Some Things to Know About Travel Writing 2.0
We're taking a break from the interviews and advice on this travel writing blog this week. So here's a rundown on some housekeeping things and a few tidbits you might enjoy.
First, this blog is connected to the book you see at the right, Travel Writing 2.0: Earning Money From Your Travels in the New Media Landscape. As you can see from the reviews we've posted and the ones on Amazon, people seem to like it and find it useful. Get it if you're serious about becoming a travel writer, whether that's full-time or as a hobbyist not working for free all the time. Buy the book.
That's my only sales pitch because the monthly newsletter is free. It's all I can do to get it out once a month, so I doubt that will change anytime soon, despite the actionable advice each month that will help your career and enhance your earnings.
Here are some things to know about the book and me.
- 52 other working travel writers and editors are quoted in Travel Writing 2.0. If you don't like my opinion, you've got plenty of others to pick from.
- I've been a travel writer for around 20 years, from back when I had to mail slides to editors and wait two months for an answer to a query sent with a stamp on it. (You have it tough? Now?!)
- I worked part-time most of that though, going full-time around 2006. "Overnight success" doesn't exist in this career. Patience and persistence rule.
- My media company pays 50+ freelancers over the course of the year, so I know a thing or two about what's worth publishing and what matters to editors. Come back regularly as I'm known to share. Or rant.
- Or you can read short rants on Twitter: @timleffel
- No, you probably can't be my friend on Facebook though unless you're a real friend. And you don't put a kid, spouse, or pet in your profile picture.
- I put up six blog posts a week of my own on various sites and supervise/edit 19 other bloggers on weekly basis. Did I mention I'm a dad too? So don't whine that you can't find the time to do two or three good posts or articles each week, on schedule.
- I travel a fair bit and dish out advice on how to do it well without spending a fortune. Check out the Cheapest Destinations Blog.
I love this site, Tim. Always a pleasure to read up on what some of my favorite travel writers are up to and how they juggle it all. Keep up the great work ~ it’s very much appreciated!
Tim,
Just wanted to share a tidbit of my own with everyone–since working on this blog, reading your book (and re-reading, and re-reading), I’ve been able to “break into the biz” in ways I never imagined! Your advice is always invaluable and working on this blog with you is a real pleasure :) There’s nothing more fun than getting to know so many amazing people each week! I’m happy to hear our readers are enjoying it, too :)
Kristin
Joanna,Bravo for you! The collaborative setntig is one that’s extremely beneficial to many writers. Some may enjoy writing solo, but as human beings we all need some kind of feedback and encouragement to do our best.I’ve always done my best writing in that kind of environment and that’s why Wendi Kelly and I decided to use it to collaborate on our novel. In 4 months we had the first draft written.When this medium be it forums, blogs, email is used to its fullest potential it’s a very effective writing tool. And you know what makes it so effective? One word: Accountability.When you’re working with a partner or a group of people, you can’t hide behind excuses to get it done. Little by little you chip away at each sentence, paragraph, chapter, section and before you know it, it’s done.