In episode 621, Megan chats to Jessie-Sierra Ross about her experience of traditional cookbook publishing, including how to pitch, propose and promote a cookbook.

Jessie-Sierra Ross is a former professional ballerina turned food blogger and home entertaining specialist. Originally from Boston, she traded in her pointe shoes for an apron, and hasn’t looked back since! A self-taught, cook and food stylist, Jessie is the personality behind her blog, “Straight to the Hips, Baby”.

Known for her step-by-step recipes, easy elegance, and light and bright photography style. Working alongside her photographer husband, Jessie creates food and drink recipes for her blog, and features in magazines, as well as on TV, via cooking segments on NBC, PBS, and BloomTV Network. Jessie-Sierra is currently working on her latest creative project, a floral-inspired cookbook with Schiffer Publishing.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the detailed process of recipe testing, photography, the role of an editor in refining the manuscript and the significance of PR and promotion.

Key points discussed include:

- Persistence is key: Don't give up on your cookbook dreams, even if you face initial rejection. Keep refining your pitch and proposal, and seek feedback from your community.

- Build a strong team: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and assemble a team (e.g., editor, photographer, PR agent) to support you throughout the process.

- Invest in quality: Consider upgrading your camera equipment to ensure high-quality photographs for your cookbook.

- Pace yourself: Give yourself ample time to create the book, as the process can be more extensive than you anticipate.

- Leverage your community: Tap into your existing blog and social media following to help promote and market your cookbook.

- Embrace the long game: Understand that promoting a cookbook is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building momentum over time.

- Outsource strategically: Consider outsourcing tasks you're less comfortable with, such as PR and indexing, to free up your time and energy - do not try to do everything yourself.

- Develop a strong working relationship with your editor: Your editor can be a valuable advocate and guide throughout the publishing process.

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If you Loved this Episode…

You’ll love Episode 608: What I Learned Writing a Cookbook – Valuable Strategies for Planning and Organizing the Writing Process with Courtney Carey

Connect with Jessie-Sierra Ross

Website | Instagram