Food Writers and Editors

As a high school or college student, explore your interest in the fields of writing and editing by working as a reporter or writer on school newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines. If you cannot work for the school paper, try to land a part-time job on a local newspaper or newsletter. Explore your passion for food and increase your knowledge by taking cooking classes, attending ethnic festivals and food events, or touring different food-related businesses. Experiment with different types of restaurants and cuisines. After dining at a new restaurant, write about the experience. Review your writing. It is objective? Descriptive? Informative? Edit and rewrite it until you are satisfied with it.

Small community newspapers and local radio stations often welcome contributions from outside sources, although they may not be able to pay for them. Jobs in bookstores, magazine shops, and even newsstands offer a chance to become familiar with the various publications.

Professional organizations dedicated to food writing and editing, such as those listed at the end of this article, often provide information, resources, conferences, and other guidance programs that may be of interest to you.

Visit School Journalism (http://www.schooljournalism.org) for comprehensive information on journalism careers, summer programs, and college journalism programs.

Other ways to learn more about these careers include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with food writers and editors; getting involved in summer exploration programs in the culinary arts, writing, editing, and related fields that are offered by colleges and universities; and participating in writing competitions.