30th November 2008
Brian Scott

Freelance travel writing sounds glamorous: travel the seven continents, experience everything firsthand, and share your memories with the world.

The reality of travel writing is that it's hard work in a competitive industry. Many people who travel think, "Hey, I'll write an article about this." You'll need to stand out from the crowd to get paid as a travel writer.

What's involved in freelance travel writing?

The best thing about travel writing is - no surprise here - the travel. If you like to see different parts of the world, travel writing may be for you.

However, don't expect a travel magazine to send you places all expenses paid. That is a big fat myth. People selling e-books and online courses want you to believe this myth so you'll pay hundreds of dollars for "embellished" information. It does happen, but rarely, and only if the editor can see a good reason to not make you pay yourself.

Also, remember that travel writing means working while you're traveling. It can take the fun out of your journeys if you must meet a deadline and you are constantly thinking about how you can spin your fun adventures into a sellable article.

Who is looking for freelance travel writers?

Many travel magazines seek out the services of freelance writers, because freelance writers provide most of their content. You could also try contacting one of the major publications of travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, Fromer's, or Fodor's.

If you lack experience, you might find it easier for an Internet site to publish you. Write your article and then search for websites that focus on that place. Most cities -- and even small towns -- have tourism websites for potential new visitors. Try approaching one of them to see if they'll pay for your article.

How much does freelance travel writing pay?

Don't expect to feed your family as a travel writer, especially if you're just starting out. New writers usually earn less than $100 per article, which doesn't exactly cover the money you shelled out for airfare, food, and a place to sleep.

Experienced travel writers writers who land great writing gigs can expect editors to pay them up to $1,000 for a featured article, or $10,000 to $30,000 for an entire travel book. You'll have to put in the time, so be patient while you build up your portfolio.

If you want to freelance as a travel writer, then start out writing about places you've been to. Try to look at the money and the publication aspect as a fringe benefit of seeing some of the most beautiful places in the world.

How do I approach these companies?

You can approach prospective clients and editors in two ways:

(1) Submit a query letter. Editors at travel guide publications prefer query letters, and so do magazines and websites. To craft a query letter, make sure you're familiar with the goals and style of the publication you want to write for. Write your query letter that briefly explains the article you'd like to submit, as well as why the publication should hire you. Include any publishing credentials you may have.

(2) Or, just send the article. This sometimes works for websites and magazines. If you think you have a great article that matches perfectly for a given publication, send it and see what they say. You'll also want to include a brief letter explaining how much you enjoy their publication and how honored you'd be to join their team of writers.

In either case, the key is research. Know your publication before you send anything. Remember: you have to impress the editor. Also, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope - it almost guarantees they'll get back to you.

A brief example

Check out this ad to see if you can figure out how to impress an editor:

Currently accepting submissions for our publication of Backpackers Quarterly. Articles should be about experiences traveling, no more than 750 words.

Okay, the magazine is called "Backpackers Quarterly," so the editor probably won't appreciate an article about a 5-star resort in Barbados. Only submit articles that fall under the category of "adventures on a budget," and don't forget to include your credentials, if any, with your submission.

If you can impress the editor, you're on your way to freelancing as a travel writer!

Brian Scott is a full-time freelance writer with over a decade of experience. He finds many of his paid freelance travel writing jobs at Online Writing Jobs ( http://www.online-writing-jobs.com ), a free jobboard that lets you search thousands of freelance writing jobs.