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When I published my first soft-cover cookbook 'Discovering Vegan Italian' in 2019, I didn’t have an ounce of printing or publishing experience. But I had been blogging since 2014 and was confident as a recipe creator and writer. My food photography wasn’t fantastic, but I was learning, experimenting with food styling and taking loads of photos with my hubby’s Canon EOS 60D camera. I was a lifelong lover of cookbooks and Italian cuisine.

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Discovering Vegan Italian was published in Melbourne using digital printing technology. I was lucky to visit the printer in person and watch the pages roll out, fresh off the press! Although there were unexpected challenges along the way, I learned many vital aspects about digital printing and gained skills in book design by using programs, like Adobe InDesign.

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As well as having my own printed copies, I also made the cookbook available on Amazon KDP and IngramSpark through print-on-demand printing. Although it wasn’t my preferred way to publish, it created more options, particularly with global distribution. I also created an eBook  through IngramSpark, and later created a PDF version for my website. 

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For my second book, my next goal was to produce a beautiful hardcover 'coffee table'–style book. In publishing 'A Vegan Summer in Southern Italy', I learned all the intricacies of offset printing overseas. It was a true trial-by-fire experience. There was still so much I needed to learn about book publishing, photography and design. ​After I published 'A Vegan Summer' I decided to reprint Discovering Vegan Italian as a new edition, choosing again to print digitally in Australia.

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For my third book, 'Natale', I initially attempted to work with a literary agent, hoping to attract a traditional publisher. However, they doubted that my idea was marketable, due to its seasonal Christmas theme. So, I turned again to self-publishing. I transformed these rejections into an opportunity to improve my work and prove them wrong! I enhanced my photography and styling, refined the book design, and collaborated with another photographer to capture sensory food moments. I also hired a historic home to create a more evocative atmosphere.

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With each book I brought into the world, I discovered more hidden depths of the publishing process—from creation to sales. And with each experience, I questioned whether I ever wanted to publish another book again. But then, inspiration would strike, and I was ready to create another book! 

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'A steep learning curve' might sound like a cliché, but it describes the self-publishing journey perfectly. But it doesn't need to be an impossibility. 

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The good news is, you don’t have to wait for permission to publish a book. You don’t need to be part of an 'elite club' or gain a publishing deal to create a worthy and beautiful cookbook that people will love. You may even get your unique cookbook into bookstores and featured in the media, like I have. 

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I have been responsible for every aspect of my cookbook creation, including:

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• Writing, editing, and proofreading

• Recipe testing

• Photography and editing

• Food styling

• Design and layout

• Printing (digital and offset)

• Sales and distribution

• Promotion and marketing
   

Whilst I have chosen to oversee every step of the publishing journey, I believe this isn’t necessarily the best approach for everyone. Some self-publishers choose to hire a graphic designer, editor, or decided to print 'on demand' only. There are many pathways to publish your book, and I am here to help you discover which is the best fit for you.​

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Nadia xo