Thursday Bram's Page

My book, Working Your Way Around the World, was scheduled for a July release right up until this morning. That’s when I got an email from my publisher, officially announcing that Duffie Books is closing its doors and my contract has been canceled. I’ve spent most of the day thinking about my alternatives. As I see it, I have several.



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As a freelance travel writer, you’re a business owner. That means that it’s your responsibility to market yourself — it’s up to you to make sure that you grow your business, land new opportunities and continue to find new markets. Freelancing isn’t a ‘get out of marketing free’ card — but don’t let that scare you. Marketing yourself as a travel writer doesn’t need to be complicated.



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More than once, I’ve been able to turn a ‘maybe we can run your article’ to a ‘when can you get it to us’ with the addition of a sidebar. It’s been my experience that editors love sidebars, not because of the space they take up or the useful information they contain but because most readers focus on headlines, pull quotes and sidebars and then the story, if you’re lucky. That makes it a good practice to include a sidebar suggestion with almost every query. Even if the editor decides to give a… Continue

Some freelance writers seem to view public relations specialists as some sort of conspiracy to control just what topics writers cover. The truth of the matter is, though, that PR folks can be crucial to your success as a travel writer. Want access to a hotel a little cushier than the one you’re staying at? Want a clue-in on any upcoming events? Want a chance at those ritzy junkets? All of those require a little help from our friends in the PR industry.



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If you’ve been writing about one area for long enough, it can seem like you’ve gone through every story idea you can think of. Taking a look at your location through a new lens can help you find a new slant or story — and perhaps submit a query to a new market. Consider these questions as a starting point.

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