Cookbook Update: A Title Change, and a Quick Peek Inside

Since turning in my cookbook manuscript to my editor a few months back, things, for the most part, have been relatively quiet. As a first-time author, I'm learning that there's a lot of waiting involved in the publishing process.

But just last week, during a most furious stretch of thumb-twiddling, my editor sent me a first draft layout of my book! A first draft layout is pretty much what it sounds like: a draft version of my entire cookbook that shows how my text and photos will be arranged (i.e. the overall design and aesthetic of what the completed book will look like once it's finished).

I must say, after spending the better part of a year writing and photographing in a vacuum, it felt so good to finally see how my words and pictures are being put together by the great design team at Tuttle. I can't even express how cool everything looks and how excited I am to be working on this project. It's really starting to look like my book is coming to life. Huzzah!

But before I share a very quick peek at the shape my book is taking, I also want to mention that there's been a change of title for my cookbook as well. Wha?!!

If anyone remembers as far back as last year, I tentatively titled my book "The New Filipino American Cookbook". Admittedly, I never was too keen on this very generic title (even though I'm the one who came up with it).

So, a few weeks back, the publishing team at Tuttle and I decided to change the title of my cookbook to, drumroll please...

"The Adobo Road Cookbook: A Filipino Food Journey".

Much more snazzy, no?

Yes. Yes it is.

And if that title sounds a bit familiar to some of you, that may be because it was borrowed from this article (about me) that was written by Amy Scattergood of LA Weekly sometime last year. The fine folks at Tuttle liked the article title so much, that we decided that it was a very appropriate title for my cookbook. Not only are the recipes in the book taken from my own personal journey in Filipino food, but they will also provide another sort of journey for readers and home cooks alike. And luckily for me, Amy gave her blessing to use the title (thanks again, Amy!).

Now that you've seen the new title for my upcoming cookbook, how's about a quick peek at the layout?

The Title Page

Me and some Mystery Ladies in the Intro

A Sample Chapter About Something Called "Adobo"

Ok, that's all you get for now. Just a whiff. I don't want to spoil anything too soon, but trust me, there's a lot more from where all that came from. And I do want to mention that there is a completed draft for the book cover as well, but I didn't want to share that just yet either. Another thing I'm learning is that everything is always in flux, and there are always changes.

And there will be changes. After receiving the draft, I sent back a long list of suggestions to my editor about the layout. After the layout has been decided and set, then we can get down to editing the text. That's right, the text hasn't even been edited yet!

So even though there's been lots of progress made since my last update, there are still miles and miles to go before the book is actually finished and released in Spring 2013. But don't worry, I'll keep you posted...

Comments

[Stuart]

Bravo Marvin. Congratulations on your journey, and I can't wait to have your book of wonderful Filipino recipes!

[Josie]

Congrats!!! When will it be available to preorder??

[Gayle]

Long road, but it's happening! Congrats!

[Arnold Gatilao]

Congrats, Marvin, and glad to see it's all coming together. Can't wait to preorder this bad boy! :)

[benie felix]

I love the title. Very eye catching and makes you want to look at it. I was hoping to have adobo pix w/ the title. The pix you have looks like somekind of shrimp/soup dish? Anyway, sooo very proud of my nephew. Can't wait to buy the book-with autograph of course! From your loving, favorite aunt in Sacramento.

[rick]

kudos! look forward to reading this.

[Lorena]

Congrats, Marvin! I can't wait to see this hit the shelves and follow you down the 'adobo road.' Good luck with the rest of the book publishing process!

[Malou]

woot woot... way to go. i can't wait to find my way to adobo road.
kudos!
malou

[Cheryl]

I love the new title, the draft looks great and I can't freaking wait for it to ship!!!

[Adrian (What the Heck is Filipino Food)]

I for one can attest, having realeased a Filipino cookbook this year, that it’s seriously hardwork but of course, all very worthwhile. So happy to see a fellow Pinoy also spreading the word about our cusine that ROCKS. I love love love the layout. Can’t wait to grab a copy!

Congrats!!!

[Row]

Beautiful layout, Marvin! Thanks for the sneak peek... can't wait! :D

[Clarissa]

:) I hope that they release that in the Philippines immediately after it's published!

[Macky]

Just my two cents...The photo looks too generic (mind you I don't know much about the book other that what you share here...), was thinking of something more "Filipino". and just as an opinion, the title makes me think of "the Adobo book" which I know has no relation to your book.

But I am still excited for you and for the book to come out. :)

[Elizabeth @Mango_Queen]

I wish you all the best on this "journey", Marvin! Congratulations and I can't wait to get my hands on your cookbook and start cooking from it! Mabuhay !

[bagito]

Yay!!!

[Julie]

I can't wait, Marvin!! I'm so excited for you!

[caninecologne]

How exciting for you! Can't wait until our book comes out! Please do a book tour and come to San Diego! :)

[caninecologne]

Oops, I meant "your" (your book)!

[greasemonkey]

Wow! Congratulations! Wait, no 'burnt lumpia' in the title?

[Krizia]

Ahhh so cool to finally see it (even in draft form)! Can't wait to get my pinay paws on a copy :D Congrats, Marv! And best of luck in the coming months as you prepare to publish!

[cyndy balot]

Can I get an Adobo Road T-shirt? I think they would be a big seller!

[Cathy Pascual]

Beautiful! Love the title :)
Can't wait to see in print -- will definitely be getting a copy!

[Foodhoe]

Looks great! I'm looking forward to acquiring my first PI cookbook! Love all the photos so far! Think it will be available on kindle?

[Catheryn Smith]

I'm a 65 year old adventurous cook from Arizona this would be my first time with Filipino recipes of course I've tried adobo Filipino as well as Latin. When the family gathers for the holidays I always try something new to expand their food culture of other countries. Last year it was Empanadas with pickled onions from central America.
I would love to test some recipes for you

[Mary Saylor]

I am so happy to find your blog and the info regarding your new cookbook. I lived in Subic Bay for 18mos in the 60"s. I just preordered The Adobo Road and am dying to get your recipes.
Good Luck