Travel stories--how to get magazine to buy your travel story?

[tamzdance]

Has anyone submitted a travel story to a publication and been paid for it? If so, care to share any details or tips? I have toyed with this idea for a few weeks. More and more I am being pulled in this direction, and my friends and family are encouraging me to do it. I've spent the last five months traveling and living in a small indigenous village in central Mexico. I think I can create a story that's interesting and uplifting to certain audiences. Thanks in advance for any responses. Peace. -tamzdance

[curiouslyrandom]

Working as a freelance writer myself, I'd suggest starting with smaller publications and going up from there. Once you've got your name in print, it's easier to work with bigger magazines. They won't look twice at you if you have no background in publishing at all unless you are really, really good.

Maybe submit an article about what you're doing to your hometown paper or regional magazine and see what the response is. If your stories are interesting and well-written, those will open the door to other possibilities. Don't expect to be paid well, though. That comes with time and experience, but generally first-time writers make pocket change.

Good luck!

[aelle]

Most travel publications will give you plenty of advice on their editorial line, the type of submissions they are looking for, tips on editing.... The online travel magazine Matador even has a whole section on travel writing: Travel Writing | Travel Photography | Travel Tips | Green Travel -- TheTravelersNotebook.com
There's plenty of good advice on there. I would also encourage you to read plenty of travel publications to get a sense of what makes the cut. And submit your piece to many different magazines (within the rules defined by the magazines - some don't allow you to submit it somewhere else while they're reviewing it).

And like curiously random said, build up your writing resume. It takes time and commitment.

[tamzdance]

Originally Posted by curiouslyrandom

Working as a freelance writer myself, I'd suggest starting with smaller publications and going up from there. Once you've got your name in print, it's easier to work with bigger magazines. They won't look twice at you if you have no background in publishing at all unless you are really, really good.

Maybe submit an article about what you're doing to your hometown paper or regional magazine and see what the response is. If your stories are interesting and well-written, those will open the door to other possibilities. Don't expect to be paid well, though. That comes with time and experience, but generally first-time writers make pocket change.

Good luck!

Thank you very much for the information! 'Preciate it! Peace, -tamzdance