Culinary Writer

If you are enthusiastic about food and consider yourself a talented writer, combine your interests and skills and seek a job as a culinary writer. As the food industry blossoms, new opportunities for food writers are available all the time. Today, it is possible to make a career out of writing about your passion. In fact, on average, food writers bring in respectable yearly salaries of around $40,000 to $55,000.

Obviously, to rise to the top of this field, it is useful to have a background in culinary arts or some experience in writing professionally. In turn, many who are interested in becoming a food writer begin by taking courses either at a writing school or at a culinary school (many are conveniently offered online). Another way to garner experience is to apply to an internship program, perhaps at a food magazine or another publication. And, of course, there is always the opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals.

Consider the following positions: restaurant reviewer, freelance food writer (online or otherwise), staff food writer, food critic, or syndicated food columnist. What all these jobs have in common is they require you to be motivated, inspired, and excited about what is going on in culinary world. In addition, you must be able to translate your enthusiasm into a well crafted piece of writing that can be enjoyed by a broad readership.

Writing about food may open doors to travel and other adventures. Staff writers are sometimes sent on location to write about current trends in cuisine and food preparation. Or you might be sent to write a review about the latest “hot” restaurant across the country. Some culinary writers enjoy a flexible schedule, working on a project-by-project basis. Others are employed full time by a company (example: a magazine or an Internet company).

Restaurant reviewers and other food critics learn how to remain anonymous when necessary so they don’t tip off the restaurant staff and management (this includes taking notes during a meal without being noticed). They also learn how to deal with certain challenges, such as being bribed by a free meal in exchange for a four-star review. You should be able to flex your creative muscles when you write about different cuisines, menus, restaurant interiors, and restaurant management; indeed, writing about food is a terrific opportunity to mix practical information with your own innovative writing style.