Want to become a travel writer? Then prepare to be hated. The idea that someone is going to exotic locations for free - and then you get paid to write about them - is too much for many to take.
"You'll never convince friends who are going to work abroad," says freelance travel writer Liz Edwards. "They will make constant reference to their 'vacation'."
But while free travel, world travel and your name in print sound glamorous, parts of feathers. It's hard work, highly competitive and - unless you're the second Bryson - you will not gain much. Traveling abroad with a notebook, a deadline and a package of other journalists also can take the fun of traveling in total. Do not let? Read on to find out how you can get this dream job.
Can you do it ?
You can - but you have to be highly motivated and flexible. You must have good ideas and be able to sell them. You need to manage life in misery and be willing to spend time away from home in the short term. You have to write a lot in practice, travel writing jobs and not just for possible publication .
" Give your passion," said Don George , author of a guide Lonely Planet travel writing "Marry your passion with the interests of writing for publication and you will maximize your chances - . 's Knowledge and passion can influence in an editor. "
" You should be able to string two words together , travel writing jobs " says Jonathan Lorie , leading travelers tales " , but beyond that, what really matters is your attitude . Be persistent , reliable and believe in what you do. travel writing jobs be prepared for launch, and keep playing the numbers game until your number is about . "
What kind of writing?
Travel writing takes many forms : guides, features first-person , travel writing jobs practical items , 500 pages of novels . travel writing jobs You should read all types and take notes, suggests Jonathan Lorie : " Read everything you can to pick up tips from the experts. "
Many long pieces immediately think of the destination , travel writing jobs but this is the area where the competition is fierce . "Not necessarily starts with great features , travel writing jobs " suggests Wanderlust editor Lyn Hughes . " Browse the publications of the places where you can offer something with a return trip . travel writing jobs Could be a story, a contribution to a regular column or eccentric loading ."
What makes a good writer ?
" A basic error of travel literature assumes that everyone is interested to work from the opposite assumption . travel writing jobs Nobody is interested even his wife is not interested in you at all .. so to make them interested . " ( Bill Bryson , in an interview with Don Jorge )
No one wants to hear about your last vacation. travel writing jobs It is not enough that you had a good time - that needs attention and has to tell the reader something new .
" Knowing what the point of your article is , travel writing jobs " said Don George . " What are you trying to convey to the reader? " Original angle is necessary and an interesting tone .
The first line is the key. travel writing jobs We have to draw the reader into a commitment until the end of the half and so good. " One of the characteristics of a good trip takes you to your destination. travel writing jobs You should be able to see, hear , feel, " says Lyn Hughes .
Do not underestimate the accuracy . Writing beautiful prose is not good if the facts are wrong. " Double-check the text for the accuracy, travel writing jobs especially with foreign words and names ," says Jonathan Lorie . " And I do not do the things he does annoy an editor once . "
How to Get Published
The United Kingdom has several dedicated travel magazines and newspaper supplements . But also think laterally - there are about 10,000 magazines in the United Kingdom. The titles of many women travel sections , travel writing jobs or you can try the Saga magazine , Caravan , walking in his country ... the list is long .
Familiar with each publication you are pitching the right style of the article on the right topic . "Knowing the publications you want to write , travel writing jobs " recalls Don Jorge . " Read all the issues from start to finish . Try to put yourself in the mind of the editor . "
Before addressing any publication , travel writing jobs read their guidelines contributors , travel writing jobs usually on the site. Some can not accept unsolicited articles , others may have strict rules regarding submissions .
Find the name of the publisher or the editor of the section for your presentation hits the table / correct inbox . Addressing his letter to the "editor" ( approach unless determined ) shows a total lack of effort.
Check if your preferred destination document element bids or proposals over. If you submit an article , be sure to include a cover page containing a synopsis of the work, travel writing jobs a series of words , your contact details and photos available . Include a SASE if you want a reply. Proposals must be vivid and striking.
"If you're pitching an idea to a publisher , it's ( just ) enough to give an idea of the angle and style, but short enough to not get bored ," advises Liz Edwards . A hundred words must .
Then, you need patience . Most publications receive hundreds of unsolicited requests each week. It could take months before hearing back , travel writing jobs at the same time, travel writing jobs keep practicing.
A word from a professional ... William Gray
The award-winning travel writer and photographer William Gray is a Wanderlust contributing editor and presenter of the BBC series next vacation. So what did he do?
" I've painted a lot of people's houses to save for my first big trip - . - Eight weeks ago packing Kenya Nothing has been posted , but I learn to keep a journal, a year later ( . Following a self-funded trip to Australia ) , travel writing jobs who had accepted a small feature in the free magazine Trailfinder . trip probably cost me 3000 pounds , travel writing jobs but I was impressed with the parts to charge £ 75 for this . article began offering regional newspaper and magazine features lesser known Then came a fluke - .. a contract to write a book about coral reefs and islets He helped me get my first job in a national newspaper travel .
"You have to deal with travel writing as a business that I can not travel for a few months a year - . The rest of the time I'm pitching proposals , travel writing jobs negotiate free travel with airlines and tour operators , copy writing and generally work in PR . "
The best advice : "It's like stepping into a warm bath . Not jump directly! Clinging to full-time while you build contacts and a portfolio of published work in their free time . "
additional information
Always allocation Wanderlust - you research, writing or photography in a professional environment at the site, with some of the leading experts in the industry, including Lyn Hughes , editor Waderlust . Watch for upcoming Wanderlust travel routes .
February 1 Read the full article
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