Dear Reader,
Bonnie, here. I'm filling in for Lori while she's in China getting some great photos on our Shanghai Photography Expedition. See some of her shots here.
We'll hear more from Lori on what she's discovering in China tomorrow...
But today, let's talk about getting started from right where you are. You don't have to go all the way to China to get saleable stories and photos. In fact, with a relatively weak dollar attracting more and more foreign tourists to the U.S., foreign publications are covering more American destinations. And they aren't necessarily looking for the "tourist" spots. They're looking for insider coverage. Exactly the sort of thing you can provide. And quite possibly about your own hometown.
That's why this week's featured publication is Canadian travel magazine, Dreamscapes.
Scroll down to find out more...
Bonnie Caton
Editorial Manager, AWAI Travel Division
October 30, 2008
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Featured Publication: Dreamscapes
Website: http://dreamscapes.ca
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USE YOUR LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO GET PUBLISHED ABROAD
By Bonnie Caton in Arlington, Virginia
"I often find a local's in-depth knowledge and perspective of an American or international destination interesting." -- Donna Vieira, Editor, Dreamscapes
Dreamscapes is a Canadian print and on-line magazine. Publishing priority goes to Canadian writers but the magazine does cover the U.S. almost every month. And, as you see in the above quote, a local perspective on the destination is appreciated here.
However, when you write for Dreamscapes, keep in mind that your story should be tailored for the interests of a Canadian audience.
Once you see the writer's guidelines, you'll notice there are a lot of things you'll need to keep in mind to write for Dreamscapes. But don't let that turn you off of submitting your stories here.
Instead, think of it this way: if you follow the writer's guidelines to the letter, you're putting yourself ahead of the majority of freelancers out there, and presenting yourself as a competent, professional writer. Use them as a guide, and your chances of getting published will be much greater.
Another way to increase your chances of getting published in Dreamscapes is to take a look at the editorial calendar.
You'll find it on the second page of the site's media kit.
Canada and the United States will be covered in every issue in 2009. Europe is also featured often, as well as luxury travel, golf, cruises, road trips, and other activities.
Pay is 35 Canadian cents per word (about US$130 for 450 words, or about US$390 for 1,350 words).
Once you've thought up a story idea and decided which issue it'll fit into best, send your query to the editor at least two months before publication, as that's when she and her team start pulling the issue together.
You'll want to carefully read through your story for spelling and grammar errors, even after you run a spell-check program. Vieira is a stickler for good grammar. If you can't properly distinguish between "its" and "it's," then she's not interested in your article.
To receive the (quite detailed) writer's guidelines, contact Donna Vieira. Politely let her know you're a freelance travel writer, and request a copy of the writer's guidelines. I did this, and she got back to me within the hour.
[Ed. Note: Keep your eyes on the e-letter this Saturday for more about how to write for foreign markets from freelance writer Steenie Harvey.
In the meantime, read on here for Steenie's shortcut to writing less and making more.]
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Travel, Writing & Photography Resources
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