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How Travel Writers Can Fund All Their Trips in
Advance
Updated:
Travel writing is one of those writing genres few
people tackle, probably because they expect to fund their trips to
the tune of hundreds or even thousands of dollars long before they
make their first dollar from their writing. Not so as these tips
will reveal:
* Long before you travel you should make a list of
prospects and contact them with your proposals and request a deposit
on your work with a specific amount also being payable on your
return.
* Be sure to send detailed ideas and synopses to people in an
organization who are allowed to commission your work and offer a
deposit. This usually means speaking to the person in charge of
advertising. For small companies ask to speak to the owner or
manager.
* Editors and publishers are the best people to approach first,
along with travel firms, and others publishing travel guides and
newsletters. But don't forget also to contact academics, historians,
genealogists, import/export agents, and more besides.
* Do not make the mistake of seeking purely well-paid assignments
such as travel books and travel catalogues. Instead consider all
potential money-makers, even the odd few pounds likely to be earned
from a simple readers' letter or filler or photograph in your local
paper.
* Learn as much as possible about your chosen country or group of
countries before travelling. This gives you an idea of what areas to
visit and what subjects to write about and ensures you don’t waste
valuable time looking for ideas on arrival. Contact Embassies,
Consulates and government tourist offices. Most addresses will be in
the capital. Get details from ‘Yellow Pages’ for major towns and
cities and write for further information on the country concerned.
* Chambers of Commerce, in your own country, and in the country you
intend to visit, are excellent sources of background information.
Learn as much as possible about: the people, customs, geography,
history, politics, traditions, culture, sport, famous personalities,
transport, national dishes, fashion, health, education, and anything
else concerning the country you will be visiting.
* First and foremost, always have pen, paper, and if possible a
laptop computer and pocket recorder with you at all times. Collect
information as you travel; pick up any literature you can lay your
hands on; interview interesting characters; photograph them (with
their approval); look for unusual subjects and angles to focus on.
* Don’t start writing proper until you return home; you’ll waste
valuable research time, and usually you’ll see things quite
differently when you return. Stick to taking notes and photographs,
and looking for even more markets for your work.
* When you arrive home, first fulfill your commitments to clients
who have paid in advance or otherwise funded your journey. Then
consider clients you may have previously overlooked. Continue
seeking new clients while your information remains current and
remember one trip can be a source of income for many years to come,
so continue seeking markets for your material.
* Remember, quality of the information you gather is more important
than your writing talents. Some clients will not be looking for
literary style; others will have your work edited to suit their own
specific requirements. This doesn’t mean you can cut corners, not if
you expect to get future assignments from these people!
Now you’ve got the drift of this easy money-making idea, it’s time
for you to get started on your new life as a well paid travel
writer.
Avril Harper is a successful freelance writer and
author of
HOW TO BE A FIVE MINUTE WRITER.
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