If somebody would have told me, that the spontaneous idea of setting up a food blog back in 2005 would change my life in so many ways, I would have laughed it off and called him or her crazy. Heck, I didn’t even know, if I’d still be blogging after a few months. But to my own surprise I did and blogging became an integral part of my life. My passion for cooking and good food expanded to writing about food and food photography, our travel destinations we started choosing by food preference and not so much by weather and beaches. Soon freelance projects were knocking on my door, not to mention all the passionate people I had the pleasure to meet along the way.
Yet I felt utterly astonished when I got contacted by a British publishing house last year. They inquired if I’d be interested in writing a cookbook for them. I’d be lying if I said that the thought of writing a cookbook hadn’t crossed my mind before, but it was more of an idea lingering in the back of my head, nothing really tangible and nowhere near a representable book concept. But a spark was lit and I soon came to the conclusion, that I had my very own perception about what should be in my book. My ideas – so I had to learn – were not mainstream enough for the publishing houses that got in touch with me. I wasn’t in a rush and declined, being the die-hard that I sometimes am.
Until one day in March. A Gräfe und Unzer editor had contacted me and we discussed the possibility of publishing a cookbook together on the phone. Gräfe und Unzer is not only Germany’s largest cookbook publisher, coincidentally (or faith?), their headquarters are a mere 10 minutes walk away from our doorstep. A casual meeting was scheduled and to my huge surprise, their editors weren’t put off by my unconventional concept at all. In fact, they were delighted! If this sounds too easy to be true, you’re right. This was no shortcut to signing a book deal.
The following months flew by, refining the overall concept as well as working on various mood boards to demonstrate the look & feel of my book that became more and more alive. Think of large black, but empty cardboards, eagerly waiting to be filled with photography, text, layout examples and recipes. The presentations went flawless and after the final meeting with the board, they offered me a contract. A contract that not only comprises the manuscript and (food) photography, but the book’s layout as well. Could it be any better?
The book is scheduled to hit the shelves in Autumn 2008, in both a German and an English version and I cannot tell you how lucky I feel to work with this wonderful group of spirited people. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but expect more details on the book over the upcoming months… I’ll keep you posted.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your continuing support and interest in delicious:days! And thanks for joining me on this new challenge :)
Aug 31st,
2007
That's wonderful news Nicky and Oliver! Can't wait to see the finished product; I'm sure it will be stunning.