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I’m so excited. I finally said “YES”! Not to the dress, or a proposal, or anything boring like that, though. 😛 Haha…you thought you knew what I was talking about, didn’t you? Nope – I said “yes” to the cover design for my cookbook! The cover design was definitely one of the hardest parts of publishing, believe it or not. My first problem was that I didn’t really have a clear idea of what I wanted. I knew exactly how I wanted the recipe layout to look, but the cover? The possibilities are endless. To find a design that is attention-grabbing, self-explanatory, un-cluttered, timeless yet modern, unique, and me all at the same time is a pretty tall order.
My poor designer…she was incredibly patient. She kept sending me ideas while I told her to change this and that to make it look more like I wanted. I almost settled on one, then I got the bright idea to share it with some friends for outside opinions and was basically told that I could do better. So back to the drawing board we went. Last Sunday afternoon I was thinking about it as I was settling in for a nice nap – then poof – there was a layout in my head (thanks, God!). I grabbed pen and paper, scribbled it down (no, I literally scribbled it), then slept. The next morning I made a (very rough) mockup for my designer, who took my idea and turned it into something that actually looked like a cover. About eight PDF proofs, more friendly advice, much deliberation, and some pink polka dots later, I said “yes” to a bee-you-tee-ful cover. Thank you, Leah! ((hugs))
I can’t wait for all you folks to be able to see it! I talked with my sales rep this week and the plans right now are to open preorder here on my website (on the Cookbook page) as close to the beginning of October as possible! There will be a special preorder discount and a couple of preorder goodies offered, so you won’t want to miss it. Unless something goes drastically wrong, the books will be distributed in plenty of time for Christmas, so get one for all your friends! (Yes, that was a shameless plug – hey, it’s my blog! Haha…)
Right now I’m doing an edit on a copy of the book that actually has pictures in it! (The first edited proof was only text.) I’ve had a lot of fun including some of my favorite quotes and Bible verses…and just generally wreaking havoc with a red pen.
You guys – thank you so much. I didn’t include you on the dedication page of the book, but now that I think about it – I probably should’ve. I wouldn’t and couldn’t be doing this without your support. I have you to thank, at least in part, for spurring me on in the time of most intense growth in my life up to this point. Blessings to you all!
J. Gower says
I’m a little late to the party but I ordered and received my book last week. I love it! Thank you for working so diligently to share your wonderful recipes with us!
Marla Berry says
I’m sure considering the size of the cookbook in the pic there are many new recipes that you haven’t shared on your blog or pinterest. But my question is are there plenty of new recipes you have not shared? I’m excited about the cookbook. Congratulations on this accomplishment!
Briana Thomas says
The book is made up of about 2/3 previously-published recipes (although most of these have been tweaked/updated in some way for the book) and 1/3 cookbook-exclusive recipes. 🙂 There are about 400 recipes total.
Marla says
Okay thank you. I want the cookbook almost solely for the peanut butter ice cream sauce. It looks so good. I love so many of your recipes and it would be nice to have them available instead of having to always get on Pinterest.
Tamara Sanders says
You are my family’s favorite THM food blogger! We can’t wait to order your cookbook!! Congratulations! I’m sure you are so excited to be done with all the tedious edits and such and now you get to enjoy all of our excited reactions once we have that book in our hands!!
Briana Thomas says
Aw, thanks so much for the sweet note, Tamara! You hit the nail on the head… 😉
Rachel says
I am very new to this blog and haven’t tried any of your recipes yet but the ice cream is what got my attention. I know that it is definitely a part of Gods plan for our lives to take care of the temple. I have been struggling staying on THM for long without falling hard, so I look forward to this cook book. I pray it will be a successful journey. Congratulations!
Jeane says
I am so excited that you will be a published author very soon! I love and collect cookbooks – no surprise there!! Cannot wait to hear when your book is out – to God be the glory!! Jeane
Arlene Yoder says
Woo whoooo congratulations!!!!!! I’ve been eagerly watching the progress of your cookbook and can’t wait to preorder.
Elizabeth says
I cannot wait. I will definitely preorder if I see it in time. Every weekend I want to ask you when, and now I have a general idea. WooHoo! I wish I liked creating new recipes but I’d rather follow recipes. And so far all of yours have been keepers. Again, I cannot wait!
Sherry says
Bri, I am so excited about your cookbook!! I know it will be wonderful, as all your recipes are. Honestly, I have kind of stalled with THM due to disappointment with so many of the recipes, tired of throwing out food :/ But I’ve never had that happen with any of your recipes, Bri, so I am thrilled to think about getting the spiral bound (love it!) cookbook 🙂
Congrats on the endeavor, I suspect this will be your first cookbook, but certainly not your last! You are a very talented young lady.
Sarah says
Yay! Such an exciting time!!!
Christi Olinger says
Oh happy days! Congratulations. I am impatiently waiting for the preorder notification ❤ ? I’m sure doing this cookbook is hard work but oh so rewarding. Thank you.
Kate says
Even before I knew there was a cookbook in the works I dreamt about I was searching my shelves for your cookbook. Can’t wait!
L Leung says
EEEEE Im so excited, cant wait to preorder! Hope I dont miss it!
Briana Thomas says
Preorder will be open for a few weeks, so as long as you don’t drop off the face of the planet between now and then… 😛
Susan Hoover says
We’re sure looking forward to your cookbook, my daughter and I. Our family lives in Tasmania, Australia so I’m glad overseas shipping is possible!!
Briana Thomas says
I talked to my distributors and they said they can do overseas no problem. I’m not sure what the cost will be though. Sometimes import fees can hit hard. We’ll do our best, though!
Stephanie says
Yay!! I am so excited for you! I can’t wait for it to be published and I have one in my hands ?
Crystal says
I don’t live in the US (missionaries overseas) and my sister is coming down in mid November…..Id LOVE for her to bring me one by then. ;). Either way, I’m excited to order mine. Congratulations!!!
Briana Thomas says
I would absolutely love for them to be shipped by that time. I’m not sure if it’ll happen or not, but I’m doing everything I can on this end to keep things moving as fast as possible!
Crystal says
You’re a dear!!! 🙂
Laura Robinson says
I am looking forward to having my own copy–and to giving some for gifts, too! (My response to your shameless plug!! haha!)
Briana Thomas says
Haha…that’s the kind of response I like to hear. 😛
Anna says
Hooray! Congrats Briana!!! <3 🙂
Anna says
Love your facial expression by the way! 😛
Ciera Osipenko says
Looking forward to this book. It will make a great Christmas present. Thanks for all your hard work!
Amanda says
So excited to see the finished product! I can’t imagine how tough the cover would be, I am often a victim of “analysis paralysis” myself. Thanks for your recipes and your thoughts.
Barbara Latoni says
So excited for you, Briana! Can’t wait to order your cookbook!
Elizabeth says
I can’t wait to see your new cookbook. My husband and I are 4 weeks into THM eating and are both losing weight. I like the reminder about Christmas gifts! I can think of some special ladies who would love to receive your new cookbook.
Michelle says
Yay! I’m so excited!
Beth says
Can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Bev Wisler says
I said yes!
I want a cookbook!
Briana Thomas says
Haha…I see what you did there…
Sara W. says
Congratulations, that is very exciting! I enjoy hearing about your process through this journey and I appreciate the hard work and dedication you put into all of these recipes. I just started following your blog recently and can’t wait to see the book! God bless
Barbara Keiper says
Congratulations on your final cover design. Can’t wait for the pre-order event. Who knows, you might just find yourself on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Briana Thomas says
Well, I’d say that would be shooting pretty high, but it sure would be nice. 😉