Side Hustle School Ep. 3364 - Q&A: “Can I use other people's recipes in my children’s ebook?”
Mar 18, 2026
Cal Grant-Smith, a Sydney-based creator behind a YouTube channel called Foodie Phonics. He asks about using and renaming online recipes in a children’s ebook. The conversation covers when to seek permission and when simple, common recipes can be adapted. Fun renaming and personalization ideas are offered to make recipes uniquely his.
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Cal's Foodie Phonics Project Question
- Cal Grant-Smith runs a YouTube channel called Foodie Phonics and has self-published a children's ebook linked to his channel.
- He asks whether he can use online recipes renamed in his ebook and include a contact link at the back.
Common Recipes Can Be Safely Adapted
- Recognize that many recipes are generic and widely shared, so simple dishes may be safe to adapt and rename.
- Chris suggests that rudimentary recipes copied across sites can be given your own twist and title for a kids' ebook.
Ask Permission For Unique Recipes
- Do get permission from an identifiable recipe creator before copying unique or clearly original recipes for your ebook.
- Chris Guillebeau advises contacting authors unless the recipe is clearly public domain, especially for complex or chef-created dishes.