In this conversation, Kelsey Erin Shipman and I geek out over headnotes in cookbooks, newsletters, and websites. We dive into the most important aspects of recipe headnotes, what to include, how to think creatively about writing them, and what their real purpose is. We share plenty of examples from some of our favorite cookbooks as well as recipes published online. If you’re a recipe writer, we hope this conversation sparks some inspiration and gives you fresh ideas for your next recipe!
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About Rebecca Blackwell
Food Writer, Recipe Developer, & Founder of Mastermind for Food Writers and The Food Writers Business Lab
Rebecca Blackwell has spent nearly 30 years cooking and baking professionally and has published thousands of recipes. She is the creator of the recipe websites Of Batter and Dough and A Little and A Lot, and the author of the Let’s Get Lost newsletter.
In addition to her work as a writer and creator, Rebecca is the founder of Mastermind for Food Writers, and an Advisor in Residence for Write Up. Through the Food Writers Business Lab, she brings together experienced industry professionals to share practical, actionable education designed specifically for food writers.
Rebecca currently travels full-time by RV and sailboat with her husband, creating recipes, telling stories, and helping other writers navigate the evolving world of food media.
About Kelsey Shipman
Writer, Educator, Creative Partner
Kelsey Shipman is a cookbook collaborator and ghostwriter who has spent years helping chefs, recipe developers, and food writers shape cookbook ideas into proposals for traditional publishers. She is represented by Transatlantic Agency and specializes in cookbook and memoir collaborations. Kelsey is the co-founder of Write Up where she co-teaches an annual 12-week Book Proposal Intensive alongside food writer and author Hannah Howard.
Her food and travel writing has appeared in The Rumpus, The Chocolate Professor, ParentCo, Off Assignment, HuffPost, USA Today, and The Austin Chronicle. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing, has worked as an educator for more than seventeen years, and writes the Substack newsletter Cheese Toast with White People, which explores food, family, and the strange inheritance of Southern white culture.
Questions?
Send a direct message to Rebecca Blackwell, or leave a comment on this post.
