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Frequently Asked Questions -- from
visitors to AdventureTravelWriter.com --
Can you help me write and
publish an article?
People interested in specific assistance with writing projects are
welcome to discuss their projects for a fee. Editorial
guidance, revision and targeted marketing information comes your way after payment. See the editorial services page on e-mail tutorials for rates and payment options. Visit the workshops page
for information about online writing classes.
My
husband and I would like to get started in travel writing as a source of income when we
retire. We have a little freelance writing
experience and rudimentary photography skills. What
would be the most efficient way to get a story accepted so that we can establish our new
career with published clips?
These skills will help you start the process, but there are really no
short cuts. People keen on entering travel
writing should write about a variety of subjects to hone their writing skills. Interview hotel managers, ask a chef to explain a
recipe, drop in at the weekly newspaper in a small town far from an urban center.
Practice gathering information and checking facts. Write often, about all kinds of
people and places. Like weight lifting or learning to play a musical instrument, progress
shows in the doing, not the desire.
Similarly, to produce editorial quality photographs, you’ll need
to take thousands of photographs. With a digital
camera, you can do this without investing in film. I’d suggest taking writing
and photography courses at a local community college or nearby university extension
department. Study the images published on
websites and in the newspapers and magazines where you hope to have your work accepted. For information on online travel writing classes,
visit the workshops page.
My employer wants
me to attend a writing skills seminar or workshop. Any
advice on finding a quality program?
Many professional development programs affiliated with universities
and community colleges offer business writing courses.
You could also inquire at the communications, writing or English literature
departments at a university or college in your area. Visit the website of the Associated Writing Programs which contains information
on MFA and literary writing workshops. Steer away from private business schools that lack
accreditation.
I am a freelance travel and adventure photographer wanting to
work with travel writers and connect with editors. I am looking for ways to make contact.
Do you have any advice?
Visit www.travelwriters.com
or www.itravelsyndicate.com or www.mediakitty.com.
Network on the numerous websites and blogs dedicated to travel topics.
I have published a few travel articles in British
newspapers. How do I get more regular work? How do I sell travel articles in the USA, from
abroad?
To be widely published, a writer must have many articles in
circulation. So, the first part of the
equation is to write more. Then, a writer
needs to tackle marketing -- match the article to an appropriate publication. Study writer’s guidelines and individual
publications and websites to determine current style and needs.
Send your work to U.S. based
publications in the same way you would approach British newspapers or magazines or
websites. Web based publications will expect you to
contact them by e-mail and send digital images along with your story. If a print publication invites e-mail queries, go ahead
and use e-mail to query. Many editors still prefer receiving the completed article
along with copies of your previously published work. If you are communicating by mail,
remember to include an International Postal Reply Coupon if you don’t have
appropriate postage stamps for return of your material. Editor & Publisher Yearbook,
published annually and available in most reference libraries (or online for a hefty fee)
lists all English-language newspapers in the world.
What literary elements are
involved in travel writing?
For information on
the literature of travel, here are some resources:
http://www.studiesintravelwriting.com/
http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=3592
How much money can I
expect to make as a travel writer?
Sorry to say, not much at the beginning of your freelance career,
unless you send material out for publication on a weekly basis. Especially when you are just getting started, you'll be
selling to small and medium sized newspaper travel sections which pay $50 to $150
for stories. Websites may give wide exposure, but you might not be paid for your writing.
Some print publications pay an additional $15 to $25 per photo. Magazines pay up to $1 or $2 or more per
word; however, writers contributing to those high-paying markets generally have 5 or more
years’ professional experience as freelancers. These magazines have ample resources
for finding the well-known writers they prefer. Start
small and local; work your way up.
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