidentally vegan, and vegetable recipes). Adding my name to the list!
I’ve been a professional recipe tester for the last 8 years and thought this was an interesting and accurate post! Happy to help however I can—filled out the contact form.
What a coincidence to see this post this morning: just yesterday afternoon I was talking to Kate Leahy about this exact topic!
I have what I call my “test kitchen“ with a group of four proficient home cooks and we’ve tested almost all of the recipes I’ve written for my cookbook.
I can’t say strongly enough how important this process has been because steps and timing that may seem obvious to me aren’t necessarily so for someone else testing the recipe. Each time we test a recipe together I end up with the recipe printout full of comments and edits that I then use to update and improve the recipes.
I’ll definitely participate on July 30. Professional recipe testing is a whole other world I’d like to know more about.
Thanks again, Sally for another amazing insightful post!
I'm curious if the publishing houses asking for a professional third-party recipe testing offer advances starting at $50K because it would be unrealistic between the photos, food expenses, indexing, and everything else.
It's like everyday more is ask from the cookbook author.
I’ve tested recipes for a few cookbooks, but can’t say I’m a professional tester. I would be interested in getting more involved though so throwing my hat in the ring.
I’ve been writing and professionally recipe testing for 4 going on 5 years now and really enjoyed reading this information! One of my longer term goals is to publish a cookbook of my own, so luckily I’ve been able to work on a few cookbook teams. My contact info is in the form.
I’m a food writer and cookbook author and would love to test recipes for fellow authors!
Great, pls add your name to the contact form!
This is another OMG thing that has changed so much over the years with cookbooks. Never used a recipe tester for my books or websites (other than myself) so I think I'd love to do it (for vegan, accidentally vegan, and vegetable recipes). Adding my name to the list!
Yea I was waiting to hear what you would say. You’ve really lived and written through these changing expectations.
I'd love to know why this expectation has arisen in the first place. I have my theories, though!
I have some guesses and am likely going to write about it!
I’ve been a professional recipe tester for the last 8 years and thought this was an interesting and accurate post! Happy to help however I can—filled out the contact form.
Thanks Kerry, that’s great to hear that the in here resonated. And thanks for adding your name to the list!
Added my name to the list! Thanks for compiling a great resource 🙌
What a coincidence to see this post this morning: just yesterday afternoon I was talking to Kate Leahy about this exact topic!
I have what I call my “test kitchen“ with a group of four proficient home cooks and we’ve tested almost all of the recipes I’ve written for my cookbook.
I can’t say strongly enough how important this process has been because steps and timing that may seem obvious to me aren’t necessarily so for someone else testing the recipe. Each time we test a recipe together I end up with the recipe printout full of comments and edits that I then use to update and improve the recipes.
I’ll definitely participate on July 30. Professional recipe testing is a whole other world I’d like to know more about.
Thanks again, Sally for another amazing insightful post!
Thanks for being here and I can’t wait to hear more about your test kitchen group. Love it!
26+ years in as a chef, food stylist, and recipe developer and God Yes well tested recipes are essential to success!
I'm curious if the publishing houses asking for a professional third-party recipe testing offer advances starting at $50K because it would be unrealistic between the photos, food expenses, indexing, and everything else.
It's like everyday more is ask from the cookbook author.
Oftentimes in my experience, yes.
So wonderful 👍
I’ve done some informal recipe testing and would love to do more! Will fill out that form and thanks for doing this.
I’ve tested recipes for a few cookbooks, but can’t say I’m a professional tester. I would be interested in getting more involved though so throwing my hat in the ring.
Awesome, yes there will be a range of experience on the list. Thank you!!
I’ve been writing and professionally recipe testing for 4 going on 5 years now and really enjoyed reading this information! One of my longer term goals is to publish a cookbook of my own, so luckily I’ve been able to work on a few cookbook teams. My contact info is in the form.
Awesome, thank you for being a reader and adding your name to the list!
Yes! I also have more specialized experience regarding recipe testing with kosher, vegan and vegetarian recipes in case that’s helpful to know.