TRAVEL writing is not rocket science - but good writing, of any type, does involve hard work.
Are you a budding travel writer, but lack the confidence to approach the magazines?
Do you have lots to say but no time to produce and market a nice-looking website?
Do you just want to share your experiences / advice with others?
First - you have to go and meet people. Amateur travel writers often overlook the importance of personal interaction in their travel tales, but even a struggling conversation with a boulanger, or a chat with the hotel receptionist can reveal new dimensions to the most mundane of locations.
The second part - the writing - is where Travel Insights comes in.
If, one day, you hope to get paid for your travel writing then use this as a stepping stone. I am a trained editor and will help you create a high-quality article. You retain copyright, and you can use the site to sell your ideas and talent to paying editors.
If you are just looking to tell your travel story then I will help with this too. Novice writers are often amazed at the improvements that can be made to articles from even fairly minimal edits - and if I can help you go even further then so much the better.
Travel Insights will only publish articles that are of suitably high quality, but it will help you achieve that quality. Self-publishing with an edge. We have three writing sections: Articles, Travelogues and Urban Postcards.
Articles: typically 1500-3500 words, either telling a story, or describing a place. The tighter the focus of the piece the better.
Travelogues: a minimum of seven entries about a trip you've taken, or are undertaking. A diary aimed at your friends will not be enough. Please see the current posts to get an idea.
Urban Postcards: between 700-1200 words specifically on a city. The standard for these is higher. They are NOT guidebook pieces.
Remember: Be Insightful, Incisive and Inspirational.
The Process
Step 1:
me to discuss the idea. This might save a lot of time in the long run. We can then discuss focus and style.
Step 2: Send me the file in .rtf format. If you have photos (no more than two per 600 words) please send in .jpg format. Please make sure they are good quality (preferably 300dpi) and complement the story. If they don't they won't get used. If you would like your e-mail/website published in the article, make sure you let me know.
Step 3a: I will read the article and either send you comments (implying that a rewrite is needed), or an edited version. From here on in we can work to polish the article.
Step 3b: If you are writing a travelogue on your travels then I will just edit the piece and publish it. However the edit will be lighter.
Step 3c: Urban Postcards should need minimal editing. They can be idiosyncratic, but that is not a euphemism for 'badly written'.
Why this is free:
a) I once paid for a travel-writing course that told me nothing I didn't learn in my first two weeks as a journalist. Nobody should pay for that.
b) I do this for fun. While I can still find the time, use and abuse me.
