My Journey to Become a Travel Writer

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I have recently started to take an online class through Matador U to learn how to be a travel writer. This may seem a little odd since I receive over a million downloads a year for my travel show, but it is clear to me that I still have a lot learn on the subject.

I love the art of travel writing that pulls me from my world and draws me into another one using only the power of words. I consider it some sort of wizardry that can make this world fade and another one appear. It is one of the reasons I am drawn to travel in general.

My first writing assignment for this course is to set some goals. Where would I like to be published? I was asked to do research, and then to commit publicly to these goals. So here is my wish list of where I would like to see my writing appear:

San Jose Mercury News

Sunset Magazine

  • http://www.sunset.com
  • Senior Editor – Rachel Levin – travel@sunset.com
  • Submissions policy: Writers must submit a query letter to the editor in advance. The letter should explain and outline the proposed story idea, and suggest an appropriate month or season. E-mail queries are preferred. Send them to travelquery@sunset.com.

National Geographic Traveler

  • http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com
  • Editor in chief – Keith Bellows – traveler@nationalgeographic.com
  • Submission policy: Restrict each submission to one or two well-developed proposals that have been crafted especially for us. A carefully considered proposal combines support for doing a particular destination with some premise or hook. A good query has a headline that suggests what the story is, a deck that amplifies on that, a strong lead, and not much more than a page that clearly sets out the premise and approach of the piece. The query should represent the writer’s style and should answer these questions about the story: Why now, and why in Traveler? Mail your proposal to Query Editor, National Geographic Traveler, 1145 17th St NW, Washington DC 20036.

 

Matador

  • http://matadortravel.com/
  • Managing Editor: Julie Schwietert – julie@matadornetwork.com
  • Submission guidelines: Write an original draft that does not exceed 1,000 words. 800 is ideal. Submit via web form.

World Hum

  • http://www.worldhum.com/
  • Editors: Jim Benning and Mike Yessis – dispatches@worldhum.com
  • Submission guidelines: Paste your submission or a short pitch as well as a brief bio into the body of an email and send it to dispatches@worldhum.com. Writing submissions should be no more than 2,000 words.
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Chris Christensen

by Chris Christensen

Chris Christensen is the creator of the Amateur Traveler blog and podcast. He has been a travel creator since 2005 and has won awards including being named the "Best Independent Travel Journalist" by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

6 Responses to “My Journey to Become a Travel Writer”

JoAnna

Says:

So excited you’ve joined the class Chris … see you on the forum board!

Becky Sunderland

Says:

Cool! Good luck with your new endeavor! Look forward to reading some of your work! 🙂

Bryan Person

Says:

Really admirable, Chris! Hope you’ll continue to post updates on your progress here?

Kristin

Says:

Good luck with your goals Chris! It’ll be interesting to keep reading your updates.

Nomadic Matt

Says:

One million downloads per year? Amazing!

I love the Matador folks. They are great. You’ll love the class.

good luck!

Home Based Travel Business

Says:

Admirable and cool! Wish you good luck, Chris. Will be looking forward to reading you. Keep going!

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