Eat Blog Talk 788: How I Self-Published My First Cookbook (and Made £10K Doing It) with Amy Reid
Megan chats with Amy Reid about self publishing a cookbook, choosing the right timing, and building a profitable income stream outside of ad revenue.
Amy Reid is the voice-behind and creator-of Baking with Granny. The daughter of a professional baker, Amy grew up in a house which was filled with cakes & bakes. Once her own two children came along (and her mother became "Granny"), it was suddenly obvious that many of their family recipes would be lost in time, if not written down now. And Baking with Granny was born! Amy now takes recipes from years gone by and transforms them into easy home baking recipes that people around the world can make and enjoy.
If writing a cookbook has been sitting on your someday list, this episode might be the push you need. Amy Reid from Baking With Granny shares exactly how she self published her first cookbook, why she chose that route, and what it really took to make it profitable. This is a practical, honest look at cookbook creation for food bloggers who want more control and more stability.
Key Topics Discussed:
- The right time is when your business can support the focus: You do not need perfect conditions, but you do need margin.
- Self publishing gives you full creative and financial control: From photography to pricing, every decision stays in your hands.
- Pre orders validate demand before you spend big money: Selling first reduced risk and confirmed the book was wanted.
- Large scale recipe testing builds confidence and credibility: Hundreds of testers removed guesswork and strengthened the final product.
- You can combine hardcover printing with print on demand: This balances profit, accessibility, and global shipping.
- Cookbook sales can meaningfully diversify income: This was not a passion project. It was a profitable business move.
Guest Details
Connect with Amy Reid