What happens when nobody signs up for your class, but you leave it posted anyway? Sometimes, two months later, the exact right person finds it—and four years later, you're celebrating their debut cookbook launch.

Jannell Lo is a food creator and writer whose journey to publication defied every traditional publishing rule. She got her cookbook deal without an agent, through a cold email that led to a call with Penguin Random House Canada six weeks later. But between that email and her book launch this week, she raised $150K fighting anti-Asian hate through Dump the Hate, learned to write "hot garbage" instead of perfect prose, and discovered that creative processes don't have to be linear.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

Why platform building happens organically when you focus on work that matters to your community rather than trying to "build platform"

The book proposal elements that actually matter and how a solid proposal makes writing your manuscript exponentially easier

How to break free from rigid creative routines that kill your inspiration instead of nurturing it

Why getting a book deal is about mutual benefit not begging for an opportunity—publishers need you too

The "hot garbage" writing philosophy that helps authors actually finish their manuscripts

Perfect for: Aspiring cookbook authors, food writers, creative entrepreneurs, anyone stuck in perfectionism, writers building their platform, people looking to find their authentic creative process

About Jannell: Founder of My BF is GF blog, championing gluten-free Asian cuisine inspired by her Chinese-Canadian upbringing and her husband Reid's celiac disease. Former line cook (Hong Kong), pastry training (Montreal), catering manager (Toronto). Her debut cookbook My BF is GF: 100+ Asian-Inspired Recipes for Bringing People Together releases October 21.

Resources: mybfisgf.com | @mybfgf | Newsletter signup

Show notes: https://www.amandapolick.com/blog/jannell-lo-episode

Instagram: @amandapolick