How to Get – and Keep Getting – Paid Online Travel Writing Gigs

As an editor of an online travel publication, I can tell you unequivocally that this article is right on target.

Hey David, great post! Some good reminders and some stuff I’d never thought of, too… (I’ve definitely played the “I suck with computers” card – oops!)

I don’t think #2 can be said too often. Particularly with blogging, where along with a particular theme or content, a lot of blogs (worldhum.com and jaunted.com are good examples) cultivate a particular voice. A lot of blogs also have tips@ email addresses posted – if you can send in a good tip or three as you’re getting to know the site, you’ll show the editors that you know exactly what they’re looking for.

Indeed, a useful resource for people trying to start an online travel writing career. Thanks.

The real question is how to improve the quality of wine one can afford whilst sitting in paradise writing.

Thanks for posting this David! Great advice I’ll definitely be referring back to at least once a month to keep me on track.

#10 particularly resonates with me especially since we all navigate, travel, and experience the world so differently. The key is to always remember this fact.

PS: welcome back to the states.

Great post!

It all comes down to research. Know your market, know the editor, know the readers. Once you get those down, it can be all gravy.

I like your idea about thinking long term and doing what Eva suggested – sending freebie tips. Lawyers do pro-bono work, so do doctors and just about every profession under the sun. But we writers get our knickers in a knot as soon as someone suggest we write something for free. Gasp, give away our miraculous writing for free!

And of course, you finished off beautifully. Be yourself because no one can do it better than you.

It’s a big, bright beautiful world out there…all connected to the Internet. Great advice David. This story is bookmarked.

Thanks for the great advice David! I’ll definitely keep this one for future reference. Oh by the way, I just signed up an account on Matador, seems like a cool place! Peace.

Thanks Byron! I’ll look for your profile on matador. Drop a line when you have everything set up.

Hey David,

Great advice. It totally opened my eyes to the business behind getting published. It was also a great kick in the butt to get my blog started. I’ve been planning it for awhile now, but I’ve been resisting technology…or at least telling myself that I have. Everything is pretty much going online now and I guess there are two choices: run with it or resist. Though the latter makes life more difficult for the writer-as if it wasn’t difficult enough (financially speaking).

Definitely a piece that got me motivated. Thanks! Danke! Gracie!

Okay, so I think I’ve figured out the Gravatar/photo issue. I’ve set up my blog and posted my published travel articles there. Now I need to learn how to optimize a natural search so readers out there can find my blog. Of course, I’ve joined Matador and included a link to my blog. So much to learn, so little time.

Thanks for the tips! It’s off to the Bounty Board.

People love stories and especially stories which they can relate to. I found that if you can provide a rags-to-riches story or some other success story, people will relate to it. It builds trust.

I would see this as a very important article and tips. Thank you for your post.

So, what are the best places to start a travel blog??

Great advice, David and to the point!

Let’s see, point one is not a problem. My blog is my window to the “other” world.
Even though I read this article before, I decided to leave a comment this time, which helps to put me on the radar (point 2).

I love to write, am familiar with Matador for a long time, and I am living a very different life than most which creates many interesting adventures, experiences and insights that will catch the attention of the ever growing Matador crowd. I also mix some humour in my stories. That covers point 3.

Patience is my middle name. I used to be a teacher in one of my previous lives. I am interested in building a relationship with my favourite editors and become a regular contributor. A busy traveller’s life and the lack of good internet infrastructure along the way are here the problems (I guess I have to work on number 9…).

I am on Facebook and my computer skills are adequate. It looks like I am on the right path!! Soon enough you will find a few articles coming you way! (How long have I been saying this?) Beware!

Thanks for that common sense advice David, I guess I should have read it before I jumped in and sent my first article for consideration. Have taken the first step and written a couple of blog articles, now off to do my networking. Cheers.

Thanks David!

I’ve been writing about travel in magazines, newspapers and in books for years and was looking to expand my online gigs. Great suggestions! Really love the quality and content of the Matador Network and think I found a new home.

Thanks for sharing,

Lorry

Great post! Thanks for sharing!

It’s definitely one that I’ll be referring back to as an aspiring travel writer!

Great article, there are a lot of points in it that now seem so obvious, so much so I wonder why I didn’t think of them in the first place. Thanks.

Hi David, This is spot on. I am now in my second decade of working as a freelance travel writer in that honest sustainable lifestyle (semi-nomadic with a small apartment I rent with my freelance filmmaker husband). I love what I do and I love my interaction with editors whom I work with: they are a very smart and hard working group of people. This is the best piece I’ve read about what it really takes to do this. Thank you. Now when people tell my I’m lucky to be doing what I do, I’ll send them to learn more through your excellent wisdom. Beebe

I loved the way this article has listed the most important points of travel writing regularly…being a travel writer myself I can just say…’bravo’ to the writer of the article.

As a young travel writer looking to get my foot in the door this article provides many tips that I will immediately get on top of as I trawl the internet for article opportunities.

Cool post! Quite useful tips, thank you very much.

 Cool