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Publishing a Book
When I first started this blog I wondered…how does one go about writing a book in the first place? I seriously had NO clue and come to find out there are actually a couple of ways you can do it. First of all, you can write a book and self publish it, which is certainly something I considered. But it can actually be kind of expensive because you have to fund the whole project yourself (or raise/borrow money). And believe it or not the expenses involved in writing a cookbook can add up fast…not to mention the time commitment as well!
The second option is of course going the traditional route and working with a publisher. And as I learned most writers use a literary agent as the “middle (wo)man” because they know how to get in touch with different editors and they are the ones that can hopefully land you a deal. I luckily knew a friend of a friend who had recently worked with an agent on her book so with high hopes I got in touch. And after a very brief discussion the agent politely told me I wasn’t quite ready yet to get the attention of a publisher. That was a year and a half ago…I tried not to let it bring me down too much. Good things sometimes start with a little bit of rejection, right? So anyway more than a year had passed when another industry contact ironically pointed me back to this very same agent. It felt like a sign. And as a bonus she was finally ready to work with me!
The whole thing sounds kind of easy up to this point, doesn’t it? Well that’s because I didn’t mention yet that when your agent reaches out to publishers they do so by sending a copy of your book proposal. And a book proposal is no joke. Mine ended up being 83 pages long and it included three sample chapters! As you can imagine it took me many months to put this thing together and then a few additional weeks of back and forth edits with my newfound literary agent.
The Exciting News
Then finally the day had come…my proposal was going to be sent out to a bunch of publishers. I could hardly sleep and was on the edge of my seat dying to know what kind of response we would get (if any!). Waiting to hear back from editors can sometimes take weeks though so sitting by the phone was unfortunately not an option. And as luck would have it I was of course shopping at Target with both of my children when we started to get a response…a few publishers were actually interested! I was smiling so big I am sure I looked like a complete lunatic. What mom is at Target with a super long shopping list, two impatient kids, AND a permasmile so big it’s literally impossible to wipe it off her face? Anyway, I was too distracted to even know what I bought that day. But after we raced home and a few more days of back and forth passed we finally came to an agreement with Harper Collins and their cookbook imprint, William Morrow. (!!!!)
It was a very exciting few days for a regular mom like me. And as soon as the excitement started to die down (just a tad) I began to realize I actually have to write this book now! :) So these days you will find me trying to do my best as I figure out this whole cookbook-writing thing and attempt to manage the additional workload that comes along with it (in addition to my existing family and blog duties). It’s been quite the experience thus far especially for a former corporate event planner turned stay-at-home-mom who was always much better at math than English in school! I never in a million years thought I would one day be an “author” (still sounds weird), but here I am starting a new career path at 35 years old. It just goes to show that you really can figure out “what you want to be when you grow up” at any age.
Book Details and Photos
So…back to the details. The book will be part guidebook and part cookbook including 100 mostly new (not previously on the blog) recipes. And one of the most important aspects of any cookbook is of course the pictures! If you like a lot of pictures then you are in luck because I plan to have a photo with every recipe. And Carrie with Deliciously Organic is the one taking the food pictures for the book! She recommended another photographer, Kelly with Kelly Kate Photography, for the “lifestyle pictures” (i.e. photos of us) so as a result both Carrie and Kelly (and Carrie’s two daughters!) came here for a week earlier this month. It was intense at times, it was fun at times, and it was exhausting at times…but we did it! And literally 5 minutes after we snapped the very last photo my 7-year-old decided to face plant off the swing. I was of course relieved once I realized she was okay, but after seeing her swollen lip and bloody mouth I just couldn’t believe the timing of it all! So anyway, we managed to survive our weeklong photo shoot together and my daughter’s mouth quickly healed shortly thereafter. Injuries aside though, we are honestly so thankful to finally have the big shoot behind us so we can get back to our normal and predictable (and sometimes boring) routine! Here are a few “behind the scenes” photos from our crazy book shoot together:
Still Lots Left to Do
There is still a LOT of work yet to be done including more recipe development, lots of recipe testing, writing, more pictures, the whole book design/layout, tons of editing, and of course the printing (and probably a lot of other details I have yet to discover). And believe it or not the book isn’t scheduled to hit the shelves until next winter because of how long all these things take! I’m working hard though to make this something I am proud of, and I can only hope all of you will find value in the end product! :) Thanks again for all of your support along the way.
Carly says
I pre-ordered on Amazon and just received a notice that it will not ship until August 2014. Has the release date changed? I am so excited for this book!!
Lisa says
Carly - Yes, my publisher just changed the date. I really appreciate your patience and thanks a million for your preorder!! :)
Tera says
I've been waiting for your cookbook since you first posted this last year! I'd like to give your cookbook to all our family and friends for Christmas. When can we expect it out? I'm an early holiday shopper so am making lists now. Thank you!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Tera. Unfortunately, I don't think it is expected out until January. Valentine's gifts, maybe? :) ~Amy
Carolyn Davis says
I use your website all the time and you have become my "go-to" source for healthy recipes for my family (which includes two young picky children). I was hoping that you would produce a cookbook!!! Can't wait for it to come out. Please keep us all posted. Thanks again for all you do. Your blog has been a huge influence on our lives.
Roxanne says
I just saw someone reference your cookbook in a comment on another post, so I had to do a quick search on your site. I can hardly wait for this to come out! I have loved everything I have tried from your site, and quite a few things have become very regular recipes in my house. That's saying a lot because I like to try new things and rarely make the same meal twice. Anyway, I'm so excited for you. I know it will be a best seller! Congratulations. And hurry up. ;)
Renee says
Thank you for your blog and website! Was just at Trader Joes today and for two weeks I have made a MAJOR overhaul on what I put in to my body and my twin girls. even baked my own bread-5 wholesome ingredients!!! I, and they now too, read labels before we buy/eat. The info I learned has made me angry at what has been allowed to pass as nutritional. So thank you for making me angry enough to make a change for our health. I am counting on that new book of yours and have already shared your site with family and friends. Also, am reading now The Honest Life by Jessica Alba, as you suggested. Great stuff!
Tricia says
I can't wait! I read cookbooks like most people read novels, and I expect this one to be a best-seller! Best of luck to you as you enjoy this step in your journey.
Lisa says
Thank you so much Tricia! :)
Jane Hersey says
Hi Lisa,
It's Jane Hersey here...editor of Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Associaiton. Your new cookbook sounds wonderful! If your publisher would send me a review copy I'd like to write about it.
If you would send me your direct email or the name of the rep, I'll provide my mailing address.
Jane
Lisa says
Hi Jane - Thank you so much for the offer...I would love that! The book is still almost a year away from coming out so there is nothing to share or send yet, but I've added you to my list of contacts for when that time comes. Thanks again! I love what the Feingold Association is doing for families.
Tara says
When will the cookbook be out?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tara. The cookbook will be out next winter. Jill
Abby says
Hey, I had a weird question about publishing a book. My friends and I are working on a book and asked me to come up with the title. What?! Anyways, did you have any tips or ideas that helped you come publishing? If so, I would LOVE to know. Thanks!
Lisa says
Good for you! I am honestly fairly new to all of this and sort of learning as I go. Since I am working with one of the bigger publishing houses I think they will be closely involved when it comes to big decisions (like title, design, etc.), but I am honestly figuring all of that out as we go through the process! I am sorry I can't be more help to you.
Jennifer Texter says
I cannot wait and i LOVE pictures!!!!! Good for you- very exciting. THANK You!!!!!
Lisa says
Thank you Jennifer!
Bree says
What an achievement--good for you!
Lisa says
Thank you Bree! :)
Sanni says
I've been waiting to hear about a book deal since I started reading your blog two months ago :) you rock! can't wait.
Lisa says
You are too kind...thank you Sanni!!
Andrea says
Can't wait to ad your book to my shelf! :) WE LOVE real food at our house, hopefully my 4 year old will decide its ok one day too. Good Luck!
Lisa says
Thank you Andrea! And sounds like you are doing the right thing by not giving up on your 4-year-old :)
Esther says
Congratulations Lisa! I just had to express my excitement for your recent accomplishment! How ecstatic you must be to have a cookbook in the works! You are an inspiration to me, and it's proof that you never know when great things will happen in your life! Keep up the great work that you're doing!!! Thanks!!!
Lisa says
You are too sweet...thank you Esther! :)
Sherry says
Hi Lisa-
I'm so glad to hear this, congratulations! I started following your blog back in 2010 while on maternity leave with my youngest. It was awesome to read about your experiences and recommendations (especially being in Charlotte and knowing the local places and farms!). I am starting to see my kids (well at least my oldest) make smarter decisions on his own. Good luck with the writing. I can't wait to see it!!
Lisa says
Wow, thanks for being such a long time follower! I would never be here without support from readers like you :)
Rachel says
Congratulations! What fun news! I love the blog and I'm looking forward to the book. Yum!
Lisa says
Thank you Rachel!