Welp, the cat’s chicken’s out of the bag! I announced last night on Instagram that I’m writing a cookbook! I’ve been dying to share this news with you all since it became a reality at the end of last year. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for for years and I still pinch myself daily to make sure it’s actually happening.
It all started last spring when I asked a friend who works in publishing if she thought I could get a book deal. She said 100% and told me to reach out to cookbook agents. I went through a list of the ones she recommended and immediately loved the vibe of Sally Ekus, one of two women (a mother/daughter team) who runs the Ekus Group.
I sent her a query letter and she wrote back within hours saying that she loved the idea for my book and wanted to take me on. I was shocked! Over the next 5 months or so, she helped me put together a killer proposal that she then pitched to editors at every major publisher.
The first person who enthusiastically responded about the project, my editor Olivia at DK Books, ended up being the one we went with. She was so excited about it from the get-go and that energy keeps me going. I am thrilled to be a part of the DK family, a publishing house that creates beautiful, thoughtfully designed books.
The best part of this project, however, is that I get to do it with Anel! I can’t tell you all of the details yet but it will involve gardening tips from him and it will all tie together in the most amazing little package.
This is by far the biggest project I’ve ever taken on in my career as an influencer and even before that in my corporate days. I started my blog almost 14 years ago (then Lemons & Loafers) originally to share recipes with friends and family, and to see that come full circle is surreal.
If I had told my 20-something self that I’d be a published author before I was 40, I don’t think she would believe me.
Thank you all for your support over the years. Without your following, engagement, and love, this never would have happened. I am beyond grateful!
