How to Write a Cookbook and Publish It for Free
The average cookbook consists of hundreds of pages and dozens of original recipes and requires many hours of work. If you want your cookbook to stand out from the crowd, focus on a specific cuisine or a special diet. Though most methods of self-publishing require a small to moderate fee, another option is to self-publish an eBook for free.
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Instructions
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Create an original recipe, or offer a new spin on a classic. For example, create a recipe for tangy pineapple coleslaw to offer a spin on traditional coleslaw.
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Write your recipe. Include a list of ingredients and a series of steps that explain the exact process of preparing food. Create a title, such as "Zesty Tropical Slaw," and write a short description or introduction for the recipe. For example, write "Zesty Tropical Slaw complements picnics and barbecues on a warm summer day."
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Organize your recipe on a single page. Use a cookbook creation software or a word-processing program to create the organization. Place the title at the top of the page, and re-size the font to make it large and bold. Place the description under the title, the ingredients on the left side and the instructions on the right side. If possible, include a photograph of the recipe.
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Repeat the process for every recipe within your cookbook.
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Write an introduction. Explain your history of cooking and your qualifications. If your cookbook describes cooking for a special diet, provide information on dietary restrictions and substitutions. For example, if your cookbook focuses on gluten-free cooking, explain healthy grain options.
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Visit a website that hosts eBooks (see Resources), and click on the "Publish" or "Create Account" button.
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Enter your information and upload your files. Typically, an eBook website takes a portion of your royalties in exchange for hosting the book. Other websites take no royalties but charge a start-up fee.
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References
- David Lebovitz: Writing Your Own Cookbook; David Lebovitz; July 2007
- Better Baking; So You Want to Write a Cookbook; Marcy Goldman
- Gourmania; How to Write and Publish a Cookbook; Norene Gilletz
- The Washington Post; So You Want to Write a Cookbook; Candy Sagon; October 2005
- CNET; How to Self-Publish a Cookbook; David Carnoy
Resources
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
