Food writing is a multifaceted subgenre of writing that typically includes meaningful and illustrative storytelling. Food writing isn’t bland or “stoic” in tone or terminology; it’s usually beautifully descriptive and displays the writer’s inventiveness and enthusiasm for culinary arts.
A food writer is an essential asset for a restaurant owner, chef, or food critic, serving as the crucial link between culinary excellence and public perception. In the competitive world of cooking, the role of a food writer extends beyond mere description; it encompasses storytelling, marketing, and brand building.
In this article, we are happy to share the 7 best websites where you can hire freelancers for food writing in Africa; carefully read through.
What Is Food Writing?
Food writing is a type of writing that has food as its central theme. It can manifest in different writing genres, like fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Although the writing is about food, it aims to provide readers with an aesthetic experience beyond food.
The rising popularity of this writing genre can be linked to the globalization of the food industry. A growing body of evidence also suggests that more people desire to experience worlds that are different from theirs. One way to accomplish this is to experiment with other cuisines. But some people go beyond eating; they share their culinary experiences with the world.
Earning a living from writing about food is another matter altogether. It requires a lot of expertise and strategic planning. But before we discuss these, let’s explore writing about food in detail.
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7 Best Websites To Hire Freelancers For Food Writing
Here’s a list of websites to hire freelancers for short story writing in Africa:
You may want to check out How To Create An Online Writing Portfolio: 15 Must-Haves for a Standout Portfolio
1. WritersGig
On WritersGig you will find a list of vetted food writers with extensive experience in various types of food writing. Whether you need a recipe writer, food memoir, or restaurant review, rest assured that every word is crafted by a seasoned writer.
Once you find the perfect food writer for your needs on WritersGig, work with them and share your ideas and vision together so they can bring in their own value. Experienced food writers aren’t just word factories, they are very resourceful persons who can also give you helpful hints and tips for improving your content on the web
WritersGiig is one of the most widely recognized freelance platforms for Africans.
Related Post: How to Register as a Buyer or Writer on WritersGig
2. Truelancer
On Truelancer you will find & hire food writers who are professionals offering their expertise in various freelance informational writing Services to businesses near Nigeria and around the world.
3. Upwork
On Upwork, you can find both beginners and advanced food writers by using the filter to narrow down the candidates and find the ones that fit your niche and business needs.
The freelance food writers on the platform have the necessary skills you need for your next job.
Related Post: Types Of Freelance Writing | Descriptions And Jobs
4. Fiverr
On Fiverr, you will find top-quality food writers who will get your project done just right. Many Fiverr freelancers offer quick turnaround times, which can be ideal if you need content on short notice. Fiverr’s platform makes it easy to browse profiles, review past work, and select a writer based on ratings and reviews.
5. Workana
The freelancer food writer you’re looking for is on Workana. Post your project and find thousands of trained professionals with immediate availability to get the job started today.
6. Guru
If you wish to hire freelancers for food writing services for your personal or business project, you can connect with experts on Guru.
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7. Kolabtree
Kolabtree is the leading online marketplace for freelance food writers, scientists, and consultants. Here you can post your project, get bids, and work with qualified experts to get your job done easily.
On Kolabtree, clients verify the project is complete to their satisfaction before releasing payment to the expert.
Tips On How To Become An Effective Food Writer
These 7 tips will help you become a more effective food writer, whether you write columns, books, or blog posts.
1. Don’t be picky
This may seem obvious, but you probably shouldn’t set out to be a food writer if you’re not willing to try a whole lot of foods.
If you’re a culinary expert, then you’ll be expected to have a wide range of knowledge across different cuisines—that’s knowledge you can only acquire if you aren’t afraid to try new things.
Even if you aren’t an expert and your writing concentrates on a layperson’s food experiences, you must be willing to try more “adventurous” plates. After all, your audience is more likely to be interested in reading about recipes or procedures they have never tried before—rather than the same thing they eat every Tuesday.
2. Document the experience
Look for ways to describe food and eating experiences using several senses. When you eat, you frequently engage numerous senses, so don’t only discuss what your taste buds are experiencing.
A great technique to challenge yourself is to eliminate the terms “taste” and “flavor” from your work. Write about the meal and what it does. Think about what you’re seeing, smelling, feeling, and hearing.
The purpose of most food writing is to convey to your readers what their culinary experience will be like if they ever sample that dish or visit the place you’re covering.
That being stated, broaden your reach to encompass more than just food. You can write about your surroundings and atmosphere to provide your readers with a genuinely immersive experience. Make them feel as if they are in the same room as you, even if they have never visited the same location.
READ ALSO: 7 Best Websites To Hire Freelancers For Shortstory Writing In Africa
3. Always write about the people
As a freelance food writer, know that food writing is not just about the food, you are allowed to capture the people their land, culture, history, and traditions.
Consider who prepared the dinner and the dish’s history. How did it begin, and where is it today? Has it been altered, adapted, or appropriated by other cultures?
Talk to both the persons who prepared the meal and those who eat it regularly. Food writing provides a unique opportunity for storytelling, so unless you are writing exclusively academic or expository, attempt to incorporate context into your account of the dish. Do not overlook the human element!
4. What’s new to you isn’t necessarily “strange.”
Some words are simply not appropriate for use in food writing. A meal may appear “odd,” “strange,” or “weird” to you, but it could be a frequent, even important, element of another culture.
Avoid using the words listed above in your food writing. Even if your intentions are noble, these words have negative connotations and suggest a narrow perspective on your behalf.
Similarly, you should use phrases like “cheap” or even “inexpensive” with caution. Just because something appears economical to you does not mean it is for locals.
These are only a few ethical tips for using words in food writing. However, you should keep an eye out for overused terms in the food writing sphere. These include “authentic,” “elevated,” and “hidden gem,” to mention a few. Always have a thesaurus available!
5. Try a variety of writing styles
The world of food writing offers endless possibilities, so don’t limit yourself to just writing reviews.
Experimenting with diverse approaches can not only expand your repertoire but also challenge you to think about food in new ways.
You may specialize in one sort of food writing, but consider creating a variety of reviews, recipes, features, and historical articles.
Mixing it up will also assist you avoid becoming bored or jaded. Being a food critic may sound like an exciting job title, but after writing your sixteenth essay on the greatest burgers in town, it may be time to take a break or try something new (for your mind and stomach’s sake!).
6. Stir well with action verbs
Another way to keep food writing from becoming a string of descriptions is to go for action, just as Richman did. He didn’t focus on how the sausage tasted, but on what happened when he cut into it. If you slow down and describe what’s happening as you consume food, you create a mini movie in readers’ minds.
7. Embrace different forms of media
Yes, this is an article about food writing, but if you’re trying to build your platform and break out as an authoritative voice on food, you should embrace social media and other outlets.
Since so much of the food experience is visual, create content for Instagram and challenge yourself to write about food with a restricted word count. You can even turn your reviews or feature pieces into TikTok videos!
FAQs On Websites To Hire Freelancers For Food Writing
You can hire freelance food writers on platforms like WritersGig, Truelancer, Upwork, Guru, etc.
Food writers are involved in writing articles, blogs, press releases, new openings, and company profiles related to various aspects of food.
Freelance food writers provide high-quality food content for your food blogs and other online and offline platforms
Conclusion
From experienced journalists to up-and-coming bloggers, these platforms offer a diverse pool of talent for all your food writing needs. So, if you’re looking to promote your food writing blog, share a recipe, or connect with a wider audience, hiring a freelance food writer is definitely worth considering.
References
- creativewritingnews.com – Everything You Need To Know About Food Writing (Tips + Jobs + Samples)
- tckpublishing.com – Food Writing: Tips and Examples for Success
- blog.writersgig.com – 5 Tips to Hire a Freelance Food Writer in 2024
