Knowing how to get an agent or publisher for your cookbook requires more than just exquisite recipes. As the publishing world makes substantial changes to the types of books it produces and thinks of ways to utilize the Web, pitching a cookbook to a publisher is more difficult than ever. However, publishers are always interested in a new and innovative cookbook idea when it is presented the right way.
A Cookbook Proposal
Once the idea for the cookbook is solidified, the chef must get into a marketing mindset and come up with a proposal that will completely impress an agent or acquisitions editor at a publishing house. A well-written proposal will get the chef's cookbook idea out of the slush pile and into the negotiations stage. A good cookbook proposal should have several elements included in it.
Pitching To An Agent
A good agent can get a cookbook proposal directly into the hands of the publishing decision-makers. Therefore, the agent should have experience with cookbooks and authors. The agent will help the chef fine-tune the proposal and then send it to potential buyers. When someone expresses interest, the agent will negotiate the contract for publication. The agent will also guide the chef through the publishing process and utilize her contacts in photography, recipe testing and even writing and proofreading to help the chef deliver the best product possible.
Rejection
Receiving a rejection is a huge part of pitching a cookbook to an agent or publisher. If a chef gets a rejection, it doesn't mean that the cookbook idea is bad or that the chef is a poor writer. Publishers and agents look at cooking and marketing trends and try to anticipate what is new and fresh. Publishers and agents also have limited space, budget and time to devote to all the good projects that come their way. If a chef receives a rejection on a cookbook proposal, she should refine the pitch and send it to the next names on the list.
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