Okay…you’ve got a good idea for a non-fiction book. Cool!

You’ve thought your idea through…Great!

What’s next?

A Book Proposal…

I know what you’re thinking….

You’re thinking why do I have to write a book proposal?

More writing? YUCK!

WRONG answer!

You should be happy to do a book proposal, and I’m  going to tell you why…

I know this because when I wrote my first book proposal, it was a revelation!

rev·e·la·tion

1. the act of revealing or disclosing; disclosure.
2. something revealed or disclosed, esp. a striking disclosure, as of something not before realized.

It was so powerful, that now I require all my clients to have a completed book proposal, even for clients who intend to self-publish.

WHY?

Because… the book proposal is where the power lies.

When you go through the process of writing the proposal you are creating the business plan for your book.

As an author, you have to know all about your book, inside and out.

WHY?

So you can pitch it!

You have to know what you are talking about….

You are the expert of your book.

If you want to talk to publishers, you have to realize that they are going to expect you to answer a lot of questions about your book.

And, you can’t blame them because they are going to be taking a chance on your book, so you better know how to explain everything about it.

That includes marketing.

Marketing is the most important thing. Many new authors miss the boat on the marketing.

That’s why the book proposal is so important. It forces you to create a marketing plan for your book.

You’ll know exactly who your customer is.

You have to know this so you can convince the publisher to work with you.

Doing a book proposal is really not so bad, and with the right attitude, it can be fun!

How cool is it to really know everything about your book project, and be able to clearly communicate everything great about your book to other people when you talk about it?

It’s very cool, and it makes you look really good.

So get with the proposal.

All you need is title, complete description, the primary benefit of the book, explanation of what the book is about, the specifications, your target market, marketing plan, competition survey, chapter outline (TOC) and sample chapter.

Not the whole book!

You may or may not get a publisher interested in your book, but you will have your proposal and you’ll  be able to make an educated decision about your next steps.

You’ll also have your marketing plan, so you’ll know exactly what to do to market your book should you decide to publish yourself.

Book proposals ROCK!

So get busy. There is still time to write your proposal this year and get it out there!

Contact me if I can be of service to you. I love a good book proposal!

I want to write a cookbook!

Those are the first words I hear over the phone when a new client calls me…

Usually they have found me online, which is very encouraging, considering all of the old and outdated listings that remain on the internet in any given category search.

I know this, because I continually cruise my favorite keyword searches to see my rankings and to see what the competition is doing…

But interestingly, there really isn’t that much solid competition.

I’m looking for individuals who:

1. Either want to write a cookbook, or
2. Have already written a cookbook, self-published it and now do not know their next steps.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention…they are not celebrities (although I’m getting closer) and would certainly never turn a celebrity down!

But anyway…..

Whether you want to write a cookbook, or market a cookbook…

I can help you in either situation.

What you’ll find when you search various phrases is about 50-60% of the listings do not pertain to the search you’ve typed in.

This is sad, because it shows me that someone looking for my services has to wade through a lot of rubble to get to the point.

And a lot of the information, although it may be good, is very old, in terms of what is going on in the internet right now….in 2010.

So…I’ve decided to create a campaign to make sure I am one of the first websites you stumble upon when searching for information about writing, publishing, marketing, and selling a cookbook!

I’ll be considering all the possible searches you may type in and I’ll try to be there for you.

Why am I doing this?…because I want your business!!

And because…

I want you to get the most up-to-date information so your book can be successfully marketed on the internet, using the current methods that are necessary in today’s rapidly changing internet environment.

And, because I really want you to get your cookbook done!

Actually…It’s really exciting!

And I’m excited to teach you about new marketing techniques that include video, social networking, personal branding, and the latest tools to help you build your author’s platform.

I’m excited for you. And I’m excited for your cookbook.

If this all sounds good, please contact me. It would be my pleasure to discuss your cookbook writing and marketing goals during a free 30-minute consultation.

Simply fill out the Contact Sheet to schedule an appointment with me.

There is still time to complete your book in 2010.

Call me…and let’s get busy!

I created the space at Cookbook Advertiser just  for you, the independent cookbook authors of the world!

It wasn’t too long ago that I published my first cookbook, The Rose Cookbook – a Treasury of Rose Recipes from Around the World.

That was in 2007. I was really excited to have my cookbook in my hand…but guess what…I didn’t have a website to showcase my book.  Now what? I lost a lot of precious time and I remember thinking that I should have taken care of that while I was waiting for my book to be printed.

About that same time, I realized there should be a system for cookbook authors that would help them write their book. With those thoughts swirling about in my mind, I became the Cookbook Coach.

I then made a promise to myself to dedicate my time to creating the system for writing cookbooks, and also create a space for author’s like myself, who had just finished their books, but didn’t quite have a place to show it off yet.

Whether you have created an eBook, or a traditional book, you are welcome to advertise here.  For all the details, check out the Cookbook Advertiser.  I look forward to seeing your cookbook there!

When I founded the International Association of Cookbook Writers – IACBW, I gave a lot of thought to the benefits package.

I wanted to make sure that there would be super high-value for the members.

I think I have succeeded.  I only wish an association like the IACBW existed when I was writing my first cookbook!

But, that is part of the reason I founded the organization!

With that said, I am taking this “March Madness” thing a step further and I have come up with what I hope  can be an irresistible offer for those of you who have been “thinking” about joining.

In addition to all the membership benefits, I am offering 6 FREE HOURS of group coaching to anyone who joins in the month of March!

The goal of our organization is to offer training and  encouragement to cookbook writers so they feel empowered and energized to develop their cookbook idea and bring it forth into the marketplace. We support their efforts with education, resources, and community.

So if you are considering writing your cookbook and completing it this year, which is completely possible with my system and support, please check out the special limited-time offer I’ve put together at  IACBW!

Let me know how I can be of service  in assisting you in achieving your goals of being a published cookbook author in 2010!

I would love to help you make your dream a reality!

Do you want to write a cookbook?…

But don’t know how to get started?

The Cookbook Author’s Boot Camp is coming soon!

Are you struggling with your cookbook project?

Have you set it aside?

I know exactly how you feel…

The good news is – I’ve developed an easy-to-follow, proven system to get your cookbook started, and keep you going until it’s completed!

I want you to get your book done so we can focus on really fun things like additional products you may want to develop, or your television appearances on cooking segments at your local TV stations, or your speaking engagements.

All these things are possible when you have your cookbook!

But, you have to take the most important first step, and get your cookbook done!

I want you to feel the pride and joy I have gained by having my own cookbook.

My book has opened many doors for me, and I know your cookbook can do the same for you!

Can you imagine how good you will feel when your cookbook is completed?

9 times out of 10 my clients say, “If I had known it would be this simple, I would have done it a long time ago!”

So stop worrying about everything being “perfect.”

Take some action towards your goal, decide to write and finish your cookbook this year…that’s right…in 2010!

It can be done!

Here’s more information about the Cookbook Authors Boot Camp

Hope to “see” you there!!

The International Association of Cookbook Writers (IACBW) invites anyone who dreams of writing their own cookbook to connect with us to learn, and become truly focused and inspired about writing, publishing, and marketing a cookbook. Writing a cookbook can open many new doors, and we will show you how to navigate successfully in today’s rapidly changing market.

The goal of our organization is to offer training and  encouragement to cookbook writers so they feel empowered and energized to develop their cookbook idea and bring it forth into the marketplace. We support their efforts with education, resources, and community.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

“To enrich and energize the lives of cookbook writers everywhere by offering access to the best systems, training, and marketing tools available while creating an atmosphere of support, encouragement, empowerment, and community.”

Some writers begin with blogs and eBooks, and move onto hard copy. Some writers will self-publish and move on the publishing deals. No matter where you are in your journey, the IACBW can help you reach your goal.

You may be a professional chef, personal chef, caterer, or other food industry professional. Or, you may be someone who just loves to cook. Perhaps you have a group of family heirloom of recipes you would like to publish. Or maybe you work at a non-profit organization. All are welcome here, and we will provide you with the individual support you need.

We are continually offering workshops, teleseminars, and interviews with writers and industry experts in the areas of writing, publishing, self-publishing, marketing, social media, speaking, and internet marketing skills.

Your idea-combined with our training, tools, and support…

It’s a perfect recipe! A winning combination of knowledge and community awaits you when you join the IACBW! Review our incredible members benefits package.

If you already have written a cookbook, you’ll get 1 full year of advertisement at the Cookbook Advertiser as part of your benefits!

Finally, an association that is focused and dedicated to the development of cookbook writers from all walks of life – around the world!

We welcome you! And we hope you will join us! Write your Cookbook!

For more information or to join please visit IACBW

Many of you have heard me speak of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.  You’ve also heard me mention the Paris Cookbook Fair. The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards will now take place along with the Cookbook Fair each year in Paris. How nice!

I thought it would be a good idea to understand the qualifications of submitting a work to this prestigious event. There is still time to complete a cookbook and submit for the next fair which will take place in Paris in February 2011.

The following information is from the Gourmand website….

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau. Every year, they honor the best food and wine books.

The Objectives

The objectives of the Awards are:

• To reward and honour those who “cook with words”
• To help readers find the best out of the 26000 food and wine books produced every year.
• To help publishers with international rights to translate and distribute food and wine books.
• To help book retailers find the 50 food and wine books that each year should be offered to clients.
• To create an opportunity to access the major markets in English, Chinese, German, Spanish or French for books originated in other languages.
• To increase knowledge and respect for food and wine culture, which promotes peace.

The winners in each language are announced in November, and compete for the Best in the World, announced in April of the following year at a gala dinner.

The Impact of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

• Winners books get more visibility in the marketplace and higher sales, often with new print runs.
• Translations and international rights deals are negotiated.
• Winners use self-adhesive stickers to announce their award to the public. They issue press releases in their local markets, which helps make the Gourmand Awards known worldwide. The winners give permanent presence to the awards on their internet sites, in publishers catalogs and in the following books and authors biographies.

The Categories

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards are the only truly international competition. There are many local or national awards for food and wine books, with many different categories.
In order to fully represent the diversity of food and drink publishing around the world, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards have 41 categories for cookbooks and 18 for drinks books.

The Process

• In 2009, over 6.000 books were received, from 136 countries.
• The books have first to qualify in a national competition, with results announced in December.
• They represent their country in the “Best in the World” competition, which are proclaimed the following year.

The Rules for the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2010

• All books published between November 15, 2009 and November 15, 2010 qualify.
• Manuscripts and publishers proofs are also accepted.
• Books compete in their original languages, in all categories, except the category “Translation” created in 2008.
• There are no entry fees. The competition is free and open to all.
• Books may be entered by anyone: authors, publishers or even readers.
• The Jury decides in which category books compete, and may change nominees from one category to another at the final jury meeting. The Jury may decide that awards for some categories remain vacant, and there may be more than one winner per category.

So now you know what you need to do….it’s just a matter of getting started on your cookbook. Contact me if you need help. Would be happy to discuss.

I will be going to next year’s Paris Cookbook Fair and plan on taking some manuscripts with me! I’ll be representing my new publishing company and as the founder and CEO of the International Association of Cookbook Writers – IACBW!

Tomorrow we will talk more about the Paris Cookbook Fair….

Sometimes people say to me….

“I want to write a cookbook, but I don’t know what type of food to write about, I like so many.”

Okay, there is something for everyone here and I did not even scratch the surface. I came up with all of these ideas off the top of my head…You can do the same thing.

Let these ideas I thought of jog your own memory. You can easily find a topic for a cookbook that you would enjoy writing about.

Write about the food you love.

Write about the food from your country, region, state or city.

Pick a method that you like…there are so many… Okay, here it goes…

1. Southern Style
2. Family Favorites
3. Amish
4. Homesteading
5. 9X13 Pan Cookbook
6. One Dish
7. Casseroles
8. Cake Mix Cookie Recipes
9. Savory Baking
10. Cakes Only
11. One Pot
12. Seasonal Cookies
13. Seasonal Desserts
14. Healthy Breads
15. Artisan Breads
16. Cowboy Cooking
17. Swedish
18. 30-Minute Meals
19. Beef
20. Church Supper Recipes
21. Comfort Foods
22. Phyllo Dough Cookbook
23. Dutch Oven
24. Pressure Cooker Recipes
25. Bread Machine Recipes
26. Wood Fire Cooking
27. Outdoor Cooking
28. Barbecue
29. Wok Cooking
30. Fondue
31. Tapas
32. Cupcakes
33. Diner Food
34. Italian
35. Potatoes
36. Eggplant
37. Pizza
38. Soup
39. Middle Eastern
40. Recipes for Two
41. Recipes for One
42. Four Ingredients
43. Stews
44. Gluten-Free
45. Diabetic
46. Heart Healthy
47. Raw Foods
48. Chicken
49. French
50. Turkish
51. Budget Recipes
52. Kids Favorites
53. Homemade Baby Food
54. Foods for Toddlers
55. Foods for Seniors
56. Donuts
57. Fish
58. Cajun
59. Creole
60. Farmer’s Market
61. Lumber Jack
62. Gumbo
63. California Fresh
64. Just Coconut
65. Chocolate
66. Natural Sugars Desserts
67. Quick Breads
68. Mexican
69. South American
70. Scandanavian
71. Polish
72. Russian
73. Thai
74. Creme Brulee
75. Tiramisu
76. Sorbets & Ice Creams
77. Fruit Pies
78. Creamy Pies
79. Frozen Pies
80. Brownies
81. Southern Style Pies
82. Cheesecake
83. Ginger Bread
84. Easy Desserts
85. Peruvian
86. Central American Dishes
87. Arabic Foods
88. Eggs
89. Pasta
90. Vietnamese
91. Noodles
92. Irish Recipes
93. French Cooking
94. German Cooking
95. Dumplings
96. Pickling
97. Jams & Jellies
98. Cooking Light
99. Olive Oil
100. Southern Italian
101. Sauces

Would love to hear some of your ideas.  Like I said, this is just a sample. You can think of many more. Just choose a topic you like and start writing recipes. There are never too many cookbooks. People collect cookbooks of all types, and many are specialized just like these topics I have mentioned.