In this episode, Sally Ekus, President and Lead Literary Agent at The Ekus Group, joins LeAnna on the Creatively Speaking podcast to discuss the world of cookbook publishing. Sally shares her insights on the changing landscape of the industry, the benefits of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and the role of an agent in the process. She also highlights the importance of understanding an author's goals and provides valuable advice for aspiring cookbook authors. Key Takeaways: • The pace of cookbook publishing has increased, with authors and publishers working on books at a faster rate. • Financial considerations, control over the book's content and design, and distribution are important factors to consider when deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing. • Successful cookbook authors often have a combination of creative talent, hard work, and a long-term perspective on their careers. • Finding the right literary agent is crucial for authors seeking traditional publishing, as agents provide guidance, expertise, and connections in the industry. #CookbookPublishing #PublishingIndustry #SelfPublishing #TraditionalPublishing #BookDistribution #LiteraryAgent #CookbookWriting #PublishingProcess #PublishingAdvice #WritingACookbook

Join us in this captivating episode as we follow the inspiring journey of Tessa Arias, a professionally-trained chef and founder of Handle the Heat, from viral cookie posts to successfully self-publishing a hardcover cookbook. In this episode, we delve into Tessa's experiences navigating self-publishing, traditional publishing, and how having a clear vision for the final product can be vital for success. We explore the challenges of crafting content for different mediums and discuss Tessa's journey publishing her cookbook during the pandemic. We also touch upon the importance of diversifying revenue streams and the challenges of balancing opportunities with resources. Listen in to learn about Tessa's sweet success in the world of self-publishing. #selfpublishing #cookbook #authorjourney #entrepreneurship

Dive into the fascinating world of illustrated book and cookbook publishing with Ann Triestman, the Editorial Director of Countryman Press. In this episode, we delve into the intricate process of bringing cookbooks to life, discuss the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, and uncover how Ann's personal love for cooking influences the books she works on. Plus, gain insight into the changing landscape of publishing. If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes of a traditional publisher and the cookbook creation process, don't miss this episode!

Get ready to journey behind the scenes of self-publishing in our latest podcast episode! Erin Williams, Editorial Production Manager at Weller Smith Design, draws from her wealth of experience in the publishing industry to demystify the unique challenges and intricacies of self-publishing. Join us as we navigate through the complex labyrinth of the editorial process - from the importance of text layout, photography, and grammar to the underestimated timeframe of the process. Erin not only sheds light on our three-step editorial process but also underscores the vital role of a knowledgeable editorial team. We also delve into the allure of self-publishing, offering authors full control over their content. Additionally, we explore why self-publishing is a lucrative option for aspiring authors. Learn about aligning the editorial process with the author's goals and ensuring high-quality content that maintains the author's unique voice.  Whether you're an aspiring author or are simply intrigued by the art of creating books, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of self-publishing. Join us for this enlightening discussion and stay tuned for more episodes!

In this Episode, LeAnna is interviewed by Erin Williams, Editorial Production Manager, Weller Smith Design. LeAnna and Erin discuss the process of self-publishing and how Weller Smith Design helps clients bring their book visions to life. She explains the different options for publishing a book, including traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. LeAnna emphasizes the benefits of self-publishing, such as having more control over the final product and a faster time to market. She also highlights the importance of working with a professional book designer to ensure a high-quality and cohesive design. LeAnna walks through the steps her agency takes with clients, from creating a mood board to typesetting and finalizing the book for printing. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of the process and the importance of addressing clients' goals and visions. LeAnna also discusses the various options for distribution and marketing, tailoring the approach to each client's specific needs.

Welcome to our Season 1 Bonus Episode! We caught up with several of our Season 1: On Press with WSD Guests to hear what they have been working on since the launch of their books or products. In this live session, we touched on the opportunities that came after they launched their products, the different paths they took to get sales and exposure, and what they are working on today. It was an amazing opportunity to see them again and to celebrate them and the work they continue to do to provide value to their clients and customer. If you like this episode, be sure to revisit the Season 1 recordings for more product inspiration, tips, and advice.

In this interview, Susie and I touch on: Starting before you are ready Thinking outside the box, literally… Creating something based on your past experiences Not being afraid to co-create with others Looking for creative ways to share your product to reach more people Using an online retailer such as Amazon to help build your business And more…. These decks are the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Breast Cancer Awareness month, and more! Buy Now Blue Buy Now Pink USE CODE ON AMAZON FOR 20% OFF: LWS20off You can find Susie: Personal Website: https://susiemordoh.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiemordoh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susiemordohcom/ If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services. Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides print, branding, web design and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.

Leora Edut, founder and Creatrix of Goddess on the Go, and I talk about her journey into self-publishing with the launch of her beautifully curated collaborative book. At the time of her first writing it, the traditional publishing industry was not ready for a selection like hers. However, in the age of the #metoo movement, this has become a timely, and much needed collection and is the perfect extension to her brand! Leora shares her story of how building a sisterhood of women with in-person events and retreats inspired her to start writing. This book was intended to be a catalyst for women all over the world to bring the Goddess on the Go experience into their communities, homes, and individual lives. This is an amazing collaboration with Leora and her collective tribe of healing Goddesses that provides women with tools and rituals to get in touch with their femininity, love, health, leadership, wealth, and more. We talk about her 5+ year journey to get this book into production and the team that helped her get through it all. Divine timing encompassed every aspect of this project and she reveals how she was able to focus, even after many setbacks (and Mercury Retrogrades!), what inspired her, how writing this book has changed her, and what she hopes this book will bring to women across the globe. Since the launch, her community has surrounded her with love and gratitude and they have gathered to celebrate her and the launch of this book. She has traveled near, and far, with readings in California, New York, and New Jersey among other locations. She also had an in-person reading and signing in Barnes & Noble…a dream come true! She also has upcoming events in Seattle, Atlanta, and Texas in the New Year (2019). To end 2018, she is organizing a curated Wellness Experience in Art Basil December at The Shore Club Dec 6-9th. So far on the list Tantra, Henna, Astrology Readings, Essential Oils, Cacao, Sound Healing, Spiritual Leadership, and Sexual Libheration. If you are in the area – Definitely get on the list, you will not be disappointed! If you would like to connect with Leora, or to host an event with her, you can connect with her here: [email protected] In this interview, Leora touches on: Divine timing, and keeping focused when you feel like giving up Finding ways to bring your personal experience, program, events, and wrap it into a signature product The experience of working with an Agent, Editor, and Designer to produce her book Using personal stories to help inspire other women Being open to opportunities that you were not even looking for How to get started with sharing your personal story Again, Leora and her Goddess on the Go mission is a life-changing experience, and her book does not disappoint! You can find Leora: Website: http://www.goddess-onthego.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddessonthego1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoddessOnTheGo1/ If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services. Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides print, branding, web design and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.

Beth Nydick, owner of Blue Barn Kitchen, and her Co-Author Tara Roscioli, published their cocktail book, Clean Cocktails: Righteous Recipes for the Modernist Mixologist in 2017 and the momentum from this timely piece is still going strong! In this interview, Beth and I sit down to talk about the journey from how she met Tara, all the way through to present-day promotional activities for the book. Her story is so inspiring as she shares all of the nuances of navigating a traditionally published book. From the acquiring agent to the editors, photographer, and more, she and I talk about it ALL! The ingenuity and drive that she and Tara had throughout the process are what kept everything moving, but Beth does not sugar coat this…she is very real and honest about how much time, energy, and trial and error went into making this project work! Their hard work and tenacity has gotten their book into Oprah Magazine, ToryBurch.com, Forbes, and more! Beth talks about “Making the Ask” when it comes to reaching out to influencers, looking for connections, and more, and her positive outlook on “making it happen” is infectious! In this interview, Beth touches on: Going with your gut when it comes to partnerships and finding your entrepreneurial “wingman” Approaching every situation with no expectations – and not going into something solely based on your personal desired outcome How to use your personal and professional connections to help you find the right resources, team, and opportunities Her experience with the traditional publishing route – including working with Agents, Editors, Photographers, and Publicists How they almost did not fully experience the author bliss moments…until the book was finally in their hands! I cannot say just how much good info is packed into this one interview! I could chat with Beth forever about the process. This book is the PERFECT holiday gift for friends or family…so be sure to order your copy! Buy Now You can find Beth: Website: https://bluebarnkitchen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethnydick/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BlueBarnKitchen/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethnydick/ If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services. Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides print, branding, web design and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.

Have you been dreaming of creating  “something” for your audience, but cannot seem to find the words to fully describe what “that” is? Are you stalling with getting your product into the world because you do not know where to start when trying to find someone to help you formulate it, design it, create it, and produce it? In this interview with Mariah McCullough, Owner and Creator of Because I Decided, we talk about exactly JUST that! Mariah’s inspirational weight loss journey inspired others to start following her on social media. When she realized they were interested in learning from, her she started to create content specifically for them based on her own success path. Once she decided to go bigger by implementing an online program…she knew she needed some sort of supplemental information to go along with it…but she wasn’t exactly sure what those should be, or what they could look like. *SPOILER ALERT* during this interview, Mariah actually shows us her original POST-IT notes that we started the design from….along with the final product that proves you do NOT have to have your final product in mind when approaching a Design Team to help you formulate your ideas. If you have that idea, and are not sure how to implement it, or if you are curious about different self-published products that would be a good fit for your business, then you do not want to miss this episode. Mariah  touches on the following in her interview: How documenting her own journey helped her to create something to help others How she was able to give her tribe what they “asked for”, but then also create something that they actually “needed” to be successful How she moved forward with her ideas, even if she did not always have the right words to describe what she wanted How finding the right person to collaborate with can open up new ideas and solutions How this initial product can pave the way for future business tools Mariah and her “Because I Decided” brand, continues to inspire followers with her amazing personal transformation. She talks about more than just what she is eating or lifting…she also talks about real challenges, the next level blocks that come once you have lost the weight,  and other things that come up once your physical transformation has started. With her guidance, support, and proprietary tools, you too will be able to forge your own personal journey, and document it as well. Buy Now You can find Mariah: Website: http://becauseidecided.com/ 10-Day Low Carb Challenge Kit: https://becauseidecided.samcart.com/products/10-day-low-carb-challenge-kit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/because_i_decided/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BecauseIDecided Pinerest: https://www.pinterest.com/BecauseIDecided/pins/ If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services. Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides print, branding, web design and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.