Editor of a Food Publication / Website Blog

What is an editor for food publications?

A food editor oversees the creation and production of food-related content, typically for publications, magazines or online platforms. Their responsibilities can widely vary, ranging from styling food and developing recipes to writing content briefs, coordinating teams and ensuring the content is aligned with the brand identity.

In many ways, the editor serves as a conductor, orchestrating the entire content process, guiding projects from the initial concept to the final publication. Their role ensures every aspect of the process, whether it be ideation, editing, or managing junior staff, is run efficiently and smoothly.

Working hours for food editors can vary depending on the individual’s workload, deadlines and the nature of their employment. Freelance editors could work part-time, clocking in 20 hours per week, while those in permanent full-time roles can expect to work a 40-hour week. Additional commitments, such as conducting research or attending industry events, may also increase the number of hours worked.

What skills does an editor of a food publication have?

Pursuing a career as a food editor requires a certain set of skills, which include:

Proficient culinary skills and knowledge of culinary techniques to prepare, cook and present dishes
An ability to maintain excellent personal, food and kitchen safety and hygiene
A passion for writing and the culinary arts
Excellent planning, organisation and management skills
Outstanding communication skills
Can collaborate and work well as part of a team
A keen eye for detail
Able to work calmly under pressure

What salary does a food editor earn typically?

The salary of a food editor will entirely vary depending on the organisation, responsibilities and the working hours of the individual. In the UK, the industry average sits between £25,000 to £45,000.

Employment type:
Employed and freelance.

Working hours:
20-hour / 40-hour work weeks.

Potential Salary:
£25,000 – £45, 000

Work/Life Balance

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Alumni

@jessmeyerfood

Jess Meyer

Future Publishing

“It’s always a first step for me to come back to Leiths to recruit people because I know that the people who are coming out of this course are going to have excellent knowledge.”

Jess is the Group Food Editor at Future PLC, working across brands in the women’s lifestyle group, including Woman and Home, Woman’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, womanandhome.com and Goodto.com.

Jess has a background in media and video production, with many years of experience working on tv and commercial video projects. After relocating from Australia to the UK, Jess studied at Leiths and went on to gain a scholarship to study at the Ecole Nationale Superieure de Patisserie in France. An experienced recipe writer, food stylist and home economist, Jess has worked with brands such as GBBO, Tastemade US and UK, Slimming World, Tesco, M&S to name a few; as well as a host of book titles.

Prior to her move to Future plc, Jess was Deputy Food Editor at Eye to Eye Media for delicious. as well as working on commercial projects for clients such as Waitrose Weekend.

@eleanormaidment

eleanormaidment.com

Eleanor Maidment

Food Editor
🍜 Food Editor / Recipe Writer / Consultant
🥙 Food Editor @youmagazine
📚 First cookbook out now

Eleanor Maidment is a freelance food editor and consultant.

She was the Food Editor of the award-winning Waitrose magazine for eight years, from 2011-2018. She has worked in food and drink publishing for over 15 years and is regularly commissioned for:

recipe and food writing
food content consultancy
food styling
food and travel features

Before joining Waitrose Food she achieved a distinction in the Leiths Diploma in Food and Wine, and prior to that was Deputy Editor of Square Meal restaurant guide, lifestyle magazine and website.