Where to Begin in Publishing
A literary agent's guide to getting started in cookbook publishing and finding an agent
Not So Secret Agent is an email newsletter all about the inside scoop on cookbook publishing from senior literary agent, Sally Ekus. Make sure you never miss an email. Subscribe!
How do I find an agent?
What resources should I check out if I want to learn more about cookbook writing and publishing in general?
Does Not So Secret Agent Sally have any recommendations for me?
I was recently doing a consult (yep, I offer 1-1 personalized consults!) during which I found myself saying, “At the bottom of my first Substack post is my go-to list of recommendations for how to get started.” Then I realized it was the THIRD consult in a matter of days where I’d pointed toward that post.
It got me thinking. Do my readers know about this list? It’s tacked onto the bottom of my initial Substack post, but even new readers seem to skip over it more often than not. So hey, let’s make this sh*t easier to find and see if I still get this question in a few months.
***Not So Secret Agent Spoiler Alert: I know I will! But maybe less often!***
The list below is NOT exhaustive. That’s intentional. It’s designed to give you my top places to orient yourself to all things cookbook publishing. I even include a few general publishing resources if you want extra credit for keeping tabs on the industry as a whole (Hello type A comrades, I see you).
Success starts with doing your research.
Not So Secret Agent Sally, how do I find an agent?
Ask colleagues who they work with and if that agent is taking on new clients.
Look in the acknowledgement section of your favorite cookbooks (or other books similar to yours). Agents are often thanked.
Publishers Marketplace is where you can search for book deals, agents, and editors. You can get a one-day subscription when you’re ready to do this research.
Operation Find an Agent by Kristin Donnelly is amazing. Kristin, one of the Everything Cookbooks Podcast hosts, gives you an insider look at the publishing world and teaches how and when to approach an agent in order to maximize your success. Plus, you get a full list of all of us cookbook agents.
***Not So Secret Agent Side Note*** It isn’t just about finding AN agent. It is about finding THE RIGHT agent for you (should you want one).
I cannot emphasize this enough: DO YOUR RESEARCH. Find agents you may want to work with and look at their websites, submission guidelines, and query instructions. Follow directions and, when appropriate, ask for an intro.
If you’re like, “Hey Not So Secret Agent Sally, how do I know when I should ask my friend who wrote a cookbook if they would intro me to their agent?!” Good question! I recommend somewhere between when you have a concept developed and a proposal ready. Or, if you are being approached by editors/publishers and are ready for someone who knows the industry inside and out to negotiate the best possible opportunity on your behalf.
Culinary Specific Stuff:
The Ekus Group Proposal Guidelines is a guide for writing a cookbook proposal to pitch agents (Not just me—you can use this guide for other cookbook agents too!)
How to Be a Cookbook Author Facebook Group is the community forum where I post publishing news and resources. This community offers real-time insights from its members (and me of course) on all things cookbooks. It’s where I hold space for connecting colleagues and people looking for various freelancers or information about cookbooks and publishing in general.
Everything Cookbooks podcast. Devour this. Hosted by four cookbook authors, this podcast is the one I recommend the most because each episode is dedicated to a specific aspect of cookbook publishing. Plus, you get the perspective of four published authors and their guests! Full disclosure, I have been one of those guests. Yes, there are other great cookbook podcasts, but this is the one to start with.
Stained Page News has cookbook news, insights, analysis, ephemera by Paula Forbes.
Dianne Jacob’s Substack is known for curated links about food writing trends and best practices from around the web. Dianne also runs book proposal bootcamps. Keep in mind Dianne is a coach, not an agent. You should also check out her book, Will Write for Food.
The Complete Recipe Writing Guide by Raeanne Sarazen, RDN
Book & Publishing Stuff:
Jane Friedman reports on the book publishing industry and helps authors understand the business.
Agents & Books newsletter by Kate McKean. READ AS MUCH OF THIS AS POSSIBLE.
Before and After the Book Deal newsletter by Courtney Maum.
Publishing Confidential Written by Kathleen Schmidt, a seasoned publishing veteran, this newsletter analyzes the publishing industry at large with an emphasis on marketing and publicity insight.
The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing is a podcast for emerging writers, who are looking to improve their work with an aim to having it published, or for anyone who would like a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing industry.
The Design of Books by Debbie Berne. Written by a book designer, this book dives into fonts, design, margins, and everything we didn’t know we wanted to nerd about the design of books.
Membership Stuff:
IACP: International Association of Culinary Professionals: Established in 1978, membership has expanded to include cookbook authors, food writers, photographers, stylists, bloggers, editors, publishers, digital media experts, nutritionists, chefs, restaurateurs, culinary tour operators, artisan food producers, academics, and more.
IACP is best for those serious about their food writing career, IMO.
Cherry Bombe is a media company celebrating women & cool creatives in the world of food & drink.
Great for people who love to network, connect, and uplift women (and those who identify and support women) in food.
WMG: Women’s Media Group: a New York City-based nonprofit association of women who have achieved prominence in the many fields of media. Our members—drawn primarily from print and digital book, magazine, and newspaper publishing; film and television; and online and other digital media—meet to collaborate with, learn from, inform, and support one another. The organization is also dedicated to mentoring young women interested in pursuing media careers.
Not food specific, WMG is awesome for women serious about working and connecting across all forms of media. You do not have to be based in NYC to be a member. I often attend the fabulous virtual programming in addition to IRL events.
***Not So Secret Agent Bottom Line: While I am not suggesting you immediately become a member of the above organizations, check them out, follow their newsletters and social media. Engage to see if their membership base, programming, and work in this world aligns with your goals and financial means.***
Like I said, this is not an exhaustive list. You’re probably all like “Hey Not So Secret Agent Sally, what about X?” Yeah, there are TONS of other incredible resources. This list is a fast track to learning the cookbook publishing vocabulary and where to find the most up-to-date news.
Please help me keep a running list of additional helpful resources going by telling me about them in the comments below!
Thank you for reading, subscribing, and sharing this post!
Sally
Great stuff! I will be forwarding this to anyone who asks me how to get going in cookbooks!
Great resources. If you worked on a food memoir or food fiction book, let me know. I am looking for food memoires and/or food fiction for my newly launched substack newsletter. Thanks.