simon woolf - how to become a professional wine writer @wbis2014
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Why am I here?www.themorningclaret.com
www.timatkin.com
www.palatepress.com
Decanter
Roederer International Wine Writing Awards
(Shortlisted 2013)
UK Ambassador for Vinisud 2014
Palate Press “best of” articles, two years running
What does professional mean?pro·fes·sion·al (prəˈfɛʃənəl)adjective.
1. a. Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession: lawyers, doctors, and other professional people.
b. Conforming to the standards of a profession: professional behavior.
2. Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer.
3. Performed by persons receiving pay: professional football.
4. Having or showing great skill; expert: a professional repair job.
What does it mean for us? You get paid Standard of writing should be consistent,
assured & appropriate to the publication Maintain your integrity
Why would you want to become one?
You get paid
Professional writers sometimes get taken more seriously than bloggers
More access to press tastings and trips
Peer recognition and respect
Larger audience for your writing
Why wouldn't you want to become one?
You get paid – but not very much
Deadlines
Word limits
Less freedom – have to adhere to house style
Editors may change what you write
You're subjected to closer scrutiny
How to do it – Method #1
Write from the heartDevelop your own styleKnow your stuff – do your researchSpecialiseImprove your writing – take a course if
necessaryRead other writers and other subjects – learn
from them
How to do it – Method #2
Be outrageousBe differentBe confidentBe funny
How to do it – Method #3
Network with wine trade professionalsOffer some free content to an online
publicationPitch articles to the publications you enjoyEnter competitions for wine writingPromote yourself in a professional manner,
on social media
How NOT to do it Use “smileys” in all your tweets/fb
messages Slag off your colleagues Brag about free samples you got or trips
you went on Deliver your content late Deliver content with too many words Not spellchecking your work Not writing in an appropriate style
