Business Plans for (Food) Writers
by Pam White

Every business needs a plan, and a business on food writing is no different. A plan should be as individual as the writer yet contain some standard information. If the term "business plan" is too unwieldy then call it "Jennifer's Plan," "My Goals," "Writing Career Plan" or another less imposing title.

The simplest plans include information on an overview of the business, a discussion of competition, a paragraph on marketing, whether there are partners or employees, cost of start up and a five-year plan. Sure, most small businesses start with a business plan so they can borrow money or find investors to get up and running. Most writers already have their greatest asset - themselves. So for writers, the greatest benefit may be realizing how much you need to write to earn a certain amount. Setting goals never hurt anyone.

First paragraph is an overview of the business. If you are writing this for yourself include all the information that will inspire you over the coming months. Think about including a time frame for different steps in your business success as well as how you will support yourself until you're earning the income you want. Review the income you'll need to break into this field - it's more than paper and postage. Food writing requires travel, study, reading, cooking, classes, and more travel.

Second paragraph talks about the competition. Other food writers are your competition but if you look at life that way you'll have trouble networking. Think of your competition in terms of what types of food articles and books are being published. Use this information to find your own niche, or your own voice in a well-filled niche.

Third - marketing. Marketing is about selling. You can advertise your business to food producers or find free ways to connect with food editors.

Fourth - Any partners? Employees? Will you work with photographers or illustrators that you'll hire per piece? Or maybe you need a staff member to help prepare dishes, or to edit your work.

Fifth - Start-up costs are self-explanatory, sort of. What do you need to get your food writing up and running? Magazine subscriptions, office equipment, groceries, clay roasters.

Sixth- Five-year plan. Just like your college admissions interview or your last career move, ask yourself where you want to be in five year. Then fill in the blanks for the intervening time to make sure you see the steps you need to take.

You don't have to write a dozen chapters. Your business plan can be as informal as a list: Overview: Food writer, five queries a month, study under a chocolatier, start work on cookbook, take writing for magazines class, register at Writers Market online, work for temporary agency and make candies for holiday parties to earn money.

Purchases required include combination fax/copy machine, paper products, stamps, food processor, pans for candy-making, and advertising for holiday candy making business. Commitment of 10 hours a week writing and 10 hours a week cooking.

Competition: Study competition and focus chocolate cookbook differently, read well-published food writers, create own voice and attitude.

Marketing: Build website, start candy newsletter, write free articles for syndication, self-syndicate dessert column, contact writers websites and offer self for interviewing, find writers chats who need guest speakers, join local writing groups, join writing listservs.

Cost of start up: $500 for supplies, $250 for classes, $500 for website design. Use savings and income as it comes in.

Five year plan - Year one - build website, publish newsletter, break into newspapers and regional magazines. Publish cookbook Cut back to part time outside work. Year two - push into women's and general interest national magazines. Publish book of essays. Year three - Break into one of the major food magazines. Publish second cookbook. Quit part time job and live of writing income. Year four - Break into two of major food magazines. Publish book on writing. Year five - Have editors ask me to write for them. Write 1000th article on food. Celebrate success!

Keep your business plan nearby so you can update it as often as you need to. You may meet your goals more quickly than you think, or you may find that food writing is taking a back seat to writing about the environment as your passion. You may choose to publish more each year by writing ebooks and self-publishing, or may break out by creating your own food magazine.

Writing a business plan is one way to keep track of your progress, to keep you on track through the years and to remind yourself that at one time you only dreamed of being a food writer.

Copyright 2005 Pamela White. All Rights Reserved

Pamela White is a food writer and food writing teacher. Visit her website at www.food-writing to sign up for her newsletter or register for her online class.