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Want to Get Your Cookbook Published? I've Got a Class for You.

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Want to Get Your Cookbook Published? I've Got a Class for You.

Join a small group of students and increase your chances of success, whether for a cookbook, memoir or non-fiction book.

Sep 24, 2023
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Want to Get Your Cookbook Published? I've Got a Class for You.

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Hi there,

(Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash.)

I’m popping in with a short announcement that my Jumpstart Your Cookbook Proposal class starts soon on Zoom.

It begins October 10 and goes for three Tuesdays: three online 3-hour classes for $399.

This class is restricted to 12 students. I like to keep it small because I want time for lots of questions, and time to discuss whatever comes up about the cookbook you’re dying to write.

To write a cookbook or non-fiction food book (including memoir and food history), you have to write a detailed proposal first. This proposal outlines what your book is about, of course, but it’s also a sales pitch and business plan. It tells agents and editors who you are, why you’re the right person to write this book right now, and who should care. It details which books compete with yours, explains the target audience, and tells how you plan to promote to them. It’s everything agents and editors want to know, rolled into one document that could be as long as 50 or 60 pages, double spaced.

Book proposals have an extremely low acceptance rate. To succeed, it will pay off for you to learn what agents and editors expect. I’ve been coaching people on writing their proposals for decades. Several agents and editors have signed up my clients and students. Major publishers have signed those I have coached and taught. They include Chronicle Books; Little, Brown; Ten Speed Press/Random House; Running Press and Simon & Shuster. Book advances for my clients and students have been as high as the low six figures.

I have lots of insider information and handouts to share with you, including about how the publishing industry works. All of it is to increase your chances of success to get a book published — whether a cookbook, memoir or food history.

And best of all, you’ll start writing during class. By the end you’ll have a rough draft to work on, and notes on how to shape it.

Here’s what two recent students say about this class:

“One of the things that taking Dianne’s class taught me was that I CAN make the time to write. I have her book and try to do the writing exercises. Sometimes I freeze because I am unsure of my writing. This class was the first time I spoke about the book to anyone that didn't know me, let alone a Zoom full of women writers. It was definitely validating and the push I needed to get this project going.” — Shachi Mehra, chef and owner, Adya restaurant 

"Dianne teaches an incredibly practical, thoughtful, and interactive course. You will leave the class with a big head start on your proposal, plus the framework to get it done. During the course, you'll connect with your classmates who will provide thoughtful feedback and encouragement on your cookbook-writing journey.

I highly recommend this course for anyone who's ever thought about writing a cookbook. You won't regret it." — Martin Sorge, @martinsorge on Instagram, winner of The Great American Baking Show

This class fills up fast. Right now there are just a few seats left.

Prioritize your goal to become published and let’s get going on this class.

Thanks,

Dianne

P.S. Got a question about whether this class is right for you? Just respond to this email and I’ll reply with a confidential message.

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Want to Get Your Cookbook Published? I've Got a Class for You.

diannejacob.substack.com
Martin Sorge
Writes Great Bakes
Sep 24Liked by Dianne Jacob

Dianne’s course set me on the path to actually finishing my proposal and finding an agent. Plus, I met some fantastic other writers.

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Daryl Newmark
Writes While the Fish Cooks
Sep 24

Hi! This sounds amazing :) can we side bar about a few questions?

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