Delia Smith’s book on spirituality was turned down by publishers who wanted a popular pot-boiler

She is one of the world’s most successful TV chefs who has sold more than 21million cookbooks.

But Delia Smith has admitted her new work was turned down by half a dozen publishers, possibly over concerns it won’t sell enough copies.

The book, released last month, is about spirituality. But discussing the knockbacks from publishers, she said: ‘I can’t say I’m surprised. They might have thought it wasn’t going to sell very well.

‘It’s a subject I’ve always been passionate about, and I always wanted to write a book on this subject, about spirituality being natural.’

Speaking to Radio Times, she added: ‘It’s not something you acquire. It’s already there and it just gets buried.’

The book – You Matter: The Human Solution – includes insight from spiritual thinkers, philosophers, astronauts, poets and pop stars including American rapper Pharrell Williams – who is one of Miss Smith’s favourite musicians.

She added: ‘The main focus is how we can believe in ourselves. I felt a great need for people to get in touch with the deeper side of being.

The book – You Matter: The Human Solution — focuses on how we can believe in ourselves, she explained. Pictured at the FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival to talk about her new release

‘There is an inside life and an outside life; outside life tends to dominate, and inner life gets forgotten or supressed.’

Referring to the inclusion of Pharrell, she said: ‘I’ve always loved pop music, that doesn’t go away with age.

‘With this book, I felt a great need for people to get in touch with the deeper side of being.

‘I did cookery books because I felt there was a great need for them, too. I was trying to teach people the basics.’