Travel Writing

Let’s face it…many writers want to specialize in travel writing. The truth is that very few know how to get started. Here is a collection of resources that will help you prepare for this type of work. Please check back frequently as we will be updating this list to reflect anything we come across on the web that might be of use to you as an aspiring travel writer.

As always, if you have something that you think belongs here, please send an e-mail to editor (at) freelance-zone.com for us to consider adding it to the list.

Bay Area Travel Writers – A professional association for writers and photographers living in the San Francisco Bay area.

Guide Gecko – This online resource offers an opportunity for writers who want to publish a guidebook on the web. They also have a writing contest.

International Society for Travel Writing – This group has been around since 1997 and it has conferences, a newsletter, a resource guide and more for those in the field.

Literary Traveler – If you can write for a well-read audience, this may be a good place to query, but be sure and follow the writers guidelines. Also a great spot to read the work of other travel writers.

Outdoor Writers Guild (United Kingdom) – Founded in 1980, this is a professional association for writers and photographers  in the UK.

Perceptive Travel – An award-winning online travel magazine.

Rick Steves – Television and radio host. Read this piece he wrote on travel writing.

Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding – Travel writing advice from well-known author Rolf Potts.

Society of American Travel Writers – SATW has been around for 55 years and it has members from a number of different fields, including photographers, writers, public relations representatives and even film lecturers. The organization has more than 1,300 members.

The Tranquilo Traveler – great travel writing blog from a great travel writer.

Transitions Abroad – read up on “The Seven Myths of Being a Travel Writer”, by Tim Leffel. This site also has a large collection of other resources for those who are thinking about becoming a travel writer.

Travelers’ Tales is a great source for travel books. Take a look at their submission guidelines for information on what they are looking for in terms of writing. A good market for those who have done a lot of traveling and can write with wit and humor.

Travelwriters.blogspot – long-time travel writer Carl Parkes talks about travel writing.

Travelwriters.com – this site offers a network of PR contacts, writers and editors. Founded in 1997, this site has 3,000 pro travel writers that subscribe, and even more that use the site as a resource for networking and industry news.

UnAnchor.com – this site is for both travel writers and those who travel. You can either search for itineraries or write one yourself and sell it through the site.

Writing.org – Professional travel writer Durant Imboden offers an overview of what type of work is out there for those who want to write about travel.

WrittenRoad – This site offers some fantastic information on everything from paying travel markets to contests and more. Be sure to check out their resources for writers page.

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