Travel Writing
It seems like the dream setup - do what you love the most and get paid to do it while you trot around the globe making a name for yourself.
The travel writing dream prompts thousands to start travel blogs and websites every year, but how many actually make it?
While it seems like the dream job for a lifelong traveler, travel writing is actually a very slow way to make a living - it requires years of perseverance, practice, and effort. If you have the patience to become a travel writer, you can do anything.
If you have what it takes, here are a few tips for getting started in a career that will make others drool or say “yeah right” when you answer the dreaded “So what do you do question”!
#1 Read a lot. Write a lot.
Ask any successful writer and they will tell you the same thing - even the ones at the top. No amount of school, research, networking, self promotion, or how-to books can replace doing these two things. If you aren’t writing, you should be reading and vice-versa!
#2 Be a WRITER - not just a travel writer
Sure, travel is your focus and your passion - but why can’t you write about other topics too? Writing is writing and the experience gained by doing it will help you succeed. Keep an eye out for writing gigs that aren’t related just to travel.
#3 Start Small
Writing for travel sites that pay nothing or very little will get your name and work in front of people that do pay more. To build a successful travel writing resume you have to start small and build up credits one at a time. There is nothing wrong with writing one story and then “spinning” it to fit on multiple travel websites - multiplying results for half the time.
#4 Surround yourself by successful writers
The same is true in any profession - success is contagious. Surrounding yourself with people that have already made the journey will help keep your dream alive and some of their wisdom will wear off on you. Network with other writers online through social sites as well as in person by looking for local writing clubs or bumming around your independent book store.
#5 Learn to keep it short
Attention spans are much shorter on the internet, and editors looking for travel pieces usually want short, concise articles written on topic that get to the point. Its easy to write something wordy, but much more challenging to convey the same picture or idea with less words. There is an old saying that goes “Its easier to write 3000 words than 300″.
Already a budding travel writer?
Go grab a gig writing for Examiner.com - they page by the page view rather than through ad sharing (like hubpags, squidoo, etc) so the more you write and promote your stuff the more you get paid regardless. There are hundreds of local topics available and its a great credit on your resume. Read about how to earn money travel blogging.
