I’ve worked as an editor on some of Australia’s most well-known and most-read food magazines from donna hay magazine and Gourmet Traveller to Woolworths Fresh magazine, including a four-year stint as managing editor on Australia’s most-loved restaurant bible, The Good Food Guide. I’ve also spent days on the subs desk of Better Homes and Gardens, Inside Out and more.

These days I freelance mostly as an editor and proofreader for cookbooks for some of Australia’s top chefs and food personalities, including Adam Liaw, Karen Martini, Christine Manfield, Donna Hay, Andrew McConnell, Nadine Ingram, Belinda Jeffrey, Alisha Henderson and more. I’ve also had the pleasure of working on books for iconic brands and restaurants such as Chin Chin, Two Good and Bedthreads.

I also review restaurants for the Sydney Morning Herald NSW Good Food Guide, and sub-edit The West Australian Good Food Guide.

Latest books and projects

“I have had the pleasure of working with Pru Engel in the role of production and sub-editor across several years and two separate projects. She is an eagle-eyed sub-editor, and a firm production editor with an enviable lightness of touch, and a wonderful understanding of the world of food and drink. Highly recommend, 10 out 10, no notes“

Myffy Rigby
Australian food writer + editor, restaurant critic and media personality

Working with Pru Engel is an absolute joy. As an editor, she brings a strong combination of precision, creativity and heart to every project. Pru has a remarkable ability to capture the soul of our food journals—transforming recipes into rich, inviting stories that resonate with readers. Her keen editorial eye and intuitive understanding of voice have truly brought the magic of our culinary creations to life. We love her talent, dedication, and the thoughtful care she pours into every word

Jessica and Steve
(sage creative co)

“Pru Engel is one of the best, if not the best, in the business. Professional, punctual and her dedication to her projects are unmatched. Not only does she bring high-quality editorial skills to her work but her genuine curiosity and attitude ensures all projects are delivered in their best form possible.“

Evi O
Evi O Studio

“We recently engaged Pru to copyedit a cookery book written by an author with English as a second language. Her edit demonstrated rapport with the author, common sense with the recipes, and correspondence with our style guide. She communicated well and returned the job on time. A delight to work with”

Nicci Dodanwela
Senior Editor, Hardie Grant

“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Pru Engel as the editor on my Hardie Grant cookbook, Philoxenia – A Seat at My Table over a number of
months. I found Pru to be dedicated, hard working, flexible and supportive throughout the entire process. She has a strong attention to detail,
took great care in all her work, and worked in a collaborative and empowering manner with me as the author while still meeting the deadlines required
by the publisher. Pru cared about the values and vision for the book and ensured her editing maintained its integrity. I highly recommend her.”

Kon Karapanagiotidis
Cookbook author and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre