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Episódios
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Molly and Kate speak with the self described 'OG Food Creative' Victoria Granof about her vast and varied career in food media. With decades of experience cooking, catering, food styling, writing and directing she is filled with insights, stories and, like her newsletter, delicious tangents as she talks about what she loves about her work, lessons she's learned and a few wild celebrity encounters. She shares what her work looks like today, the origin stories behind both her Sicily books and the writing, research and art direction behind the new book's creation.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Victoria Granof
WebsiteInstagramSubstack Newsletter: Delicious TangentsCreative CoachingSmashbox Studios, LA
Sweet Sicily, by Victoria Granof
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Sicily, My Sweet, by Victoria GranofThe Ultimate College Cookbook, by Victoria Granof -
Kate and Molly speak with Camilla Wynne, a Toronto-based pastry chef, writer and teacher, about her new cookbook Nature's Candy. Camilla shares her unique career trajectory, the book's origin story and why she wanted to write about the niche technique of candying fruit. She explains the challenges and approach to its writing, design, photoshoot, research and recipe testing, along with how she pitched such a specific title to publishers. She talks about why creating an elegant yet approachable, stylish yet whimsical book was important to her and her hopes for this rigorous work to stay evergreen for candy enthusiasts. She leaves us with some wise advice and a sneak peek into her next project.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Camilla Wynne
WebsiteInstagramSubstack NewsletterBand: Sunset RubdownNicola Lamb’s Kitchen Projects
Verlet Chocolate
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Jam Bake by Camilla WynneNature's Candy by Camilla WynnePreservation Society Home Preserves -
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Kristin and Andrea speak with Rick Martínez about his new book, Salsa Daddy, and his thoughts on the state of Mexican cooking and cookbooks in America today. Rick shares why he wanted to write this specific book, how it changed him as a cook and what he hopes to convey with his work. He reveals a few key editorial differences between working on this and his first book, why he is inspired by other cuisines and what the process was like working with his passionate and skilled collaborators and leaves us with a tease for book 3.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Rick Martínez
WebsiteInstagramTaste podcast episode
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Mi Cocina by Rick MartínezSalsa Daddy by Rick MartínezSix Seasons by Josh McFadden -
Kate and Molly speak with podcast host Sutanya Dacres about her debut memoir, Dinner for One, which was inspired by her podcast of the same name. Sutanya shares how her 'anti-fairytale' led to a show and a book, how she developed her writer's voice and her thoughts on what makes a memoir and why her book is unique to the 'American in Paris' lexicon. She describes how finding the arc of the story lies in choosing the right focal points before sharing the challenges inherent in writing about real events and people and how living in Paris has shifted her approach to life. Finally, she shares some advice for aspiring memoirists and discusses her supper club, restaurant pop-ups and tells us what she has planned for the future.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Sign up for our LIVE! Pitch Slam Session with Sally Ekus on May 21st!
Mentions
Sutanya Dacres
PodcastInstagramIn Writing with Hattie Crisell podcast
Leigh Eisenman
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Dinner for One by Sutanya DacresEat Pray Love with Elizabeth Gilbert -
Molly and Andrea speak with food journalist, poet and new cookbook author, Betsy Andrews, about her recent career pivot. She shares the story behind the book Coastal as it went from idea to article to cookbook and why a bidding war ensued after the proposal. She talks about how her hustle mentality and editorial background helped to craft the aspirational travelogue, the process to 'ventriloquize' another voice and why it was important to include metric measurements, time estimates and ingredient substitutions in the project. Finally she shares a few words of advice for others embarking on collaborative work.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Betsy Andrews
InstagramWriting
Cheyenne Ellis photographyDad's Luncheonette
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Coastal, by Scott Clarke and Betsy AndrewsNew Jersey, by Betsy AndrewsCrowded, by Betsy Andrews -
Molly and Kate speak with Rachel Belle, a journalist and Seattle media personality who was hired to write Open Sesame, a cookbook all about tahini. She talks about her background in food media, the unique way she joined the project (leave the house!), and how she learned the aspects of cookbook creation on the job. She takes us through the recipe creation and testing process, shares why it was important to inject her signature humor throughout the book and discusses what the most challenging aspect was. Finally she shares the questions she'd advise others in her position to ask and the new project she's got on her mind.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Rachel Belle
WebsiteInstagramYour Last Meal PodcastVisit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Open Sesame by Rachel BelleTahini Baby by Eden GrinshpanSesame by Rachel Simons
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Kate and Kristin speak with Barkha Cardoz about the motivations and intentions behind expanding on her late husband Floyd Cardoz's legacy. She speaks about working with masala spice blends and why a collection of recipes was the next best step to demystify and empower home cooks, even though she has seen first hand the demanding nature of the cookbook creation process. She shares what the collaborative relationship was like with Burlap and Barrel, the experience of crowd sourcing recipe testing and why self producing the book allowed for the freedom and malleability of making exactly what they wanted. Finally she talks about Flavorwalla's second life, how Floyd's legacy still shows up in their community and what her plans are for the future.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Barkha Cardoz
WebsiteInstagramWith Love and Masalas
Burlap and Barrel
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Flavorwalla, by Floyd Cardoz -
Kate, Kristin, and Molly speak with Maggie Hoffman, host of The Dinner Plan Podcast, about her varied career in food media and what led to her starting her show. Maggie reminiscences about blogging, editing and working at Serious Eats and Epicurious as well as the ever changing landscape of food media. She shares why she began her podcast, the concept behind it and the intimacy allowed by the audio medium. She discusses her hopes and goals for the show, how it relates to her newsletter and the upcoming books and guests she is excited to see featured.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Maggie Hoffman
Podcast: The Dinner Plan PodcastNewsletter : The Dinner PlanNewsletter: What to DrinkInstagram: MaggiejhoffmanMaggie's newsletter about starting a podcast
How to Battle Kitchen Burnout (And Still Get Dinner on the Table)
5 Spices, 50 Dishes, by Ruta Kahate
Staples + 5, by Tanorria Askew
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
The One-Bottle Cocktail, by Maggie HoffmanBatch Cocktails, by Maggie HoffmanDinner, by Meera SodhaThe Secret of Cooking, by Bee WilsonPerfectly Good Food, by Margaret Li and Irene LiStaples + 5, by Tanorria AskewSalt Sugar MSG, by Calvin EngWhat Goes with What, by Julia TurshenAmbitious Kitchen, by Monique Volz -
Molly and Kristin speak with Corrie Locke-Hardy about their debut cookbook, which pairs their passion for social justice activism and food. Corrie talks about their atypical path towards publication, the unique approaches of their publisher and how the 'figure it out as you go' method worked during the book's creation. Corrie shares how they balanced the various tones of the book, why they focused on the recipes they did, how they worked with the team on its production, distribution, and promotion, and the project they hope to work on in the future.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Corrie Locke
Website: The Tiny ActivistInstagram: The Tiny Activist
The Washington Women's Cookbook
Sally Ekus
Raspberry Bow Press
High-Five Books
The Revolution Will Be Well Fed, by Corrie Locke-Hardy
Episode 85: A Juneteenth Cookbook for Kids with Alliah Agostini and Taffy Elrod
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
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In this first episode of Season 7 Kristin, Molly, Kate and Andrea sit down to ask the question: What happens when we start with Who instead of Why? They share the readers they had in mind when they wrote their first books and why its important to identify an audience instead of writing to the market. They share a few tips to research such as demographic data, awareness level and niching down as well as the tools and actions that could be helpful when either identifying or building an audience for a project. Finally they introduce a new Everything Cookbooks offering and tease our upcoming slate of new episodes.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Subscribe to our brand new Substack here!
EVCB Community Discount on Substack
Simon Sinek TedX Talk "Start with Why"
Episode 61: Writing a Second Edition with Lukas Volger
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Why I Cook, by Tom CollichioCooking for Jeffrey by Ina GartenCoastal, by Scott Clarke with Betsy AndrewsStart with Why, by Simon Sinek
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Kate and Kristin discuss all things hybrid publishing with Vasudha Viswanath, the author of The Vegetarian Reset. Vasudha shares a quick rundown of the typical routes of publishing and why she chose to go down the hybrid path. She talks about the pitching process, what partnership publishers cover (and don't), the recipe development steps and how she assembled her creative and publicity team. She describes the part her book plays in her business strategy and her experience learning as she goes in the cookbook community.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Vasudha Viswanath
The Vegetarian ResetSubstack: We Ate WellInstagramThe Collective Book Studio
Episode 40: Snackable Bakes with Jessie Sheehan
Episode 47: Self-Publishing Cookbooks with Nick Fauchald
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
IngramSpark
52 Shabbats by Faith Kramer
Reedsy
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob
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Andrea leads today's chat about selling a cookbook and all the nitty gritty elements that go into it. Kristin, Molly and Kate share some of their own insights and lessons learned about advances, royalties, contract negotiation, and how to keep the right amount of tension there. They discuss how to gauge the value of your idea, morality clauses and what to look out for when looking over a contract. Finally, they answer a listener SOS and Kate gets the lowdown on the angst of butter measurement.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin DonnellyEditor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions:
An Agent Answers: “What Should I Expect for a Cookbook Advance?”
Would You Write a Cookbook for Next to Nothing? by Priya Krishna
The Trouble with Big Deals, by Brooke Warner
“9 Questions For When A Book Publisher Calls”
How to Make Sure Your Cookbook Deal Is Worth It, by Sonya Chopra
The Hidden Risks of Writing a Cookbook by Sierra Tishgart
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
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Kristin leads today's discussion all about the cookbook proposal, sharing her own first experience with the process. Molly, Kate and Andrea each describe their own firsts as well as how they format their more recent versions. They review all of the elements that go into a proposal, the three vital things to highlight, how long the process can take and how a project can morph as it leads into its first draft. Finally, a listener's salt based SOS leads to many strong opinions and some helpful tips.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Heidi Swanson’s blog post on her cookbook proposal process
Kate Leahy’s blog post on the elements of a cookbook proposal
Katie Parla’s blog post on how to write (and sell) a cookbook proposal
Diane Jacob’s website is also a great resources
"Recipe into Type" book
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
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In this repeat episode, Kate and Kristin talk with literary agent Sally Ekus. A lot has changed in Sally's professional life since we last had her on -- the Ekus Group is now part of the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, and Sally is a senior agent there. What hasn't changed is the great advice she gives in this episode for emerging cookbook writhers. We talk to Sally about her career path, what she brings to the table for her clients and peek into a day in her life. Sally shares how agents help careers, the key items in a query emails and the homework authors should do before reaching out to agents. Finally, she tells us her thoughts on proposal designs, where voice matters most and the one question she urges potential authors to ask themselves before getting started.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
The Ekus Group
InstagramWebsiteSubmission RequirementsSally Ekus
InstagramSelf Paced Course: How to Write a CookbookFacebook group: How to be a Cookbook AuthorAssociation of American Literary Agents Mentorship Program
Women's Media Group
The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook
First Generation
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
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Molly starts out today's episode with an interview with Rica Allannic, a literary agent with editorial experience. Then, Kristin and Kate share how they've navigated their own agent relationships while Andrea explains how she works without one. We get into the many roles of an agent, how to find the right one and some things to consider at various stages of a cookbook author's career. Finally, Andrea shares a recipe writing tip and Kate lets us know her recent favorite cookbook.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Andrea Nguyen + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Rica Allannic
Rica Allannic on IG
David Black Literary Agency
Publisher Marketplace - “Quick Pass” link for $10 day pass
IACP membership for networking
The Lisa Ekus Group
Equity at the Table
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Ruffage by Abra Berens
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Molly, Kristin, Kate and Andrea talk about the idea behind the cookbook. After sharing some shelved ideas of their own, they workshop submissions from listeners to highlight considerations on topic, marketability, expertise and "the hook" for each premise. They brainstorm and discuss structural considerations, format, audience appeal and comp titles to give listeners insights into the vital first step of the book creation process.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Episode 1: Should You Write a Cookbook?
Episode 2: Do You Need a Cookbook Agent? with Rica Allannic
Heidi Swanson
I’ve Made Everything from Gnocchi to Mapo Tofu in My Camper Van’s Kitchen
By Ali Slagle
Episode 50: Telling Your Story in a Chef Cookbook with Vishwesh Bhatt
Get Saucy
The Pleasures of Cooking for One
Savoring Spices and Herbs
Article about the Ski Town Aprés Ski Cookbook success
Association for Dressing and Sauces
Cooking for One by Judith Jones
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Good & Cheap by Leanne BrownBack Pocket Pasta by Colu HenryThe New Sugar & Spice by Samantha SeneviratneSalad for President by Julia ShermanPriya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids by Priya Krishna
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We've noticed that 'burnout' is seeming more and more prevalent these days so Kate, Kristin, Molly and Andrea are using the final episode of Season 6 to speak all about it. They discuss how to identify it, how it manifests for each of them and share some ideas on what to do about it. They speak about how the blending of life and career as freelancers can exacerbate feelings of constantly being 'on', perfectionism and excessive people pleasing along with the pressure to constantly be creating content. They talk about some of the ways they notice burnout looming and the 'rebellious' activities, tips and resources they use to combat it. See you in the Spring for Season 7!
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
I was a bestselling recipe writer - then burnout killed my appetite for food, and life. This is how I found my way back by Meera SodhaOn Politics of Attention in 2025 by Alicia Kennedy
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman -
Kristin and Molly speak with photographer Clay Williams about the financial realities and logistics around cookbook photography. Clay shares what he wishes authors knew before embarking on the photography portion of their book and what spurred his viral Thread about the finances behind photoshoots. He speaks about assuming the role of project manager, unexpected expenses, his typical workflow and the essential roles on a set. He shares why he continues to be interested in cookbook photography, his artistic approach to projects and what has and hasn't changed about the industry since he started.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Clay Williams
WebsiteInstagramThe Thread that started it allCrystal Wahpahpeh
Black Food Folks
Episode 41: Writing a Bestselling Cookbook in Your 80s with Emily Meggett and Kayla Stewart
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
My America by Kwame OnwuachiRoots, Heart, Soul, by Todd RichardsGullah Geechee Home Cooking by Miss Emily MeggettVegan Soulicious: Plant-Based Island Cooking by Charlise Rockwood -
Molly and Kristen speak with Jenny Rosenstrach about her family focused approach to food writing. She talks about her long running dinner diary, how her first book was a real time project and what went behind the decision to continue working around that theme. She explains why she includes a 'hook' in her recipes and how she landed on her unique recipe structure as well as the idea of a 'text test' for writing instructions. She shares her approach to recipe development, how she's built an audience with her relatable, inviting voice and the reasoning behind her relaxed approach to photography. Finally she tells us the book she will never write and leaves us with a bit of advice for aspiring food writers.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
WebsiteInstagramSubstackCup of Jo column
Jenny RosenstrachVisit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Dinner a Love Story by Jenny RosenstrachWeekday Vegetarians by Jenny RosenstrachWeekday Vegetarians get Simple by Jenny RosenstrachThe New York Times Cooking No-Recipe Recipes by Sam SiftonThat Sounds So Good by Carla Lalli Music -
Kate and Kristin speak with Nicola Lamb her debut cookbook, Sift, and writing the book you want to read. Nicola talks about her passion for baking, learning and teaching before diving into the book creation process. She shares the lengthy proposal writing process, working from her Substack and a post-it wall, the importance of trusting your team and the resources she used while writing. She also speaks on the differences in releasing a book in the US versus the UK, some insights into the Americanization of the project and some astute advice for enjoying the everyday process.
Hosts: Kate Leahy + Molly Stevens + Kristin Donnelly + Andrea Nguyen
Editor: Abby Cerquitella
Mentions
Nicola Lamb
WebsiteInstagramKitchen Projects NewsletterBibliography
Episode 74: Crafting a Drinks Book with Danny Childs
Episode 102: Lara Hamilton of Book Larder
Episode 31: Catch an Agent's Attention with Sally Ekus
Episode 94: Insights from Literary Agent Lori Galvin
Visit the Everything Cookbooks Bookshop to purchase a copy of the books mentioned in the show
Sift by Nicola LambAdvanced Bread and Pastry by Michel SuasSalt Fat Acid Heat by Samin NosratOn Food and Cooking by Harold McGeeHow Baking Works by Paula Figoni - Mostrar mais
