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

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 Sodha
• On 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

• Website
• Instagram
• The Thread that started it all

Crystal 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 Onwuachi
• Roots, Heart, Soul, by Todd Richards
• Gullah Geechee Home Cooking by Miss Emily Meggett
• Vegan Soulicious: Plant-Based Island Cooking by Charlise Rockwood