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.
Dear Not So Secret Agent Readers,
Welcome to Part 2 of the video series ***Not So Secret Agent Side Notes.*** If you aren’t familiar with these Side Notes, they are short pieces of additional industry commentary that sometimes pop up in my longer newsletter posts. I thought it could be fun to release a short run of standalone Side Notes as real-time commentary.
Last week, I gave a glimpse into selling 5 books in a matter of just a few weeks. This week, I am thinking a lot about the roles and responsibilities of literary agents. With every project I represent, I am indicating to the broader publishing industry that this is a book worthy of being published. Some proposals are an “easier” sell than others, though rejection is always a part of the process. It isn’t common (at least for me!) to close 5 deals in such short succession. I don’t sell 100% of the projects I take out on submission. Some sell fast (a matter of days or weeks) and others might take months or even years to finally find a home.
Sometimes a book’s publishing journey is an uphill battle. Since the beginning of my career, I have purposely represented a broad range of projects—it feels especially crucial in today’s world to continue to show the industry a wide swath of voices and stories.
***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: if you’re thinking Hey sally, what are some common “uphill battle” indicators for a book? Typically, if a proposal is being written by an author with a small platform or if it is about a super niche subject, those projects are often more challenging to to get published.***
LAST CALL!!! (Only 4 Pitch tickets left!)
May 21st from 7-9pmET, The Everything Cookbooks Podcast crew is welcoming me back (we did this last year) for a Pitch Slam event! This is a great chance to try on a book idea without diving ALLLLLL in on your book proposal quite yet.
In this quick-paced workshop, attendees can pitch a cookbook idea and get instant feedback from me and the four Everything Cookbooks hosts. Don’t have a book idea right now? Join in to learn valuable tips about what goes into crafting a pitch when your brilliant idea hits.
There are two ticket tiers, one for pitching and one for listening/learning.
Info and tickets can be found here and are already going fast!
*There are also 2 equity slots available for individuals who want to pitch but may not have the resources available.
Also, as a reminder, all readers get the chance to land a spot for Huff & Puff phone chats!
***NOT SO SECRET AGENT SIDE NOTE: Wait, what the heck is a Huff & Puff chat?? Well, I’ve been randomly picking one new person (via the Substack app’s chat feature) to call and talk with as I take a brisk walk. These 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.
While Secret Agent Ambassadors are guaranteed their own dedicated Huff & Puff session, please note that both paid and unpaid subscribers are eligible for the random ones!
Happy (almost) long weekend! I hope you find yourself cooking, typing, or doing some combination of whatever brings a smile to your face.
~Sally~
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