There are plenty of high-quality resources for cookbook writers and food bloggers. No matter where you are in your writing journey, there is a resource for you.
Do you have an idea for a cookbook or food writing project but don’t know where to start? Check out Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob.
Are you already in the weeds and looking for advice? Try Developmental Editing by Scott Norton.
Have you finished your draft and are struggling with editing and revisions? Take a look at The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz. If you are writing a cookbook, be sure to read The Recipe Writer’s Handbook by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann and Jane L. Baker.
This resource list holds the answers to all of the writing and editing questions you didn’t even know that you had.
Need more? Reach out for more information on editing services.
Do you have a favourite resource for cookbook writers and food writers? Let me know in the comments.
*This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item through one of these links, I will receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you.
Written Resources for Cookbook Writers and Food Writers
Writing Guides
Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob
Dianne Jacob literally wrote the book (this book) on food writing. She expertly explains absolutely everything you could ever want to know about writing recipes, cookbooks, memoirs, blogs, and so much more.
Bonus point: when you are finished with her book, you can subscribe to her newsletter for even more content.
The Recipe Writer’s Handbook by Barbara Gibbs Ostmann and Jane L. Baker
This book is essential reading for anyone who has even a passing interest in writing recipes. The authors take readers through the anatomy of a recipe, provide style sheet examples, and review grammar. There are even sections on conversions, trademarked terms, and nutrition analysis. My own copy is bookmarked throughout and covered in sticky notes.
Reference Books
The New Food Lover’s Companion
This book will answer every question you have ever had about food.
Have you ever wondered how many graham cracker squares are in 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs? What about how to adjust a recipe for cooking at high altitudes?
The New Food Lover’s Companion explains it all in 916 information-packed pages.
Editing and Revising
Developmental Editing by Scott Norton
Developmental Editing is essential reading for both editors and writers alike. Scott Norton provides a logical and entertaining approach to crafting manuscripts into books. From proposals to pacing, this book covers it all.
The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz
If you are interested in learning about copyediting, this book should be your starting point. The Copyeditor’s Handbook holds the answers to almost every question ever asked about copyediting. Want to know what copyeditors actually do? Have a punctuation question? Look no further. This book has all the answers.
The Subversive Copy Editor by Carol Fisher Saller
This book is full of advice that is applicable to both copyeditors and writers. The Subversive Copy Editor is all about building relationships and managing your work. The wisdom in this book extends far beyond the realm of copyediting.
Groups and Professional Association Resources for Cookbook Writers and Food Writers
Food Blogger Pro
Food Blogger Pro is the ultimate resource for food bloggers and food writers alike. The subscription-based community provides resources that address everything from website building to writing and marketing. The members-only forum is full of useful information and helpful contributors.
International Association of Culinary Professionals
The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) is the premiere association for food media professionals and food educators. From talks to awards, IACP does it all.
Editors Canada
Editors Canada should be your first stop for information on editing. There are plenty of learning materials and webinars. If you are in the market for an editor, check out their online directory of editors.
Newsletter and Podcast Resources for Cookbook Writers and Food Writers
Dianne Jacob’s Newsletter
Dianne Jacob’s Newsletter contains so much useful information about food writing and the industry itself. Head on over to Substack and check it out. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Eat Blog Talk
This wonderful podcast provides expert advice and encouragement to food bloggers at all stages of their blogging careers. Eat Blog Talk features interviews with real food bloggers and industry experts.
Food Blogger Pro Podcast
Even if you aren’t a food blogger, you can gain so much from listening to the Food Blogger Pro podcast. There is an extensive back catalog covering every subject you can imagine. From technical issues to marketing, they’ve got you covered.
Cookbook Love Podcast
Maggie Green hosts Cookbook Love, a thoroughly insightful podcast about – you guessed it – cookbooks. There are over 200 episodes, and they are all worth a listen. This podcast both inspires and offers solid advice.
Everything Cookbooks
Hosted by four cookbook experts, Everything Cookbooks features interviews with cookbook authors and editors. The episodes offer practical advice on tricky subjects such as writing headnotes.
Learning Resources for Cookbook Writers
Editing Recipes and Cookbooks (Toronto Metropolitan University)
If you are serious about writing or editing cookbooks, this course is well worth the commitment. Editing Recipes and Cookbooks is taught by Judy Phillips, a veteran cookbook editor. If you aren’t based out of Toronto, don’t worry. The course is fully remote and asynchronous.