I need your help! I am itching to write a cookbook and the title
is already decided: DINE WITH NINE! It was a suggestion from my dear friend, Kellyann from This Blonde's Shopping Bag, who has made
many of my recipes for her family.
The difficult part is this: I have no idea how to compile a book
or how to have it published. I can make and do the photography for all the
recipes but how in the world to I get it into book form and find publishers to
market the book to? Or do you just send
the premise and a couple recipes in a word doc to the publishers and they
create the actual book? And I have no idea where to look for publishers. Total
loss on something I really want to do. Can you help sweet readers?
I know I want it to include the following:
~9 categories or chapters like Desserts, Appetizers, Beverages, Crock-Pot Meals, etc.
~Easy to find ingredients
~Easy to following instructions
~Photos and descriptions with every recipe
~Stuff that real people like you and I make on the daily, not fancy difficult to do recipes.
And for the Fashion portion of the post, I thought you also might like to see my favorite apron. Just love
the patterns and the ruffles. It came with a ribbon and flower attached in
red which are perfect at the holidays. I loved putting a bright color with
it and adding my favorite white jeans and pointy toe black pumps.
Had to look fashionable while pitching my idea to ya all, lol. Truth be told, this is NOT what I wear when cooking. No pearls, no white, no get in my way sleeves, no heals...Try yoga pants
and a t-shirt, lol!
Favorite Black Pumps
Beautiful Magenta Tops
Favorite White Jeans
A BIG Congratulations to my Mom who retires today after 25 years with the same organization I used to work for.
Let this next stage of her life be amazing like she is!!
HAVE A MARVELOUS MONDAY
Let this next stage of her life be amazing like she is!!
HAVE A MARVELOUS MONDAY
SWEET FRIENDS!!
Linking up with this month's Ageless Style too
LINKING-UP with Biana // Totally Terrific Tuesday // Inspire Me Monday // Inspire Me Tuesday // Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party // Creative Monday's // Creative Muster Party // Wow Us Wednesdays // Wonderful Wednesday's Blog Hop // Feathered Nest Friday // Metamorphosis Monday // The Scoop // Cooking & Crafting with J&J
XOXO
So fun, Andrea! I have always wanted to write a cookbook as well, but have no idea where to start! If you find out any information, please let me know! And congratulations to your mom! How exciting for her. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeletexo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
First of all I think it's so awesome that you are going to be moving forward with a cook book! My sister self published her own book and then she was able to put it on amazon and in book stores that way. So I would look into self publishing!! xo, Biana-BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteShay Shull at mix and match mama has written several cookbooks, maybe you could reach out to her...
ReplyDeletemixandmatchmama@yahoo.com.
Good Luck
Daughter wrote and published hers through Blurb. It is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your mom! The cookbook would be fun. I think there are a few different ways to go about it. Let me see if I can dig anything concrete up and I'll make sure to send it do you if I find anything! (Ps. I love the name and premise of the book and of course I can't wait to have a copy!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your sweet mom!!! Wow! Now the two of you can really get into some trouble, lol!
ReplyDeleteIt's about time - you need to get that cookbook done! I just finished cutting up chicken to make your sweet and sour chicken for Nolan when he comes home this week. I can't wait to have all of your recipes in one place. I wish I knew how to move forward with the project but I know it can be done. I am hoping someone out there knows how. Your recipes are delicious, not difficult, and the ingredients are easily accessible.
And btw, we tried the TJ's orange chicken and it was no match for yours. I am so excited for you and can't wait to see how this unfolds!
Yay!!!!!
xo,
Kellyann
Congrats to your mama! And yay for a cookbook! Cant offer advice but looking forward to reading about the process unfolding
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! This is such an amazing idea, and I can't wait to get a copy when it's finished! Such a fun name, and I love the idea of the round up of recipes and adding some fashion and I think some stories of the family enjoying the recipes <3
ReplyDeleteGreen Fashionista
Yes, you should write this cookbook! I love cookbooks that also have entertainment ideas. You could include ideas about how to look adorable when you entertain! Don't think I'm kidding!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea: You look gorgeous in that outfit! I love your apron. Have you looked into Createspace through Amazon? That might work. Canva has many template options also but you would still need to publish. There is also BookCreator.com but not sure if that is what you may be looking for. Writer's Digest may have ideas for publishers if you prefer to not go the self-publishing route. Your local library will have a copy of the Writer's book (can't remember the exact title but they will know what it is) that lists all possible publishers and what they require. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous idea! Your cookbook will be a great hit! I know I'll want a copy :) I have no idea how to get a book published but the blogger Emily from Darling Dearest might be a good resource. She published a devotional last year. Although she's pregnant and about to pop right now so I don't know how available she will be to help...
ReplyDeleteA cook book sounds like a great idea! You can include photos of you cooking in heels too!
ReplyDeleteI think you're a natural to do a cookbook. I don't know anything about publishing but I think you can self publish on Amazon. I love your frilly apron! So adorable!! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteI love the title of your book! Congrats to your mom! And, your apron is adorable. Your heels and apron remind me of the fancy housewives back in the 50s wearing their dresses and heels while cooking.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Daily Style Finds
What a great idea, Andrea!! And you're the perfect person to do this.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Girlfriend, I wish I could be more help to make your dreams come true, but I am absolutely CLUELESS about book publishing. However, I think the idea is sensational and I would of course be the first person in line to buy my copy! You'll autograph my copy, though, right?! And I love the apron! I use to wear one, but I forget these days! Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO exciting, Andrea! I actually ghost-wrote a cookbook for a friend, so if you need any tips or advice with publishing (self vs. submitted), let me know. I'm happy to help!
ReplyDeleteSo fun! I have no advice on how to execute this, but I look forward to it happening! Congrats on the new venture :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, and I love the title! I can't wait to see where this takes you!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew how to publish a book! I really hope that someone is able to help you because I think that sounds like such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS to your precious mom!!! So awesome! I was looking back through all the comments wondering if anyone had suggested contacting Mix and Match Mama and saw they had. I think that would be a great place to start. (or see who publishes her cookbooks at least and start there) I know there are companies we've used for school and church cookbooks that are kind of self published, but I think you're looking for something a little more polished. What A GREAT IDEA!!! You go woman, and you look just darling in cookbook pitch photos. Keep us posted!!! XOXO
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhh sign me up for a cookbook from you! I wish I could help you out, but I am clueless when it comes to the publishing business. I think you would make a stellar cookbook though and I wish you all the best with it! And will definitely be a customer!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your mom! I bet y'all will have lots of fun spending days together now that you are both "retired." I have no clue on the cookbook! I know Mix and Match Mama has successfully published cookbooks, so you might reach out to her for advice. (oops, I see Lisa already suggested this!)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I LOVE your outfit! The color of your top is gorgeous and you look gorgeous in these photos too! :-) That is super exciting about the cookbook too. I honestly have zero idea on how to go about that. Maybe try Amazon?? Or Etsy?? I also hope that the weather is as nice there as it is here today. Have a lovely day friend! :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea! I want to do this one day too so please share what you learn. Congrats to your sweet mama!
ReplyDeleteI am planning to do a cookbook sometime too. I plan to just publish myself on Amazon though as an ebook first time around. It's such an exciting prospect! Now I have to go back and look to find some of your recipes to try out! How exciting and I can't wait to buy your book!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
I used createmycookbook.com - so easy!! And you have total control of how you want things set up and you upload your own pics - or you can use their templates and stock photos. I've had a blast making our family heirloom recipe cookbook, even though it's not finished yet. Hope this helps! Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteThat’s so awesome that you’re going to write your own cookbook! I love the fact that all of your recipes are so easy and totally things that we’d eat at home as well! I have no idea how to market a cookbook but I bet that a lot of other fellow bloggers know how!
ReplyDeleteHow fun!!! I love this idea. I am no help on the publishing part. You look so cute in your apron. Can't wait for your cookbook. I always love your recipes.
ReplyDeleteAmy Ann
Straight A Style
I wish I could help you, but I would have no clue where to start. I already can't wait to purchase it though! I love all your recipes!
ReplyDeleteAhhh a cookbook?!?! That is so exciting. I know some people have put them together at work for fundraisers, but I am sure that is not what you are looking for. Hope you are able to figure it because I would love the Dine with Nine!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you are TOO cute in this outfit!! How exciting...sounds like the perfect project for you. I have zero clue how to do this but definitely know it's possible.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you are so cute! I LOVE the title for your book! I, too, have been thinking of writing a book (possibly a novel, or maybe a kids' book) and I cannot find enough info on the internet for how to go about publishing it, so when you do finally figure out what you're doing I would love to know your advice! Also, you know you'll have a customer in me for your book!! One book housing all of your delicious creations?! I will have to have it!
ReplyDeleteThat title is PERFECT!!! I am no help in how to get it started but just know I'll be purchasing!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the best title EVER! I love it! I will be the first to purchase!! Good Luck! I hope you find a publisher!
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't have any advice on how to make this FANTASTIC dream a reality, I DO know that I will be first in line to order it when you make it happen, sweet friend!! You are too cute in your apron btw, and that title is perfection too! Excited for you!!! Wishing you all the best in this exciting endeavor!! *HUGS!!*
ReplyDeleteIf Shay Shull can make a cookbook using boxed cakes then you certainly can and I bet yours would be brilliant and I would buy it and spread the word. You go!!!!
ReplyDeleteI honestly have no idea on how to publish a book but I'd love to see what you'd come up with because I know it would be fabulous!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your lovely mum. And fab idea about your cookbook, you're a natural! Love the title and I would buy a copy, definitely. I'm collating my family recipes for my grandchildren (but please don't tell them, it's a surprise!). It's hard work, I can only do a little bit at a time. My DIL who self publishes suggested I use something called LULU but others are recommending Amazon now. Longing to hear how yours goes! Hugs, my sweetest, x
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat goal! Cannot wait to see it progress! Love that apron!
ReplyDeletexo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
What a great concept and perfect name for your cookbook! I have no experience in that department but I hope you get some good tips. ADORE your cute apron and loving anything Magenta. That color looks amazing on you! Have a great week sunshine! xo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
ReplyDeleteWell, you can count on me to buy a copy of your cookbook for sure! I made your Bowtie Lasagne last week and have it in the freezer to serve while our company is here later this week. I'm betting you can find all you need to know about getting a cookbook published here on the internet.
ReplyDeleteThat apron is just too cute! I use an apron a lot but mine are pretty plain. Happy week Andrea and congratulations to your sweet Mom!
Yay for a cookbook! I'm so excited for you!! I wish I had an idea of how to help you get started, but I don't :( Can't wait to see it when it's finished!
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh!!!! So many exciting things in this post - my heart is going to explode! OK, LOVE the idea of the cookbook, and can I just say that you have the cutest name for the book already. It will probably fly off the shelves with such a catchy name for sure! I can't wait to see the finished product and all of the yumminess that's inside. And a HUGE congrats to your Mom!! What a neat accomplishment. My Mom retired last month too, and as a family it was such a big milestone!
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wish I was more help - but I know nothing! What an exciting adventure for you - and I know it will be awesome! Tell your mom congrats on her retirement!
ReplyDeleteWowee! Fabulous news for you Andrea. I adore the name! I can't help you though as I have now idea - I'm sure one of your lovely readers will be able to help, so good luck Hun! Jacqui Mummabstylish
ReplyDeleteOooh how exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteI self published all of my books myself, Andrea, but most of them were in ebook form. As for paperbacks, I use Createspace (which is now owned by Amazon). I'm not sure if you can do hardback books through them, but it might be worth looking into it. Best of luck!!
Suzy xxx
www.suzyturner.com
Finally! I knew it would come one day. I have no idea how to get anything published, but you would make the most awesome cook book EVER! I would buy it in a heart beat and then buy one for all of my friends! Congrats friend, if there is anything I can do...like write a follow up letter demanding the publishers publish you...I'm on it!
ReplyDeleteIf you publish a cookbook, I will def. be buying it! I've made at least 10 of your recipes. I don't always tell you when I do, but I have loved all of them. I have an apron that is so cute and I never wear it! lol! I think I did wear it once for a cooking blog post I did... but, I'm like you. I cook in my yoga pants! ha!! You could probably somehow get it published on Amazon, which would be the easiest for people to buy... I don't know how you do this... You should also look into some little boutique shops to sell it in once it is done!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Congratulations on your mom and congratulations on starting to write a book! Perhaps you could ask Nicole of High Latitude Style. She wrote a book too!
ReplyDeleteNot to discourage you, Andrea, but it is a long process. First, you write an extensive proposal (including outline, sample chapters, sample recipes) that you will send to an agent. Not directly to a publisher. They will want you to have thoroughly researched your "competition"--with books similar to yours--and tell how yours is different. Getting an agent to take you on is quite a process. Then going back and forth with your agent and fine-tuning is a long process. Getting an agent and publisher interested in a book by someone who is not a celebrity of some sort is hard work these days! Every singer, actress, just-famous-for-being-famous person out there is doing a cookbook; and publishers would rather take them on because they are "a name." I would suggest self-publishing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. I could point you in the direction of a publisher for sure.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it will interest you but I listened to a series of videos about self publishing a book. It actually was kind of a free teaser for an expanded version that was a online class that you have to pay for but even the free version touched on a lot of the aspects of book writing, how to write, choosing a title and a cover, editing and publishing. The guy is Chandler Bolt and it is called Self Publishing School. I listened to his videos and have started collecting and writing my recipes. I have a ways to go before I will feel like I am ready for the next step but it has been fun so far. I am planning to do an ebook. I am not endorsing his stuff but it might be a place to start. Good luck and have fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing, Andrea! And I think you'd make a great cookbook. Count me in for a copy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting!! You would be so perfect to write a cook book. I wish I could help but I am clueless with this too. I do have a friend that used to work for Simon and Schuster that I can see if she has any insight and I'll stumble this to put it out there, because you never know. Sierra~Beautifully Candid
ReplyDeleteWhoo how exciting Andrea. I do not know how to get it published but can not wait to here how you go :) Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays :) Hope you can join us again soon.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and would totally support you on it!!!
ReplyDeleteI was quite impressed that you dressed up and looked gorgeous to cook! really, though I love this bright pink on you and even your apron is adorable! Oh, I wish I was a good cook! I wish you the best on your publishing endevour and love the title! im not sure how you get published, hopefully someone can help!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Congrats to your hard working mom. You look darling in your apron, all dressed. By all means, write your own cookbook. Just google it and have fun.
ReplyDelete