The Write Way to Travel

Issue #64
Edited by Lori Appling in Bethany Beach, DE
April 22, 2005

"Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it." -- Thomas Fuller

Today:

• Here's How Some Readers Are Landing More Bylines and Checks
• Let Us Help You Double Your Travel Writing Success
• What to Do About Gender and 8 More Tips for Dealing with Editors
• This Week's Featured Travel Publication: Coastal Living Magazine
• More Opportunities and Resources For Writers

Dear Reader,

Student success stories are just pouring in these days. Last week I told you about Jeanine Buckley, who had not one -- but two -- articles accepted by Travel Lady Magazine. (The editor was so pleased with Jeanine's work that she started sending her invites to press trips to motivate her to finish more articles.)

Doug Duncan got two of his articles published at once too. He works at Big Bend National Park in Texas, and his boss asked him if he'd write a couple articles about the grounds. He agreed, he approached them in just the way our course suggests, and now both pieces are set to appear in the May/June issue of Camping Life in the 100 Best Campgrounds section.

Vivienne Mackie wrote in to say that her article titled "Another Statue of Liberty" ran in International Living this month. And when I went to look it up I stumbled across an article in the archives there by Jenny Aaarts, who came to one of our live travel writing workshops not too long ago. I know that's at least the second time I've seen her byline in IL. Keep 'em coming girls!

And that's not it. Travel writing course student Denise Cullen just sold her account of a 'Turtle Encounters' tour off Australia's Queensland coast to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (the major metropolitan daily newspapers in Sydney and Melbourne, respectively).

This is all great news. And it's proof of what I've been saying all along -- you can do this.

To get started today, visit: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4

Or let us help you even more directly…

For the past few weeks I've been sending a select few readers story ideas… headlines they can use… articles to model …suggestions for where they might get their articles published …and even further resources like how to include photos with an article submission to increase the likelihood it will be accepted… and to get paid more, too. If you'd like to receive these things, too, you'll find more details here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/unlimited

And speaking of including photos with your articles, I mentioned last week that we were putting together our very first travel photography workshop, led by photographers B. Howard and Rich Wagner.

If you have yet to sign up, I suggest you do so soon. Our workshops always sell out, and next week we're running ads to two of our biggest markets. So if you haven't reserved a seat, give Schuyler a call today: toll-free (866) 529-0538 or local at (310) 593-4741. Or you can email him at photos@thetravelwriterslife.com.

You'll find more details here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/parisphoto/

Photographer B. Howard, by the way, doesn't just take and sell photos. He's an accomplished travel writer, too. He's sold over 600 articles and 3,000 photographs to publications all over the U.S. and England, and he's authored over 13 travel guide books that include both his pictures and his writing.

You'll be hearing more from B. Howard in the next few weeks here in our e-letter, but of the folks who come to the photography workshop in Paris will learn first-hand his secrets to success. (He told me last week that he doesn't even bother writing articles that won't sell at least 5-10 times anymore. There's a certain science to writing those types of "resalable" articles, he said. And it's a technique he'll share with the workshop attendees in Paris).

On the subject of selling more articles…

A reader of this e-letter sent this question last week:

"I love names... unusual or no. But it's gotten tricky to know who is a male or female behind a name. Sean. Guy right? Not when it comes to Sean Young.

"Michael. Guy, no question. Michael Learned wouldn't like that. I hate it when people address me as Mr. when I am Ms or Mrs. (I don't care which... just a female!).

"Not many editors care to get a call -- so how do we work around this? Sure, we could use a first name... but some situations call for extra respect... can we make M. an official abbreviation to cover everything?"

I asked freelance travel writer, Steenie Harvey to answer this question because I'm sure -- with that name -- that this is a regular quandary. Steenie Harvey -- guy or girl? (You'll find the answer below. And, by the way, Steenie is a pen-name. I'll let her tell you the whole story…)

Don't forget to keep me up-to-speed on your travel-writing success. If you have a story to share, send me a quick note at lori@thetravelwriterslife.com.

Have a great week,

-- Lori

Lori Appling
Director, AWAI's Travel Writer Program

P.S. Know a friend or two who'd enjoy the freedom and independence of a writer's life? They, too, can sign up to receive this free e-letter weekly at: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/eletter

WHAT TO DO ABOUT GENDER… AND 8 MORE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH EDITORS

By Steenie Harvey, in Ireland

I must have been completely off my head when I decided to use the pen-name 'Steenie.' Few editors or readers seem to have a clue what gender I am.

(Let's set the record straight here -- I'm female. When I chose the name Steenie, I definitely did not realize that it first appeared in the 17th century -- it was the nickname of George Villiers, the gay playmate of King James VI of Scotland.)

The question of how to address an editor of dubious gender can be tricky. I know an Adrian and a Micky who are both women... and a Jocelyn who is a man.

Everybody has heard of Hillary Clinton -- but the U.K. has a male politician called Hilary Benn. The same applies to the name Lyn -- it can be male or female.

Foreign names? Don't even venture down that route if you want to stay sane.

It's a pretty safe bet that Boris is a man, but you could spend hours trying to figure out if Andrea and Piers are he's or she's.

Thankfully there's actually a simple way around this: Rather than go down the Ms/Mr. route, address the recipient by his or her full name, i.e. Dear Steenie Harvey.

And while we're on the topic, here are a few more tips you should keep in mind when you're addressing an editor…

There is no standard format for writing perfect query letters. How effective your letter is will depend in large part on the subject you choose to write about. (In other words: Have you effectively targeted your audience?) But no matter what article subject you're proposing, take heed of these points, and you'll greatly increase your chances of success:

1. Be concise -- keep your query letter to one page.
2. Address the editor by name. It will be in the magazine or the writer’s guidelines. If you’re unsure, phone the magazine and ask who queries should be sent to. Use "Dear Editor" only as a last resort. Once I know an editor, I always address him or her by first name, but on initial contact use Ms. or Mr. So-and-So. Or, as I said up top, if you can't discern the gender, say "Dear Lyn Smith."
3. Be specific. A proposal on a round-up of London’s best street markets has more chance of success than a proposal on "the sights of London."
4. State your idea clearly -- and in such a way that you show the benefits for the reader.
5. Don’t be shy. If you have expert knowledge of a subject, say so.
6. Never be apologetic or stress your lack of experience. You’re a freelance travel writer, not a "novice writer."
7. If you’ve already had an article published, tell the editor as much. Samples of published pieces are called "clips," and you may want to send some. (Send three at most -- and, obviously, choose the most prestigious.) The fact that another editor has published your work gives you status and credibility.
8. If you’re sending a query by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If you’re approaching a foreign publication, include an IRC (International Reply Coupon). These days, though, most publications have gone to e-mail. It's easier all around. Just make sure you include on the bottom of yours your email, mailing address, and phone.

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you've been to one of our live travel writer workshops, you know that freelance travel writer Steenie Harvey is an absolute riot! Her presentations -- an entire day of tricks for charming editors and landing the best assignments -- not only keep students laughing (nearly to the point of tears on occasion) but they also drive home some really important lessons about dealing with editors.

If you missed Steenie at one of our live events this year, don't worry…

We found a way to merge the audio recording from one of our most successful live events with each presenter's PowerPoint slides. You can simply put a CD into your computer and relax as the entire workshop unfolds before you. The slides advance to the audio recordings so you can easily follow along.

And that's not all. Check out these bonuses:
www.thetravelwriterslife.com/virtual

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED TRAVEL PUBLICATION

Coastal Living Magazine publishes articles that feature destinations, events, people, and activities along the North American coasts. The Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts are all fair game as well as pieces focuses on Alaskan and Hawaiian waterways. Articles run between 500 and 1000 words. They accept queries only, no unsolicited manuscripts. Queries can be sent to Susan Haynes for all West Coast travel stories (susan_haynes@timeinc.com) and Steve Millburg all other travel stories (steve_millburg@timeinc.com).

OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR WRITERS:

* RETIRE OVERSEAS!
Live better...for less, travel farther, have more fun, and maybe make a lot of money...when you expand your world beyond U.S. shores. Read International Living's FREE daily e-letter.
http://www.agoraimages.com/opt/tw/

* More By-lines ... More Vacations ... More Money --
I haven't paid for a hotel room in FL for more than 10 years. I've sold 600 articles, 13 guidebooks, and 3,000 photographs. But it took me years to build my career. You, on the other hand, don't have to wait. I'd like to show you, personally, exactly what I do... I'll call you, review your articles, and let you in on the secrets I use to land the best assignments and the most rewarding travel deals: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/coaching

* LIVING ON MEXICO TIME:
You'd be amazed if we told you all Mexico has to offer...from a laid-back, down-to-earth lifestyle to luxury resort-style mansion living...
And that's just what we'd like to do. We'd like to present you with an almost unbelievable chance to gain direct access to Mexico's most timely and attractive lifestyle and investment opportunities right now. Find out more here: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/MPI/WMPIF2TW

* CAN YOU WRITE A SIMPLE LETTER?
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to be. Here's how you can learn the secrets of this little-known, lucrative business:
http://www.thewriterslife.com/ph/tw89

* RETIRE…AND GET PAID TO TRAVEL --
Get the Details and Your Free report at: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4

* EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF WRITING
Learn how to find the best story ideas and places to publish them…how and when to follow up with an editor…what you need to know about buying rights, contracts, and agreements…how to use syndication to increase your exposure and boost your earnings…and more. You'll find The Business of Writing Guide: A Practical Guide for Travel Writers (and Other Freelancers) Ready to Turn Words into Profits here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/biz/tw4

* TWO FREE ISSUES --
AWAI students and ITWPA members are entitled to two free issues of Writer's Digest magazine at:
https://secure.palmcoastd.com/pcd/document?ikey=0768PIW08

* 25% OFF WRITER'S MARKET --
AWAI students and ITWPA members receive a 25% discount to the Writer's Market web site at www.WritersMarket.com. When signing up, just use the coupon code WM04G1 to receive $7.50 off the annual $29.99 subscription rate. The 2004 Writer's Market Book can be purchased for $29.99 at:
http://www.writersdigest.com/store/booksdisplay.asp?id=10851

* THE AWAI FORUM FOR TRAVEL WRITERS --
You'll find this excellent online resource at: www.thetravelwriterslife.com/forums . It's a place to get answers to your questions, discuss your story ideas, find readers to review your articles, and stay connected to a community of writers.

* BIG BUCKS FOR SNAPSHOTS
Photos can be a remarkably strong sales tool when you're approaching an editor with a story. They can significantly increase your chances of getting published (and earning extra income) -- that is, if you know how to take the kinds of photos editors like. Find out the simplest and best camera to take with you (you don't want to be lugging a trunk full of equipment)... how to use time of day... create a mood... how to photograph people versus landscapes and wildlife... and more. You'll find Big Bucks for Snapshots: 53 Can't Miss Techniques for Becoming a Money-Making Freelance Photographer here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/photos/tw4

NOTE: Big Bucks for Snap Shots comes free when you enroll in Passport to Romance: The Ultimate Travel Writer's Course at: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/kp/tw4

* TAX SAVINGS EVERY FREELANCER SHOULD TAKE
Find out where you can save... what the IRS really needs to know... how to make the most of those deductions for travel, meals, entertainment, home office, and more including practical worksheets you can use to make sure you're paying as little as possible to Uncle Sam. You'll find The Writer's Tax Guide: A Money-Saving Manual for Travel Writers and Other Freelancers here: http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/tax/tw4

The Write Way to Travel is a FREE weekly newsletter from the American Writers & Artists Institute, available to AWAI students and friends.

© 2004 American Writers & Artists Institute

To ADVERTISE in The Write Way to Travel or to send comments, news, research, or story ideas, e-mail Lori Appling at lappling@awaionline.com.

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