I intentionally made the cookbook a digital version because of the prohibitive cost of self-publishing. Hard-copy publishing (book printing) did not leave me much of a margin to be able to use the cookbook as a vehicle for Ella’s fundraiser and let me offer it to you at a reasonable price as well.
My goal was to compile the information I’d gleaned from research about a plant-based lifestyle along with delicious, low-fat recipes into one easy-to-follow cookbook primer. Then it took me 2 years to pull the cookbook together, and that’s the value I am extending to you!
Another reason I decided to go with a digital version was that people (particularly ones younger than me ?) told me they preferred to have everything on their phone, tablet, or computer, which I can appreciate, especially now that we have been living in our RV for the past several months and until our house is built. So, convenience has been key for me, too! Look at me being one of the cool folks! LOL!
It’s so nice to have all my recipes right on my phone. I created PDF documents so you can click on the hyperlink and get to each chapter or recipe easily. Then, with a tablet or phone, you can set it on a device pedestal on your kitchen counter and see it so you can be hands-free while you’re cooking.
But I understand the need to have a hard copy that you can write on when you need to add a note of adjustment – see the options below:
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Self-Printing: (At home) you can print it out using your own printer, paper, and ink. Then you can use a hole punch so you can put it in a three-ring binder and make a cute cookbook that you can “write in” on your countertop. (This is the most cost-effective way)
Cost-saving DIY tips (In-store):
- Print in black & white ink (I use color printing for pages with pictures and for the chapter pages (you might want to make sure the color pages are on a weight of paper which color inks prints beautifully; the staff there can help you with that!)
- Choose the double-sided print option
- Use heavier weight paper (28-lb) for durability; use page protectors on most often used recipes
- Use a paper hole punch (to help insert pages into a three-ringed binder)
- Purchase a package of “adhesive tabs or dividers” to find each chapter easily. (Tip: If using adhesive tabs, you might use card stock, then attach the tab there for the extra durability)
- Put pages into your binder and add the front/back covers inside the plastic cover pocket on the binder. (I would use the front cover picture of my cookbook as the page you slip onto the front of your binder)
Premium Printing: another option would be to send your cookbook file, via email or in-person on a thumb drive, to Staples, Office Depot, or The UPS Store and let them do it for you! They can even ship your finished project to you. Please be aware that this option comes at a hefty cost but if cost is no concern, go for convenience. Here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Click on the store link above that you choose and begin your cookbook print/binding project
- Upload your cookbook file from where you saved it on your computer
- Name the project and set the page amount of the book (185)
- Pick paper weight (28-lb is best)
- Select double-sided print option and select either B&W or color or a combo of both (all color printing adds to the cost; they will let you choose certain pages to have in color, ex: chapter pages as a custom option)
- Select your binding – comb, wire, or staples. I like comb or wire, so it lays flat on surface
- Review – make sure that you have selected everything you want for your cookbook
- Click “Add to Cart” and proceed from there to payment and delivery/pick up options
