One of the most fun things about FAM trips (aside from free travel) is meeting new people. Not only do you get a whole new perspective when you talk to folks on your travels, but you also build a network of peers and contacts. Even before you’re an established travel writer, think about networking. It […]
Going on a FAM trip is like grabbing the “brass ring” of travel writing. It’s when someone selects YOU to go on a free trip, with activities, transportation, luxury hotel stays, and the best meals… all on the house. FAM trips are designed by PR people or tourism bureaus, with the idea of offering a […]
“We are not tourists. We are a family of travelers.” This is what our Vietnam guide said about us on a recent photo expedition. And it’s one of the things I like most about this Great Escape community. Rachel, who I met this past week at our workshop in New Orleans, plays the cello. Noreen […]
It’s the last day of our travel writing workshop in New Orleans, and today was one of my favorite days. A mix of folks from previous events came back to share their travel writing success stories. Each took a slightly different path with their writing. But they all have one thing in common: each of […]
Writers sometimes think travel editors have secret agendas. We think they’re unapproachable, unlike us, and maybe even a little mean. But it’s just not the case. Many of them depend on freelance writers… and share information on their websites to help you in the door and get your travel story published. In fact, the four […]
Last week, I gave you a couple of simple strategies to keep on top of what’s selling in the stock photo world. If you missed that issue, you can read it here. Now, let’s look at how to see what’s selling specifically on the stock sites where you submit (or plan to submit) photos. This […]
There’s nothing wrong writing for free, especially when you first start out in your travel writing career. You gain some clips and credibility, which shows editors you’re the real thing – a writer with interesting ideas to share with their readers. Man, was I excited to get by-lines, land covers on travel magazines, and media […]
Skipping Machu Picchu to find potatoes in Peru… the rudest cities in America… and a mountain-biking excursion with a pro basketball star… Those are just three of the not-so-everyday stories I’ve read in the last few days. They have nothing in common with each other, but they all share one attribute: Each takes an unexpected […]
The world of freelance writing can be tricky, but once you’ve discovered just how to capitalize on your skills and showcase your talent, it can all pay off. Here are three things I’ve learned about freelancing over the years: 1. You need to be your own best advocate When it comes to freelancing travel writing, […]
When I first started pitching stories to travel magazines, hoping to get some by-lines under my belt, it wasn’t with a well-written query about exotic places I’d been. It wasn’t even about cultural destinations around the world that I wanted to visit some day down the road. My queries had to do with places in […]
