Writing Craft

Inside the NYC Pitch & Shop Conference 2011

Posted by on Mar 26, 2011 in Destinations, Writing Craft | 4 comments

Got a book to sell? This is the place to go. Held in the Ripley Grier Studios on the 16th floor of 520 Eighth Avenue in Midtown New York, Algonkian NYC Pitch & Shop is a workshop for writers who want to get their books published. It’s a 4-day event which involves developing a synopsis, honing it with your workshop leader (and 15 writers) and then pitching it to an editor. If they like what they hear, they’ll request a copy of your manuscript. Here’s what I learned: Soak up the excitement. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with aspiring actors auditioning for...

Read More

12 sure-fire sources for stellar press trips

Posted by on Jan 30, 2011 in Writing Craft | 2 comments

“Where to next?” If you’re a travel writer, January is an important time of year. Travel conference schedules have been finalized and, although invitations or editorial assignments can come up any time, it’s worth planning your schedule now so you don’t miss key events. Or, get stuck going somewhere nasty. Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, press trips will likely be part of the process. In his recent post Who would want to be a travel writer?, veteran freelance travel writer Mark Hodson notes that “when the recession first hit,...

Read More

Travel Writer’s Checklist: 10 tips for getting paid

Posted by on Dec 17, 2010 in Writing Craft | 2 comments

There was an interesting article “Begging for Your Pay” by freelance writer Elizabeth Dwoskin in the New York Times this week.  Her point that freelance writers engage in a “delicate, disquieted dance” when trying to collect money is very true. It’s especially relevant when it comes to travel writing as relationships with third parties (PR agencies, tourism boards, interview subjects) can make walking away even more difficult. Several years ago I got burned and it wasn’t pretty. Scarlett Magazine asked if  I could write about the challenges and rewards of...

Read More

Puerto Escondido Travel Writing Workshop

Posted by on Nov 7, 2007 in Destinations, Writing Craft | 0 comments

January 15-18th Workshop Agenda In this hands-on workshop you can expect to learn: Targeting your market The five easiest to five toughest travel markets Developing story ideas Before, during or after you travel? Insider secrets to successful interviewing Finding sources, local color, reporting Getting noticed: What editors look for How to pitch your ideas Query or spec? The mechanics of who to contact and how Styles of travel writing Service pieces to essays: getting multiple stories Follow-up and handling rejection When, how, who Must-have equipment What you need in your toolkit and...

Read More