How Do You Become a Travel Writer?
Millions of dedicated travelers dream about developing a freelance travel writing career that will allow them to escape to far off lands and bask on exotic beaches for unending days of "research" - all at the expense of a travel magazine and supportive editor.
Yet most people don't realize that the dream of becoming a freelance travel writer is actually quite attainable. All it takes to become a freelance travel writer is a flexible schedule, crafty pen and the persistence to keep at it.
Even The Most Inexperienced Writer Can Become a Full-Time Freelance Travel Writer:
First, if you want to become a travel writer, it's a great idea to find a travel magazine, Web log, Web site or newspaper that's willing to publish your work. Start by writing a proposal letter to the editor or search on freelance writing forums for publications that require the services of a travel writer. Once you have a confirmation that your travel article will be accepted for publication, you're ready to take the next step.
Next, plan your trip. It's a good idea to start small. Look around for a conservative weekend getaway. In the beginning, you will probably only be able to work on the weekends as a freelance travel writer anyway while you build your portfolio into one suitable for a fulltime freelance writer.
While on your trip, take careful notes about street names, restaurants, food, the people you meet and the general atmosphere. Details are especially nice ways to personalize a vacation spot - so write down everything. Take along your camera. You may not be a freelance photographer hopeful, but many publications like to take a look at photos you've taken for possible publication along with your article (many publications will pay for your photo as well!)
Once you have returned from your vacation, compose an article and submit it to the publication. It's that simple!
Now here's the best part:
Did you know that you can benefit from a tax write-off when you become a travel writer?
It's simple: as long as you can prove that you went on your trip for the purpose of writing a travel article, you're legitimate in the eyes of the IRS. Note: You can retroactively apply vacation expenses as long as you have written an article about a particular location and the article has been published. If you retroactively write an article and it does not get published, you cannot write your vacation off as a business expense. You get paid for your work and benefit from tax write-off as well.
Once you've published your first article, you're on your way to become a paid travel writer.
Written by: Courtney Park
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