Tag: cookbook

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 03/03/15

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry. This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

Four Reasons to Self-Publish Your Children’s Book

In this Huffington Post article, author and illustrator Sue Shanahan shares what she learned during her publishing journey and why she thinks self-publishing is a great option for children’s book authors. This is a must read for all writers considering self-publishing.

A Recipe for Success: Tips for Self-Publishing Your Cookbook

This Publisher’s Weekly article offers helpful tips for cookbook authors. Topics covered include building a platform, finding your niche, creating a team, and more. It is a must read for authors interested in self-publishing a cookbook.

LAPL, SELF-e, Surprising Stats | Self-Publishing & Libraries

This Library Journal article discusses self-publishing statistics and how they impact libraries. This is an interesting read for authors and librarians.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 5/02/14

WRITING COOKBOOKS

What’s the big deal about writing a cookbook?  Just throw together forty or fifty favorite recipes and you’re done!  All your relatives will buy it; your co-workers who have been sampling those delicious dishes will want you to autograph their copy; and all those “cookbook addicts” who absolutely must have any and every cookbook available on the market will be snatching it off the shelves.  All true.  All excellent reasons to put that collection of tasty treats together and publish!

Now, let me offer you a challenge—the writing of a cookbook.  The topical ideas I’m about to share with you have not yet been developed.  The writers have passed from this earth, leaving their work unfinished, and (as far as I know) no one else has attempted to complete the projects.  However, I know that there are many authors out there who can (and should) pick up the gauntlet and write these books!

Concept #1:  Puddle Recipes

When the weather outside is frightful and the snow (or rain) is so delightful, what better thing to do than cook up wonderfully warming meals and tasty treats!  Of course, the recipes themselves are unique to each author, and the unique story that goes along with it will be the main attraction.  Those who live in (or grew up in) climate-challenged parts of the country—or the world—will have the most fuel for this project.  The main character (you) will be living weather-related survival adventures—always returning to rebuild strength and courage while enjoying a meal or snack (recipe included) that only you (the author) can provide!

Concept #2:  World War Recipes

This idea could easily be created as a series that includes remembrances of the many (too many) wars and conflicts we’ve lived through.  I’ve had two clients start this type of cookbook; sadly neither finished.  The first had a World War II background, complete with photos of this gentlemen on a Navy ship.  My favorite picture was seeing him as a “teenager” standing next to their anti-aircraft gun.  His hook for turning this into a cookbook was talking about the meals “all the guys dreamed of,” those home-cooked memories that live on forever.

Concept #3: Ranch Recipes

This cookbook was specifically “measured” to feed a lot of ranch-hands BIG portions.  The author enjoyed the banter of the boys around her table so much, she started collecting their stories.  Of course, she soon realized that the same “true story” had many versions, and the telling of those versions was bringing this recipe book together with lots of love and laughter.

SO…there you have it!  I know you can do it!  These ideas are too good to waste!  PLEASE pull out your laptops and get to work.  AND…if you need some inspiring help, there are a few of us ghostwriters around who will happily help you.  Bon Appetite!

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Jodee Speaks

Strike While the Skillet is Hot and Publish Your Cookbook

Do you love to cook? Now is a great time to publish a cookbook. Viewers and readers are loving food-related shows and books. You can take advantage of this booming market and share your recipes with the world.

If you decide to publish a cookbook, you need to understand that there are very specific formatting methods for this genre. You will need to decide how to layout all of the elements including lists, instructions, photos, and more. This is essential as you want the book to be appealing with consistent formatting and easy to follow.

If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry. Simply speak to someone at your self-publishing company to find out if they offer assistance with this task. For instance, Outskirts Press recently introduced the Cookbook Formatting Kit, which provides a simple process to help you design your cookbook. This low-cost kit can make your dreams of becoming a cookbook author come true.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in   sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services   for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department   is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants;   together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the   book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your   career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist   seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you   on the right path.