Hot Food Trends 2013

The 2013 Winter Fancy Foods show in San Francisco has announced that one of the
"6 Hottest Trends" in food for this year is "Heritage Foods". (Check out all the trends here at USA Today's website.)

If you have a regional cookbook or have published a cookbook highlighting regional foods, you should be aware of this trend for sales and marketing purposes.

If you are developing a cookbook at the moment you might want to include some recipes that take advantage of the trend.

What ideas does this trend generate for you to include in a book you are writing or use to promote your current cookbook?

The Power of an Endorsement

Most of us like to know what others think about a book rather than the actual author. Of course, the author likes the work but the third party endorsements by others can really drive sales. Recently, I was asked to write a guest blog post for a client, which I was glad to do. You can find that post here.

Do you have "guests" within your community who would enjoy writing a testimony about your book? If so, you will create a win/win situation-the guest will be flattered and your book will receive a third party endorsement.

Retail Partnerships Are A Marketing Necessity

How do people purchase cookbooks? This is a question that certainly has more answers now than it did 5 years ago. In today's world, consumers have many more options on how to purchase a cookbook (or anything else for that matter) than at any time in history. There are multiple online options as well as online format options. The retail options are also numerous.

Many of the retail options offer little, if any "direct affect" opportunities for you the seller. By "direct affect" I mean the opportunity to interface with the consumer or exert any personal influence on the buyer. However, one avenue still exists where you the seller can influence the consumer and affect sales. This opportunity exists within your local bookstore or gift store.

Let me explain.  With the advent of online sales such as Amazon and the exit of local bookstores the art of selling books has been diminished greatly. However, there currently exists a new wave of local, independent booksellers that are doing quite well in sales and revenues. With the departure of Borders Books and the ongoing struggles of Barnes and Noble, we are seeing a rebirth of the local bookstores.

In my opinion this is a GREAT thing. Books are not commodities. They are unique by nature. By reaching out to the local independents you have an opportunity to demonstrate to the store owner or manager what is unique about your publication and can often take advantage of local marketing options from these stores. For example, one Junior League I am familiar with has a great relationship with their local Barnes and Noble, a very popular local deli and a gourmet grocery/restaurant that each offer opportunities to partner and promote their books.

Having retail partners who can tell your story to consumers looking for book advice is a partnership worth its weight in gold for you the author. Let me encourage you to reach out in person to these local opportunities and develop personal relationships with the owner or manager. Make sure they always have ample inventory of your title. Keep them updated on local media regarding your book. Offer taste tests on occasion. Offer personal service for free delivery if at all possible. Mention these retail partners in your media and on your website.

Remember partnerships work 2 ways--find out what you can do for your retail partners and they will work to sell your book.

Goals and the New Year

Happy New Year to each of you. Like most of you I enjoyed the holidays (extended this year due to both Christmas and New Year falling on a Tuesday) and have come back to work energized and rejuvenated. I always like to begin the New Year by setting my goals for the upcoming year. In fact, within the Southwestern Company we all set written goals annually.

The company deems setting approved written goals important enough that annual bonuses are tied to the goals attainment. Have you set your goals for your cookbook yet? Goals can take many formats and be set about a variety of tasks. I would like to share the approach we take to goals for your consideration.

Goals should be written. If they aren't written down they are only dreams.

• Goals should be written very Specifically.
• Goals should be able to be Measured.
• Goals should state who is Accountable.
• Goals should be Realistic.
• Goals should always contain a Timeline.

Here are a few challenge questions I use in evaluating my goals, as well as the goals of others who might work directly with me. When I read a goal and it has some general term within it that I don't know how to measure I immediately ask that it be re-written. For example, a goal that use the term "increase" without a specific percentage for the increase is too general.

I always ask "how do we measure this goal?" If the answer is not clear or there is ambiguity it has to be re-written.

The accountable question is important because often a goal affects a department or staff. Therefore, there should also be agreement on how the goal will be managed along the way and who will be accountable for various tasks within the total goal.

The realistic challenge goes to human nature. Naturally we all want to set high goals but realistically will there be follow through if there isn't a high belief factor in the beginning? It is too easy to abandon the goal early in the year if the goal isn't realistic.

I love using a timeline element because it allows me to discuss the goals and keep them in the forefront all year long. I find that if goals are discussed regularly and progress evaluated along the way there is a better chance of success.

I would love to hear what your goals are and what techniques work for you.

Great Article—Printed or Electronic?

There are a variety of opinions in the media regarding the demise of the printed cookbook, especially community cookbooks. However, I have discovered an equal number of opinions that express the opposite view — e-books will not replace printed cookbooks.

This article came across my desk today from a Canadian media source and I found it very concise and interesting. Let me know what you think.

One more thing, Merry Christmas!

Teamwork

Most of our clients involve a team to both create and market their titles. Even some of our individual authors recruit others to assist in the process. Granted, the committee structures of non-profits greatly enhance the need for great teamwork. And yet in our society too many individuals have a "me" first attitude.

I read an interesting blog article from my friend Mike Weber (Breaking the Unwritten Rules) which I think you might enjoy. It is relevant to the subject of "Teamwork". One great lesson I learned early on in business is "it is amazing what can be accomplished when no one individual is worried about who gets the credit".

Following is Mike Weber's article:

Some unwritten rules are universal. They transcend culture, age and demographics. The Rule of ME is the best example of such a rule.

As children grow they think the world revolves around them. A newborn infant has few concerns: Feed me, hold me, change my diaper. A two year old’s universe is pretty small. It starts with “me” and proceeds to “my” and “mine”. Just watch them “sharing” their toys and you’ll know what I mean. Even in the teenage years it is common for a young man or women to be totally self-absorbed. Let’s talk about “my rights”, “my problems”, “my allowance” and even “my life”. The sad part is that this rule then gets extended to adulthood and the result is an employee, friend, neighbor or team member who, through action or word, says this: “It’s all about me!”

Reality is this: It’s not really about me, it’s about us. We live in community and work in community. Businesses that succeed are often collaborative and team-based. Communities that thrive are ones where we work together for the common good.

We talk about working together, but the reality is that we aren’t very good at it. That’s why, when we see an unselfish sports player, we declare how great he is. When a team works together, we call them unusual. When an individual decides to sacrifice time, money or life for the good of another, we call them a hero. In all three cases, they’ve simply broken the Unwritten Rule of Me. They’ve decided that it’s not about them. It’s about the success of the group or team. It’s about putting some one else first and investing in the lives of others.

Here then is then challenge: Break the Unwritten Rule of Me!

When you have the opportunity to work with others, try these simple ideas:

1. Find common purpose.
2. Talk about the purpose and dwell on it.
3. Listen more than you talk.
4. Recognize the commonalities among the members of the group.
5. Remember that the outcome is more important than who gets the glory.

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Thanks to Mike Weber for sharing this "pearl". Perhaps if you are a committee chair or even a committee member this advice will make you a better team player and lead to success for your endeavor.

A Perfect Example of Community

Communities come in all shapes and sizes. There are local geographic communities, athletic communities, arts communities and the list goes on and on. In other words, when we talk about a "community" cookbook it could refer to a locale or to a group of followers devoted to a particular subject.

In the case of new cookbook, That Sounds Good, A Cookbook Celebrating 30 Years of WWOZ, it is the latter. This spectacular cookbook (which is available for purchase later this month) was put together by Friends of WWOZ, a community radio station in New Orleans dedicated to preserving and showcasing the music of Louisiana. This book is a perfect example of telling a story through the subject of food. It is loaded with recipes from local musicians, writers, and industry talent. The photographs take the reader through a 30-year time period that saw great changes in the music and art, as well as radio itself.

If you like good Louisiana cuisine and enjoy jazz music along with great "behind the music" stories, check out That Sounds Good - you'll be glad you did.

Great Gift Ideas ... Give American!

If you are marketing a "community" cookbook I believe you will love this idea as much as I did. It doesn't need a lot of commentary since your cookbook can, and should be, promoted to embrace this concept. Even if some of the manufacturing of your book was completed in China as a cost factor, your book was developed in the US and the money raised goes to support either a local US business or the community itself. After the turmoil of a contested election, I think this is a great way for folks to start acting like Americans instead of like enemies.

(Please note, I am not sure of the origin of this piece. It is not my original idea, nor was it the idea of small business owner, client and friend Chef Tim Creehan, who shared it with me.)

Christmas 2012 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running

How about reaching out to the media and the local vendors carrying your title to promote this concept? Let's collectively see what the results are. My bet is folks will step up and embrace the concept.

What Makes Your Cookbook Unique?

Recently, I was involved in a conversation with an individual who had published a cookbook, but her sales were stalled. When I asked a simple question about the uniqueness of her book it was evident she didn't have a ready answer. What is amazing is that it was as plain to her as to me. She quickly agreed that she should spend a bit of time analyzing her title and developing a "pitch" enabling her to verbalize what made her book unique and special.

If asked, "what is unique about the book or books you are marketing?", what would your answer be? If you don't have what is often referred to as an "elevator" pitch (one that can be given in 30 seconds), you should.

By the same token, if you are considering developing a cookbook or in the middle of publishing one, what features make your book special? If you can't think of any you need to re-think the project or go in another direction. Remember that in today's technology-driven world recipes are "a dime a dozen" on the Internet. You need a "hook" for your cookbook and a total package that is worth the investment the consumer is making.

Also, keep in mind that cookbooks continue to be one of the top gift items in the entire book world, so take advantage of creating a package that is appropriate to be given as a nice gift.

What Makes a Great Cookbook?

While I focus a great deal on marketing in this blog one can never forget that great marketing will get you no further than how good your product is. The quality of the cookbook and the value proposition must be there or all the hype in the world won't produce success.

I am always interested to hear what people value in a cookbook. Recently, Kim McCallie shared some observations about cookbooks that I think are spot on. Click here to read the post on her blog, A Well Seasoned Life.

Do you agree with Kim? Why or why not? What makes or breaks a cookbook for you?

Marketing 101 Action Step

Marketing anything in today's competitive marketplace is far different than in years past; and a cookbook is no different than any other product or service. Taking advantage of social media is tantamount as a significant aspect of one's marketing plan. One of the elements that make up a social media strategy is blogging.

In the most recent edition of Favorite Recipes Press e-newsletter, Table Talk, is a great article on how to get started as a blogger. If you are developing a new regional cookbook the time to start blogging is not after the book is released but rather as the book is developing. In fact, you will have more material than you know what to do with as you blog about the development process, the recipe testing, photo or image selection and non-recipe copy. No doubt there will be humorous stories to tell as well as more serious ones.

Even if you are marketing a book that has been in existence for some time you should still make use of developing followers via your blog. Take the first step and get started.  To help you I've included the article from Table Talk below.

BLOGGING…how to and when to…

Blogging started out as people simply journaling about their day-to-day experiences, thoughts, opinions, etc..etc…  It has evolved into the main online avenue through which “experts” in their fields are found, followed, and relied upon by the average person all the way up to the main editorial departments of major news publications, for information specific to their area of expertise.

Getting started with a blog is relatively simple – there are various systems you can use which have no costs involved. The most used is BLOGGER which is very user-friendly.  More importantly it is a part of the Google system and therefore has a built-in significant “find” within that search engine giant.

Building a blog template takes less than 30 minutes to put in place using their wizard. There are plenty of template styles, widgets and gadgets you can use to jazz up your overall blog look and layout.  It is up to you how much you want to customize your blog layout.

So, start simple and build on it.

First, as in all things Social Media, you have to determine WHO you want to connect with in regard to WHAT your interest or area of expertise is. Do some research at other blogs that you personally follow and see what people are talking about.

Try to blog once a day if you want to really be taken seriously in a professional or expertise environment. Some people only blog one or two times a week which is acceptable for a more relaxed personal style, but the blogger who only blogs when they have something significant to say about themselves won’t have much of a following.

Content Is King - a nice mix of original content, along with curated content with just a dash of promotional content will make for a more meaningful relationship with your community. Curated content is information you share form another “resource” you trust on any given subject. Add your own perspective to the curated content you are sharing, so you don’t just repeat the same information. Be sure to always give full credit on curated content.

Most people check their favorite blogs first thing in the morning and with a quick read through can determine an idea on what their own post for the day might be to pickup on any hot-topics-at-hand. That’s not to say you can’t put up posts that are entirely of your own original thought subject matter – just be sure it’s relative to the interest of your community followers. In fact, setting up scheduled posts that automatically roll out each day is a great way of daily posting when you have a very busy schedule on hand or go on vacation.

Be sure to comment on other blog postings – this will encourage them to do likewise on yours. When their followers see them post on another blog, this can cause them to check you out and potentially become regular followers of your blog too.

SHARE BUTTONS are a great way for people to quickly add your blog postings to their own social media areas. You can find information for the code needed to add share buttons to your template from any number of resources. When adding share buttons to your blog, it’s a good idea to add that line of code to the end of each post, not just on the blog home page. That way each post can easily be shared even if it’s not on the main home page where the most recent posting will sit. You want to make it as quick and easy as possible for people to pass along your postings…and don’t forget to post it to your own FACEBOOK and TWITTER accounts as well.

So, Blog Early and Blog Often on subjects which are near the heart of your community of followers for optimum results! 

What do you think? Can you envision the fun you can have with developing and writing a weekly or daily blog? I would love to follow your blogs so let me know when you get started. In addition, here are a few links to client links that you might enjoy reading.

Junior League of  Tampa
Junior League of  Tallahassee
Junior League of  Baton Rouge
Junior League of Charleston
Historical League
Meal Makeover Moms
Holly Clegg

Part 3. A Guest Opinion

The term "community" cookbook can be interpreted in a variety of ways. I asked one of our team members, Alison Nash, to tell me about her favorite community cookbook and what she liked about it. Alison is quite a "foodie" herself so I was not surprised at her choice.

Here's what she had to say:

"I admit I was first attracted to Salt to Honey for one main reason: the cover photography practically made me salivate. I’m a huge honey fan, and I figured any book that had it dripping all over the cover and in the title had to be a good one.

I am certainly not disappointed. I have tried quite a few recipes already, and I’ve been very pleased with them all. I love that they call for a lot of fresh ingredients and that everything isn’t poured out of a can. At the same time, none of the recipes are so complex that you wouldn’t want to try them.

he cookbook also does a great job of highlighting local specialties, such as Miller’s Honey, Beehive Cheese, and Morgan Valley Lamb, but doesn’t call for ingredients so specific to the area that I’m unable to make them here in Tennessee. Restaurant recipes often come across as much too difficult to attempt, but the restaurant recipes here make me want to invite some friends over and entertain! In Salt to Honey, mentions of specific brands and restaurants are often accompanied by interesting and informative non-recipe text about the local companies, restaurants, and traditions familiar to Salt Lake City that makes you want to visit the area, or at the very least read more about it.

The Junior League has done a fantastic job combining more traditional recipes (think Parker House Rolls, Chicken Potpie, and Peanut Butter Pie) with more trendy recipes that are sure to become new favorites and never go out of style—recipes like Curry Chicken Salad (a must try!), Tapenade Lamb Kabobs, and Apple Fontina Bites. And, as promised on the cover, there are plenty of recipes that utilize honey: flavored honey butters, Honey Walnut Chicken, and Honey Pecan Tart, just to name a few.

Salt to Honey has definitely earned a permanent spot in my kitchen, and I look forward to cooking from it for years to come."

So far we have discussed one "hot off the press" title, one 50-year-old title and one relatively new title. Each has centered around a different community and were produced for different reasons. I plan on featuring one or two other examples in the next few weeks but would like to know your thoughts.

If you picked out your favorite in this genre what would it be and why?

Another Recommendation

This series of posts on favorite community cookbooks began with a feature on a brand new title. Today, I go in the opposite direction with a recommendation for a cookbook that is over 50 years old. You can be assured that a title with this longevity contains wonderful recipes and content. A "classic" earns the title as opposed to being simply touted as such. Gasparilla is a true classic.

From the first time I picked up a copy of  Gasparilla I was intrigued with it. I didn't know the history of the Gasparilla event at the time nor realized that the book was such an old title. Just think, this cookbook has thrived for longer than any current active Junior League of Tampa member has been alive. Why has it been so popular for so long?  How does a book stay in existence for 50 plus years? Read on for the answers.

The book is simple in format and size. While today's community cookbooks are illustrated with beautiful color photography this was not the trend in the early 1960's. It is illustrated with wonderful pen and ink drawings depicting such things as the University of Tampa's beautiful Plant Hall,  creating Cuban Sandwiches at Columbia Restaurant, and the Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs.  Each chapter is charmingly written, with many wonderful anecdotes to illustrate a point about the culture of Tampa. Throughout the book the non-recipe copy is enjoyable and gives the reader a true sense of Tampa. As you read the book you can feel the love that went into its creation.

Amazingly, this book which has sold over 215,000 copies, debuted in 1961 and released a 50th Anniversary Edition in 2011, was only the fifth Junior League cookbook in the US. It's first printing of 7,800 copies sold out in just 3 months requiring a second order of 10,000 copies. The recipes, while not for the health conscious, are varied and tasty. For example, one of the most intriguing is the "Annie Laurie's Potato Salad for Greek Salad" on page 47. Yes, you read that right! The unusual title is what caught my attention. The dish is unique, simple and delicious.

While there are many other famous examples of great classic community cookbooks still around most are out of print. I highly recommend Gasparilla for its test of time and its well deserved reputation as "one of the best ever".

My Opinion and Why

Over the next few weeks I am going to post reviews of what I consider great community cookbooks and why I feel as I do. You will have to decide if you agree and it is completely OK if you don't. However, I would be interested in your opinions, particularly if they differ from mine.

Some of the titles I choose will be new and some older. The purpose of this exercise is to motivate anyone thinking about developing a community cookbook to put some thought into the various elements that make this important genre of books so great.

In this first post I am going to highlight a brand new title that was authored by Katy Houston from Ridgeland, MS.  Katy's book is titled Sweetness Follows: The Story of Sam and the Treat of the Week.  This is the first cookbook that I read which brought tears to my eyes. I chose this title as an example of a great community cookbook for a variety of reasons, but the main one is the appeal to the community to share in this title.

Sam was Katy's son's best friend when he was hit by a drunk driver while riding a bicycle away at college in Athens, Georgia. Sam endured significant injuries and the recovery story is dramatic. The book is made up of stories from friends and caregivers plus the fabulous dessert recipes that Katy made for Sam during his recovery and rehab.

The book is a combination of images both physical and mental which bring the readers' emotions into the book, motivating one to keep turning the pages to discover the next scrumptious delicacy. The book is simple in its design and yet very classy. Since the compilation of recipes is limited to 128 pages it is not too daunting yet a great value for $21.95.

This title appeals to a distinct community and yet it can also go outside of this group. Anyone who discovers it and has been affected by a close friend or relative in similar circumstances will be immediately drawn in. This cookbook will motivate readers to understand how a simple act of kindness through sharing good food can motivate, heal and stimulate.

The stories are an excellent example of how to involve a community. What could have been a story of two families grows as the doctors, nurses, educators and friends enter the  picture through their stories of this remarkable recovery. And the cherry on top of the dessert is the beautiful photography that was given as a part of the final product.

Sweetness Follows is a beautiful example of reaching out to a community through food.

If you have a chance to  pick up a copy of this book  It will be available here in early October.

I welcome your comments and thoughts.

LET'S REMEMBER

Since this blog is dedicated to community cookbooks and custom publishing that affect grass roots organizations and individuals across the US, I thought it appropriate today to "remember" the community of 9/11 families. In my opinion 9/11 should be a day of dedication to the ideals and values which the victims of 9/11 died for.

We all remember exactly what we were doing when the news started coming in, as well as the gut wrenching feeling of devastation that followed. What I also will also remember and cherish is the feeling of resolve and the united spirit of the American people to never be cowed by cowardly acts of terror.

So, as individuals and as communities let's "remember" with a sense of "one nation under God" that those who died in the 9/11 attacks did not do so in vain. A salute to all of the victims, their families as well as the heroes who emerged in those tragic days. A second salute to you and me for our commitment to never forget.

Check Your Communication

I am as guilty as anyone of pushing information out on my blog for the purpose of getting results. A great lesson to remember is that your blogs, newsletters, and other forms of social media are more effective if they offer a balance of conversation coupled with your product.

This lesson hit home today as I read Kristen Lamb's blog post.

One of my goals going forward is to provide something in each blog post that will inspire a thought, a question, an idea or simply a story to share.

What ideas do you have that will turn your social media efforts into "chats" or conversations? Interaction is fun!

Another Expert Says Amen!

On 7/17/12, I posted the last in a five-part series regarding Community Cookbook trends.  Earlier this week I read an article from a blogger I follow on Twitter which goes into great detail regarding the offers for publishers that are misleading. As general FYI, I am including the link to this post.

I must say that I was delighted to have my research confirmed by a third party with whom I have no connection except as a Twitter follower. Of course, my point remains that these companies are simply technology companies rather than publishing companies and that they deliver exactly what they promise. In the end that means the client pays a lot for very little.

Feel free to call or write with any feedback.

SALUTE TO LABOR DAY

Labor Day traditionally signifies the end of summer and is, for many of us, an energizing kickoff to the busy fall season. My family and I love all three-day weekends, but somehow Labor Day seems to be a favorite. The weather is not as brutally hot or cold, we are looking forward to the busy activity of the fall and yet we have the upcoming holiday season to look forward to.

Here are a few Labor Day entertaining recipes for you to enjoy along with the cookbook titles we have been blessed to be associated with. Happy Labor Day to each of you!

APPETIZERS
Brie and Apricot Phyllo Bites (Everyday Feasts - page 27)
Crispy Cheese Crackers (Pinches and Dashes - page 12)
Deviled Eggs with Tarragon and Watercress (Salt to Honey - page 50)

SALADS
Heirloom Tomato Salad (Gaido's Famous Seafood Restaurant - page 88)
Watercress and Watermelon Salad (Pinches and Dashes - page 64)
Creamy Sweet and Sour Coleslaw (Famous Dave’s Rib’Olicious - page 55)

MAIN DISHES
Grilled Honey-Bourbon Pork Tenderloin (Everyday Feasts - page 87)
Marinated London Broil (Charleston Receipts Repeat - page 137)
Curried Peanut Shrimp Kabobs (Simply Sarasota - page 130)

SIDE DISHES
Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter (Pinches and Dashes - page 82)
Baked Wilbur Beans (Famous Dave’s Rib‘Olicious - page 19)
Trio of Roasted Peppers (Everyday Feasts - page 29)

DESSERTS
Pecan Cobbler (The Hunter’s Table - page 181)
Toffee Chip Ice Cream Squares (Sweetness Follows - page 91)

Blogging 101

From time to time, it is helpful to see good examples of  things you are trying to do. It helps you improve by learning from someone else. In my case, I find this particularly true in the area of social media. (They didn't have social media classes at college back in the day. Typewriters were still all the rage then.) Social media is a new medium when it comes to marketing and I am constantly looking for good examples to follow, and to share with our publishers.

A recent post on the Junior League of Tampa's blog  is worth pointing out. Written by Krista Dietrich, Cookbook Co-chairman, the post has a nice narrative and shares a delicious recipe from Capture the Coast, the League's newest cookbook. Check the post out here.

And please share any great examples of blogging that you know about. I would love to add to the "blog roll" that I follow.

A Success Story

Every now and then it is nice to be reminded that if you follow the basics and work a plan diligently, good things do happen. This was recently validated by a letter sent into Roger Conner updating him on the success of a recent Favorite Recipes Press client.

Here is what Debbie Lestina Robinson had to say about her experience with her new book, You're Invited--Party Recipes for Every Season.

 Hi Roger, 

So far, I've sold 450 copies and I haven't even sent out a press release yet.  I will be mailing those on Monday.  I currently have 9 local retail accounts and counting.  On September 8-19, I will have a booth at the Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa which has attendance of 330,000 people.  In November, I'm scheduled for a two day craft fair in Nevada, IA.  And, I just received an e-mail today from the Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA.  I originally contacted them in January about the show held this August and never got a response.  Today, they contacted me about a booth space.  I think I'm going to get a very good deal on that space but, we shall have to wait and see.  Lastly, in December, I'll be signing books for one of my local retail accounts at their holiday open house. 

I will send you a picture from by booth space at the fair to share with your staff. It is going to be so cool. They are letting me paint pink and orange stripes on the walls. We will be wearing pink and orange aprons embroidered with "You're Invited!" and my carpet squares are guess what---Pink and Orange! Tall white director's chairs for resting are embroidered with my website address and I have a 6 foot tall image of my cookbook on a pop-up display. This is definitely the fun part.

When I travel to Florida this winter, I target a whole new market. Plans include a cooking demonstration in our clubhouse for everyone in our condo association (104 units). Also, an event with the local bookstore for either a Super Bowl or Valentine demonstration are in the works. So many opportunities and only one of me---did they ever perfect cloning? 

All of the feedback I've received has been so positive. I've entered my book for numerous awards so, let's keep our fingers crossed. A special thanks to everyone at Favorite Recipes Press for taking my duck and turning it into a swan. The book is absolutely beautiful thanks to your staff of publishing experts.

Stay in touch!
Debbie Lestina Robinson

As the title would suggest, Debbie's book is a collection of recipes, party ideas, invitations and effortless entertaining tips for each season of the year. (Check out her website, here.) Her bright pink and orange motif is very distinctive and puts the reader in a party mood. She has a plan and is following the plan to the letter. Best of all she is selling books.