Hey hey!
If you’re as keen on getting published as I know you are, then you probably opened this email the second you saw the subject line…
Good for you - I love an action taker!
I’ve just returned from my final Cape Winelands adventure for an article I was commissioned to write for a magazine. And I’m getting ready for my first international trip since my son was born. Where I’ll be partnering with some dream brands for another commission. So, I can tell you writing for magazines is super rewarding. Both in terms of income and experience!
But I also know that it all seems quite elusive when you’re first getting started.
I mean people are barely reading your travel blog so why would a magazine editor commission (and pay) you for a travel story?!?
A valid concern - sure. But as with everything in life, practice makes perfect. So keep writing and making an effort to learn more about the industry. Chances are your content is better than you think. So, the only thing standing between you and an editor commissioning your story is the pitch.
The secret is that you need to pitch the right story to the right people at the right time for success.
Here’s what editors are looking for in your pitch:
“A good pitch explains why we should cover the story. It is different from what we already have on our site (or explains why we've missed something) and is short and concise. It should include information on the writer, with links to previously published work (ideally around the content of the pitch). My preference is for a bit of informality – I receive hundreds of pitches, so if you can include a line that shows you know something about me/Horizon, it can pique my interest, and show you've done some research.” - Karam Filfilan (Horizon Guides).
“Specific info. I sent out a call for a feature on Maya culture in Mexico recently. It was amazing how many pitches I got which just said ‘I’ve been to Mexico, I’ll do it for you’ without specifying why they were right for the job. I don’t need a huge long spiel, just a few lines. If it’s a pitch on spec, the same rules apply: tell me what the pitch is, why you should write it, and what/where you’ve written previously, with links or a website link.” - Jo Fletcher-Cross (APL Media).
“One thing that’s really frustrating is that when people pitch stuff we’ve already covered – this happens a lot with hotels. We have to fight for print space and we have to fight to get stuff high up on the homepage, so we need new stories.” - Ben Parker (Telegraph Travel).
“I want to be sure that you read the magazine online and in print. Tell me what you can offer and why we should commission you. What kind of format will the piece you’re pitching take? Is it a photo story, a report, a city guide, or a destination feature? You tell us. Is your idea different from what other magazines are publishing or is it a different take on the same story? Why are you the best writer for this piece? What can you bring to it? Is it urgent? Is it useful? Give me the angle and the hook. And if it’s not timely, why now and why is it important? What makes it a story worth telling?” - Josephine Price (National Geographic Traveller).
Want some more guidance or want accountability to take action and actually send those query letters to editors at your favorite travel magazines? Then join us in the exclusive Wildly Successful Travelpreneurs membership for only $9!
The Good Stuff 🔥
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Interesting Reads... 📰
👉 An update on the Italian digital nomad visa — Italy's Digital Nomad Visa: When It Will Be Available and Who Can Apply.
👉 Japan lifting more restrictions — Japan Moves to Make Travel Easier for International Visitors.
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Until next week…
With love,
Daniella
PS. If you want to become a travelpreneur, here are 3 ways I can help you:
✈️ Grab one of my FREE courses, books, or templates for travel bloggers: https://payhip.com/OurSoulfulT...
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