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COOKBOOK CAFÉ BASICS:
What is Cookbook Cafe?
Cookbook Cafe is a do-it-yourself digital publishing platform that enables you to create, market and sell your very own cookbook to the world for profit or fundraising. It’s a cookbook builder, marketplace and reader that was created by BakeSpace.com, the first food themed social network and recipe swap (which launched in 2006).
What makes Cookbook Cafe truly unique is that once you publish your cookbook, it becomes available as both a Web-based eBook AND an iPad App (that’s right, your cookbook can be downloaded and used as a full-fledged app!). Oh… and did we mention it’s free to create, publish and market your cookbook?
Cookbook Cafe is an idea whose time has come. After all, why should only big-name chefs get to publish a cookbook and sell it to the world? Our goal for Cookbook Cafe is simple: To democratize cookbook publishing and make it accessible to everyone with great recipes to share. Perhaps best of all, many of the titles you’ll find on Cookbook Cafe help support nonprofit organizations that use community cookbooks to help raise funds.
The Cookbook Cafe platform has three components that work together both online and via our iPad app:
Cookbook Builder:
With our easy-to-use cookbook builder, you can publish your own beautifully interactive cookbook as both a web-based eBook and iPad App. The builder also makes it easy to crowdsource recipes and include content from family members, friends and co-workers — whether they’re in the next room or halfway around the globe.
To get started, go to https://www.bakespace.com/cookbooks/cafe/
Cookbook Marketplace:
Once you’ve created your cookbook, it becomes available for download on the Web (through your very own cookbook profile page and the Cookbook Cafe storefront) AND via the Cookbook Cafe iPad App.
Cookbooks on either web or app-based storefront can be searched by author name, ingredient or category, such as “Nonprofits” and “Best Sellers.”
Check out the Cookbook Cafe online storefront at BakeSpace.com/cookbooks
Cookbook Reader:
Cookbook Cafe’s online and iPad-based cookbook reader provides a uniquely interactive culinary experience.
Beyond simply allowing you to view the cookbooks you’ve downloaded, the Cookbook Cafe reader indexes each and every recipe contained in those cookbooks separately, so you can search and easily find recipes in your entire cookbook library, regardless of which specific book they’re published in. This means you no longer have to search through cookbooks to find the recipe you’re looking for. Don’t you wish your traditional printed cookbook library could do this?
Where can I find the Cookbook Cafe iPad App?
a/o 12/2023: Please note, our iPad app is currently being rebuilt. It is not currently available it he app store. Check back here for updates.
How much does the App cost?
Absolutely nothing… it’s free! Anyone who downloads the app to shop for and read cookbooks also has access all our nifty kitchen tools (timers, conversion/substitution tables, etc.). Many cookbooks in the Cookbook Cafe storefront are free to download, and even the paid cookbooks include sample recipes that you can view without making a purchase.
FOR COOKBOOK CAFÉ AUTHORS:
How do I create a cookbook using Cookbook Cafe?
Creating a cookbook is quick, easy and free. The first step is to create a BakeSpace.com account (which is also free) by clicking the “Join” button in the menu bar above. Once you’re a member, click on “Cookbook Café” in the menu bar, and select the “Build a Cookbook” tab on the left. Then follow the instructions to name your cookbook, select your cookbook categories, upload photos/video and assign your price. You can then add any recipes you’ve already uploaded to BakeSpace. If you don’t have any recipes on the site, you’ll want to start by uploading the recipes you want to include in your cookbook.
How long does it take for my cookbook to get approved and appear in the storefront?
Our team of editors goes through each new cookbook to ensure it functions properly and adheres to our copyright and content guidelines. Once you create your cookbook and click “publish” you will receive an email acknowledging we’ve received your cookbook. Once the cookbook is approved by our editors (usually in 24 hours), you’ll receive a second email letting you know your cookbook is now in our storefront. Still have questions, please feel free to send us an email requesting an update if you have any questions or concerns regarding the review process. Send your message to babette [at] bakespace [dot] com, and include your BakeSpace username and the name of your cookbook.
I want to start building my cookbook, but I don’t have all my recipes prepared. Should I wait or start today?
Once you start building your cookbook, you can select the “save” option to save your work and return to finish it later. Once you’re finished, click on the “publish” button on the cookbook edit page to let our editors know it’s ready to be published. At that point you’ll receive an email with a confirmation that your cookbook is under review for approval. When it’s approved, you’ll receive a second email letting you know your cookbook has been published.
Can I get a hard copy of my cookbook?
Nope… but therein lies the beauty.
While we still love our old-school paper cookbooks, Cookbook Cafe’s unique digital publishing platform makes it possible for authors to create, market and even distribute their cookbooks for free. Even the least costly on-demand print publishing is expensive (printing on dead trees is pricey, as is shipping, etc.). Plus, if you’re like us you don’t have much room on your shelf for too many more cookbooks. Cookbook Cafe allows you to continue building your recipe collection without taking up a single inch of shelf space.
Does each author retain the rights to his/her cookbook when it’s published and downloaded via Cookbook Cafe?
Absolutely… you own the rights to 100% of your content. That said, by using Cookbook Cafe you give us permission to post a link to your cookbook, the cover image and any recipe on our social sites, in our newsletters, apps and blog — so long as we give you credit and link back to your original cookbook page.
I want to upload recipes for my cookbook, but I don’t want them included in the general BakeSpace.com recipe index. How can I set this up?
Simply mark your recipe “private” on the “edit recipe” page. Once you’re done, you can add private recipes to any cookbook you create. Only folks that download your cookbook will be able to access those recipes.
How much should I charge for my cookbook?
As the author, you set the price for each cookbook you create. You can give it away for free, or sell it for profit/fundraising. Prices may range from $0.99 to $9.99 (in one dollar increments). Whatever you decide, you’re the one calling the shots.
Why is it a good idea to publish a free cookbook too?
Creating a free cookbook is a great way to cross promote your paid cookbooks. Every cookbook published has a link back to the writer’s BakeSpace profile and a list of all your cookbooks. Free cookbooks allow you to reach a wider audience and build a fan base.
How much does it cost to create, publish and market a cookbook using Cookbook Cafe?
Nada! It’s free to create your cookbook and market it through the Cookbook Cafe storefront (both online and through the iPad app). Your cookbook is digital, which means there’s no cost for printing or shipping. The only time you incur a fee (aka split revenue) is when you sell a cookbook. You pay nothing when you give your cookbook away on Cookbook Cafe for free.
How much will I make from each cookbook I sell?
If you sell your cookbook for profit or fundraising you’ll split the revenue 50%/50% with BakeSpace and its payment processing partners.
The 50% we keep covers costs related to:
| All payment processing feesApple collects 30% of the proceeds from sales made through the cookbook Cafe iPad App, and that fee paid to Apple comes out of BakeSpace’s 50%. In addition, BakeSpace pays all credit card processing fees on sales made through the online storefront. | |
| The cookbook builder and storefrontWhile the cookbook builder and storefront are both free to use, they weren’t free for us to develop. For the team here at BakeSpace, Cookbook Cafe is a labor of love… but even our cookbook-loving app developer doesn’t work for free. We also provide nightly backups of all your cookbook data so your collection is safe and protected. | |
| App store approval and coordinationEvery cookbook added to the iPad Cookbook Cafe storefront must first be approved by our friends at Apple. Our team at BakeSpace reviews each cookbook that’s submitted to make sure it’s fully functional and ready for approval. While we love reading cookbooks filled with great recipes, managing the approval process takes serious time.
It’s a deal that’s hard to beat… If you wanted to create a cookbook iPad app on your own you’d wind up spending some serious cash on app development and design. You’d also have to establish an Apple Developer Account and learn the ins-and-outs of the app approval process. Finally, you’d have to find a way to market and sell your app without the benefit of an established cookbook marketplace. The team here at Cookbook Cafe is proud to offer a first-of-its-kind all-inclusive publishing solution to help home chefs create, market and sell their cookbooks to the world! |
How do I track my cookbook sales?
As the author, you have access to an online dashboard with up-to-the-minute download, sales and payment processing information for each cookbook you publish. You can access your personalized dashboard via the “Account Admin” tab on the “My Kitchen” page.
When and how often do authors get paid?
All author accounts are reviewed on the first of each month. Authors who reach a minimum of $25 in sales during the previous month (or since their last payment) will be sent a check within 30 days (delivery times may vary based on recipient’s location). Checks are issued in U.S. Dollars. Authors can access their account information, sales data and payment status anytime via the Cookbook Cafe author dashboard. Other payment options may be available upon request.
What information is required to process payment?
Authors need to supply their full name, mailing address and social security number or EIN (Employer Tax ID Number) for tax purposes. We cannot send payment without this information.
What’s the best way to promote my cookbook?
| Share! Use the share buttons on your online cookbook profile page to post it on Twitter, Facebook and any other social site you like. Also send an email to your friends and family members with a link to your cookbook page, as well as the link to download the Cookbook Cafe iPad app (bit.ly/cookbookcafe). Once they download the app, those with an iPad can find your cookbook in the Cookbook Cafe app storefront, and anyone with web access can find your cookbook via the Cookbook Cafe online storefront. | |
| Use the Cookbook Cafe widget! Each cookbook profile web page has its own widget that you can embed on your website or blog. Simply embed the HTML code. The widget will showcase your cookbook and three recipe titles. |
What’s the best image size for my cookbook cover?
Cookbook covers look best when they’re 294 x 209 pixels (more wide than tall – think of the shape of your wide-screen TV). The best covers usually include some sort of branding or images that provide insight into the recipes inside. If you need some cover inspiration, download our app or check out a few of the cookbooks in the online storefront
FOR COOKBOOK BUYERS/READERS:
What makes building a library with Cookbook Café different from collecting run-of-the-mill eBooks or online cookbooks?
All of the recipes in each cookbook you download on Cookbook Cafe are indexed individually by title, ingredient, author and other searchable criteria. This means you’ll never have to search your downloaded cookbooks to find the recipe you’re looking for. Most ebooks don’t have a search component making finding a recipe inside the ebook when you need it virtually impossible.
How much does it cost to download a cookbook?
Cookbook prices are set by each author. Many are free, and the rest range in price from $0.99 to $9.99. Many of the cookbooks that aren’t free have been published by nonprofit organizations to assist their fundraising efforts. So the proceeds go to help a worthy cause.
Why should I register with BakeSpace if I plan to only access cookbooks using the iPad app?
While you don’t have to join BakeSpace to access cookbooks purchased via the iPad app, membership allows you to also access all of your downloaded cookbooks online at BakeSpace.com. This can be handy if you ever want any of the recipes and you don’t have access to your iPad.
If you decide to register later, all the cookbooks you’ve downloaded using the app will also be added to your online account.
Can I use the Web to access the cookbooks I’ve downloaded, or do I have to use an iPad?
Absolutely! You can access cookbooks you’ve downloaded via both the Web and the iPad App. Simply login to BakeSpace.com, select the “My Kitchen” tab and click on the “My Cookbooks” button on the left.
How do I download a cookbook?
Simply click on the “Free” or “Buy” button under the image of the cookbook you want to download. This process is the same whether you’re using the web-based or iPad App storefront. (if you’re using the online storefront, you must be logged-in to BakeSpace.com in order to buy a cookbook and access/search your downloaded recipes)
How do I know if a cookbook publisher listed as a “nonprofit organization” is legit?
Each publisher that claims to be a nonprofit organization is required provide its nonprofit tax ID number. We review each account carefully to make sure everything checks out. In addition, most legitimate nonprofits share links to their website and accounts on major social media sites, so you’ll be able to read more about their organization.
What if I get a new iPad? Do I have to reinstall all the cookbooks I downloaded using the app?
Another benefit of joining BakeSpace is that when you’re a member, all of the cookbooks you’ve downloaded are saved in your account. This means you can simply download the app and login to your account on your new iPad — all your cookbooks will be waiting for you. Before upgrading to a new ipad, please consider registering with BakeSpace to make your transition smoother.
Get started today! Join us at BakeSpace.com and make your own cookbook!