So you want to write a cookbook?

Having recently seen "Julie and Julia," which I thought was a fabulous movie, I got to thinking about the process of writing and publishing a cookbook. Or a book on food or wine. Or maybe on anything.

It was just a year ago that I decided to author my own book, a combination of culinary history and cookbook, focusing on a number of cookbook authors, each of whom had a profound influence on the food we cook and eat today. Authors are from the earliest American cookbook to the first chef for the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

The format was relatively easy: write a biographical section on each author that would also place them in a historical context of the country as a whole. Recipes from their original books would follow with modern adaptions and some updating of syntax where required.

I had a great time writing the book and learned a lot. As a food professional for many years, I was wonderfully surprised to discover all this "new" information. Once the book was about 75% written, I decided that I would find a publisher.

After reading a couple "how to publish your literary masterpiece" books that all said the same thing, one item made sense. Get an agent. Many publishers do not look at manuscripts unless forwarded by a known or established literary agent.

Well. The first three months were something less than a joy. Many no responses. Some "you gotta be kidding, right," responses. Some nicely written that were ultimately, "sorry find somebody else." I did receive a rejection from an agent in Ireland who used wonderful language in his rejection. I actually laughed it was so well written. Yes, this is a "No," but let's not be all too serious about it.

Then started the process of writing directly to publishers. Which is a whole 'nother story.

Tune in for the next exciting chapter.