The Best Book on Food Writing
What's in the book?
Debra, the food writer featured on Esquire and endorsed by Alec Baldwin, shares her stories and advice on building a career out of food writing.
- A detailed breakdown of each part of a review - food, wine, service and ambiance
- What a day in the life of a food writer is like
- Step-by-step guide for starting a food blog
- Sites, books, Twitter users and more resources for aspiring food writers
- 2 sample restaurant reviews
FAQs
I didn’t go to culinary school and I’ve never worked in a restaurant. Can I still be a food writer?
Absolutely! There are plenty of movie reviewers who never went to film school and music critics who never played in a rock band. Being a food writer is about being authentic and knowledgeable, which is why The Best Book teaches you how to develop your unique, informative voice. The book is full of checklists and guidelines that show you what to investigate and communicate when writing about dishes, restaurants, food festivals and other relevant topics. Combine The Best Book’s instruction with your passion and personal knowledge and you’ll be “schooled” as a food writer!
I don’t like every kind of food. Are my tastes too limited to be an effective food writer?
Food writers are human beings. You’re expected to have preferences and opinions. It’s possible—and fun—to broaden your appreciation of different types of food as you establish your career as a food writer. The Best Book shows you how to overcome biases you have against certain types of foods and flavors. You may not end up loving all cuisines you come across, but you’ll learn how to understand them and communicate their essence to others.
Obviously, I have to eat out frequently to develop material for my food writing. How can afford this occupational expense?
The Best Book teaches you how to pace your costs of dining out while “on the beat” as a food writer. In every city, there are many interesting restaurant and dishes that are relatively inexpensive. Many people are looking for food bargains in these uncertain economic times, making stories about affordable dining a win-win for you and your readers. The Best Book also shows you how to work with restaurant publicists to attend new eateries for free during “soft launches".
I don’t drink alcohol. I believe in eating healthy food grown through sustainable practices. Will I “spoil the party” as a food writer?
No way! Many people forego alcohol and high-calorie food. Many insist on farming and food processing practices than respect the environment, livestock and food industry workers. Food writers are playing important roles in these trends with articles and reviews that support such lifestyle choices. You can be true to your personal convictions about eating and drinking and find plenty to write about and a large audience grateful for your insights. Now that’s a party!
Letter From The Author
Greetings, my fellow foodie-wordsmith!
By now, you’ve learned a lot about The Best Book on Food Writing: the information the book contains, the many benefits you’ll receive from reading the book, and positive feedback from readers like you. Let me tell you why I wrote The Best Book and how you can start a writing career through your excitement for food and desire to help others enjoy life.
I love food. To me, it defines important events, the course of travels and cultural experiences. I wanted to tell the story of food and share it with others so they could grow their own memories and passions. I began devouring books on food (get it?) to see how others told the story. The great Julia Child was not just a food expert; she was a word expert who taught and entertained generations with her marvelous writings.
I knew I wanted to be a food writer, but I didn’t know how to get started. Fortunately, chat rooms on the Internet were a growing phenomenon at the time, so I was able talk, share and listen in food communities. It was a slow learning process. Fortunately as well, I met the food editor of a major magazine who gave me invaluable advice about the business of food writing. Note the word “fortunately” in my account, as in “I was lucky...” or “I stumbled across...” Forget luck and stumbling. I want you to have a faster and smarter start to your food writing career.
The Best Book will show you how to become a food writer. As I mentioned, you’ll read about my dumb luck and stumbles. You’ll also see the things I got right and the techniques I use today as a professional food writer and publisher of eatquestnyc.com. You’ll understand how to translate a great meal into great writing by crafting your authentic voice and avoiding clichéd and vague language. Step-by-step checklists will make sure you don’t miss a single crucial detail about meals and restaurants. You’ll learn how to use social media and blogging to spot trends and increase your influence. And you’ll find out where the job opportunities are, how much they pay and what you have to do to win over editors and get assignments.
Combining food and writing is a recipe (couldn’t help it) for a unique career and one heck of a good time. Read The Best Book. Use the bonus materials. Maybe one day I’ll be heading to a restaurant YOU recommend in an article!
Good luck!
Things You'll Learn:
- The food writing industry: the many types of publications, blogs and online communities where food writers can ply their trade.
- Becoming a successful food writer: the personal qualities and daily routines required to write about food and the places where it is served. Do you have what it takes?
- Good writing: discover your voice and the discipline required for vivid, informative writing. And if you want to be considered a pro, DON’T EVER use the three adjectives listed on page 12!
- Lifestyle: the daily activities and 24/7 attitude you’ll need to succeed.
- Salary guidelines: what you can expect to make and what you’ll have to do to make it.
- Reviewing restaurants: the checklist that will ensure your reviews are comprehensive and captivating. Your readers need to know EVERYTHING!
- Evaluating food: understanding all the qualities of a great (or not-so-great) meal.
- Reviewing wine: developing your knowledge of different wines and getting input from experts.
- Reviewing service and ambiance: writing about the people and surroundings of a restaurant — because a great meal isn’t just about what’s on the plate!
- Your portfolio: creating a body of work that shows off your talent and versatility.
- Getting assignments: the techniques and tools you need to impress editors and get work.
- Social media: using a wide range of social media to track trends and build your own following.
- Starting a food blog: establishing your online presence as a food writer. Want to know the best time of the week to post for maximum readership? Turn to page 41!
Table of Contents Click on the links below to read actual chapters from the book for free!
-
Food Writing 101
- What Is Food Writing?
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Food Writing Skills
- Steps to Becoming a Successful Food Writer
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A Day In The Life Of A Food Writer
- What’s It Really Like to Be A Food Writer
- A Guide To Restaurant Reviews For Food Critics
- Restaurant Review Rating Systems
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Food Reviews
- How To Evaluate The Food
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Wine Reviews
- How To Evaluate The Wine
- Restaurant Service Reviews
- Restaurant Ambience Reviews
- Writing Food Articles & Building Your Portfolio
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Food Blogs
- Tips For Successful Food Blogging
-
Your Culinary Biases
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