For most of my adult life, I have collected cookbooks. Old ones, new ones, anything that had beautiful photos, or stellar writing, or covered a subject I wanted to learn about – they all snuggle up next to one another on my bookshelves, stack up on my desk and clutter my nightstand.
In my dreams. In my imagination. In my secret world, there was a cookbook up there with my name on it.
I have news. Big news. Happy news.
I’m writing a book. That’s right. Me. A book. Me and a book. Me, writing a book. Seriously. I still can’t quite believe it.
And the best news of all? I’ve got a star studded team to help me.
My literary agent, Martha Kaplan, has been my supporter and enthusiastic, encouraging voice for the last year as I wrote the book proposal. She never failed to tell me when I had gone off track, or when I was on the right one. This never would have happened without her unflagging belief in me. After all, what did I know about writing a book? Fortunately, I knew something about getting the right person to help me figure it all out. The bonus? Martha knows the best little restaurants in New York.
The publisher is W.W. Norton. Just take a look at your cookbook shelf and you’ll see why I’m so delighted. They make some seriously beautiful books. They have been warm, welcoming, and I already feel like part of the Norton family.
My editor is Maria Guarnaschelli who just may be the smartest woman I’ve ever met (and if you knew my mother, you know that’s saying something.)
Here are a few of the books Maria has worked on … The Joy of Cooking. The Cake Bible. My Bread. The Zuni Cafe Cookbook. Charcuterie.
Seriously, Maria is legendary. She works with only a couple of authors each year and – pinch me! – one of them is me. (She’s also working with my friend, the amazing baker Stella Parks aka The Brave Tart, so I have a book-writing sister wife, which is almost as wonderful as having a book deal.)
Melanie Tortoroli, Associate Editor, has already endeared herself to me. After all, she started canning this summer. I have a feeling I’m going to have Melanie on speed dial.
Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry is scheduled to be published late in 2014. There will be recipes for all sorts of canning, even pressure canning, but also smoking, curing, brining, cheesemaking, fermenting, dehydrating and freezing. Everything I can think of to fill up your pantry, and then all sorts of recipes for using what you’ve stashed. Expect plenty of encouraging words, helpful methods, tips and tricks. But most of all, I’m going to make all of these preservation techniques as angst-free as possible.
I’m completely, totally over the moon and so, so happy to finally be able to tell you all. It’s taken months to get to this place, and it will be another year of writing, recipe testing, and editing before I can breathe again. But soon, very soon, there will be a book on the shelf with my name on the spine.
{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }
This is, indeed, good news. I look forward to holding a copy in my hot little hands. My cookbook collection looks forward to a new friend.
Congratulations! What an accomplishment, just getting to this point. Best of luck to you!
I have been saying for the longest time – I wish Cathy had a cookbook – a few months ago I sent Janis a private message – “Is Cathy writing a cookbook?” I am so happy to hear this – and Maria G – wow! I have heard Alex talk about her cookbook editing mother! Best news ever!
Oh hon! I am thrilled for you. You so deserve this Missy.
Xxxxxxxx
Jumping up and down in joy for you! Hugs from afar. You deserve this. Congratulations!
this is amazing news—for you and the rest of us! i cannot wait to see the book. congrats!
Cathy! I’m so excited the deal is done. Remember, I’m just up the road if you need a guinea pig taste tester… or just someone to hang out in your kitchen with wine and dogs as you work.
Can’t wait to see your smiling face on the book jacket and celebrate!
Well done, Cathy!! So happy for you. If you need someone to help test the dehydrating recipes, I’m your woman. xo
I’m counting the days. So exciting! This is one I will be sure to buy.
So, so happy for you Cathy. This is truly wonderful news, and with you and your team, I’m sure it will be a huge hit. Congratulations!!
Not that I want to rush you or anything — or wish my life away — but I’m now looking forward to late 2014!
BRAVA! What great news to announce so we can all take a brief pause and shout HURRAH for YOU before you dig in and disappear into the writer’s hole. Thank fully that hole as a portal called Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Kitchen! can’t wait to toast you in Champagne… in Chicago.
Congratulations! The first of many, I’m sure!! Yay!!
Congrats, Cathy! This is a book I look forward to buying. You deserve this and have worked very hard to get to this point. Try to enjoy the process!
Fantastic news. I can’t wait til it has a hallowed spot on my shelves. Splatterings on pages with all my favorite recipes.
Mazel tov, my friend! Can’t wait to cook from it. Heartiest, warmest congratulations from all of us!
congratulations!!!!!!!
This sounds like a very interesting book!
So very great! WW Norton and Maria G. – rock star status!
Brava, Cathy!
As one of your many students I am looking forward to learning even more from you and not having to search for the dog-eared, jam-smeared print out for your recipe, but a dog-eared jam-smeared book! I’d be honored to be a recipe tester if you need one!
Hardly surprised, but deliriously happy for you! Congratulations, my friend.
Cathy, so excited for you! Huge congratulations! Can’t wait!
Such great news. Of course your writing a cookbook, we have all been
wishing you would.
Can not wait to see it. Thank you for your website, my husband found
it last year and since then I have been a big fan.
So exciting! Maria G has a nose for winners. Good luck with the next steps!
I know you are thrilled with the prospect of working with such a fab team! The book will be an outstanding success and source of pride and joy for you and your readers!!! Congrats! Can’t wait to see you at a book signing!!!
Good thing I just bought a hand held steam cleaner for the kitchen.
We are beyond thrilled for you – truly! You have been an inspiration for years now, and I can’t wait to add your book to our collection. Some kids grow up with Julia or “Joy” – Julian’s going to grow up with Mrs. Wheelbarrow!
CONGRATS, Cathy! Can’t wait – see you @ Omnivore.
So what we really need to know is when we can pre-order it on Amazon
Congratulations, Cathy. A well-deserved honor.
PS – If you need any help testing – or tasting! – those recipes, you know who to call!
How totally wonderful for you. Am so very pleased. I met Maria G last week she is working with my friend Maureen Fant on her book, due out next year. Lovely woman you are in great hands.
Woot woot!!! Cathy I am so thrilled for you. You have enriched my food world SO much over the past few years. I can’t wait to see it. Xoxox.
That is so exciting!! I already turn to you for cooking advice, so it’ll be so natural to have your cookbook by my side! Woo hoo!!!
So happy for you, Cathy! Can’t wait to add your book to my collection.
Congratulations, Cathy! Thrilling news, indeed! The first few paragraphs of your post are so charming, especially read aloud as I just did to my husband. Your excitement is infectious — and what a team you have behind you! I look forward to putting your book in a place of pride in my cookbook collection. “Home girl makes the big-time!”
Congrats Cathy! That is wonderful news. I know how challenging just writing a blog is so hats off to you for taking the book plunge! And I can’t wait to ready it and make more of your fabulous recipes.
Cathy! I am thrilled for you! Hooray, hooray! Congratulations!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to buy your book!
you are an inspiration. although i may not be as up there as you are, in my secret world, I too aspire to have a book with my name on it.
congratulations. I came here more than a year ago when i rode the charcutepalooza wagon, and yes more than a year later, i come back to read the good news. I am thrilled for you… CONGRATULATIONS!
Malou
Congratulations, Cathy! I am so thrilled for you. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful book. I wish you all the best.
xo,
Rodney
This is just the best news. It’s going to be a beautiful, inspiring book and I can’t wait to cook from it. This couldn’t have happened to a nicer, more giving person. : )
So incredibly happy for you, Cathy! Your book will be fantastic
Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you. I’m looking forward to cooking from it once it’s out!
All the best,
Jessica
Congratulations, Cathy. I’ve followed you from Food 52 and have admired your commitment. A book such as the one you have described is very much in need and glad you are filling the void.
This is incredibly exciting! I cured along with Charcutepalooza last year, and at the top of the pile of what I most loved about the experience were your inspirational, explanatory posts. Thank you, and congratulations. I can’t wait to buy your book.
Biggest congratulations! I truly can’t wait to see the finished book and get my hands on a copy.
Hearty congratulations! This is the best news!
Simply marvellous. You must print out this post and frame it – so infectious, brimming with joy, pride and anticipation. We all will miss you through the next year as you disappear to produce this amazing work but we know something magical will be happening at your place and that, in the end, we will all share the end product. It will be the amazing gift.
This is the best news I’ve heard all week! I’m so proud of you, Cathy. I know you’ve been working hard on this, and I’m thrilled that you’re getting the payoffs that you deserve. The book will be amazing.
Wonderful news! Congratulations.
Such exciting news and so well-deserved! So happy for you!
Love it! Congratulations, Cathy!
Can’t wait…so happy for you! You so deserve this!
Wow. I am overwhelmed by all your sweet sweet words of encouragement. There might have been some tears. Love you all.
Congratulations, Cathy! I can’t wait to read your book. Happy writing!
Just when I was trying to control my book buying. I will definitely need to own a copy of the Practical Pantry.
Congratulations! Why am I not surprised? I expect your book will be full of beautiful photos, stellar writing and many subjects we will enjoy learning more about. Can’t wait to see it.
I’ve been waiting for this for a while now Cathy and am THRILLED to see it finally announced. You are so deserving. I can’t WAIT to get my hands on a copy!!!! Big hugs and love xox
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see it
Congratulations! I can’t wait to begin canning and know your book will offer steady guidance and tutelage. You’ll make canners out of us all, Mrs Wheelbarrow!
So happy for you; I know how much you’ve wanted to do a book and love seeing your dream come true. I know it will be fabulous!
Congratulations! I’ve loved reading your blog for the last two years and look forward to the book. You’ve worked hard and the best is yet to come!
Such lovely & wonderful news! Congratulations! I cannot wait to see it — I am sure that it will be so beautiful. My pantry definitely needs the tools sure to be found in these pages. (And I am already secretly hoping to be invited to attend a local book party, because oh my gosh that would just be so exciting!)
I have some of your recipes in front of me at this very minute, plotting what I am going to make for a friend’s party. And, of course, it’s almost high-candy season, as I call the holidays after attending your class. Salted caramels & peppermints for everyone!
Cathy,
Thrilled to hear this great news.
I hope you’ll have some wonderful Mexican ingredients to add to your pantry after you come to Cocinar Mexicano in January.
Congratulations…. Looking forward to seeing you again!
Congratulations Cathy!!!
I can’t wait to add it to my own shelves!
Good luck with the process and I hope it’s fun fun fun!
Such exciting news for you and for us too! Can’t wait to get a copy for my cookbook library. And I love that you’ll be focusing on the pantry- YES!! Congrats again!
Oh wow. How fantastic. I am thrilled for you Cathy. Very well done. I wish you all the best!
What great news! I can’t wait to learn all sorts of great techniques from you!
Yikes, I just discovered this post and your news, I mean, your fabulous news! Congratulations, Cathy. You deserve it!
I don’t think star-studded has ever been an understatement… until now. Wow! Have you ever got a dynamite team. Congratulations!
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