Everything Cookbooks

• 03: Cookbook Proposal Writing Tips [re-release]

  Kristin leads today's discussion all about the cookbook proposal, sharing her own first experience with the process. Molly, Kate and Andrea each describe their own firsts as well as how they format their more recent versions. They review all of the elements that go into a proposal, the three vital things to highlight, how long the process can take and how a project can morph as it leads into its first draft. Finally, a listener's salt based SOS leads to many strong opinions and some helpful tips. Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin DonnellyEditor: Abby Cerquitella  MentionsHeidi Swanson’s blog post on her cookbook proposal process Kate Leahy’s blog post on the elements of a cookbook proposalKatie Parla’s blog post on how to write (and sell) a cookbook proposalDiane Jacob’s website is also a great resources"Recipe into Type" book  Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show 

  --------  

  43:54
• 31: Catch an Agent’s Attention with Sally Ekus [re-release]

  In this repeat episode, Kate and Kristin talk with literary agent Sally Ekus. A lot has changed in Sally's professional life since we last had her on -- the Ekus Group is now part of the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, and Sally is a senior agent there. What hasn't changed is the great advice she gives in this episode for emerging cookbook writhers. We talk to Sally about her career path, what she brings to the table for her clients and peek into a day in her life. Sally shares how agents help careers, the key items in a query emails and the homework authors should do before reaching out to agents. Finally, she tells us her thoughts on proposal designs, where voice matters most and the one question she urges potential authors to ask themselves before getting started.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin DonnellyEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsThe Ekus GroupInstagramWebsiteSubmission RequirementsSally EkusInstagramSelf Paced Course: How to Write a CookbookFacebook group: How to be a Cookbook AuthorAssociation of American Literary Agents Mentorship ProgramWomen's Media GroupThe Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse CookbookFirst Generation Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show 

  --------  

  40:17
• 02: Do You Need an Agent [re-release]

  Molly starts out today's episode with an interview with Rica Allannic, a literary agent with editorial experience. Then, Kristin and Kate share how they've navigated their own agent relationships while Andrea explains how she works without one. We get into the many roles of an agent, how to find the right one and some things to consider at various stages of a cookbook author's career. Finally, Andrea shares a recipe writing tip and Kate lets us know her recent favorite cookbook.Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin DonnellyEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsRica AllannicRica Allannic on IGDavid Black Literary AgencyPublisher Marketplace - “Quick Pass” link for $10 day pass IACP membership for networkingThe Lisa Ekus GroupEquity at the Table Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showRuffage by Abra Berens 

  --------  

  48:56
• 54: Cookbook Ideas: Where it all begins [re-release]

  Molly, Kristin, Kate and Andrea talk about the idea behind the cookbook. After sharing some shelved ideas of their own, they workshop submissions from listeners to highlight considerations on topic, marketability, expertise and "the hook" for each premise. They brainstorm and discuss structural considerations, format, audience appeal and comp titles to give listeners insights into the vital first step of the book creation process. Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella Mentions Episode 1: Should You Write a Cookbook?Episode 2: Do You Need a Cookbook Agent? with Rica AllannicHeidi SwansonI’ve Made Everything from Gnocchi to Mapo Tofu in My Camper Van’s KitchenBy Ali SlagleEpisode 50: Telling Your Story in a Chef Cookbook with Vishwesh BhattGet SaucyThe Pleasures of Cooking for OneSavoring Spices and HerbsArticle about the Ski Town Aprés Ski Cookbook successAssociation for Dressing and SaucesCooking for One by Judith Jones Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showGood & Cheap by Leanne BrownBack Pocket Pasta by Colu HenryThe New Sugar & Spice by Samantha SeneviratneSalad for President by Julia ShermanPriya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids by Priya Krishna 

  --------  

  44:09
• 121: The Burnout Episode

  We've noticed that 'burnout' is seeming more and more prevalent these days so Kate, Kristin, Molly and Andrea are using the final episode of Season 6 to speak all about it. They discuss how to identify it, how it manifests for each of them and share some ideas on what to do about it. They speak about how the blending of life and career as freelancers can exacerbate feelings of constantly being 'on', perfectionism and excessive people pleasing along with the pressure to constantly be creating content. They talk about some of the ways they notice burnout looming and the 'rebellious' activities, tips and resources they use to combat it. See you in the Spring for Season 7!Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea NguyenEditor: Abby Cerquitella MentionsI was a bestselling recipe writer - then burnout killed my appetite for food, and life. This is how I found my way back by Meera SodhaOn Politics of Attention in 2025 by Alicia Kennedy Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the showFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman  

  --------  

  39:27

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Everything Cookbooks