HarperNonFiction pre-empts Ben Lippett’s debut cookbook

HarperCollins Publishers has pre-empted world all language rights to How I Cook: A Chef’s Guide to Really Good Home Cooking, the first cookbook from chef and food producer Ben Lippett.  

HarperNonFiction editor Julia Pollacco negotiated the deal with Emily Sweet at Aevitas Creative. The book will be published in summer 2025 in hardback and e-book.  

The publisher said: “Ben Lippett is the powerhouse behind the hugely popular @dinnerbyben social media accounts (where he has accrued more than 400,000 followers) and the ‘How I Cook’ Substack, which currently ranks 20th on the global food and drink leaderboard.” He was previously senior food producer for recipe subscription service MOB.  

The book’s synopsis reads: “He’s a firm believer that one of the most important things you can do while cooking is ask why? Why am I adding salt now and not later? Why am I patting this chicken breast dry before I cook it? 

“Understanding the whys and hows behind your cooking is akin to holding the keys to the culinary kingdom and will ultimately make life in the kitchen a fulfilling and enjoyable one.” 

Through a mixture of 120 recipes of varying complexity, the chef will share his “timeless techniques and lessons, which can be applied to any recipe, allowing readers to fold, sauté and whisk their way through the book as they gain confidence in the kitchen and become a better home cook”, HarperCollins said.  

Lippett says: “I am thrilled to be working with the marvellous team at HarperNonFiction to bring How I Cook: A Chef’s Guide to Really Good Home Cooking to life. The book will nourish the reader with ‘hows’ and ‘whys’, compelling recipes and the culinary skills and know-how to execute them well and with confidence.  

“I want them to close the book and walk to the pantry or fridge equipped with a new understanding, swing the door open with the panache of a confident cook, ready to shoot from the hip, employing fresh skills and techniques and turning out delicious, thoughtful, well-crafted plates of food.” 

Pollacco added: “The whole team here at HarperNonFiction was so ecstatic when we received Ben’s proposal. He has such in-depth knowledge of food and is extremely talented at sharing it with home cooks in a way that makes preparing delicious and more technique-based dishes feel achievable and foolproof. Readers will be able to rely on How I Cook as their trusty kitchen companion, teaching them to be better cooks, one recipe at a time.”