From Kitchen to Bookshelf: The Changing Recipe for Cookbook Success

 

In a recent conversation with Sally Ekus , a senior literary agent at JVNLA, we delved into the dynamic world of culinary publishing. Sally, who leads the Ekus  Group—a boutique division specializing in cookbook and lifestyle titles—shared her insights and expertise gained from navigating over 300 book deals. Here’s a closer look at our discussion and insights from one of the industry’s leading figures.

The Evolution of Culinary Publishing

Sally Ekus  grew up surrounded by the world of cookbook publishing, with her mother, Lisa, having founded the Ekus  Group over 40 years ago. What began as a publicity firm soon evolved into a specialized literary agency that has witnessed and adapted to the changing tides of the industry. Sally explains that in the early days, publishing was buoyed by generous budgets that allowed for multi-city media tours and extensive print coverage, creating a robust market for publicity.

 

Niche Specialization and Its Impact

As we explored the market shifts, Sally highlighted the trend toward niche and highly specific culinary titles. With food crossing numerous markets and becoming more popular than ever, Sally believes that having a deep expertise or focus area—whether it’s a particular technique, ingredient, or topic—helps authors stand out in a crowded marketplace. In today’s world, specificity not only aids in discoverability but also caters to an audience keen on targeted content.

 

The Importance of Backlist Promotion

A strong advocate for leveraging the backlist, Sally discussed how authors and their teams can keep their titles alive and relevant long after their initial release. She encourages authors to remain engaged with their audience through speaking engagements and other creative content adaptations. This sustained effort ensures that books find a long-lasting place on shelves and in the minds of readers.

 

The Role of Agents, Publicists, and Authors

When asked about the roles different industry players can play in this lifecycle, Sally emphasized the importance of being a constant resource and contributor to the industry. She suggests that by continually bringing attention to valuable backlist titles, agents, publicists, and authors can honor and maintain the legacy of their work.

 

Emerging Trends and a Look Ahead

Looking toward the future, Sally sees opportunities in both niche specialization and the occasional broad-stroke, generalist books that manage to capture universal appeal. While digital platforms like Substack gain traction as important spaces for discoverability and content sharing, she remains hopeful that both new and seasoned works continue to thrive in the evolving landscape of publishing.

 

Conclusion

Sally’s journey and dedication to the publishing industry provide a valuable perspective on both the challenges and opportunities standing before culinary authors today. As she continues to redefine what it means to be a literary agent, her insights shape the future strategies for authors looking to carve out their space in the publishing world.

 

To Connect with Sally Ekus

Stay informed and inspired by subscribing to Sally’s Substack newsletter, “Not So Secret Agent,” where she shares her expertise on nonfiction publishing with a focus on culinary topics. Whether you’re a budding author or a seasoned professional, her insights offer a unique look into the world of publishing.

 

For further events and networking opportunities, be sure to attend industry gatherings such as the IACP summit or the upcoming People of Publishing Conference. There’s much to learn and many connections to be made in this vibrant community.

 

Sally Ekus is a Senior Literary Agent at JVNLA where she spearheads The Ekus Group, a boutique culinary division representing a wide range of culinary, health, wellness, and lifestyle talent. On the non-culinary side, Sally represents books about caregiving and parenting, and is expanding into select other non-fiction genres. From concept to contract, she has brokered over 300 book deals with top publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and numerous indie publishers. Sally hosts an online community called How to be a Cookbook Author and writes the bestselling Substack Newsletter, Not So Secret Agent.

For more insights about book publicity and book marketing, visit Smith Publicity and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming podcast episodes.