In this inspiring episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with her very own literary agent, Stephanie Molina, for a candid conversation about the world of publishing, representation, and the power of storytelling through food and culture.
Stephanie is a vibrant force in the publishing industry and an advocate for underrepresented voices. As an Asian Latina of Japanese, Mexican, and Irish descent, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a literary agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency, where she represents fiction and nonfiction authors, with a strong focus on BIPOC creators. Since beginning her career in 2015, Stephanie has made it her mission to amplify stories that too often go unheard.
We dive deep into:
- Stephanie’s personal journey growing up between cultures, with strong ties to both Mexican and Japanese family traditions.
- The importance of food heritage and how it connects us to our roots, even when recipes aren’t written down or passed along directly.
- What exactly a literary agent does and why they are essential for authors who want to publish traditionally.
- The barriers and inequities in publishing, especially for BIPOC writers, and how agents like Stephanie are working to change the landscape.
- Why authenticity matters in cookbooks and cultural storytelling, and how to avoid the pitfalls of watered-down, “cookie-cutter” publishing approaches.
- Practical advice for chefs, creatives, and aspiring cookbook authors on building a platform, finding the right agent, and protecting their vision during the publishing process.
- The challenges of predatory or “write-to-market” publishing deals, and how to navigate them with confidence.
Chef Emme and Stephanie also share personal stories of frustration and joy: from discovering cultural cookbooks written by outsiders who got it wrong, to the pride of documenting recipes for future generations, to the hope of seeing more diverse cookbooks filling bookstore shelves today.
Whether you’re a chef dreaming of your first cookbook, a writer looking for representation, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of publishing, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real talk. Stephanie’s insights remind us that our stories and foodways are not just recipes—they are living connections to identity, family, and culture.
✨ Tune in and be inspired to honor your own story, your own heritage, and your own voice.
Follow Stefanie on Instagram: @agentstefanie
Follow us on Instagram: @dishinupdiasporapodcast
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