Publishing Cookbooks...with a Twist

by Marianne L. Kelly
(Vermont)

Genre: Themed cookbooks

The Madd Irishman lives!

If anyone had told me even three years ago that I would be writing, self publishing and selling themed cookbooks, I would have thought they were one sandwich shy of a picnic. But here I am three cookbooks later and another on the way.

It all began when my husband of 33 years decided he wanted to be of more help and learn to cook. This from a man whose acquaintance with the kitchen consisted of placing his plate in the sink or dishwasher and wandering in to check out the fridge.

The first thing I did was check our fire insurance policy. Next, having been a chef for 25 years, I gathered a few easy recipes and made him a personal cookbook for his birthday entitled, "The Madd Irishman Cooks." The title came from a Christmas Card he made for me and signed "The Madd Irishman."

The book was a success not only to him but among our friends who strongly suggested I write a cookbook. Being a journalist and editor for our local newspaper, I had no idea where to start. I knew I didn't want to compile a collection of recipes, which is pretty much the way I see most cookbooks. I wanted my cookbook to be interesting and entertaining.

My husband, being an Irish folksinger among other things was well versed in Irish stories and sayings. His knowledge led me to research these sayings that gave birth to the first Madd Irishman Cookbook.

The next steps made writing the book seem like a walk in the park in spring. Knowing nothing about self publishing I bought and studied every book I could find on the subject and took an online course.

The next step was finding a printer. I was fortunate here for awhile, but when this printer started having problems I searched until I found one that I could feel confident would print a quality product without breaking the bank.

I now had a book and a printer, and needed to get my product known. This wasn't as hard as I thought it would be because my Madd Irishman took over and placed this book in 54 Irish gift shops across the country.

It didn't end there. Our dealers asked for another and we obliged.

The most difficult part of this business is marketing and distribution. After reading some horrific stories about the predatory nature of the publishing business we decided to keep all distribution and marketing in house. It takes more time, but we continue to grow, and we don't have to pay out nearly 90% of profits to wholesalers, fulfillment companies and distributors.

Self publishing continues to be a grand adventure. I have to date published three books, learned much and will continue to evolve and learn as I have found my home.