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Dianne Jacob, Will Write For Food

Useful Tips, Interviews, and Stories to Inspire Food Writers and Bloggers

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A New, Updated Edition of Will Write for Food

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WWFFIIIcover.border
At last! I started working on this edition last year and I couldn’t tell you about it until now. The third edition of Will Write for Food, completely updated and with a new chapter on making money, goes on sale July 14, 2015.

Much has changed since my second edition came out in 2010, most notably the rise of food blogging as a career. The biggest star is Ree Drummond, who got a cooking show on the Food Network, and sold almost as many books as Ina Garten in  2014.

(Ree wrote about my book: “I wish I’d read Dianne’s book before I started a tiny little food blog on a whim years ago. For current and aspiring food writers, it’s positively dripping with helpful advice and information!”)

Since my last edition, many food bloggers have made the top ten cookbook lists in sales, and more than a hundred U.S. food bloggers have book deals. A few food writers make a six-figure income from their businesses, and I describe how in this new edition.

While most food writers write as a hobby, a growing number would like to make an income and even a career from it. The new chapter in Will Write for Food addresses myriad ways to make money, including

  • Work that comes from a blog
  • How to negotiate pay
  • How to work with brands
  • How to create a media kit and rate sheet
  • Branding yourself and your blog
  • How some food writers earn a six-figure income (hint: online businesses).

I’ve also updated every chapter with new information and new voices, whether they’re covering cookbook writing, getting published, blogging, or making money. For the first time, I’ve invited a few respected authors and bloggers to contribute their stories of success. Some wrote insider how-to pieces on such subjects as negotiating pay and how to work with companies.

WWFFII

So long, Will Write for Food, second edition, 2010.

And don’t you love my new cover? It’s fun to look at how the covers of my prior books have evolved.

WWFF.1

The first edition from 2005. I do feel kind of sentimental about it.

If you bought a previous edition, thank you. This new edition will refresh your skills and knowledge, and inspire you to up your game. My goal is to empower and inspire you.

If you are a new reader, welcome. You’ll find a smorgasbord of info about writing a blog, upping your social media and photography skills, writing a cookbook, or getting published in print or online. Get your markers and underliners ready!

Finally, take a look at this sneak peek introduction for Will Write for Food, prepared for you by my publisher. And please pre-order Will Write for Food at your favorite independent bookstore, or on Amazon or another online retailer.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. I’ve given away two copies/editions of your fabulous book. I’d love a new one.

  3. I would love to win a copy of your new edition. I have your second edition and it’s been dog eared to death. It’s a wealth of information as are your blog posts. I can’t even imagine what more great info you could share.

    I remember talking with you and discussing a cookbook. You suggested I wait until I have a huge following. At the time I couldn’t understand why. Now almost 7 years as a food blogger I totally get it and thrilled I decided to wait before considering writing a cookbook.

    Whoever hasn’t read your book that’s a blogger or considers writing their own should without question purchase your book. It’s so nice to have someone on your side helping you pave the way. Thanks Dianne.

  5. I would love to win a copy of your new book. I really enjoyed all of your posts from your recent trip!! Look forward to your next global adventure!

  10. Your second edition helped give me the courage to go freelance fulltime and write a book. I keep my copy right in plain sight in the living room where I see it every day as I pass by. It helps encourage me. I’d be delighted to have the new edition to take my own ventures to the next level.

  11. Congratulations Dianne! Superb work as always 🙂 I love the new addition of how to make money on food writing

  13. I never win anything so I don’t expect to win this time either. I surely would like to win, though. I have the first edition which I bought when I took your weekend class at UCLA many years back. I’m not a blogger (I don’t have anything to say!) but I did enjoy the class and would love to read the new book. Of course, I will read the new book on my own since I know I’m not going to win.

  16. So inspiring and helpful.. I would love to win a signed copy and regardless purchase it so I can put the wisdom to good use! I’m a pro at eating the food but not at building the blog and brand. Thanks for the books!

  17. I have the second edition. I still go back and reference it. Would love the third!

  19. I don’t have my own blog, but do work for other people’s blogs. I would love to branch out on my own someday. This book sounds like a great resource!

  20. You are a real inspiration, Dianne!!! Met you at IACP 2014. Great lecture. Thank you.

  24. I am delighted to know that there is even a possibility of turning food writing into a profit-making venture. Thank you for making this information available. Hope the book does well.

  25. Not certain why my comment didn’t post (perhaps a filter on your end), but since it seems to have vanished into then air, I’m trying again — because even though I know the chance of winning is slim, I still definitely don’t want to miss even a small possibility of having this book. Thank you.

  26. I’d love to read this book! Less as a possible blogger than just to find out about the process. Thanks for giving us the opportunity.

  31. I took a Food Writing class spring semester and we used your book for our text. It was so informative! I’d love the updated version so I can improve my food blog, which I began in 2008.

  32. Congratulations Dianne! My tattered, battered, well-loved first edition of Will Write For Food has served as a guiding light for me. I don’t qualify for your giveaway, just wanted to wish you every success with this third edition!

  33. Yes! congratulations on completing this third edition. Thanks, Diane, for your passion and pulse on all things food writing.

  34. I look forward to reading this. We have a small farm, canning kitchen and space to do classes of all kinds. Writing about it would sure help get the word out. Time is my biggest issue.

  35. I have the second edition and it has been so helpful. I would love the new edition to keep up in this fast-changing universe!!

  36. I am a new blogger and a big fan! I always read your updates with great interest. I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have a copy of your new book. Thank you for the opportunity!

  37. I don’t qualify to win, Dianne, but wanted to comment anyway! I recently bought a copy of your 2nd edition – it’s been flagged and earmarked right through and the exercises in each chapter have been more helpful in improving my food writing than the entire journalism degree I completed! So thank you, and I can’t wait to get myself a copy of the new edition.

  38. Loved the second edition, and so excited to hear there’s a third! Thank you for writing these books — nothing else on the market compares.

  39. I would LOVE to have your newest edition! I bought the first edition years ago and it is well read and well worn. So much great information in there! No other book that focuses on food writing can hold a candle to “Will Write for Food”–trust me, I’ve looked! 🙂

  41. New follower and freelancer who would love to take my writing to the next level!

  42. I keep my old copy right next to my desk for easy reference. I’d love to replace it with the new edition!

  44. Although I know I will not win a free copy since I live in Austria, I just wanted to say that it is great that you have updated your book. Will Write for Food was definitely one of the books that helped me start my blog. I will certainly buy this new edition.

  50. I have the second edition but would love to read and have a copy of the third. I learn so much every time I visit here or read your book. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

  53. Congratulations Dianne! It is sure to be a huge success. Would LOVE to have a copy to call my own.

  54. So pleased to see the new book, not fair that I can’t enter the competition as a UK reader 🙁 will reserve a copy on Amazon x

  57. Congratulations on your third edition! I have the second edition and although I might possibly be able to mark it up a teensy bit more, I’d like to start earmarking and highlighting this new book. If I don’t win a copy on June 30, I’m preordering it. Yay!

  58. I would LOVE to win a copy of your new book!! I recieved your book for Christmas last year and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see the new edition.

  59. I own your previous version and I absolutely loved it! It was an immensely helpful resource to me as I grew my blog and also worked on writing my cookbook (to be published in October). I would love to get my hands on this new version of your book, as I’m sure it’s worth reading with all the new information you’ve included. Thanks for all the work you do to help other food writers out there!

  60. Dianne — will recommend the new edition to a brief food writing workshop I will teach July 19! So delighted to hear about this! And of course I would love to win a copy too!

    All best — Paula Panich

  61. I’m looking forward to the new book. I have the previous edition and it does have a lot of useful information. Best of luck with the new one!

  62. Three’s a charm, Dianne! Congratulations on this updated version. I love the fact that you are emphasizing money as related to the food writer’s life. Essential, especially today. I envision your visit here at the treehouse in Napa Valley – to sign my copy of your third edition and to discuss the status of food writing ensemble.Keep inspiring others…you are a fine teacher.

  63. Three’s a charm, Dianne! Congratulations on this updated version. I love the fact that you are emphasizing money as related to the food writer’s life. Essential, especially today. I envision your visit here at the treehouse in Napa Valley – to sign my copy of your third edition and to discuss the status of food writing ensemble.Keep inspiring others…you are a fine teacher.

  65. Your first edition inspired me and guided me through my cookbook in 2009. Would love to have the third edition in starting a new blog.

    Enjoying your newsletter.
    Thanks

  67. Diane,

    So great to hear that you’re coming out with a new edition of “Will Write for Food.” The first edition was extremely valuable to me during the time I mulled over writing a book about the history of soul food. Thanks for helping me on my journey!

    Adrian Miller

  68. I would love a copy of the 3rd edition. I have the 2nd edition & it’s fantastic!

  69. Would love a copy of the book to share with students in the Gastronomy Program at Boston University.

  70. My dream to write a travel/cookbook is SO going to happen one day! Would love to find out how to do it!

  72. Your second edition was one of my textbooks in a food writing course I recently completed. Would love to see the changes you have made in the third edition.
    Thank you for all of your advice!

  74. Congratulations on the updated edition!

    I have the second edition and would love to see what you’ve added in this one.

    Best of luck with the launch and thank you for all the knowledge that you share!

  75. I highly recommend “Will Write for Food” on my website http://www.gourmania.com as an essential resource for anyone who contacts me for information on
    How to Write a Cookbook. We used your excellent guidelines on how to write a book proposal for my latest book: “The Silver Platter: Simple to Spectacular (Artscroll). Can’t wait to see what you’ve ‘cooked up’ now in the new edition!!

  79. I attended your talk at FoxTale and would like to win the New Up-to-Date Version, to add it to my Culinary Library of over 6,000 books!!! 🙂 Your 2005 and 2010 versions, are already part of my library, so this new one will complete the set!!!
    ¡Gracias! 🙂

  81. I always enjoy what you have to say on your blog. You share so much great information and helpful advice. Your new book would be an interesting read since so much changes in a short amount of time.

    Best,
    Alice

  82. Hi Dianne! Congratulations on the 3rd edition!! I’m working my way through your 2nd edition and would LOVE to have a copy of your new one, especially with the new chapter on food blogging/making money.

    – AMO

  85. I have your second edition and would certainly love the third — especially about monetizing. I have been blogging for over a year and I love doing it but I certainly would appreciate making money from it.

  86. Congratulations Dianne! I would love to win a copy of the books – looks inspiring!

  89. Dianne, Congratulations on the new edition. I would definitely want it. I had not even started my blog when I read the 2nd edition, and now 1 1/2 years into it, I’ve learned that there is always more to learn. I plan to attend my first blogger conference next month and I am so excited. I know this edition will be a great success.

  90. Love your book and can’t wait to read the new edition. I bought both the previous editions and have re-read them many times.

  92. I’m thrilled you have a new edition to Will Write for Food. I have your earlier edition and it’s been a great help and resource. Thanks for generously providing your expertise, Dianne. I’d love to win this giveaway. Best of luck on this next chapter for you.

  93. Dianne – My copy of WWFF is dog-eared, highlighted to death, scribbled in and well worn not to mention well loved. I can’t wait to read the updated version. I am in need of a refresher! You are a wonderful teacher and guide. I am just one of thousands that you have helped. Thank you and congratulations on your new edition!

  95. I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog for years now. I would love to read your book to further inspire me!!

  96. Hi Dianne. Congratulations. I’d love to see the new edition, so I hope I am the lucky winner! — Barb Ostmann

  97. Congratulations, Diane! I enjoyed your class in Berkeley two years ago (we shared a restaurant company/chef experience-in-common while lunching with another student). I’m exploring new avenues in food & recipe writing, and would LOVE an updated copy of your book to guide me (the 2nd edition is fantastic)! Wishing you much success, and thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us!

  98. I started my food blogs (one pre- and one post- going GF & DF) purely as a way to preserve favorite family recipes for future reference (before there were so many resources for doing that) . . . but have always wondered if I should do more with them.

    I read the 2nd edition of your book from the library (even drafted a letter to you after reading it . . . but never sent it). I would LOVE a signed copy of the third edition!

    Congrats on the revision!

  99. I am still in process of launching my food blog, and I could not have gottennearly as far – and as well – without your tutelage in your second edition. It is one of only 2 actual paper books I keep on my desk! Can’t wait to spend a night with your new edition!

  101. I have the first edition and love it; I can only imagine how great the third is after your honing the first and second editions. I would love to be inspired again and “up” my game with the third edition. Bravo!

  104. Dianne, It was time for a new edition and it looks like you have done a wonderful job making it relevant to such an evolving marketplace. I purchased your second edition several years ago and it was an inspiration for me to write my cookbook, Sweeter Roots. Thank you for your passion and energy to encourage us to keep writing and cooking. Keep up the travels too. I loved reading about your trip to Egypt and the foods you sampled. I am also heading there in the fall and saved your post for a reference. Thanks again for all you do.

  107. I have the first edition and would LOVE to have this one! Recall meeting you at the IACP conference in Chicago – read your blog religiously.

  108. So enjoy your writings!! Would truly enjoy your book! And I’d would put it to good use!

    Regardless thank you! 🙂

  112. Congratulations Dianne, of course I have both first and second editions and would love the new one. My daughter has my first edition as she is starting a blog. She’s married to a chef and has twin 7-year-old girls who want their own knife kits. I’ll have to buy her your new edition.

  116. Oh I would love to get a signed copy! I always come to your space to find answers to the many many questions that arise with food blogging these days !

  117. Will Write for Food deserved that I Write for a Signed Copy 🙂 My food writing is limited to my instagram posts but hey, isn’t this the perfect inspiration I need?

  119. I need to read this! Will be ordering one if this doesn’t snag me a signed copy!
    Congrats

  120. I have so many stories to tell and a little overwhelmed with this blog business. Business the operative word. You were recommended by your friend MMPack. Lovely lady and a great cook and writer. Congrats on your continued success.

  123. I have just earned my culinary degree and will be a student at KSU this fall as a dual major in dietetics and agricultural journalism. I would love a copy of your third addition!

  126. Met you at Omnivore many years ago with the second edition. Excited to hear more tips about food blogging! Congrats on the new edition!

  128. Love the new cover… So bright and colorful! It’s fun to see the progression over the three different covers. Sounds like a lot of really helpful information. Can’t wait to get a copy.

  129. I’m a food blogger. I absolutely love food, cooking, finding new recipes, discussing recipes, and sharing recipes. These are things I do on a regular basis, so I decided to use my Internet marketing degree to start a food blog. I am reading the 2nd ed. of I will write for food, and would love to win and read the 3rd ed.

  130. Thank you for describing the meaning of mangoes, and for consistent generosity of spirit in your writing.

  131. I own your 2nd edition and am currently getting ready to delve into writing my first cookbook after 3 years of food blogging and a rapidly growing group of followers. This would be perfect timing for me and I would love to get my hands on your new edition.

    Please count me in as one of your devoted followers and consider me for your new book giveaway.

    Ayla at http://www.gourmetgirlcooks.com

  132. Wow, it’s been five years already? I still remember the great encouragement and advice you gave me in Montclair (and the delicious orange cake you made). It’s my own fault for not implementing it but no one else has done it yet either so I suppose there’s still hope. I hope to see you at a book signing soon!

  133. Thanks for offering this give-away of the third edition. I would love to add it to my collection, where the second edition currently sits. Your book and blog are beyond helpful. Can’t wait to read WWfF, 3/e.

  141. Congratulations! The first edition was a must read – can’t wait to read this one.
    It would be a great addition to my research shelf.