Writing a Cookbook - planning, pitching and delivering your dream book

This class is designed to introduce you to a number of ways of realising a cookbook, giving you honest facts, skills and suggestions to make it happen. The session is suitable for those interested in writing and publishing non fiction books in other genres, although it will be focussed on cookbooks primarily.

It will take the form of a presentation, lasting around an hour, followed by questions, which can be submitted in advance. The masterclass will be delivered by award-winning cookery author, Charlotte Pike, who is the author of six recipe books, and who has ghost written, co-authored and contributed to many other books for household names, global entrepreneurs, experts and brands. Charlotte received an MBE for services to food writing and food education in 2024. She has written on a freelance basis for major publications for over a decade and was Chair of the UK Guild of Food Writers until November 2022. Charlotte's first book deal was a three book deal with a major publishing house and will cover the following areas:

- Planning a cookbook - your profile, what you'd like to cover, and analysing the market

- Planning your approach - using an agent/using a publisher/self-publishing - the pros and cons of each

- Putting together a proposal - some suggested formats for putting together a polished proposal

- Pitching your ideas - some ideas for how to do it and what to realistically expect

- Other ways of writing - newsletters and social media

- Achieving excellence in cookery book writing

- Writing as a career - the highs and lows

Many of these themes will overlap with anyone wanting to write a book, and may be of interest to other people who would like to write for a career.

The session will take the format of an online talk (without slides), using Zoom, from Charlotte Pike, covering the listed points, and will last for around an hour. Please bring a pen and a notebook and take notes, as no materials will be issued. In order to cover the content during this time, participants will be asked to mute themsleves.

Questions in advance are welcomed. The will be covered, anonymously, immediately after the presentation. Participants will receive the Zoom link and a reminder to send questions four days in advance of the session.

There will be an open session at the end, to take further questions from participants who are present. The scheduled length of the session is approximate, and will depend on the number and complexity of the questions received.

Please note that I do offer a separate paid services to prospective authors and businesses. I will touch on this during the session and will be happy to discuss in more detail. Please let me know if you would like to have a separate conversation after the session. There is, of course, no obligation to take up this service, and full facts will be given about all routes to publishing.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to review manuscripts or offer introductions for participants, but guidance will be given on how to tackle these areas.

This session will take place live, will not be recorded and no refunds will be issued in the event the scheduled time becomes impossible to attend. I am unable to issue a receipt for participation, so please save your booking confirmation should you need proof of purchase.