How to Break Into Travel Writing

Travel writing is one of the most sought after writing specialties. With so many freelancers trying to break into this competitive field, becoming a travel writer can often seem like an impossible goal. However, it is possible to begin a travel writing career by following a few simple steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Sharpen your writing skills. Brush up on grammar, punctuation, spelling and the mechanics of writing. Get a firm grasp on the basics of writing to build a strong foundation.
2. Take a travel writing workshop. Consider enrolling in a class at your local university or sign up for an online workshop to learn the specific requirements of travel writing. Writers Online Workshops, Mediabistro, Gotham Writers' Workshop and writer Amanda Castleman offer excellent training (see Resources below).
3. Get a library card and use it often. Reading other travel writers is an excellent way to develop your own writer's voice. Look for books by L. Peat O'Neil and Louise Purwin Zobel and anthologies of the best in travel writing. Study the travel sections of major newspapers and read a variety of travel magazines.
4. Begin in your own backyard. Your own neighborhood is full of interesting stories; write articles about fairs, festivals and landmarks in your town. Break into travel writing by becoming an authority on your own region.
5. Get some clips, those all-important samples of your published articles. How to get some clips as a new travel writer? Offer to write a travel article for your local newspaper, or one of the free weekly or monthly regional magazines in your area. Become a travel content provider for a website. It can be easier for beginners to break into online travel writing. Join a respected online travel community like BootsnAll (see Resources below). Publish a story for free and network with other travelers and writers.
6. Study the markets and send out query letters. Invest in a copy of Writer's Market or sign-up for the online version (see Resources below). Writer's Market contains thousands of places to sell your writing, both in print and online. It also has a section with information on how to write queries. Another great resource for finding leads is the Travelwriter Marketletter (see Resources below).
7. Write every day. Keep a small notebook with you and record your impressions as you travel. Write in a journal, start a blog or create your own travel website as a marketing tool. Keep writing articles, researching markets and sending out queries. Travel writing is all about the journey, so celebrate each success and enjoy the process of becoming a travel writer.

Tips & Warnings

• Give your new career some time. It can take years to become a full-time freelance travel writer. Remember to enjoy the process and be patient as you develop a travel writing career.
• Don't fall into the trap of just talking about a travel writing career without actually writing anything. A travel writer must write as often as possible.