The last few weeks since Dinner hit the stores in Australia has been a whirlwind. Here’s what’s been happening!
(And here’s my ongoing full Australian book-tour schedule here.)
“Why are all these people here?” my mother asked me, baffled, genuinely confused as she peeked out from backstage at an audience of 400.
“Well, I think they’re here for me…..?” I said, uncertainly, just as confused.
“You mean they PAID to come and hear you talk? I don’t understand. YOU?” she said, brows furrowed in total disbelief.
I wish I had captured that conversation on camera!! Because it’s funny – if anyone else had said it, it would be deemed downright insulting 😂 – and also because it perfectly captures my bewilderment as we pound the pavement for the cookbook publicity tour in Australia.
You see, this office-gal turned food blogger has been hiding behind a keyboard all these years. Being in front of a camera is definitely not my comfort zone. I have no desire to be “famous” (whatever that means these days!), to be recognised in public, to be on TV or in glossy magazines.
But on the other hand, the nervousness of public speaking is immediately forgotten when I see the first friendly face. The moment someone says hi and we start chatting food, BOOM! It’s like – well, it IS – chatting to a friend. It’s fun! It’s the best part, meeting so many wonderful people, having a laugh and hearing stories.
And there’s no better way for me to share with you what it’s been like than to show you. Welcome to the RecipeTin Cookbook Tour Home Movies!
Cookbook Tour Home Video!
Here’s a list of the events featured in my little home video:
Visiting Warringah Mall, my closest mall, on book release day to see my cookbook for sale in stores!
Kinokuniya book talk and signing that took place in the city, Dozer and my first public event!
Big W book signing – a public event that anyone could attend. I was so worried about people not turning up that I brought cookies and brownies to entice people! That, plus Dozer, worked. I was determined to stay until I met the last person in the queue. It took about 5 1/2 hours!
Cocktail party at Dymocks bookstore in Sydney city – Catered by my team (with a tiny little bit of help from me 😂). There were bubbles and nibbles and Dozer, chatting and book signing. It was fabulous fun! (Other than blowing the power in the store when we plugged in 3 deep fryers we brought in to cook arancini balls and spring rolls!!)
In addition to the above, I’ve been doing some little impromptu signings at some independent book stores across Sydney, both during the week and on weekends. I do like these small signings – more time to chat!!
TV!
Yes, Dozer has been on TV. Check that off his my bucket list!! 😂
Here he is with me on Studio 10 (a morning show on Channel 10) for a cooking demo, where I did the 12 hour lamb shoulder. (Watch it online here, or here on Facebook!)
Not even I have a chef hat…. how did Dozer manage to score one??
And here I am on Sunrise, another breakfast show on Channel 7 (watch it online here, or here on Facebook). Dozer wasn’t invited to this one – too complicated. He definitely does add an element of complexity to things he attends!!! 😂
For Sunrise, I did a demo of the Korean BBQ Beef Ribs, a cookbook exclusive recipe. Let’s just say it was quite a hit with the crew…. apparently most cooking guests do no-cook things like salads. Me, I insisted on making something statement!!!
Interviews!
I can’t quite describe how I felt when I opened up the Sydney Morning Herald to be greeted with this on the cover of the Good Food lift out a couple of weeks ago:
Errrr…. hmm. Never thought something like this would happen to me!!!!
Here are links to some of the online version of articles, in case you’re interested. I really like how they tell my story of how this website and my cookbook came to be!
Cooking up a storm: How Nagi Maehashi turned RecipeTin Eats into a global hit in the Good Food in the Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne’s The Age. The first interview published in the media!
Meet Nagi Maehashi from RecipeTin Eats in the Western Australia Sunday Times Magazine (“STM”). This is a lovely piece that very clearly captures my stance on “I don’t want to be recognised, I like going to the shops in my tracksuit pants 😭”.
A day in the life of Nagi Maehashi of RecipeTin Eats in The Design Files. Honestly, I must be their first interviewee whose lead photo is in PJ’s. 😂
Don’t worry. My people are keeping my ego in check.
With all these flattering things the media are saying about me, I know you must be rather concerned about how big my head is growing…… Ha ha ha!!!
But never fear. My people – my team and my family – have always and will always do an excellent job to keep my head from getting too big. Case in point – the conversation with my mother at the top of this post. Ruthless! 😂
As for sales…..?
I thought long and hard about whether to go public with how the book sales are going since it hit the shelves on 11 October 2022. On one hand, it feels boastful (spoiler alert) and is irrelevant to anyone without a vested or commercial interest in Dinner.
But on the other hand, I feel like you’ve been with me on this journey since the day I shared that I had decided to do a cookbook. And not telling you feels like leaving out a chunk of the story.
So I decided to share.
According to my publisher, Dinner is:
The fastest selling cookbook on record in Australian history
The fastest selling book in Australian history for a debut author (ie all types of books)
The biggest first week release of 2022
I’ve read these words in emails and heard them said to me. But that is the first time I’ve written those words myself and I think the significance just hit me. I’m a little overwhelmed and still trying to digest it.
Thank you, everyone. I couldn’t have done it without you. – Nagi x
PS In case you are wondering, I can’t share actual sales numbers because of confidentiality reasons but they are recorded in a subscription service used by the publishing industry called Nelson BookScan. As for international, pre-orders are available in the US and Canada but official numbers don’t get released until the book hits the stores. UK to be announced soon!
Life of Dozer
You want it? Just slobber on it.
When I watched you with dozer in your home you mentioned a place on your website where can see the utensils you use and why also about a giveaway. I didn’t see where I love your kitchen and how have everything set up
Nagi, you have single handedly taught me to cook. I am so excited to get my book in Feb and thank you for the bonus recipes for waiting! You have the best work ethic and deserve all the success. I’ll be making your recipes for the 5th consecutive thanksgiving next week since I first found your amazing site!
Hey Nagi! SOOO great to meet you at Westfield Chermside on Friday wow what a crowd huh? You were lovely. Hope you liked your Brisbane dates and that it all went well for you! The photos turned out great. Tired but chuffed at the end. I heard from the Dymocks staff that peeps were lined up from about 9:15am. Congrats again. xo Dee.
Dear Nagi,
You are so obviously a beautiful person (attested to by judge Dozer) and you are so deeply committed to cooking and creating great tastes and flavours.
What’s not to like!
Go girl!!
Are you ready to make a Life of Dozer book now? 🤗😁
I can’t wait for my copy to mailed to me! CONGRATULATIONS on your successful book launch! 🍾🎉
It was so good to meet you today Nagi. You have taught me to be a much better cook. You deserve every accolade after all your hard work. Thank you, regards Kerry 💐
Brad loved his video 🙂
Wow! So impressed with your (and Dozer’s) success…but not surprised! Your recipes have always been Ah-amazing! It’s exciting for me to say “I’ve been using Nagi’s recipes before she became famous” 😀
I finally pre-ordered the Kindle AND the hardcover versions! I love the convenience of digital recipes but my sister needs to “watch” recipes so when I read you have videos, I knew I had to get your book for her!
Thank you for sharing your recipes all these years. I wish you continued success!
Joyce from So. Cal, USA
Congratulations on the cookbook and media tour! It’s clear how much effort you put into your website and recipes and I’m so glad for your well-deserved success 🙂
Walking down the main shopping street in Nelson, New Zealand, today and saw your book in a store window – #5 in the top 10 best sellers from ALL categories. I took a photo to prove it!
Bonjour from Montréal, Québec Canada! I was about to sign up for a food delivery service and then stumbled upon your blog, I have been a fan ever since.
So happy for your success and I look forward to Dozer updates!
Thank you for making cooking simple, healthy and fun (lol sort of – not a big fan of cooking but your recipes have changed the retoric from “again” to WOW!”
You are simply the best!
xoxo
You deserve every bit of success you get Nagi, I have loved your blog since I discovered it over a year ago and you constantly provide me with recipes that my family love, your Mexican shredded beef is a firm favourite. I can’t wait to see where your career goes and enjoy more of your wonderful food.
Congratulations Nagi. Love your work! Will you be publishing ‘Dinner’ in a digital format for those of us who don’t have room to store anymore cookery books?
What a success Nagi, but I expected no less! Thank you again for inspiring me in the kitchen and helping me make some amazing treats for my family (when they really needed it). I keep your book on my kitchen bench now and the first thing I made was Cashew Chicken. Yummmm!
So exciting! God bless you and Dozer!
Congratulations Nagi!! you deserve all the appreciation you get now from everywhere!
Do you or your publisher plan to distribute the book in Europe? if yes, when and where, in which country? I would like to order it as soon as possible 🙂
I bought mine yesterday and I have to say it exceeded my expectations. What a lovely big book with lots of wonderful photos.
Your recipes are fantastic Nagi.
Congratulations Nagi and Dozer! I love your humble everyday attitude and of course your delicious recipes. All so well deserved. Super happy for you!
xxx
Congratulations on your book sales. I have followed you for some time and of enjoyed your recipes. I have preordered your book and look forward to trying the recipes. Once again, congratulations.
Papa John
Congratulations Nagi! I’ve made sure the book is under my tree this Christmas. I’ve had people ask for recipes when they’ve eaten my cooking and every single time it’s been one of yours. Thank you <3
I love the thought of my book under your Christmas tree!!! Warms my heart 🙂 N xx
Congratulations on your cook book release, love all your recipes. Can’t wait for the book I had pre-ordered , I had ordered it through Amazon and will receive in February, I love reading and following your adventures. Love you and Dozer Thx! from US
February cannot come soon enough! N xx