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Food Writing Boot Camp

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Food Writing Boot Camp

WHEN 8 weeks, September 15 - November 3
Online Chats: Mondays, 10-11 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

Course Details

It seems like everyone wants to be a food writer, so how can a journalist gain an edge? Until you can walk into a restaurant under cover of secrecy to judge a chef's handiwork, there are plenty of other ways to build a portfolio of published food-related items. Each week, you'll receive an assignment with prototypes so you can see how it's been done before, and wisdom and tips from your instructor on how to go about completing the assignment.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to write a pitch an editor can't turn down
  • Which magazines are easiest to break into
  • How to edit yourself
  • How to manage tight deadlines and negotiate contracts
  • How to find your niche within the food-writing community
  • How to find chefs and other gourmands as sources
  • How to write or edit a recipe
  • Notes on how to be a "super-taster" for food reviews

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles (including a news product or cooking tip; personal essay with recipe; a profile of a food personality; a restaurant review or roundup; the solution to a food-related mystery; a regional food feature; a food-related trend piece; and a cultural, travel, or holiday-oriented food feature)

Admission requirements:
Students must have at least one published clip. Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Molly Watson's Courses

Food Writing Boot Camp – (Class starts January 12)
Recipe Writing – (Class starts February 4)

Molly Watson
Molly Watson is the food writer at Sunset magazine, where she also frequently writes food-focused travel pieces. She has written for The New York Times, numerous regional publications, and web sites galore. In her previous career she was a teacher and, among other things, taught writing at Stanford University.

Testimonials


The class was worth every penny! Molly was a superb instructor. She definitely went above and beyond what I had expected. -- Kimberlee Honjo

"Molly was a terrific teacher with a great sense of humor. She really knows food writing and the market for it." -- Sarah Lefton

"I highly recommend this class. Molly is a great instructor, very well-informed and inspiring." -- JoAnn Hornak

"Molly is outstanding. She tailors the class to match the needs of the students and spends time sharing information with a genuine interest in helping you grow as a writer." -- Alyssa Lulie

"Molly is a great teacher. She addressed questions about the writing as well as the business end. I definitely got more than I'd hoped out of the class." -- Giovanna Zivny

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