Want to be a Travel Writer / Part 2

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

KEEP GOING AND FOLLOW THE RAINBOW

Work sent, pictures sent

How long do you wait?

At least 2 or 3 weeks before you chase up politely

OOPS

 'No thank you', no reason given?

Put your work aside for 2 or 3 days then look at it again

Be honest, did it fit 100% or maybe not quite?

Learn as you go and the future will be bright
Now remember the other markets you had in mind? Try again, one at a time

WOW..

It's a 'yes'

If any changes are needed, don't argue, just do it

Then when all is ok, you may ask about 'usual' rates

Modest for a first piece but if they really like your work, may offer more next time round.

FOOT IN THE DOOR?

Brilliant, keep moving

Offer new ideas as soon as your work is published or even sooner if that takes a long time.

Meanwhile check new ideas, new markets and have several queries/features out at the same time 

The harder you work, the luckier you'll get

ANYTHING ELSE?

Blog or print, read lots of travel and learn from others

Join any relevant associations, attend travel shows and network as much as possible

Ask tourist boards and operators to put your name on their lists for any new information

Work on your profile, have a website and link everything you do to social media.

Flying High

Be a Travel Writer

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