I wrote a book, wrote a book
Wrote a motherfreaking book
A very happy 2025 to my Substack subscribers, old and new.
Last year I purposefully posted less on Substack. The main reason being that I was working on my debut non-fiction book, which is out this Thursday 23rd January. It’s called An A-Z of Chinese Food (Recipes Not Included).
So far, it’s received feedback and coverage beyond my expectations: a full page review in Sunday Times and iPaper, was one of Bookseller’s non-fiction picks for this month and Foyles’ top ten reads for January. But the most heartwarming responses are still those from the Chinese diaspora who tell me how much my writing makes them feel seen and understood. Job done 💖
Why pre-order?
I would love you to pre-order the book before this Thursday from my preferred sellers: Foyles, Waterstones or Juniper by the Sea. You can also get the hardback, Kindle or audiobook edition from Amazon.
Pre-orders help books reach bestseller lists. And I want this to be a bestselling book, duh. Writers of niche topic books, and especially writers of colour, still struggle to get the cut-through and airtime they deserve.
Or come to my publication eve talk!
Tickets are selling fast for my talk and book signing at Foyles Charing Cross this Wednesday 22nd January, where I’ll be in conversation with Jonathan Nunn, food writer and Vittles founder.
Book promotion
As I’ve learned over the past year, the process of writing a book is only half the story. It’s no longer enough to just write a stonking good manuscript; except for the privileged few, ambitious writers have to be curators of their own brand. I have known this from the very beginning and kept a short leash on my communications, while working with a competent and sensitive publishing PR and marketing team.
Being online helps, and I have been building a strong and supportive community on Instagram for years. Promotion can and should be fun! For example,
I shot my own book reveal:
… I also wrote a song about writing a book (in my latest Instagram career pivot to writing grievance songs):
… and shared some thoughts about recording the audiobook, and how very cathartic the process was:
Many writers I know are plagued with awkwardness when it comes to self-promotion. I’ve always understood it to be part of the deal when convincing anyone to part with their money - it would be arrogant to write a book and expect it to sell itself - so my strategy has been to find a hook that makes it entertaining and not entirely all about me *shudder*.
Would you be interested to discuss the process of writing and of believing in yourself as a writer - as much as about the contents of writing? Drop a comment below or email me your thoughts. I’ll find an appropriate forum for discussion.
Community bulletin board
Many of you also follow me for my other work. Here are some recent highlights and upcoming highlights:
In November the Asian Dessert Exchange reconvened for a solidarity bake sale. We raised £5,000+ for Halkevi and ESEACC while co-creating the most epic and unrepeatable menu imaginable. Report summary at the very bottom of this page!
My annual Lunar New Year gift to followers is a memetic survival guide. This year was the Going Home edition. Enjoy the 20-image slideshow:
5th Feb: the ESEACC lunch club - where I am a community chef - is serving up their annual Lunar New Year celebration banquet. I’m designing the snake-themed yee sang! You can otherwise catch me cooking at the centre every Wednesday and Friday. I promise to sign any books that you shove under my nose.
6th Feb: join me for a Talisman Making Workshop as part of Horniman’s Lunar New Year Late.
Thank you as ever for reading to the end. Don’t forget to buy my book, buy my pretty little book!
With warmest wishes for the Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake 2025,
Jenny