Writing a Cookbook: Publishers
Author Tips for Finding the Right Publisher for Your Book Idea
May 7, 2008
Many beginning cookbook authors who have come up with great cookbook ideas (see "How to Write a Cookbook: Ideas"), have begun work on writing recipes (see "How to Write a Cookbook: Recipes"), and have completed the task of writing a book proposal (see "How to Write a Cookbook: Proposals"), stall at the last and more crucial step of the process: finding a publisher for your book.
Finding a book publisher doesn't have to be difficult. Here's a great, proven writer's strategy for how to find a publisher.
A Word on Agents
It must be said, though, that many people insert another step in the process at this point: finding an agent. Agents can be very helpful, if the one you find is an expert on the cookbook field and maintains up-to-date contacts with cookbook editors at a wide variety of publishing houses. Yes, you have to pay them a commission, but smart agents can earn that money back by getting you better details.
The problem is, many agents are hesitant to work with first-time authors. Getting your foot in the door with an agent can cost you as much time and effort as looking for a publisher. So, why not look for a publisher yourself first?
Some publishers, truth be told, won't look at books or proposals that don't come to them from agents. But many others will. So it could well be worth your time and effort to look for a publisher on your own.
The Best Place to Look for a Publisher
"But how do I know who to send my proposal to?" That's the question probably crossing your mind right about now. And there's a simple answer to it: Hang out in a good bookstore!
That's right. A bookstore can be one of the best places to search for a publisher for your book.
Find a bookshop that has a large cookbook section. Take a really good look at the cookbooks there. While you do, think about which ones would look compatible with the sort of book you imagine yours will be in terms of its size, format, approach to cooking, and so on.
Above all, try to be realistic in your expectation. Your concept, outline, and the number and kind of recipes will tell you if your book should be a $39.95 full-color hardcover title or a $7.95 handbook-sized black-and-white paperback.
Tracking Down the Editor
Then, check to see who published those books that feel akin to the one you're writing:
- The publisher: Take note of the publisher's name and location.
- The editor: Look inside and see if the editor of the book has a credit on the copyright page, or is mentioned personally in the author's acknowledgements.
- Industry directories: If you can't find a name, look up the publisher and see if there's a listing for its cookbook editor or acquiring editor in the latest edition of Writer's Market (published by Writer's Digest Magazine) or Literary Market Place (LMP); you can find the former in the Reference section of most bookstores, and most good-sized libraries carry up-to-date copies of the latter, an annual directory of the publishing industry.
- The telephone: If none of those strategies work, phone the publisher and ask the receptionist for the name of the person who edits cookbooks there. (But do not impose on that editor by asking the receptionist to connect you! Editors are busy, and it's rude to cold-call them.) Write to that editor.
- Simultaneous submissions: Also, check the publisher's entry in the latest edition of Writer's Market to see if it accepts simultaneous or photocopied submissions. If the publishers that interest you do so, this will streamline your book proposal submission process and your waiting time.
Submitting a Book Proposal
The final step is to send out your proposal. Make sure to pay attention to the following details:
- Printing: Print it out on crisp white paper in a standard, easy-to-read font such as Times New Roman or Palatino or even good old Courier.
- Binding: Bind it simply: This is a business proposal, not a school arts-and-crafts project!
- Cover letter: Write a clear, concise, attention-grabbing cover letter to the editor at the publishing house you've selected.
- SASE: Be sure to enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage on it for the editor to return the entire proposal.
- Postage: Send it by regular mail; requiring a signature is an imposition, though you could fill out a proof-of-mailing form at the post office to help yourself feel more secure.
Then, sit back and wait patiently. It's not uncommon for publishers to take six weeks or more to reply with a decision. But that decision will be more likely to be a positive one, because you've gone through a smart process of finding a publisher.
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