Do you want to be a food and wine writer?
If you’ve always had a secret yearning to see your name in print here’s the opportunity! This week I’m introducing a new feature on the site for aspiring (and established) food and wine writers.
Of course you can set up your own blog and many do but blogs take commitment and how many of you have the time? In The Guest Slot you’ll be able to record a special food and wine experience whether it’s an out of the ordinary dinner at home, a dazzling meal out or an amazing food and wine travel experience. Those that get published (and I won’t necessarily publish every one I receive) will get a free year’s subscription to Matching Food & Wine with access to my personal advice and exclusive tips.
Just so that you know what I’m likely to accept (or turn down*) here are a few guidelines.
This must be an authentic account of a personal experience so I don’t want a glowing review of a restaurant that just happens to be owned by your cousin, please.
It shouldn’t contain puffs for products or services (PRs please note!). It mustn't plagiarise (be based on someone else's work). It shouldn’t, obviously, be libellous or pornographic. It shouldn’t be too long - or too short. 400 words minimum, 800 words max. And a few pictures would be great.
The trick to good writing is telling it like it is. Imagine you are telling a friend about the experience. What things stood out for you? Are there any dishes or wines by which you were blown away? Anything that went hilariously wrong? Remember this site is about enjoying food with wine, beer and other drinks so keep it relevant. There may have been a fantastic golf course nearby but we don’t want to hear about how a resident squirrel ran off with your ball . . .
Your feature will rub shoulders with articles from established food writers who occasionally contribute to this site and who also deserve a platform of their own.
First post tomorrow from Hal and Trish from San Francisco about their holiday in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. If you'd like to follow their example send your feature to me at fiona@matchingfoodandwine.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
* afraid the editor's decision will have to be final, as they say. So if I do turn your piece down please don't expect a lengthy post-mortem. I also retain the right to edit it as necessary (as all editors do!)
