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.
Shani Cleaves says
Hi Nagi,
When can I get a copy of your book here here in Essex UK
Robin says
Congratulations Nagi. It’s well deserved. Hugs and kisses to Mr. Dozer.
Coryl Hindle says
Will your book be available in South Africa?
Helen says
All these years and I thought you were my personal find. Never realised that I was just one of thousands following your recipes ! After generously sharing your recipes for all this time, you deserve your success. Congratulations !
Linda Harper says
Donna who?
Curtis who?
Miguel who?
Nagi….. you’re the only one for me! Congratulations, so we’ll deserved
Jessica Shadburne says
Can’t wait for the US release! I pre ordered 3! Xmas presents. They might be late but I know your book will be fabulous!
MH says
Nagi, from the start you astonished and surprised with the simplest recipes that were easy to replicate and tasted delicious. And my family was impressed!!
All kudos to you.
I never doubted your success and looking forward to your success, so richly deserved, both here and around the world!! I love your book.
So proud of you.
mh
Louise says
I cooked your recipes from the blog every day for 18 months. My family loved everything. I can’t wait to get the cookbook and try it out x
Barb Mackenzie says
My daughter bought your book to mail to me .. but decided it was too expensive to mail and kept it for herself !! 🙄 tonight she made your insane Fried noodles with cabbage and bacon. What a WINNER!
Belinda says
Got my copy (plus another two for gifts) and I love it! I’ve been cooking the recipes and am so inspired to continue to do so. The book is just gorgeous and I love the way it is set out. Well done and congratulations Nagi – your recipes will continue to be a part of my every day family dinners and special occasions – they never let me down ❤️
Karen says
Nagi congratulations. So very happy for you and your well deserved success. I love reading your emails and seeing what is happening with Dozer. Oh and of course your wonderful recipes xo
Michelle says
Congratulations with this wonderful success Nagi, you definitely deserve this. I am so very happy for you. I love all your recipes. I have one big question and that is when will your cookbook be available in The Netherlands, Europe?? I can’t wait to buy it.
Donna says
To see this actually brought tears to my eyes. I am so very happy for you. And I love the way everyone wanted to pet dozer. Congratulations to you “both”.
Bronwyn says
Congratulations Nagi! For many years I’ve felt like you were my own personal guide in the kitchen. Turns out maybe I’m not the only one :-D. But really happy to hear it’s doing so well.
melissa says
hello. I purchased my copy 2 weeks ago (QBD books for anyone looking in Melbourne) and we have already cooked 6 recipes. Loving it. I feel that Dozer may be becoming more famous than you!
Jenny says
Congratulations Nagi. Your success is so well deserved and you were so generous with your time at Warringah Mall. Your home made biscuits were amazing.How many other Authors think to do that and how many people are aware of your generosity to people in need through One Meal NB and no doubt others. You are one of life’s special treasures and deserve all the accolades that come your way. I suggest that you should be nominated for a local council award for services to the community as well. xx
Ping says
Congrats, Nagi! So proud of you đź‘Ť
Ronald P. says
I am so happy for you, Nagi. You deserve all the attention and glamour as a fabulous cook, author, and person. It’s great to see you explode on the scene. I can wait to get “Dinner”. I’m in Japan, your “motherland”, so don’t leave us out. We are anxious to have “Dinner” here too. Best of luck and success.
Catherine from Geneva Switzerlan says
Congratulations Nagi for your many successes! They certainly are the result of your generosity for sharing your great recipies with the rest of the world!
All the best from Switzerland!
Patricia Bach says
Congratulations on your success, Nagi. I love your recipes and the way you organize your instructions to help us create delectable dishes.
When are you coming to California? Is it possible to pre-order a book for Christmas? I would like to send them to my family as gifts.
Looking forward to seeing you and Dozer in Sacramento, California.. hopefully soon!
Thanks so much.. best wishes!
Pat Bach
916-662-0767