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

• Instagram
• Website
• Submission Requirements

Sally Ekus

• Instagram
• Self Paced Course: How to Write a Cookbook
• Facebook group: How to be a Cookbook Author

Association 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

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

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 Brown
• Back Pocket Pasta by Colu Henry
• The New Sugar & Spice by Samantha Seneviratne
• Salad for President by Julia Sherman
• Priya's Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids by Priya Krishna