Toolkit Tips: Inspiration for Every Occasion

Getting Started

Just getting started? An editor doesn’t need to know that! Don’t misrepresent yourself, but don’t over-apologize either! A little confidence can get you a long way.

Just getting started? Writing for the web is a great way to get clips and experience, even if it doesn’t pay as much as print.

Finding Ideas

It’s ok if your topic has been covered before - at least you know it’s something people want to read about. Find your unique angle and plunge right in!

Research materials are everywhere. When traveling, don’t overlook in-flight magazines, brochures in hotels, and community newsletters! All free and readily available.

You don’t have to travel to be a travel writer! Readers from other places may want to come to your area - so write about it! What kind of interesting things can they do and see?

If you’re not sure what you’re writing about, you’re going to run into problems. Make sure you’ve done enough research to focus your story - before you start writing.

Finding a Publication

Does your community have a free weekly paper? Submit your stories there! Weeklies may not pay very much, but if you get some good clips and references, it might be worth it.

When researching markets, think globally! Many countries, from Australia to Zimbabwe, have English-language periodicals.

Querying and Pitching

Study past issues of each magazine you plan on pitching. Get a sense for the style, format, and advertising angle of the publication, and adjust your piece accordingly.

Unless you can get an editor’s attention, the best idea in the world doesn’t stand a chance. Take the time to craft a captivating query letter.

Think ahead to capture that "newsy" angle. Begin in January for a "Back to School" feature, and start querying in August for that holiday travel story.

Reduce rejection! Show an editor that you’ve read the publication, are familiar with the format, and have a story that will meet that editor’s needs.

Address your story or query to the right person! If you’re not 100% sure who handles travel feature acquisitions, place a quick call to the publication’s man offices and find out!

Unless you’re specifically instructed to provide rates, don’t discuss money in your query letter - there will be plenty of time for negotiation if the editor likes what he reads.

A lot of magazines determine their editorial calendars a whole year ahead. Get an early start!

Put your best foot forward! A catchy title or compelling photo can get your query letter noticed.

General Writing Tips Be specific! How much was that "inexpensive" meal? How many hours was the "long wait" to the exhibit? Your readers (and your editor) will want to know!

Good research ensures that you’ll hit the ground running. Know what you’re looking for, and you’re more likely to find it! (Of course, keep an eye out for pleasant surprises too!)

Spellcheck, spellcheck, spellcheck! Many editors will reject a piece simply because it contains typos and/or obvious grammar mistakes. No excuses!

Don’t be afraid to get personal! Some of the best travel writing has a distinct voice and notable point of view.

As part of your editing process, have a friend read your story out loud while you take notes. You may discover new areas for improvement and clarification.

Computers can make writing easier and proofreading more difficult. To ensure that you haven’t made mistakes, make at least one set of edits the old-fashioned way - on paper, with a red pen.

Getting Over Writer’s Block

Got writer’s block? Try starting in the middle! Sure, those first paragraphs are crucial, but you can write and polish those later – after you’ve warmed up.

Got writer’s block? Instead of worrying about your feature, describe your trip in a letter to a friend. Whether you mail it or not, you may find that your writing flows more easily.

Got writers’ block? Start with an anecdote about something exciting, unexpected, nerve-wracking, or embarrassing that happened on your trip. The rest of your piece may unfurl naturally from there.

Got writer’s block? Call a fellow writer and talk about your ideas. A little give-and-take may help you solidify your point of view.

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