Dianne Jacob talks cookbooks on CookShelf

The latest installment in the CookShelf Substack features award-winning writer  Dianne Jacob. (In case you missed the announcement, Katie has launched a free Substack newsletter in connection with the forthcoming CookShelf app.) Dianne coaches people on how to write a winning cookbook proposal (where there is a 1-2 percent acceptance rate) and how to improve the quality and effectiveness of their writing. 

She is the author of a multiple award-winning book on food writing, Will Write for Food, and she co-authored two cookbooks with chef Craig Priebe. In addition, she has been a judge for both the James Beard and IACP Cookbook Awards, so it’s safe to say that Dianne knows a thing or two about cookbooks. Luckily for us, Dianne agreed to share her thoughts about our favorite subject.

Dianne reaches back to tell us about her very first cookbook and proceeds to tell us why cookbooks are such great storytelling vehicles. Like many EYB Members, Dianne loves to read cookbooks in bed, especially “ones with lots of storytelling and evocative photos other than hero shots.” She says that Pakistan from Maryam Jillani is an excellent current example of this genre. Also like many EYB Members, Dianne is a fan of Yotam Ottolenghi. You can read the full discussion with Dianne on the CookShelf Substack.