Be a travel writer, live your dreams, sell your features : travel writing step by step

119 Pages·2014·0.58 MB·English

by  Hando, Solange

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT
BE A TRAVEL WRITER, LIVE YOUR DREAMS, SELL YOUR
FEATURES
An upbeat, practical and no nonsense guide to the competitive world of
travel writing. In a compact succinct format, it covers every aspect of
feature writing, from finding the right angle to selling your story.
Packed full of tips to help you get started and succeed in the best job
in the world.
Hilary Bradt MBE, co-founder of Bradt Travel Guides, award-winning
writer, broadcaster, lecturer and photographer
In her upbeat and encouraging style, Solange Hando takes you through
the process of creating and selling travel articles and shows you how to
think like a pro.
This inspiring book is packed with sound practical advice and helpful
tips from a seasoned travel writer.
Donna Dailey, award-winning travel writer, photographer, editor, guide
books, US and international publications, websites and television
Solange Hando has skilfully fed her passion and excitement for travel
into the pages of this invaluable book. It is absorbing and inspirational,
contains amusing anecdotes and is crammed with useful information and
ideas.
This is a must-have book for aspiring travel writers and will be of
immense help in getting their feet firmly on the first rung of the travel
writing ladder.
Linda Jackson, freelance travel writer-photographer, worldwide
publications, managing editor of www.activecaribbean.com
An inspirational and motivational journey through the world of travel
writing.
Be a Travel Writer is your transportation of choice to your destination
of published travel writer. It draws upon Solange’s expert knowledge as
she shares tips and tricks learned in the course of her career.
Climb aboard, for a whole new world of discovery awaits you. Simon
Whaley, best selling author, feature writer and photographer, member
of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild If anyone knows how to
write and sell travel features, it is Solange Hando. She is so right that the
rewards are tremendous and as she says, every experience is packed with
article ideas.
This great little book brims with her valuable advice, encouragement
and insider’s knowledge, from travel basics to professional expertise.
Andrew Sanger, award-winning travel writer, editor and guide book
author
First published by Compass Books, 2014
Compass Books is an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd., Laurel
House, Station Approach,
Alresford, Hants, SO24 9JH, UK
CONTENTS
Introduction
“See it, Believe it, Do it”
Step 1 – Planning for Success
The Big World of Travel Features
Getting a Head Start
Researching your Trip
Step 2 – On the Road
Keeping a Diary
Going Native
Step 3 – Real Life
Make a Date
Take your Chance
Step 4 – Photos Sell Stories
Think Visuals
Capture the Place
Picture the People
A Day in the Life of a Travel Writer
Step 5 – Get Online
Blog as you Go
Could you be an Expert?
Fine Tuning
Step 6 – Winning Ideas
What’s your Type?
Let it Flow
Less is More
Find the Angle
Step 7 – Getting it Right
Spot the Difference
Match to Market
Perfect Pitch
Make it Fit
Step 8 – Time to Write
All in the Mind
Start to Finish
Find your Voice
Do it in Style
Face the Challenge
Step 9 – Prepare for Take off
Check and Click
Keeping Positive
Business Matters
Step 10 – Building on Success
Decision Time
Bare it all on the Web
Join the Professionals
Free Vacation, Wine and Spa
To Sidney, William, Felicia and Isabella
so they may live their dreams, whatever they may be.
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Cherry Cuckoo, Della Galton and Pamela Spencer
for their feedback, Kathryn Burrington, Stuart Forster, Ashley Gibbins,
Lynne Hackles, Linda Jackson and Mari Nicholson for their contributions
and all the tutors, editors, colleagues and family members who have
encouraged me over the years.