It’s been a month of good news around here, and the end to a terrific year of writing, traveling, teaching and coaching. Since it’s my last post of 2017, I thought I’d share what’s happened recently.
This is also one of those I’m-so-grateful-for-you posts. If you’re feeling a little squeamish about that, I understand. I got lots of those around Thanksgiving and some seemed insincere. I hope I pass your test.
But hey, writing about being grateful increases a writer’s happiness. Who couldn’t use that? (If you’ve never tried it, look for ideas at the end of the linked post.)
Anyway, here is the good news:
- Will Write for Food passed 40,000 in sales. If you’re not sure if that’s a big deal, read this story about book sales. (“A sensational sale would be about 25,000 copies,” says literary agent Jane Dystel.)
- The third edition of Will Write for Food, which came out in 2015, earned out. That means enough copies sold to repay my advance. From now on I will earn royalties. All three editions of my book have earned out. Only around 20 percent of all books do so.
- I learned that teachers at Harvard and at the Cuinary Institute of America (CIA) use Will Write for Food as a reference, and have done so for years.
- I received translated copies of my book in Chinese and Korean. The Spanish edition will arrive soon from Spain.
- The Italy workshop on Food and Wine Writing is filling up quickly. It’s a small group. So if you’re procrastinating about joining us, take action soon.
Now for the part where I thank you.
Most of all, at the end of 2017, I’m grateful for you: my students, clients, friends in the business, colleagues, newsletter followers, blog commenters and social media followers. You make my career as a writer, coach and teacher worthwhile and you give me a reason to work on your behalf every day. If you were one of the purchasers of Will Write for Food who put it over the 40,000 mark, I thank you for that too.
May we enter 2018 with confidence, joy and optimism for what lies ahead. Happy New Year!
— Dianne
I am thankful for YOU, Dianne! We met in London at Food Blogger Connect. Your workshop was fun, challenging, and the exact boot in the bum I needed! Hope to meet up with you again soon. Will you be in Oxford, England this July for the ? Best!
Great news and so well-deserved, Dianne! My best to you!
Thank you so much Judith. See you soon in New York!
Dianne you’re terrific! So glad to hear it!
Thanks Helen! Looking forward to seeing you soon in NY.
Wonderful news! And well deserved. Your book has helped me over the years. I reference it repeatedly and recommend it too. And I’m grateful I finally got the chance to work with you this past year.
And as a side, I don’t recall ever reading anything spammy or unoriginal on this blog Dianne.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
With warm gratitude,
Maureen
Oh thank you Maureen. I enjoyed working together and look forward to holding your next book in my hands. Happy New Year to you as well.
Well done and deserved.
Thank you Julie!
Congrats Dianne! You truly are on the top of food writing world and I thank you for giving us so many great posts! May 2018 be a great one for all of us! Many cheers! Leticia
You are most welcome, Leticia. Happy New Year to you and best wishes for a successful 2018.
Thank you Dianne! I bought your book when I first switched gears from practicing medicine to writing about food and have used it consistently over the last 6 years.
Following your blog is like having a friend in the publishing business.
Cheers to a successful 2017!
Oh that is a lovely testimonial Annie. Thank you!
Happy New Year Dianne!
Every time I feel lost or need a wise advise about what need to do about my blog, I just reach you at you book, and get some answers.
Thank you for that well written book and everything you share here in your blog.!!
That is the best kind of compliment, Angelica. You are most welcome, and it is my pleasure to write to you.
Congratulations Dianne! I always feel I’ve given good advice by referring your book!
Thank you my friend.
Much deserved, Dianne! Hope you celebrate each of these milestones with great fanfare!
Well, I announced this on my blog, and that’s about it! But it’s satisfying to hear from people like you. Thank you.
Our THANKS to you too, Dianne!!
Thanks for the comment, Rachel.
I am thankful that you wrote your book! It has been a wonderful primer to help me start my career off in teaching cooking classes and writing recipes without the benefit of going to culinary school. You helped me to rethink how I could make an alternative career out of food. There aren’t very many resources that offer that. So thank you for following your gut and creating this great book!
You have been a longtime loyal reader, Halona, and I appreciate hearing from you. Best to you for 2018.
I’m one of those 40K Dianne and I am grateful for you!
All the best in 2018.
Kate
Hah! You are on fire these days with your own book, Kate. Best wishes for lots of sales in 2018 for your next one.
Congratulations on your successes, Dianne!
All the best to you!
Thank you Maria. Lovely to hear from you.
I have your first edition but am inspired to get your latest. Congrats on a prosperous year; I always look forward to your Posts. I have not been able to get any traction with my blog but am glad so many others have.
Thank you Stacey. If you want some help with your blog, you know where to go.
Happy new year to a real pro who knows her stuff! Look forward to seeing at a SF Food Society program.
Looking forward to seeing you there too! Thank you Rita.