Listen:
In this episode of Freelance Writing Direct, I sit down with literary agent Sally Ekus, senior agent at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, where she leads a boutique division specializing in cookbooks, lifestyle, and select nonfiction.
With over 350 book deals under her belt and deep roots in the publishing world, Sally shares what truly makes a proposal stand out, how the industry is evolving in real time, and why enthusiasm and voice still matter more than ever.
Together, we explore the shift from traditional publishing models to today’s fast-paced, data-driven landscape—and what writers must do now to get noticed.
You’ll hear a candid, behind-the-scenes look at how agents think, how deals happen, and how writers can position themselves for success.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What literary agents are really looking for in a nonfiction proposal
- The importance of platform—and what to do if you don’t have one
- How to craft a compelling concept that can drive a book deal
- What happens when a book goes to auction (and why the highest bid isn’t everything)
- How publishers are using data and trends to shape acquisitions
- The evolving role of AI in publishing—and where Sally draws the line
- The financial and creative realities of producing cookbooks today
- Why enthusiasm, voice, and clarity are your greatest assets as a writer
Watch on YouTube
About Sally Ekus
Sally Ekus is a senior literary agent at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, where she spearheads a boutique division focused on cookbooks, lifestyle, and nonfiction. She represents chefs, food writers, creators, and thought leaders, and has brokered hundreds of deals with major publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster.
She is also the creator of the Not-So-Secret Agent Substack and founder of the How to Be a Cookbook Author community, where she shares insights into the publishing process and supports aspiring authors.
Links & Resources:
Sally’s Substack: Not-So-Secret Agent
Don’t miss episode #186 Burn the Haystack: Decode Men’s Language, Power Moves, and Red Flags with Jennie Young
And find the free resource guide from the panel I moderated at AWP here
Celebrating Student Successes
Congratulations to Allison de Laveaga for her revealing essay on HuffPost Personal. She developed and polished her piece in my 6-week Zoom class. I Let My Teenage Son Grow Weed In Our House—And It Changed Our Relationship In Ways I Didn’t Expect
- You might find my episode #77 with brilliant editor, Noah Michelson interesting. Writing Personal Stories with HuffPost Personal’s Noah Michelson.
Linda Wolff co-wrote a hilarious piece with Wendi Aarons for The Belladonna. How to Play Mahjong.
- You might find my episode with Wendi Aarons helpful to listen to. #14 Humor Writing and Wearing Tunics with Wendi Aarons
About Estelle Erasmus
Estelle Erasmus is an NYU writing professor, former magazine editor-in-chief, TEDx speaker, and the author of Writing That Gets Noticed, named a Best Book for Writers by Poets & Writers. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Freelance Writing Direct, where she shares insider strategies on craft, publishing, and building a writing career.
Get More From Estelle Erasmus
- Free NYU “Editor on Call” Event
Join Estelle Erasmus and the editor-in-chief of PROVOKED on April 22 from 12:30–1:30 PM EDT to learn how to pitch and publish your work.
Register here: - Private Small-Group Memoir/Essay Class
My Next 6-week session is in September/October 2026 (Just a few spots left). May is Sold Out.
Email freelancewritingdirect@gmail.com for details. - Watch
Estelle’s TEDx Talk: How to Get Noticed in Your Writing and Beyond - Book
Writing That Gets Noticed — named a Poets & Writers “Best Book for Writers.”
Follow Estelle
Instagram: @EstelleSErasmus
TikTok: @EstelleSErasmus
Twitter/X: @EstelleSErasmus
Bluesky: @estelleserasmus.bsky.social
