​​​​Transforming your recipes and food stories into a beautiful cookbook is an exciting journey—but it can also feel overwhelming. As the author of three self-published print and digital cookbooks, I know firsthand what it takes to turn an idea into a quality published book. With years of experience in writing, publishing, and promoting my cookbooks, I offer insight and guidance to help you navigate the process with confidence and inspiration.
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Why choose cookbook consulting?
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Self-publishing a cookbook is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a complex process that requires a deep understanding of everything from design to printing. Over the years, I’ve developed a road map to self-publishing—one that I’m now opening the doors to, sharing with passionate aspiring cookbook authors, to help you avoid the trial and error I went through!
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What does the consultation cover?
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✔ Concept & Structure
✔ Recipe Development & Testing
✔ Writing & Editing
✔ Food Styling & Photography Guidance
✔ Design & Layout
✔ Printing & Publishing Options
✔ Marketing & Promotion
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Who Is This For?
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✔ Aspiring cookbook authors
✔ Home cooks & chefs
✔ Food bloggers & content creators
✔ Culinary educators & business owners ​​​​​​​​
When I published my first soft-cover cookbook Discovering Vegan Italian in 2019, I didn’t have an ounce of printing or publishing experience. But I had been blogging since 2014 and was confident as a recipe creator and writer. My food photography wasn’t fantastic, but I was learning, experimenting with food styling and taking loads of photos with my hubby’s old Canon camera. I was a lifelong lover of cookbooks and Italian cuisine.
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Discovering Vegan Italian was published in Melbourne using digital printing technology. I was lucky to visit the printer in person and watch the pages roll out, fresh off the press! Although there were unexpected challenges along the way, I learned many vital aspects about digital printing and gained skills in book design by using programs, like Adobe InDesign.
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As well as having my own printed copies, I also made the cookbook available on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark through print-on-demand printing. Although it wasn’t my preferred way to publish, it created more options, particularly with global distribution. I also created an e-book through IngramSpark, and later created a PDF version for my website.
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For my second book, my next goal was to produce a beautiful hardcover 'coffee table'–style book. In publishing 'A Vegan Summer in Southern Italy', I learned all the intricacies of offset printing overseas. It was a true trial-by-fire experience. There was still so much I needed to learn about book publishing, photography and design. ​After I published 'A Vegan Summer' I decided to reprint my first book as a new edition, choosing to print digitally in Australia.
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For my third book, 'Natale', I initially attempted to work with a literary agent, hoping to attract a traditional publisher. However, they doubted that my idea was marketable, due to its seasonal theme. So, I turned again to self-publishing. I transformed these rejections into an opportunity to improve my work and prove them wrong! I enhanced my photography and styling, refined the book design, and collaborated with another photographer to capture sensory food moments. I also hired a historic home to create a more evocative atmosphere.
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With each book I brought into the world, I discovered more hidden depths of the publishing process—from creation to sales. And with each experience, I questioned whether I ever wanted to publish another book again!
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'A steep learning curve' might be a cliché, but it describes my journey perfectly. I am completely self-taught and have taken a rather rebellious approach to traditional publishing, guided by my rather awkward motto: 'What they can do, I can do just as well.'
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The good news is, you don’t have to wait for permission to publish a book. You don’t need to be part of an 'elite club' to create a worthy and beautiful cookbook that people will love. You may even get your unique cookbook into bookstores and featured in the media, like I have.
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I have been responsible for every aspect of book creation, including:
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Writing, editing, and proofreading
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Recipe testing
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Photography and editing
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Food styling
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Design and layout
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Printing (digital and offset)
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Sales and distribution
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Promotion and marketing
While I have chosen to oversee every step of the publishing journey, I believe this isn’t necessarily the best approach for everyone. Some self-publishers choose to hire a graphic designer, editor, or decided to print 'on demand' only. There are many pathways to publish your book, and I am here to help you discover which is the best fit for you.​
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Nadia xo