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The Publishing Companies that Print Fundraising Cookbooks
by Anne Rose
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Overview
The Publishing Companies that Print Fundraising Cookbooks
Professionally published cookbooks are popular fundraisers. Producing a cookbook that becomes an heirloom or treasured resource is labor intensive. A cookbook can become an enduring reminder of an organization's mission and history.
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Finding a Publisher
Fundraising cookbooks are published by companies that specialize in helping generate profit for nonprofits. Fundraising cookbook companies can be found on the Internet, in fundraising publications, or through information on other fundraising cookbooks and referrals. Cookbooks can be self-published, where the group producing the cookbook contracts a printer and manages the entire production process, from layout and design, to selection of paper and binding. Research prices, payment plans, design options and shipping details. Cookbook publishers usually provide an information packet with guidelines, goals and deadlines. They also provide selling strategies and additional recipes if needed. Printing can be $1.75 each or more with hard covers, color photos and glossy paper. A general purpose printer may donate the printing.
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Preparation
The amount of work depends upon the publishing method. Some companies generate title indexes, table of contents and stock photography. The organization selects the cover design, use of logo, drawings or photographs, paper and ink color, paper and cover quality, and promotional materials. First, develop a budget and establish a sales goal. The cost can be defrayed by selling advertisements. A clear theme, like holiday recipes, desserts or recipes from writers or artists gives focus. It is effective to tie the theme to the organization's mission. Then, collect recipes from donors, staff, board members and local celebrities. Volunteers can sort recipes by category, eliminate duplicates, evaluate and edit recipes and proofread. All materials should be submitted to the publisher by deadline.
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Selling
Cookbook publishers facilitate fundraising in two ways. First, the organization can take pre-orders, print exactly that quantity, and pay a deposit with the balance due upon delivery. The second way is to establish a fundraising goal, order cookbooks, and then both pre-sell and sell actual books. Most cookbook publishers require that cookbooks be paid in advance or upon delivery. Others extend credit. A good formula is that a cookbook be sold for twice the production cost. Cookbooks can be sold at events, online, or by email. Local businesses or bookstores may sell cookbooks for nonprofit groups. Include a page with an order form.
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Considerations
Producing a fundraising cookbook is work intensive. Specific committee assignments and goals will make the project a success. Evaluate your market. Over-ordered inventory must be stored and becomes progressively harder to sell. Fundraising cookbooks are popular; competition in your community will impact your sales potential.
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Benefits
The experience and resources offered by a cookbook publisher streamlines the process, ensures a quality cookbook, and helps motivate volunteers. A fundraising cookbook is easy to customize with the personality and mission of any organization. They can be powerful friend- and fundraising tools. Cookbooks are easy to sell, especially during the holidays.
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Expert Insight
Order extra cookbooks even if pre-selling. They can be used as board or donor gifts. Ask the publisher to store cookbook information for reprints. Ask if reprints can have additional sections, edited recipes or updated information. Make the publishing of a cookbook an annual event, changing themes from year to year.
