Battle Harbour, Labrador
Woohoo! I’ll soon be doing one of my favourite things (delivering a travel writing workshop) in one of my favourite places (Fredericton NB). The workshop will be on April 28, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at “The Station” on York Street.
Here’s a quick recap of the focus and workshop outline. Pass the word around!
Focus: travel writing for print publications (newspapers and magazines) as well as online publications and blogs. Participants will explore and be exposed to different kinds of travel writing (trade, commercial, advertorial, service, feature, books etc.) Samples will be provided. We’ll also discuss expectations of clients and editors, the importance of taking decent photos, the value of networking and all about press trips.
OVERVIEW
• who buys copy or hires travel writers? (where are the outlets/ opportunities?)
• putting your interests to work for you; specialize or diversify?
Wadi Rum, Jordan
QUERIES
• how to analyze a market and understand editor/client needs
• how to write an appropriate query/pitch
TRAVEL BOOKS: Which way to go? Publisher, agent or self-publish? Resources?
OTHER OUTLETS
• writing content for public and private sector (e.g., advertorial, content for brochures, interpretive panels)
PHOTOGRAPHY
• what do editors/clients expect?
• the art of taking great shots (10 tips for “wow” photos)
• how to send/present photos to editors/clients
MARKETING and NETWORKING
• professional writing organizations e.g., TMAC and PWAC. How does it “work”; what are the expectations? Benefits?
• importance of having your own website or travel blog + business cards + social media
• building a portfolio + testimonials
• travel-related websites that you should know about
Virgin Gorda, BVI
RESEARCH
• getting to know your destination; mining for story ideas, developing angles
• finding experts (and locals) to interview
TRIPS
• press trips vs setting up individual itineraries (pro’s and con’s of each)
• who pays? How arranged? What’s expected?
• protocols and trip etiquette
WRITING WELL
• bibliography of travel writing books
• discussion/suggestions how to improve narrative writing skills
FEE: $125 (inc. HST). For more information or to register, send me an email at s.phinney@ns.sympatico.ca
