Food Writers and Editors Job Description: Duties, Knowledge and Training Requirements, Job Information
Submitted by: Cheska Davenport
Job Overview: Food writers and editors are people who tackle about food and drink topics in their magazines, publications and other forms of print media. They usually report on food or cooking events, chef interviews, restaurant reviews, recipe reviews, or write about specific foods or products. Through their writings the may provide recommendations to the general public about which food products to buy and try, or which restaurants to visit. Most of the people in this line of work are found in magazines, trade journals, books, newspapers, and radio or television programs.
Education, Knowledge and Training Required: To become a successful food writer or editor, one should possess a college degree in the field fields of communication or journalism. They may also focus on culinary course work so that they would have the necessary ideas and concepts in writing their articles or texts. Some employers require food writers and editors to present a degree or certificate from a culinary school, or show proof of culinary work experience, thus culinary arts education is essential for this type of job.
Skills and Abilities: Food writers and editors have to be creative and as well express their thoughts and ideas clearly. They must have the passion for food, curiosity to try out new things, initiative, resourcefulness and an accurate memory, as well as the ability to produce work under pressure. They should also be patient in sampling products, trying recipes and writing and editing stories about food.
Tasks: Food writers and editors obviously deal with the written word, and their main job is to write and edit all write-ups and stories related to food and beverage. These include writing and reviewing recipes, transcribing interviews with chefs, restaurants owners, and other key people in the business. They also work on sampling new food products, grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, cooking utensils and other items. Most of their write-ups are published in books, magazines, trade journals and other publications, as well as in advertisements, and scripts for radio and television shows. They have to write their items with the use of proper descriptions, since readers will not be able to taste or smell the food in their stories.
Some food writers work as critics, and people who plan to pursue this particular path should be capable of making good judgments based on tact and facts, not on bias and personal preferences. Food editors meanwhile take on the same jobs that of writers, but they work on rather representing the publication in events and meetings, and as well act as overseers in the write-ups for publishing-they have to make sure that the stories, reviews and reports are objective, fair and in accordance with journalism ethics and standards.
Earnings and Job Outlook: The median salary of food writers is $46,420 per year, but this figure may still increase as they become more seasoned in the industry. Food editors meanwhile earn an average of $45,510 per year. Both writers and editors enjoy perks such as being present in industry-related events, as well as traveling to different places for work-related projects and coverage.
Cheska Davenport is a career search strategist who focuses on creating power resumes and providing job search advice that aim to help individuals achieve their target goals in the job market.
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Word Count: 535 Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2010 Time: 3:45 AM
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