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Food Writing Boot Camp

Create a complete portfolio of food-related articles

Course is closed.
Food Writing Boot Camp

WHEN 8 weeks, May 26 - July 13
Online Chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
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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)

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
The NY Daily News, The Boston Globe, Time Out NY, the Village Voice, Relish, Vegetarian Times, Clean Eating, and more

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.

Course Syllabus


 Food Writing Boot Camp (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Instructor Bio

Molly Watson
Molly Watson is a freelance writer. She is the former food writer at Sunset magazine, where she wrote hundreds of recipes as well as plenty of chef profiles, food-focused travel pieces, and restaurant coverage. She has written for The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle , and web sites galore. In her previous career she was a teacher, and among other things, taught writing at Stanford University.

Testimonials


Molly Watson's Courses
Food Writing Boot Camp – (Class starts March 22)
Recipe Writing – (Class starts March 22)

Testimonials

Molly's class was fabulous. She was professional, clearly knew her stuff, and encouraged students in a way that was direct, honest, personal, and very helpful. Everything was designed to make learning enjoyable. -- Allison Parker

"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

"Molly is an excellent teacher. She is thoughtful and her comments are right on target. I learned so much, not just about recipe writing, but writing in general, and my skills definitely improved. This was a great experience." -- Lori Jablons

"Molly's discussion questions and feedback taught me specifically what steps I must take to become a better writer." -- Trisha Coffman

"Molly is an insider. Her edits are kind but thorough. I finished the class knowing that I can absolutely sell food writing thanks to her." -- Helen Mitternight

"Molly was helpful and professional. I gained much more practical knowledge in just eight weeks than I thought was possible -- and I honestly consider myself to be a more solid, seasoned writer because of Molly." -- Sylvia Grove

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