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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.
Jenny says
I can't wait to buy your cookbook. I've already printed off my share of recipes from your Web site and they're a hit with the family. Best of luck with your project and maintaining your sanity. ;)
Lisa says
I appreciate that...I need it! :)
Sally says
Congratulations! I'll definitely be looking for your book next winter.
"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."
I have to laugh when I read things like this -- especially from people as young as you are. I'm not quite twice your age -- definitely old enough to be your mother. While my career didn't change, I didn't find my "niche" until I was well over 40 and had been working for over 17 years. I know plenty of people in their 50s and 60s who are just figuring out "what they want to be when they grow up" now that they have raised families and don't need to worry in the same way about being financially secure. As long as you're breathing, you can change and do something you'd love to do. It certainly helps to find a need and fill it!
Lisa says
Wow how encouraging to here...it's never too late to do what you love!
Maureen Meacham says
How exciting!! Congrats!!!!
Lisa says
Thank you Maureen! :)
Monica says
Great news! Congratulations on the book deal. Can't wait to see it.
Lisa says
Thanks a million!
Jenna says
Congrats! I will definitely be buying this... just wish it came out this winter! :)
Lisa says
I know me too...crazy how long these things take! :)
Jocelyn says
Wow Congratulations!! How very exciting. Can't wait to see this on the shelves.
Lisa says
Thank you Jocelyn!
Christie @ Pathtothehalf says
Congratulations! That is very exciting I can't wait until it comes out! I will certainly nab a copy!
Lisa says
Yay sounds like a book sale...thank you!
Christina says
I am so excited for you! It must feel wonderful to have all of your hard work pay off in such a big way. Your blog helped me to change my family's life for the better.......and for good. We are not going back to our old way of eating. I owe you so many thanks. I will make sure everyone I know knows about your book.
Lisa says
Thank you for helping me spread the word...so glad the blog has been helpful!
Emily says
Congratulations! I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to buy several to give as gifts. You are doing a great job and helping many people. Hang in there and take care of yourself along the way. Way to go!
Lisa says
Thank you Emily!
Christina says
Yay!!! This will most definitely be a cookbook I want to purchase! If it is anything like your tips and recipes on the website I will be using it on a weekly basis; it will be so nice not to have to drag my laptop in to the kitchen. I love the simplicity of your recipes and have had great success making them in my own home.
Lisa says
Yes, the book will be a similar style to the website...so glad you are enjoying what I've put together so far! :)
Amber Collins-Lopez says
You have completely changed the way I cook, the way I feel about cooking and the way my family eats. Meals feel so much richer, fuller and more 'genuine' and I enjoy the process so much more. Thank you so very much! Congratulations! And I can't wait to get a copy of this book!
PS - My only gripe ... what's this talk at the end of your recipes about freezing leftovers??? We NEVER have leftovers from your recipes! :)
Lisa says
LOL - no leftovers! I guess that's a good sign :)
Lisa says
Ha ha...no leftovers. I love it! I am so glad the blog has been helpful for you and your family.
Molly says
You can bet we will be buying your cookbook! We are still new to eating "real" food but you are our best source and we always love adding more recipes to our collection. Thanks for this blog - it's been great for us!
Lisa says
I am so glad to hear that...thank you!
Kristen says
Wow, this is great news - I can't wait to buy your book and give a copy to family and friends!
Lisa says
That would be great...thank you!
WWCook says
Congratulations on your new accomplishment. I'm so glad for you. I enjoy your newsletter and recipes. Thank you for helping us learn a healthy life-style. I know I'll love your cookbook. Can hardly wait to purchase my copy. God Bless you and your family. Good luck.
Lisa says
:) Thank you for that!
Mary Bonner says
Congratulations!I can't wait for the cookbook! We love your recipes and use them everyday. My whole family loves eating"real food". You've changed our lives! Weight loss, "perfect blood work ( the doctor's words, not mine), and a happy, healthy family that loves eating a variety of fresh, local food.
Lisa says
Wow...good for you! And many thanks :)
Traci Montero says
I'm so excited for you! Can't wait until it's available. I love all of your recipes and hints. Keep them coming. I will keep reading :)
Lisa says
Thank you Traci!
Jen says
I'm so excited for you and to buy it!
Lisa says
:)!!
Katie | Healthnut Foodie says
Congrats! I have had such a blast and been blessed with so many opportunities since publishing my first "real food" cookbook! Number two and three are now on the way and I've never had more fun!
Lisa says
Wow...look at you! I am amazed especially now that I know all the work that goes into it!
Kelly says
Congratulations!! Can't wait to buy my copy!
Lisa says
Thank you Kelly!
Jennifer Cyr says
So excited about this! I will be giving copies out as gifts for sure!!
Lisa says
Yay!
Kerry says
Congrats! You've worked long and hard for this opportunity! Good luck to you over the next year. Can't wait to buy your cookbook for myself and all my extended family. Your blog is like our cooking bible!
Lisa says
Thank you Kerry!
Rosie Martinson says
I love your website asnd am SO happy for your you, you will do great-can't wait to support you and purchase the book!
Lisa says
Thank you for that support! :)
Bruce Bradley says
I'm so happy for you. Getting a book published is a pretty amazing feat! Congratulations! I can't wait to buy my copy and several more for friends and family! Great job!
Lisa says
Thanks Bruce...and I agree I have a whole new respect for authors now that I better understand the process and what's involved!
Cai says
So excited for you! I cannot wait to have your cookbook on my shelf! May it be the first of several! Congratulations!!!
Lisa says
Maybe...we shall see! Thank you so much!
Melissa Shirts says
I can't wait!
Lisa says
Thank you Melissa!
Harriet Bell says
I'm so thrilled that I was able to be a part of your forthcoming book,Lisa. I can't wait. xoh
Lisa says
Harriet I can't thank you enough for your advice and support! :)
Callie says
Very exciting! Congratulations! I will definitely be buying your cookbook--and since it comes out next winter I can foresee a lot of my friends and family receiving it as a holiday gift. :)
Lisa says
Yay! :)
Anna says
Whew! I'm sad it's not going to be out till next winter; I will definitely be buying your cook book as soon as it comes out! I accidentally found this website through a friends pin and I happened to be very bored and read through it. This website is what got me started on clean eating. Now, our eating habits are so much better and I found out I actually LOVE cooking! Lol (most of the time).
Lisa says
I know...I will have to practice lots of patience!
Stacy says
I know what I'll be getting everyone for a present next Christmas!
Lisa says
- :)
Martha says
That is so exciting. A suggestion which some recipes omit - please give the type and size of pan or dish to use and how many it will serve. I know you offer many kid-friendly recipes now and hope you also will include lots of adult ones for those of us whose children are grown. I have told many friends about you, especially this week since Columbia's first Whole Foods opened yesterday in my neighborhood.
Lisa says
Thank you for the suggestion...the cookbook recipes go through a much tighter editing and testing process so hopefully nothing will be missed!
Melissa says
Congratulations. Can't wait to read it.
Lisa says
Thank you Melissa!!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
How exciting!! I can't wait for the book! I've always though Carrie's photos are beautiful....glad to hear that she will be the photographer. You are such an inspiration to all food bloggers!
Lisa says
Yes, she is one talented photographer! And thank you! :)
Pattie Walker says
Congratulations on your hard work. I don't need anymore cookbooks. However, I'll be first in line to buy one. It's the least I can do to support you. plus to have more of your yummy recipes too. I have been sending anyone who will listen to me to your website. Keep up the great work and thank you for all you do for us
Lisa says
I really appreciate your support...thank you!
Char says
Great news! Congrats. Please throw us a bone now and then with a new recipe until then.
Lisa says
Definitely!
Diedre says
I will be one of the first to buy it. I have raved about your blog/website to all my friends and family. You are an inspiration. I have found it challenging at times to talk to people about eating whole foods but I keep at it. I encourage everyone I talk with to read your website since it is easy to follow and is doable to start making some changes. Congratulations on your accomplishment and I look forward to buying your cookbook.
Lisa says
Thanks for the congrats and for helping to spread the word...and good for you for trucking forward no matter what they say! People will catch on eventually.
Kristin T says
OH WOW! That is so exciting! Can't wait to see it and the deliciousness that will be inside. Congrats :)
Lisa says
Thank you Kristin!
Food Babe says
YEAH!!!!!!! So excited to be part of this amazing journey with you. I will be buying at least 20 copies - so start flexing that writing hand for all those signings!!!
Lisa says
So glad to have you as a contributor! :) And be careful I might hold you to the 20 copies LOL
Diana Harris says
I can't wait to get it!!!
Lisa says
-- :)
Carolyn B says
I am so happy to hear you are creating a cookbook!!!! So exciting :)
Looking forward to release :)
Lisa says
Thank you Carolyn!
kandice says
I am thrilled of this news and will most definitely be purchasing your book when it becomes available!! Good Luck!
Lisa says
Yay...thanks so much! :)