When you are starting out as a writer, it can be challenging to know where to look for writing opportunities. Having been a full-time travel writer for about four years, I have picked up a variety of tips and tricks. I like to think I’ve become something of an expert at weeding out publications to pitch travel articles to.
By scouring the internet and pitching ideas to websites I have discovered online, I have been offered an abundance of work, from one-off opportunities to a series of long-term commissions. All it takes is a keen eye, and before you know it, you’ll have a lengthy list of publications to pitch to. Here are some of my top tips:
Vary your search terms.
When trying to locate potential publishers, try searching for any words connected with travel writing. Some of the possibilities include “travel websites,” “travel articles,” and “travel content.” Explore anything that comes up thoroughly. Websites often have a link to their writer’s guidelines and submissions page. If not, find out who the editor is and pitch them via email or social media.
Check out writer’s lists.
Searching for “lists of publications that accept travel submissions” reveals a variety of lists. These usually include websites and magazines that are actively seeking submissions. The best part is that these handy lists have already been put together by somebody else, making life substantially easier for you.
Use job boards and alerts.
Check out online job boards regularly and sign up for writing job alerts. Even though the majority of jobs won’t be specifically travel-related, it’s worth checking regularly so you don’t miss out when the perfect job does come up. It’s also a good idea to register with websites that specialize in remote work, as they frequently advertise content jobs. By following travel writing job sites on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, you will receive leads for writing jobs directly to your feed.
Network.
Register with all the travel media networks you can find. Keep your eyes peeled for any publications and websites that other writers work for, check them out, and contact the editor. This is how I managed to pick up one of my biggest jobs to date—a 20,000-word guide on my home city. These websites are also useful for keeping up to date with what’s going on in the travel industry.
Be meticulous in your search.
By scouring the nooks and crannies of the internet, you are bound to come across opportunities that you never imagined existed. Leave no stone unturned and it won’t be long before the acceptance emails are flooding in!
With these tips, you should be able to root out the writing opportunities that suit your style and expertise. So get out there, get searching, and get writing!
[Editor’s Note: Learn more about how you can fund your travels and make an extra income with photography, travel writing, blogging, and more in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel. Sign up here today and we’ll send you a new report, Three Fun Ways To Get Paid To Travel: A Quick-Start Guide, completely FREE.]
