Let the cost of each cookbook be \( x \) dollars. Since the novel costs $7 less than a cookbook, the cost of the novel is \( x - 7 \) dollars.
Mitch bought four cookbooks and one novel, so we can set up the following equation based on the total cost:
\[ 4x + (x - 7) = 68.75 \]
Simplifying the equation:
\[ 4x + x - 7 = 68.75 \]
Combine like terms:
\[ 5x - 7 = 68.75 \]
Now, add 7 to both sides:
\[ 5x = 68.75 + 7 \] \[ 5x = 75.75 \]
Next, divide both sides by 5:
\[ x = \frac{75.75}{5} = 15.15 \]
Thus, the cost of each cookbook is:
\[ \boxed{15.15} \]
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