How to Write Travel Articles
Cathy Smith's Guide to Travel-related Writing and Selling
In How to Write and Sell Travel Articles, author Smith discusses getting started, getting information and getting it right
How to Write and Sell Travel Articles (by Cathy Smith, Rosiepress, 2008) is a great book for anyone wanting to break into the travel-writing market, and for established travel writers who want to make sure they are doing everything they can to ensure success.
Tourists and Travellers
Cathy Smith begins her travel writing guide by writing that “There are tourists and there are travellers … if you want to be a travel writer you should also be a traveller.”
She then proceeds to offer great practical advice about the whys and hows of being a travel writer. Her advice is particularly helpful for beginners, but established travel writers will also pick up some tips from this award winning travel journalist.
Getting Started – Keep a Journal
In the chapter entitled ‘Getting Started’, Smith writes about the importance of keeping a journal, and gives examples of journal entries. A journal is critical if you want to recall important details from your travels.
Covers Beginning Travel Writer’s Questions
How to Write and Sell Travel Articles answers all the questions that a beginning travel writer could have about researching, writing and selling travel articles. Smith covers topics including: ‘getting ideas’, ‘working efficiently’, ‘dealing with writer’s block’, ‘researching and accuracy’, ‘specialized knowledge’, and ‘getting the angles that will get editors’ attention’.
Marketing is Vital to Writing Success
The chapters on marketing are particularly helpful and insightful, and stress the importance of marketing to writing success. Smith notes that: “One of the hardest lessons a freelance writer must learn is to direct an article to a specific audience.” Later, she adds that “It has often been said that while amateurs talk about writing, professionals talk about marketing.” If you want to be a professional you have to change your writing mind-set.
A List of Editors’ Pet Peeves
Smith concludes her book with a list of editors’ pet peeves, which include: “Articles that bear absolutely no relationship to the requirements of the magazine or newspaper they are submitting to”; “Contacting editors with half-formed ideas”; and “Failure to meet deadlines.”
Travel Journalist, Guest Lecturer, and Suite 101 Writer
Not only is Cathy Smith an accomplished travel journalist, and guest lecturer, she is also Suite 101’s Feature Writer for Historic Travel.
Read more about Cathy Smith in Travel Journalist Interview, and check out her profile to learn how to purchase a copy of her terrific book.
And for more on writing travel articles, and reading some of the finest travel writing, read Freelance Travel Writing Ideas, and Best American Travel Writing.
