Want to be a Travel Writer? Part 1

How do you do it?

Just 5 steps to success
Come along and follow me up

STEP 1

WHERE DO YOU START?

*Prior to travelling

Do some research, know what you want to see

*On location

Keep a diary, note what you notice, what you feel, not google stuff but your own observations

Take lots of photos, a pocket camera will do but if you're aiming for print, high resolution's best

STEP 2

WHAT TO WRITE

*Blogging

Want to tell the story of your trip? Perfect

Blog as you go along, keep it regular and link to social media to increase followers

*Print

Focus on specific ideas, the tighter the better

Family attractions, city break, cycling, water sports, food and wine, saving turtles, Hindu temple

The list is endless, how many can you think of?

STEP 3

WHERE TO SELL IT

Decide on your top 3 ideas

*Check out possible publications: newsagent or internet

Look beyond the obvious: niche markets, women's mag, seniors, crafts, gardens, health... 

*Which magazines/newspapers would be interested in your idea?
Find at least 2 or 3

Imagine the readers: age group, budget, interest

STEP 4

GETTING THERE

Choose your favourite market and email a query to the editor (travel or features)

That's professional and will save time to both of you

*Keep your letter short but make it interesting

*Write it in the magazine style so the editor knows you've read it

If you have fabulous images, send 2 or 3, low resolution at this stage

*No CV, editors just want ideas 

Don't ask about rates until your work is accepted

STEP 5

READY, STEADY, GO

*Check similar articles in your chosen market and make sure you get it right

Word count, paragraphs, 1st or 3rd person, vocabulary, fact box

Plus nitty gritty, it or it's, three or 3, metric or imperial and so on

*Now you can write but make sure you respect format and style

Read and enjoy
'Packed with practical advice and entertaining'
Be a Travel Writer