Ebury triumphs in 12-way auction for Wilkinson’s debut cookbook

Ebury has won a 12-way auction for One Pot, One Portion, the debut cookbook from food content creator Eleanor Wilkinson.

Commissioning editor Celia Palazzo bought world all-language rights from Marina de Pass and Ben Clark at The Soho Agency, who turned down two six-figure pre-empts. It is scheduled for publication in July 2024. 

Wilkinson is a self-taught cook and recipe developer who in September last year started posting "One Pot, One Portion" videos on her channels – a series of recipes designed for people who cook, eat or live alone, and are tired of washing up. In six months, her Instagram following has grown from around 15,000 to nearly 600,000 at the time of writing, and her recipes have been viewed by millions.

The publisher synopsis reads: “In a culinary landscape that primarily caters for couples, families or larger groups, Eleanor wanted to provide something for those people who find themselves regularly cooking for one; the people who love delicious food, but don’t want to choose between eating leftovers for three days or expensive takeaways. With recipes such as a One Pot, One Portion Lasagne and Apple Tart Tatin, cooking for one has never tasted so good.

“With clever variations and common ingredients, Eleanor shows you how to pair dishes so that you’re not left with half a butternut squash at the back of your fridge. Solo cooking doesn’t have to mean food waste.”

Palazzo said: “We have been following Eleanor’s Instagram for a while and were so excited to hear she wanted to do a book. The stats speak for themselves; clearly Eleanor has hit on a concept which is really resonating with people. Her food is delicious, comforting and totally achievable, and Ebury are so proud to be partnering with Eleanor on her debut cookbook.”

Wilkinson said: "I created the ’One Pot, One Portion’ series for myself after I began cooking, eating and living by myself for the first time. I never expected the concept to resonate with so many people, but I am so happy it has.”