Ever dreamed of writing a cookbook but not sure where to start? In Countertalk’s first virtual event of 2021, we are breaking it down and opening up the doors to give you the most transparent real advice on how to get yourself a cookbook deal.
Led by author, pastry chef and Countertalk founder Ravneet Gill, we will be joined by Lemara Lindsay-Prince, commissioning editor of #Merky Books AND Julia Pal, senior digital marketing manager of cookery at Penguin Random House.
The evening will begin with an introduction to the book writing process. Expect valuable insights from THREE people who have been on very different ends of the book writing process. Ravneet will be discussing how she got her deal and the steps she took to make it happen. Lemara is on hand to break down the unknown and talk through how books are commissioned and what editors are essentially looking for. And Julia will be jumping in to give you all of that cookbook related value and how an author can establish themselves using digital platforms.
About Lemara:
Honoured in The 2020 Elle List as 'the biggest game changer of all time' Lemara Lindsay-Prince is a writer, co-Editor of Plantain Papers - an independent journal and ode to the pengest fruit of the diaspora, and Commissioning Editor at award winning imprint #Merky Books. She presented her first commission the pocket sized 'How To' guides in her final interview. The books are designed to empower a new generation through a range of relevant topics. She is always on the lookout for new voices, and works to champion remarkable stories. West London born, but raised with the Caribbean very close to her heart, Lemara’s true mission is to master the art of roti making.
Lemara is on hand to talk about everything from the writing process, refining your pitch, getting an agent and the acquiring process. And, lastly why we need more representation in this space.
About Julia Pal:
As head of audience development at Penguin Random House, Julia Pal is responsible for running vibrant digital platforms that bring UK readers closer to Penguin’s books. Cookery and food writing are her particular passion and, over the course of a 20 year career in digital media, she has developed a series of major online food platforms, first for Channel 4, then ITV and now, with The Happy Foodie, for Penguin. Excited by the power of digital platforms to connect with readers, Julia is adept at understanding audience needs, crafting compelling content that can enable British cooks to discover new books that will transform their time in the kitchen. An enthusiastic home cook herself, Julia can usually be found at the kitchen table, with her nose in a cookbook and one eye on Instagram, planning her next culinary creation.
- In this talk audience members get the chance to email in their questions beforehand which will then be answered live.
Previous cookbook chats have led to follow ups from audience members who have since, successfully started taking positive steps towards writing their own book or even landed themselves a deal. So whatcha waiting for? Spaces are limited to ensure we can provide as much value as we can.
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After purchasing a ticket you will be emailed a few days before the event with a nudge for you to send in any of your burning questions. Each audience member will also get an email reminder on the day of the event with a zoom invitation for the event.