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.