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Newspapers and the Weekly Food Section: Research for Food Writers
NEWSPAPERS AND THE WEEKLY FOOD SECTION by Pamela White
I love the food sections in our local newspapers. I scan therecipes, note the food trends, look for food-filled events,and visualize my name right along the other syndicated andlocal food writers. Eventually, I finish reading the foodnews and only have next week's papers to look forward to.
No longer! Most newspapers have online versions that includetheir popular food news and recipe articles. Not only is thisfun for food writers (and food lovers), it's also an ongoing,easily accessible, free education into what the differentnewspapers are publishing.
- Scan the recipes for seasonal tips you can use in your ownwriting, even if you have to hold on to them for nine monthsbefore they come back into fashion.
- Read the food news - who is producing what new additive,where are the hottest trends starting, which exotic cuisinesare marching across the U.S.
- Look for the names of the food section editor, food editor,features editor, or Sunday editor. Most newspaper websiteshave email contact information opening up opportunities forfood writers to pitch their own ideas.
The History Of Thai FoodThai food is famous all over the world. Whether chilli-hot or comparatively bland, harmony and contrast are the guiding ..... - Notice the types of articles the largest newspapers (whohire the most freelance work) use. Are they all related tothe newspapers home town' Are most from abroad' Use thisinformation to help you plan out your newspaper writinggoals.
- Look at the photography. Use a published photographer'swork as a lesson for yourself. Is the food standing alone,decorated, on a busy table, with serving spoon, with ahelping missing, with flowers, brightly colored ormonochromatic'
- Reading a few newspapers' food sections also providesinsight into which papers syndicate their writers, and whichwriters are syndicated. Note what type of columns are beingsyndicated for your own reference.
Weekly food sections are more than entertainment. Theyeducate, guide and influence food writers. If you want tolearn, or especially if you plan on breaking into newspaperswith your food writing, make a weekly date, online, with foodsections around the country.
For easy reference to get you started visit: http://www.whatscookingamerica.net/Q-A/newspaper.htm
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