Wow! This month’s meeting was so good! A HUGE thanks to Kelsey Erin Shipman who somehow managed to teach us an incredible amount about how to write a cookbook proposal in under 90 minutes.
If you were able to join us, thank you for being there. If you missed it, you’ll find the recording below.
Click here to watch the recording from the December 10th meeting; If prompted, enter this passcode: 3$.jXd&&
Click here to view the slides from the meeting
Kelsey also shared this comprehensive 11 page worksheet from the Dream to Deal Book Proposal Workshop:
Kelsey shared a lot of valuable resources during the meeting. Here are the links to all of those:
The Dream to Deal: Book Proposal Intensive starts January 28! I took this workshop this summer and it was incredible. If you’re interested in hearing more about my experience, feel free to reach out. If you have any questions about the workshop, please reach out to Kelsey Erin Shipman, or join the free info session…
There is a Free info session on January 20th for anyone who’s curious about whether the Dream to Deal workshop is right for them.
Kelsey and Hannah Howard created the Write Up community as a place for writers on the traditional publishing path to find resources and community. There are live classes and workshops, a growing resource library, peer chats, and discounts on 1:1 coaching. Join for free.
Sally Ekus is currently offering her Cookbook Proposal Class for just $99. I have this class and will tell you that the $99 price is a steal. During the mastermind meeting, Jessie-Sierra; The Last Bite commented that she has the class as well and highly recommends it. Here’s where you’ll find more information about Sally’s class.
And, if you’re not subscribed to Kelsey’s substack, Cheese Toast with White People, it’s truly one of the best things I’ve read all year.
Coming up!
Mastering the Art of Losing Subscribers
Join Rebecca and Liza on Monday, December 15 for a discussion about how losing subscribers is the key to finding your own true, creative, authentic voice and, ironically, finding your true fans.
The December 17th Mastermind Meeting
Wednesday, December 17th: 8am, London (British Standard Time)
Meeting hosted by Liza Debevec
Follow this link to register for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7UPV5mPxRKu57dNXrndc3w#/registration
After you register for the meeting, you will receive an email that will allow you to add the meeting to your calendar in your time zone.
Dates for January
Office Hours: January 7, 2026, 12pm New York (EST); Meeting Host Carla Contreras
Mastermind Meeting: January 14, 2026, 8am London (BST); Meeting Host Liza Debevec
Mastermind Meeting: January 21, 2026, 11am New York (EST); Meeting host Rebecca Blackwell; We have two guest teachers for this meeting. Halona Black will teach The 5-Minute Magazine Pitch Makeover and Amie McGraham will teach How to Find a Writing Schedule That Works For You
Registration links for all three meetings will be sent out later this month! If you’re subscribed to Mastermind For Food Writers, you’ll receive that email.
Links and Resources!
If you’d like to volunteer to teach a mini-masterclass at an upcoming Mastermind Meeting, please sign up here!
If you’re not listed in the Directory, leave a comment on the Directory with your name and publication and I’ll get you added!
Community Resources: A revolving list of resources from food writers for food writers
Collaboration Network: Find other substack food writers to collaborate with
The Mastermind for Food Writers chat is a great place to connect with other food writers on Substack.
There are still a couple of spots open for next year’s Food Writer’s Retreat which is being organized and hosted by the fabulous Jenn Sharp. I’ll be there! And I’d love to meet you!
As always, please let me know if you have questions or suggestions!
Sounds like a great session today! Thank you so much for sharing the information on the class. The discount expires next week so if anyone’s interested, just send me a DM!
As a newbie, this mastermind was SO helpful! Thank you and I'm already looking forward to the next one. My newsletter for the directory: https://michelleseguinmd.substack.com/