How to write a winning cook book proposal according to those who sign the deals

The best in the industry share how to write the perfect proposal (and how to contact them!) And no, you don't need a gazillion social media followers or an agent to get published.

This is the second in my series about how to get a cook book published. Last week my first newsletter on the topic - an interview with award-winning writer Diana Henry - was hugely popular. This week I talk to industry leaders - people who actually sign the deals, as well as experienced cook book writers - about how to put together that winning pitch.

Every year, publishers are inundated with hundreds of cook book proposals - but only a handful ever result in a coveted deal. The quality of your proposal is vital, but what really makes a good one? How long should it be? What do you include? How many recipes? What are publishers looking for? Read on.