Registration is Open for FRP Cookbook University 2012

In the mid 1990's Favorite Recipes Press held it's very first Cookbook Marketing Seminar. That seminar has evolved into the single most effective training for self-published cookbooks (it is also relevant to any self-published book) in the US and is now known as Favorite Recipe Press Cookbook University.

Favorite Recipes Press Cookbook University is happening May 8 & 9, 2012 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN. Registration is now open, and you can read about all the details here. Favorite Recipes Press Cookbook University addresses specific needs of diverse publishing groups. Novice publishers need one kind of information; experienced publishers producing second or third volumes need another. We provide both seminars targeted to specific audiences.  Cookbook University offers you the opportunity to:

• Learn all about the aspects of publishing a custom cookbook
• Get the information you need to publish a marketable book
• Create a successful marketing and sales program to support your goals
• Meet the Favorite Recipes Press staff and network with other publishers
• Leave with valuable and exciting information

Favorite Recipes Press Cookbook University Tuition:
Favorite Recipes Press Client: $125 for each attendee / Master-Level Class: included in Tuition
Non-Client: $425 per person / Master-Level Class: $125 (in additional to Tuition)

Room rate at the Sheraton Music City Hotel is $109 per night (single/double).

Be sure to get registered by April 12, 2012. If there was ever an action step you could take to accomplish so much in one event on the subject of self-publishing this is it! No matter if you are thinking about developing a book, just researching the subject or have a cookbook that needs marketing and sales help this is the event to attend. I hope to see you there.

ACTION GETS RESULTS

During our FRP Cookbook University seminar in April, one of our publishers that sent representatives was the Junior Legue of Tampa.  Denise Schultz and Aspen Kahl were there as the new committee co-chairs.

This week I received an e-mail from Denise and I inquired about their sales efforts. Here's what she had to say:

"Sales are going! We had a brunch for all of the previous cookbook chairs to get first dibs on the new book (50th Anniversary Edition of Gasparilla) and we sold 104. We did a cookbook sale to the committee and sold a ton of books. I'm not sure what the final number of it is.

Our Marketing Committee just brought on two new wholesale accounts this past weekend and they are getting together this Thursday night to create goodie bags for a sales push for the month of September. The women in charge are on top of it and have created a strategic plan, a tracking sales spreadsheet and a detailed listing of vendors."

In my mind this is a testimonial to what enthusiasm and commitment mean to a marketing effort such as a cookbook. I shared a quote last week from Sue Gruber in Louisiana on their success--again it was fueled by passion and commitment.

Don't let the hype of the world get to you.  Cookbooks are as popular as ever--we're still eating 3 times a day and we crave new and exciting ways to fix the same foods. A successful cookbook campaign (even like the one in Tampa which has been going on for 50 consecutive years) is about enthusiasm, passion and effort. 

Thanks Denise and Sue for sharing your good success and please tell your other committed volunteers thanks for reminding us what success is made up of.

Action Gets Results

One of the biggest challenges for non-profit organizations is the summer down time for volunteers. FRP holds its annual cookbook training, Cookbook University each spring because that is when new volunteer chairs take over. Unfortunately, they then go home to “on vacation” committee members.

In spite of that, the better and more committed Cookbook Chairs take the time to make sure various actions are ongoing during this time and are actively laying plans for the fall when the volunteer starts back up.

Here are a few examples:

The Junior League of Tampa—Denise Schultz and Aspen Kohl are brand new cookbook chairs from a League who has a 50 year history of successful cookbook sales efforts. They have two new ideas to implement—one for now and another new effort when the League year kicks off.

• Hosting a brunch for past Cookbook Chairs to promote the books, especially since the highest percentage of people who buy books are baby boomers (Sustainers) and they want them as our advocates. They also plan to do a quick brainstorm session titled, “what worked while they were chairs and what didn't”.
• The Iron Leaguer competition before every meeting to create buzz around the cookbook table. Have a competition prior to the General Membership Meetings between two League members using the same ingredients they but can choose any recipe out of one of the Junior League of Tampa books. The members vote on which one is better and who wins. The point is to get people out to the cookbook table to buy books! They plan on announcing the competitors on their Cookbook Facebook page with a picture of each person and stats, etc. like boxers. Make it fun!

The Junior League of Tallahassee—Sarah Collins and Emily Howard are also brand new chairs and their book is going into its second year. They share the following:

• Emily and I are so excited to announce our first task as the incoming Cookbook Chairs is the launch of our blog! We will be taking the League year to cook our way through A Thyme to Celebrate! We are working hard on promotions for the blog and are already receiving a great response!”

The Junior League of Pensacola—Mandi Edwards is a Past President of this League but decided to take this placement rather than go sustainer. That is real dedication. Although the League is small they have a steady cookbook business with two titles (Some Like it South and By Invitation Only). Mandi has done some good planning and is ready to start the year with some strong goals.

• Quarterly press releases to Pensacola and surrounding area media outlets
• Add 10 more retail stores to our list
• Combine swaps from FL Leagues into a 3-4 book package at a discount
• Work with Wines for Humanity to hold 3 combined (cookbook and wine tasting) events this year
• Create a media kit for both books

While each of these groups is a Junior League the same principles apply to any self-publishing group. Using a cookbook as a fund raiser means you are setting up a business which requires a business plan, marketing strategy and product movement to generate profits. What are you doing to create a demand for your book?

Use Your Time Wisely

We are about to enter those "dog days of summer". Temperatures are soaring and the whole world seems on vacation. Yet, there is still work to get accomplished. One of the toughest things for community based volunteer organizations is overcoming the fact that members, for the most part, take the summer off. That is why it is crucial for key leaders responsible for book sales invest quality active planning time in the summer months.





If a committee starts up in September and then begins laying out a plan for the year the committee is liable to wind up missing the biggest opportunities for sales during the Holiday season. It is imperative that the kickoff meeting in September be a working meeting rather than a planning meeting.










The members of the committee will be more enthusiastic and feel better about volunteer hours if they understand their roles and job expectations-in other words they will feel that their time is being well spent. This will also let the leadership be in a position to delegate and examine results rather than doing all of the work themselves.






We have witnessed first hand individuals attending FRP Cookbook University who use their time wisely. Those individuals who return home and immediately begin laying out a written marketing plan are far more successful than those who procrastinate. The results for sales during the year tell the story and it is always those who use their time wisely to execute a written plan which was developed in the summer months who achieve successful results.










Remember, there are two kinds of people, "those who find a way, and those who find an excuse". Which kind of person are you?

FRP Cookbook University Recap

Last week approximately 50 existing or "thinking about" cookbook publishers attended FRP's annual Cookbook University. The energy was high and many great ideas where discussed and shared. The group was treated to presentations by the experienced FRP staff as well as outside guest presenters who were fantastic.

On Thursday, Billie Rose from The Junior League of Chattanooga shared ideas about the launch of Seasoned to Taste. She was truly a dynamic speaker and shared an idea I'd never heard before. Early on Friday morning we were entertained with a visit by renowned country music song writer George Teren. While George's songs had nothing to do with cookbooks his participation was a nice touch that could only be had in Nashville.

The last outside presenter was the talented cookbook author Pam Lyles. Pam spent most of an hour detailing marketing ideas that have made Da Cajn Critter such a success. One common trait that Billie and Pam exhibited was perserverence. Both shared numerous stories of meeting obstacles along the way until finally overcoming the hurdle.

If you or your organization has a cookbook for sale when is the last time you joined a forum such as the one I just described to learn from others and garner new knowledge?

The Changing World of Book Sales

In a simpler time a self-published author or group could approach local book and gift stores with pretty good assurance the store manager would buy the books to resell. The problem with that model today is that few local bookstores exist and the large chain stores require a distributor to buy from. Plus, the chain bookstores are in jeopardy of going by the wayside.

Does this mean success cannot be achieved for the self-publisher? Absolutely not! In fact, a savvy and energetic effort can result in more profits and greater sales than ever before. While there is no magic formula for success there are a few key components necessary for success.

Obviously a GREAT book product is a given in the equation. And while placement in the chain stores is desired there are many opportunities to sell direct through social media marketing. FRP's Cookbook University will devote considerable time to sharing the tools necessary for utilizing the social media phenomenon.

FRP Cookbook University is being held on May 19 and 20, 2011 in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit our website.

It's Never too Late for School

One of the first questions I am asked by potential publishers revolves around how to market a successful cookbook. I am here to preach the gospel about FRP's Cookbook University. This is THE #1 TOOL IN THE USA FOR AN EDUCATION ON HOW TO CREATE AND MARKET A COOKBOOK. Yes, these "all caps" are for emphasis.

FRP Cookbook University grew out of a seminar developed by Ellen Rolfes and Helen Hayes, two former Junior League Cookbook chairs from Memphis in the early 70's. Since that time, the FRP staff has solidified and enhanced the curriculum. We have added a track on creating a great community cookbook as well as sessions related to current and classic marketing techniques. Remember, social media didn't even exist a few years ago.

This year's edition of FRP Cookbook University will be hosted in Nashville, TN and the location at the Downtown Doubletree should expand the fun of the conference. Downtown Nashville is a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of good food and entertainment. There will be guest speakers as well as "Master Level" classes, in addition to the regular curriculum.

The dates are May 19-20. For your convenience, here's the link for registration and details. This conference is relevant for anyone, an individual or an organization with the desire to publish a cookbook.

Here are some comments from past attendees:

"I enjoyed attending FRP Cookbook University and appreciate the opportunity to learn from both FRP staff and my fellow publishers. I found the sessions to be informative. I look forward to putting all this information to good use." - Aleris C. - Junior League of Wichita

"I had so much fun at FRP Cookbook University! FRP is an amazing company with an incredible staff. Y'all made us feel so at home. I not only learned a ton, but I also made some really great friends! It was a great two days, so thank you!" - Lyndsey S. - Junior League of Houston“Very helpful material to carry back to my office and chapter.” - Sheryl W. - AT&T Pioneers Alabama Chapter 34

“I consider FRP Cookbook University instrumental in motivating us to write our own cookbook. The resources provided are well worth the investment.” – Charles P., Beaufort Grocery Company

“I can’t tell you how much we benefited from coming to FRP Cookbook University. We both really feel like we have a good hold on the process and have the knowledge to make a wildly successful book. It was such a pleasure to put a face with all the people we will be working with on throughout the process and are looking forward to our finished product. If you have a new client wavering over whether to go please give them my number—it is definitely a must! We feel we have made the best decision on working with your company to create a lasting piece for our school. It was such a wonderful bonus too to meet others who have gone through or are going through the process as well.”
Shannon G. - Kerr-Vance Academy