WORDS FROM THE AUTHOR Greetings, my fellow foodophile-wordsmith! Let me tell you why I wrote this book and how you can start a writing career through your excitement for food and desire to help others enjoy life. I love food. To me, it defines important events, the course of travels and cultural experiences. I wanted to tell the story of food and share it with others so they could grow their own memories and passions. I began devouring books on food (get it?) to see how others told the story. The great Julia Child was not just a food expert; she was a word expert who taught and entertained generations with her marvelous writings. I knew I wanted to be a food writer, but I didn't know how to get started. Fortunately, chat rooms on the Internet were a growing phenomenon at the time, so I was able talk, share and listen in food communities. It was a slow learning process. Fortunately as well, I met the food editor of a major magazine who gave me invaluable advice about the business of food writing. Note the word "fortunately" in my account, as in "I was lucky..." or "I stumbled across..." Forget luck and stumbling. I want you to have a faster and smarter start to your food writing career. My book will show you how to become a food writer. As I mentioned, you'll read about my dumb luck and stumbles. You'll also see the things I got right and the techniques I use today as a professional food writer and publisher of eatquestnyc.com. You'll understand how to translate a great meal into great writing by crafting your authentic voice and avoiding clichéd and vague language. Step-by-step checklists will make sure you don't miss a single crucial detail about meals and restaurants. You'll learn how to use social media and blogging to spot trends and increase your influence. And you'll find out where the job opportunities are, how much they pay and what you have to do to win over editors and get assignments. Combining food and writing is a recipe (couldn't help it) for a unique career and one heck of a good time. Good luck! WHAT'S IN THE BOOK + A detailed breakdown of each part of a review - food, wine, service and ambiance + What a day in the life of a food writer is like + Step-by-step guide for starting a food blog + Sites, books, Twitter users and more resources for aspiring food writers + 2 sample restaurant reviews HERE ARE THE THINGS YOU'LL LEARN + The food writing industry: the many types of publications, blogs and online communities where food writers can ply their trade. + Becoming a successful food writer: the personal qualities and daily routines required to write about food and the places where it is served. Do you have what it takes? + Good writing: discover your voice and the discipline required for vivid, informative writing. + Lifestyle: the daily activities and 24/7 attitude you'll need to succeed. + Reviewing restaurants: the checklist that will ensure your reviews are comprehensive and captivating. Your readers need to know EVERYTHING! + Your portfolio: creating a body of work that shows off your talent and versatility. + Getting assignments: the techniques and tools you need to impress editors and get work. + Social media: using a wide range of social media to track trends and build your own following. + Starting a food blog: establishing your online presence as a food writer. Want to know the best time of the week to post for maximum readership? Read the book to find out!