Rules of the Road

1. Protect Your Work and Yourself

Consult an attorney that specializes in freelance and/or small business issues. Protect yourself with appropriate photo releases. Do some research about copyright, and make sure you’re comfortable with your rights under different kinds of licenses and agreements. Make sure you fully understand what you’re signing before you sign anything.

2. Keep a Paper Trail

You’re going to want to talk to a tax accountant about which (if any) expenses you will be able to deduct on your income tax. To deduct anything, you’ll typically have to show that the expense was directly related to the sale of a story or article - even if you finally sell that piece about Bali two years after you took the trip. So save everything. Organize it as best you can. Don’t complain, just do it. This includes (but is not limited to):

* Copies of query letters
* All rejection slips (don't burn them, even if you want to)
* Boarding passes, ticket stubs, fuel receipts, mileage records
* Records of spending on equipment (computer, internet access bills, cellphone bills
* Any and all receipts from purchases on a trip - this includes services like taxis and boat fares, as well as meals and other goods

3. Do Your Research

Never ever ever pitch a story to a publication that you haven't seen. You can often access back issues online, but doing so means you don't get information about the ads that appear in the print publication - and those ads can give you a lot of data about how the publication is positioning itself, and who its target audience is. It's worth a trip to your local library, or even a letter to the distribution office requesting a free sample issue.

4. Think - and Pitch - Creatively

A single event can lead to multiple stories for niche publications. For example - that one fabulous but inexpensive dinner you had in an out-of-the-way place in Santa Fe, with the cocktails you couldn't pronounce, and the crazy waiter? Sure, start with the large national magazines aimed at budget travellers, or the national and regional food and wine-focused publications. But if it's a good anecdote with solid information, how about sending queries to:

* Hospitality industry trade magazines, Bartender Magazine, etc.
* Association publications like AARP, AAA, whose members may be interested in cross-country travel. There are even RV Associations!
* General interest publications that have "back of book" essay space for amusing stories
* In-flight magazines for airlines that service the Southwest
* Spa, architecture, or outdoor magazines - Santa Fe may be an appealing destination to travellers with those interests

5. Travel Light

You don't want to lug around huge bags full of clothes you won't wear, and equipment you don't need. Pare down to the essentials, including a travel-friendly wardrobe that mixes and matches. And don't overpack toiletries, which are bulky, heavy, and usually messy. Unless you're going into the wilderness, most basic needs will be available at your destination - although you may need a local phrasebook to ensure you're buying a tube of toothpaste vs a tube of hair gel!

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