What is the Future of Regional Cookboks Part 2.

In my last post I outlined the three major challenges going on in the world of publishing. Today let's take the first issue, consolidation of the brick and mortar bookstores--only one national chain, and discuss it.

Yes it is true that there is only one national brick and mortar outlet for books. Despite this fact the only limitation to your opportunities for sales outlets is between your ears. One of the great features of publishing a "community" cookbook is involving partners within the community in a variety of ways.

Many organizations have had great success in soliciting non-bookstore businesses to stock and sell their books. From Wright's Gourmet House in Tampa to Get a Grip Tennis in Pensacola there are a ton of retail businesses willing to support your worthy cause or book if approached properly. We all know that "placement" is one of the 4 P's of a successful marketing effort so put the proper amount of time and effort into identifying these key retailers that can partner with you and make it easy for your customers to buy your book.

In addition to local retailers it is also imperative today to have your book available online. Do you have a dedicated web site for your book? Can your customer's order the book from your site or at least be directed to Amazon.com or CookbookMarketplace.com? Is there an e-pub version available through Amazon, B & ;N, Kobo or Apple?

Each opportunity for maximum placement must be worked and kept up with from an initial sales call to regular customer service. How much attention have you given to the subject of placement for your book?

Just one of my favorite recipes

From Dave Kempf - President  

The Caesar Salad from Necessities and Temptations is one of my favorites, as well as my families’. Even though neither of my daughters now lives at home, they always request this recipe for special family get-togethers. It is very easy to follow this recipe but does require multiple ingredients so check to make sure you haave all the ingredients on hand.

Feel free to play around with more or less of some key ingredients for you own taste liking. For example, I use more than one type of vinegar and more cheese than the recipe calls for but that’s what the Kempf household likes. I guarantee it will always be a hit plus add a wonderful aroma to the kitchen and table.

Caesar Salad

½ clove garlic

1 TBSP red wine vinegar

1 TBSP lemon juice

Dash Worcestershire sauce

1/8 to ¼ tsp dry mustard

3 TBSP olive oil

1 egg yolk

3 heaping TBSP grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

1 cup croutons

Using a spoon, press garlic over the entire surface of a large wooden bowl. Discard garlic.

Add vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire and mustard. Stir dressing over entire surface of bowl.

Add oil, egg yolk and cheese. Whisk together. Cover the surface of dressing with salt and pepper. Whisk again.

Toss lettuce with dressing. Garnish with hard-cooked eggs and croutons.

Serves 4

Necessities and Temptations - Junior League of Austin, Inc.

Order a copy of Necessities and Temptations at www.cookbookmarketplace.com and receive 40% off your purchase! Enter the promo code TT-MAY10 to receive your discount at checkout. (State sales tax and shipping will be added to your order upon checkout.) Offer good until May 31, 2010.