As I write this, I'm sitting in the lobby of Four Points at Sheraton in Sydney, Australia, catching up with emails and blogs before boarding the Dawn Princess for the first leg of it's World Cruise. Traveling with my mother, I will be spending the next 54 days port hopping on our way to England.
During this time, the Write to Travel blog will be taking a sabbatical from travel writing information and instead, will be featuring 'photo of the day' posts tracking my travels.
I'll be writing about life on the high seas over at Planet Eye Traveler and Perceptive Travel Blog.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
TED Talk: JK Rowling at Harvard University...
"Harry Potter" author JK Rowling offers advice to dreamers and overachievers at this Harvard University commencement speech.
J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
A Travel Bloggers Scholarship Fund for TBEX?
Travel blogger Caitlin Fitzsimmons has come up with a novel and innovative way of raising money to get to this years TBEX’10 Travel Bloggers Conference.
She has set up a Send Caitlin to TBEX in NYC project over at Kickstarter with the aim of raising $500 to help cover the costs of travel and accommodation in NYC during the conference.
In return for everyone’s support, Caitlin promises to provide up to date summaries of conference content and conversations to help people who can't attend.
And within two weeks of her trip to New York, will create and publish the following on her Roaming Tales blog:
- an edited video
- at least one post from each of the five boroughs
- two restaurant reviews
- a hotel review
As of today, the Send Caitlin to TBEX in NYC project has raised reached the goal of $500.
But all this got me thinking that maybe now is the time that a travel bloggers scholarship fund, similar to the one created by the Wine Bloggers Conference (WBC), was established to help travel bloggers get to TBEX.
Last year I was one of the grateful recipients of WBC’s scholarship fund. And while what I received wasn’t financially huge, it did make a huge difference to me being able to attend the event.
Dependent on donations on wineries, PR agencies, wine business industry members, and individuals, the WBC scholarship fund will be funding up to 11 wine bloggers at this year’s conference in Walla Walla, Washington. Anyone with a wine blog is encouraged to send in an application describing their blog, their financial needs pertaining to the Wine Bloggers Conference, and why they are deserving on sponsorship. The successful wine bloggers are then chosen through a committee selection process.
Sounds like something that TBEX travel bloggers could easily do. After all, travel bloggers are a generous lot.
All you have to do is look at the results of the Passports with Purpose fundraisers organized by four Seattle travel bloggers. The first one raised over $6000 dollars, the second one well over $25000.
So maybe it’s time we start being generous to each other as well by creating a TBEX scholarship fund for TBEX’11.
Sure sounds like something that everyone should be discussing at this year’s TBEX.
In the meantime, why not make Caitlin the ‘inaugural TBEX scholarship’ recipient by donating to the Send Caitlin to TBEX in NYC fund.
(For more on TBEX'10, check out the TBEX facebook page and follow on the TBEX twitter.)
(cross posted at Perceptive Travel blog)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Travel Writing Course in Morocco...
Tour operators Steppes Travel announced this week a one-off travel writing course in Morocco. Run by author Paul Gogarty, this seven day course will consist of personalised one-on-one private tutoring, feature-writing assignments and daily workshops intermixed with a series of field trips around Marrakech.
At £1,850, it's not cheap. But imagine learning the tricks of the trade while wandering around such a colorful and interesting place.
Dates: 27 September to 3 October 2010
For more information, visit www.steppestravel.co.uk
(via cntraveller.com)
At £1,850, it's not cheap. But imagine learning the tricks of the trade while wandering around such a colorful and interesting place.
Dates: 27 September to 3 October 2010
For more information, visit www.steppestravel.co.uk
(via cntraveller.com)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Planet Eye Traveler is looking for Travel Bloggers...
Planet Eye Traveler is hiring travel bloggers for the following positions - Las Vegas, Berlin, and cruising.
Editor Mary Jo Manzanares (aka @flyawaycafe) says while Las Vegas, Berlin, and cruising are her top priorities at present, Planet Eye Traveler is also looking for travel bloggers to write about the following...
Destinations:
Athens
Bangkok
Berlin
Cape Town
Denver
Hong Kong
Las Vegas
Mexico City
Montreal
New Orleans
Paris
Rome
Singapore
Tokyo
Toronto
and niches:
Family travel
Cruises
Green travel
Offering a modest base pay plus bonus structure, these positions won't pay the mortgage but are a great place to build up a travel writing portfolio in a supportive environment.
Applicants need to be passionate and knowledgable about their topic and be able to provide 4 posts a week. WordPress familiarity is important but they are willing to train the right people.
Contact Mary Jo at @flyawaycafe for further details.
Editor Mary Jo Manzanares (aka @flyawaycafe) says while Las Vegas, Berlin, and cruising are her top priorities at present, Planet Eye Traveler is also looking for travel bloggers to write about the following...
Destinations:
Athens
Bangkok
Berlin
Cape Town
Denver
Hong Kong
Las Vegas
Mexico City
Montreal
New Orleans
Paris
Rome
Singapore
Tokyo
Toronto
and niches:
Family travel
Cruises
Green travel
Offering a modest base pay plus bonus structure, these positions won't pay the mortgage but are a great place to build up a travel writing portfolio in a supportive environment.
Applicants need to be passionate and knowledgable about their topic and be able to provide 4 posts a week. WordPress familiarity is important but they are willing to train the right people.
Contact Mary Jo at @flyawaycafe for further details.
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
1. Working from home — Avoiding isolation and finding motivation
2. How to Use Twitter Lists to Find Freelance Writers – and Freelance Writing Jobs
3. 13 Nuggets Of Business Wisdom I Learned In The Corporate World
4. Business Plans for Writers
5. 6 Editing Tips for Writers From Copywriters, Editors, and Freelancers
2. How to Use Twitter Lists to Find Freelance Writers – and Freelance Writing Jobs
3. 13 Nuggets Of Business Wisdom I Learned In The Corporate World
4. Business Plans for Writers
5. 6 Editing Tips for Writers From Copywriters, Editors, and Freelancers
Sunday, April 4, 2010
TED Talk: Gary Vaynerchuk at Web 2.0 Expo 2008...
I found this TED talk video via Cuaderno Inedito
It's a talk that Gary Vaynerchuk from Wine Library did at Web 2.0 Expo 2008.
His advice - do what you love with no excuses!
It's a talk that Gary Vaynerchuk from Wine Library did at Web 2.0 Expo 2008.
His advice - do what you love with no excuses!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Matador Network looking for Travel Blogger with Video Editing Skills...
Are you a passionate and savvy travel blogger / social media / online publishing ninja with video editing skils?
If so, Matador Network wants you.
They are looking for an intern to working directly with Matador Video editor Joshywashington, and helping with such tasks as:
*formatting and publishing video posts
*practicing the art social media promotion with the Matador editorial team
*helping build content at MatadorTV
*engaging the travel video community
*helping produce content about travel video at The Traveler’s Notebook
If interested, email josh [at] matadornetwork.com
If so, Matador Network wants you.
They are looking for an intern to working directly with Matador Video editor Joshywashington, and helping with such tasks as:
*formatting and publishing video posts
*practicing the art social media promotion with the Matador editorial team
*helping build content at MatadorTV
*engaging the travel video community
*helping produce content about travel video at The Traveler’s Notebook
If interested, email josh [at] matadornetwork.com
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Upcoming Travel Writing Seminar in Washington D.C.
Jason Clampet, editor of Frommers.com, is holding a 'Breaking into Travel Writing' Seminar on April 26, 2010.
Topics to be covered include...
- The fundamentals of compelling travel writing
- Useful insider tips for selling your articles
- How to identify markets
- How to earn money
- What makes a good travel memoir
For more information, head over to Mediabistro
Topics to be covered include...
- The fundamentals of compelling travel writing
- Useful insider tips for selling your articles
- How to identify markets
- How to earn money
- What makes a good travel memoir
For more information, head over to Mediabistro
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
TBEX '10 Calling for Entries for Community Keynote
TBEX'10, the travel bloggers event of the year, will take place in New York City on June 26 and June 27th.
I had hoped to go this year but life got in the way and instead I will instead be cruising on the high seas while TBEX'10 is on.
But thanks to the TBEX'10 Communtiy Keynote, there is a way that I and others unable to attend, can participate.
The community keynote offers independent travel bloggers a chance to have their work presented by Pam Mandel and Mike Barish at the TBEX ’10 Community Keynote session.
Interested?
Then check out Kim Mance's post, CALL FOR ENTRIES: TBEX '10 COMMUNITY KEYNOTE, over at Travel Exchange.
Here's the highlights...
You do not need to attend TBEX ’10 to submit work for inclusion in the Community Keynote (though we’d love to see you). Simply review the list below and submit one of your favorite blog posts that fits into a specific category. All work must be original, written by you, and published on your blog (whether old or new). There is no compensation for entries chosen (beyond TBEX fame and a link), and author retains their own copyright. One submission per person, only!
1. Twinkle in a Traveler’s Eye – The Ideas That Inspire the Trips
2. In Transit – The Perils (and Joys) of Transportation
3. Talking to Strangers – The People You Meet
4. Spit or Swallow – Culinary Conundrums
5. The Power of Places – Inspiring Destinations
6. You Did What? – Adrenaline Rushes and Adventures
7. Love at First Flight – Tales of Romance on the Road
8. Trips & Falls – Embarrassing Tales & Travel Fails
9. Home, Bittersweet Home – Reverse Culture Shock & Many Happy Returns
I had hoped to go this year but life got in the way and instead I will instead be cruising on the high seas while TBEX'10 is on.
But thanks to the TBEX'10 Communtiy Keynote, there is a way that I and others unable to attend, can participate.
The community keynote offers independent travel bloggers a chance to have their work presented by Pam Mandel and Mike Barish at the TBEX ’10 Community Keynote session.
Interested?
Then check out Kim Mance's post, CALL FOR ENTRIES: TBEX '10 COMMUNITY KEYNOTE, over at Travel Exchange.
Here's the highlights...
You do not need to attend TBEX ’10 to submit work for inclusion in the Community Keynote (though we’d love to see you). Simply review the list below and submit one of your favorite blog posts that fits into a specific category. All work must be original, written by you, and published on your blog (whether old or new). There is no compensation for entries chosen (beyond TBEX fame and a link), and author retains their own copyright. One submission per person, only!
1. Twinkle in a Traveler’s Eye – The Ideas That Inspire the Trips
2. In Transit – The Perils (and Joys) of Transportation
3. Talking to Strangers – The People You Meet
4. Spit or Swallow – Culinary Conundrums
5. The Power of Places – Inspiring Destinations
6. You Did What? – Adrenaline Rushes and Adventures
7. Love at First Flight – Tales of Romance on the Road
8. Trips & Falls – Embarrassing Tales & Travel Fails
9. Home, Bittersweet Home – Reverse Culture Shock & Many Happy Returns
Tom Swick Writes about the evolving role of the travel writer
There's a great article, Not a Tourist, posted over at World Hum about the evolving role of the travel writer in modern times.
Written by Tom Swick, it is part autobiographical, part historical as it traces the history of the travel writer through the ages.
Definitely worth reading...
Written by Tom Swick, it is part autobiographical, part historical as it traces the history of the travel writer through the ages.
Definitely worth reading...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Heather Hapeta to Hold Travel Writing Course at Daku Resort, Fiji...
New Zealand travel writer Heather Hapeta aka 'the kiwitravelwriter' is running a 7 day travel writing course at the Daku Resort in Fiji in August.
Sounds like a great way to combine a beach holiday with your writing and travel passions. The course is geared to teach you the ins and outs of writing travel articles, blogs,etc.
Topics include (but not only):
· How to write for specific publications
· Know your market
· What works – what doesn’t?
· Where to sell your stories – locally and internationally
· Finding your own style, and the secrets of style
· Use your senses; quotes; fact files
· Query letters, and the taxman
· Considering other markets
· Photography and travel writing
. . . plus exercises, daily expeditions, and lots of talking in-between, and one-on-one time with your tutor as required.
By your last day you should have a perfectly formed (and critiqued) article ready to pitch to an editor and start earning.
Course requirements: enthusiasm and curiosity are essential.
Add notebooks and pencils; a camera; perhaps your laptop or an audio cassette – and, as we are on a Pacific island – sunscreen and swimming costumes are highly recommended!
$NZ500 discount for early-bird bookings – by end of April 2010 - for THIS travel workshop only. The price includes flights from New Zealand, accommodation (twin share) meals, and visits associated with the course, and naturally, an exciting week-long holiday retreat at Daku Resort.
For more information on click on travel writing course at Daku Resort.
Sounds like a great way to combine a beach holiday with your writing and travel passions. The course is geared to teach you the ins and outs of writing travel articles, blogs,etc.
Topics include (but not only):
· How to write for specific publications
· Know your market
· What works – what doesn’t?
· Where to sell your stories – locally and internationally
· Finding your own style, and the secrets of style
· Use your senses; quotes; fact files
· Query letters, and the taxman
· Considering other markets
· Photography and travel writing
. . . plus exercises, daily expeditions, and lots of talking in-between, and one-on-one time with your tutor as required.
By your last day you should have a perfectly formed (and critiqued) article ready to pitch to an editor and start earning.
Course requirements: enthusiasm and curiosity are essential.
Add notebooks and pencils; a camera; perhaps your laptop or an audio cassette – and, as we are on a Pacific island – sunscreen and swimming costumes are highly recommended!
$NZ500 discount for early-bird bookings – by end of April 2010 - for THIS travel workshop only. The price includes flights from New Zealand, accommodation (twin share) meals, and visits associated with the course, and naturally, an exciting week-long holiday retreat at Daku Resort.
For more information on click on travel writing course at Daku Resort.
Friday, March 19, 2010
52PerfectDays.com's 3rd Annual Travel Writing Contest...
52 Perfect Days has launched their 3rd Annual Travel Writing Contest.
This year's theme is National Parks.
Submissions should be 1000 words focusing on a National Park, National Monument, National Seashore or Historic Parks in the United State or Canada, highlighting how to spend a perfect day there.
Head over to 52 Perfect Days for full submission guidelines
Deadline is 31st October 2010
First Prize is a trip to Oahu, 2nd Prize 2 Nights in Palm Springs, 3rd Prize a Wordpress Website, and 4th Prize a Tom Bihn Travel Bag. And 10 runner up prizes of a a copy of Best Travel Writing "True Stories from Around the World".
Travel & Words 2010: A Pacific NW Travel Writers Conference...
If you are heading for the Pacific Northwest this summer, you might want to consider attending TRAVEL & WORDS 2010.
Where: Courtyard Marriott, 1515 Commerce Street, Historic downtown Tacoma Washington
When: June 26 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
A one day workshop for freelance travel writers, journalists, photographers, editors, and travel and tourism industry professionals, TRAVEL & WORDS 2010 is designed to provide participants with...
...timely information on changes and trends in the freelance writing world, particularly the use of social media in managing and marketing one’s brand and developing income-producing web sites related to travel writing.
...encourage networking with editors and travel and tourism industry professionals who highlight Pacific NW destinations, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia.
...discuss the process of marketing freelance articles and photography to both print and online publications in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
For more information, check out the Travel & Words 2010 Conference website.
Where: Courtyard Marriott, 1515 Commerce Street, Historic downtown Tacoma Washington
When: June 26 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
A one day workshop for freelance travel writers, journalists, photographers, editors, and travel and tourism industry professionals, TRAVEL & WORDS 2010 is designed to provide participants with...
...timely information on changes and trends in the freelance writing world, particularly the use of social media in managing and marketing one’s brand and developing income-producing web sites related to travel writing.
...encourage networking with editors and travel and tourism industry professionals who highlight Pacific NW destinations, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia.
...discuss the process of marketing freelance articles and photography to both print and online publications in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
For more information, check out the Travel & Words 2010 Conference website.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Vacation Gals Are Giving Away a Personal Assistant...
Got too much to do and not enough time? Fighting against deadlines? Need more time for research, proofreading, etc, etc, etc?
If so, then you could probably do with a personal assistant.
And the Vacation Gals have one to give away.
Here's what's on offer...
TaskUs, an hourly virtual personal assistance service, has teamed up with the fabulous Hyatt Place hotel brand to offer The Vacation Gals readers an incredible giveaway: 30 hours of virtual assistance to use by August 2010, and a two-night stay at any Hyatt Place property in the United States with no blackout dates or expiry date.
How to enter...
Leave a comment over at The Vacation Gals telling them
- What’s the first thing you think you’ll have your TaskUs virtual assistant do? (Check out TaskUs.com for examples of services.)
and
- Where do you think you’d use your credit for two nights at a Hyatt Place hotel? (Name a city; check out the Hyatt Place website for a full list of locations.)
It might just result in a perfect match.
Sadly only US residents can enter which leaves me out.
If so, then you could probably do with a personal assistant.
And the Vacation Gals have one to give away.
Here's what's on offer...
TaskUs, an hourly virtual personal assistance service, has teamed up with the fabulous Hyatt Place hotel brand to offer The Vacation Gals readers an incredible giveaway: 30 hours of virtual assistance to use by August 2010, and a two-night stay at any Hyatt Place property in the United States with no blackout dates or expiry date.
How to enter...
Leave a comment over at The Vacation Gals telling them
- What’s the first thing you think you’ll have your TaskUs virtual assistant do? (Check out TaskUs.com for examples of services.)
and
- Where do you think you’d use your credit for two nights at a Hyatt Place hotel? (Name a city; check out the Hyatt Place website for a full list of locations.)
It might just result in a perfect match.
Sadly only US residents can enter which leaves me out.
Lonely Planet looking for amazing food stories for new anthology...
Ask any travel writer about their favorite travel memories and you can just about guarantee that food will be involved.
In fact, according to Lonely Planet author and editor Don George, ‘every traveller has some unforgettable food story – a larger-than-life feast, a mind-bending immersion in a rural market, the homemade, heart-opening treat shared by a stranger on a claptrap train, an adventure on the trail of an edible exotic. In all these tales, food is an agent of transformation, taking travellers to a deeper and more lasting understanding of and connection with a people, a place and a culture. And if they’re really lucky, it tastes good too!’
With that in mind, Lonely Planet is looking for submissions for the upcoming anthology, A Moveable Feast: Life-Changing Food Encounters Around the World.
All you need is a (true) tale of travel and food. He's looking for original, unpublished pieces of exceptionally high literary quality.
Length is from 1,000 to 3,000 words. Deadline is April 19.
If you have a great food story to tell, email it to Don at don.george@sbcglobal.net with Food Anthology in the subject line. All submissions are on speculation.
A Moveable Feast will be published this fall.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Rolf Potts to Lead Travel Writing Workshop in Iceland...
Travel writer and author Rolf Potts, fresh from his Paris workshop in July, will be leading a 5 day Travel Writing Workshop in Iceland on August 1st, 2010.
At this travel writing workshop, the emphasis will be on participants creating travel stories, memoirs, and experimental essays that examine sense of place, cross-cultural inquiry, and personal discovery. Rolf will be offering direction and guidance, with the aim for each student to have one completed non-fiction article ready for publication by the end of the workshop.
The cost - $$1950.00 - includes:
5 days travel writing workshop with Rolf Potts
7 nights accommodation (based on double occupancy) at House of Spirits Guesthouse
7 breaksfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
For more information, head over to Angela Richie's Ace Camp website.
For more on Rolf Potts, read this Write to Travel interview with a travel writer.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Guerrilla Freelance Turns One and Celebrates with Giveaways...
Guerrilla Freelancing, a website 'dedicated to helping every freelancer still in the trenches, working as hard as they can to build up a solid freelance business'is turning one and wants to celebrate by spending this week giving away some great prizes.
Here's their list:
Monday – Media Loot is giving three people a one year subscription to their resource site.
Tuesday – Paymo Biz is giving five people an unlimited time tracking and invoicing account.
Wednesday – Rockable Press is giving away 2 ebook copies of “How To Be A Rockstar Freelancer” and 2 ebook copies of our “Freelance Statistics Report“.
Thursday – Giant Themes is giving away 5 free copies of the iSocialize wordpress theme.
Friday – Guerrilla Freelancing is giving away a free ebook titled “Guide to Guerrilla Freelancing” which will showcase some of the best notes from this site as well as new and informative topics for every freelancer who’s in the trenches!
Obviously it's too late to enter Monday's giveaway but all the rest are still up for grabs. so head on over to Guerilla Freelance and start entering.
Personally, I wouldn't mind winning a copy of “How To Be A Rockstar Freelancer”
Here's their list:
Monday – Media Loot is giving three people a one year subscription to their resource site.
Tuesday – Paymo Biz is giving five people an unlimited time tracking and invoicing account.
Wednesday – Rockable Press is giving away 2 ebook copies of “How To Be A Rockstar Freelancer” and 2 ebook copies of our “Freelance Statistics Report“.
Thursday – Giant Themes is giving away 5 free copies of the iSocialize wordpress theme.
Friday – Guerrilla Freelancing is giving away a free ebook titled “Guide to Guerrilla Freelancing” which will showcase some of the best notes from this site as well as new and informative topics for every freelancer who’s in the trenches!
Obviously it's too late to enter Monday's giveaway but all the rest are still up for grabs. so head on over to Guerilla Freelance and start entering.
Personally, I wouldn't mind winning a copy of “How To Be A Rockstar Freelancer”
Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers...
It's been a while but Write to Travel is back with the weekly 'Weekly Top 5 Blog Posts for Writers".
1. What Magazine Editors Value From Freelance Writers
2. What Avatar Can Teach You About Repurposing Your Content
3. The Importance of a Writers Agreement
4. 10 Lessons I Learned from A Magnificent Failure
5. 10 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn From Albert Einstein
1. What Magazine Editors Value From Freelance Writers
2. What Avatar Can Teach You About Repurposing Your Content
3. The Importance of a Writers Agreement
4. 10 Lessons I Learned from A Magnificent Failure
5. 10 Amazing Life Lessons You Can Learn From Albert Einstein
Monday, March 15, 2010
Guest Post: Platform Resolutions for Writers 2010 by Christina Katz
Before writers establish an author platform, they typically establish a writer platform. Over the past decade, thousands of writers have parlayed established influence into traditional book deals. Landing a traditional book deal is still an effective way to exponentially increase your credibility and visibility.
Your “platform” refers to what you do in the world with your professional expertise that makes you visible and influential in the world. Having friends on Facebook or followers on Twitter is not your platform, unless the majority of those people know who you are, what you do, and are enthusiastic about your work.
I thought I would offer some advice about how to slowly and steadily establish a lasting platform. You may note the lack of fanaticism in this advice and the emphasis on enduring success instead. I’m a mother and a wife, a freelancer, a speaker, a teacher, and a blogger, so aiming for balance is the only way I can afford to work if I plan on sticking around for the long haul.
This advice has worked consistently for my students over the past several years. I think you will find that a grounded, step-by-step approach works just as well for you if you choose to follow it:
1. Develop a platform topic that you love and can work on tirelessly for the next few years. Your passion of the moment should come in second to the topic you could delve into deeply for a good, long time. Prior professional education and a depth of personal experience are going to be a boon to your platform if you have an eye on a future book deal.
2. Hang back from establishing a blog on your topic until you have cultivated a wealth of content and experience working with others on specialty-related activities that lend credibility and trust to your name. Others will tell you to start blogging immediately, but don’t, if you want to be efficient with your time and money.
3. Instead, gain authority by seeking publication in established, highly visible publications both in print and online that serve your target audience. Avoid the kind of publishing that anyone can accomplish, like posting on article sites, and work on your professional communication skills instead. By all means, avoid the content mills offering writers slave wages with the promise of future earnings.
4. Don’t begin any kind of marketing campaign for any product or service offerings until you have established yourself as a go-to person on your topic, again saving you time and money. Before you look at ways to serve others directly, channel your expertise into the best service methods possible based on your strengths and weaknesses. This is a meaty topic that is covered in-depth in my book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform (Writer’s Digest Books 2008).
5. Then, develop a product or service that can become one of several multiple income streams over time that will support your goal of becoming a published author. For example, teaching classes over the years has allowed me to re-invest more of the money I earn from writing books back into book marketing. Make sure any offerings you produce are released conscientiously and are integrated into the professional writing you already do. Otherwise, you will seem like you are all over the place and just trying to score a buck.
6. Don’t expect your platform to support you financially for at least one or two years, as you micro-invest in it, re-invest in it as it grows, and expand your visibility.
7. Once you have a professional publication track record in your niche topic, then it’s time to hang your online shingle. I’ve seen this accomplished in as little as six months by exceptionally focused students. Take a portion of the money you’ve earned writing and invest it in a professional quality online presence.
8. A low-cost way to do this is to purchase your name as a URL and use a hosting site like GoDaddy.com to host a Wordpress.org blog. I use the Thesis Theme, which you can see in action at my blog. In this way, a blog can also serve as your website where you post your published clips, offerings and bio. If you don’t have a ton of money to invest in the look of your site, you can always pay a designer later.
9. Delay partnering with others on joint ventures until you have a clear idea of your own strengths and weaknesses in and around your topic. And when you do partner with others be extremely discriminating. Make sure the partnership is going to be win-win-win for everyone involved.
10. Start an e-mail newsletter or e-zine with those who are most interested in your topic. Build your list by invitation and then grow it into a permission-based following over time. Create an expected, ongoing dialogue that is mutually beneficial to everyone involved and your list will grow.
11. Now you are ready to start blogging. And yes, I mean while you continue to do all the things we’ve already discussed. Be sure to zoom-focus your blog on what you have to add to the conversation that is already going on about your topic. Don’t just share information; make an impact. Make your blog a go-to, up-to-date resource for your audience.
13. Partner selectively with others who serve the same general audience that you do with integrity and humility. Spend time getting to know folks before you decide to partner with them. You can’t afford to taint the reputation you have worked so hard to establish by partnering with just anyone.
13. Now that you have an established niche and audience, definitely participate in social networking. I like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn because they all offer something unique. The best way to learn is to jump in, spend an hour online each week until you are up and running. Follow the instructions for getting started provided by social media expert Meryl K. Evans.
This start-up plan for a writer platform will eventually blossom into an author platform. From start to finish, implementing a solid platform following this advice should take you about a year. By the end of that year, you will have established yourself as a serious contender in both professional and online circles, without killing yourself for some huckster’s promise of overnight success.
Have a plan. Leave a legacy in words, connections and professional influence. If you are consistent, by the time the year is done, you will have made effective use of your time and money in 2010. I wish you the best of luck in your platform-building efforts!
...........
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids for Writer’s Digest Books. She has written hundreds of articles for national, regional, and online publications, presents at literary and publishing events around the country, and is a monthly columnist for the Willamette Writer. Katz publishes a weekly e-zine, The Prosperous Writer, and hosts The Northwest Author Series. She holds an MFA in writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA from Dartmouth College. A “gentle taskmaster” to her hundred or so students each year, Katz channels over a decade of professional writing experience into success strategies that help writers get on track and get published. Learn more at ChristinaKatz.com.
Your “platform” refers to what you do in the world with your professional expertise that makes you visible and influential in the world. Having friends on Facebook or followers on Twitter is not your platform, unless the majority of those people know who you are, what you do, and are enthusiastic about your work.
I thought I would offer some advice about how to slowly and steadily establish a lasting platform. You may note the lack of fanaticism in this advice and the emphasis on enduring success instead. I’m a mother and a wife, a freelancer, a speaker, a teacher, and a blogger, so aiming for balance is the only way I can afford to work if I plan on sticking around for the long haul.
This advice has worked consistently for my students over the past several years. I think you will find that a grounded, step-by-step approach works just as well for you if you choose to follow it:
1. Develop a platform topic that you love and can work on tirelessly for the next few years. Your passion of the moment should come in second to the topic you could delve into deeply for a good, long time. Prior professional education and a depth of personal experience are going to be a boon to your platform if you have an eye on a future book deal.
2. Hang back from establishing a blog on your topic until you have cultivated a wealth of content and experience working with others on specialty-related activities that lend credibility and trust to your name. Others will tell you to start blogging immediately, but don’t, if you want to be efficient with your time and money.
3. Instead, gain authority by seeking publication in established, highly visible publications both in print and online that serve your target audience. Avoid the kind of publishing that anyone can accomplish, like posting on article sites, and work on your professional communication skills instead. By all means, avoid the content mills offering writers slave wages with the promise of future earnings.
4. Don’t begin any kind of marketing campaign for any product or service offerings until you have established yourself as a go-to person on your topic, again saving you time and money. Before you look at ways to serve others directly, channel your expertise into the best service methods possible based on your strengths and weaknesses. This is a meaty topic that is covered in-depth in my book, Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform (Writer’s Digest Books 2008).
5. Then, develop a product or service that can become one of several multiple income streams over time that will support your goal of becoming a published author. For example, teaching classes over the years has allowed me to re-invest more of the money I earn from writing books back into book marketing. Make sure any offerings you produce are released conscientiously and are integrated into the professional writing you already do. Otherwise, you will seem like you are all over the place and just trying to score a buck.
6. Don’t expect your platform to support you financially for at least one or two years, as you micro-invest in it, re-invest in it as it grows, and expand your visibility.
7. Once you have a professional publication track record in your niche topic, then it’s time to hang your online shingle. I’ve seen this accomplished in as little as six months by exceptionally focused students. Take a portion of the money you’ve earned writing and invest it in a professional quality online presence.
8. A low-cost way to do this is to purchase your name as a URL and use a hosting site like GoDaddy.com to host a Wordpress.org blog. I use the Thesis Theme, which you can see in action at my blog. In this way, a blog can also serve as your website where you post your published clips, offerings and bio. If you don’t have a ton of money to invest in the look of your site, you can always pay a designer later.
9. Delay partnering with others on joint ventures until you have a clear idea of your own strengths and weaknesses in and around your topic. And when you do partner with others be extremely discriminating. Make sure the partnership is going to be win-win-win for everyone involved.
10. Start an e-mail newsletter or e-zine with those who are most interested in your topic. Build your list by invitation and then grow it into a permission-based following over time. Create an expected, ongoing dialogue that is mutually beneficial to everyone involved and your list will grow.
11. Now you are ready to start blogging. And yes, I mean while you continue to do all the things we’ve already discussed. Be sure to zoom-focus your blog on what you have to add to the conversation that is already going on about your topic. Don’t just share information; make an impact. Make your blog a go-to, up-to-date resource for your audience.
13. Partner selectively with others who serve the same general audience that you do with integrity and humility. Spend time getting to know folks before you decide to partner with them. You can’t afford to taint the reputation you have worked so hard to establish by partnering with just anyone.
13. Now that you have an established niche and audience, definitely participate in social networking. I like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn because they all offer something unique. The best way to learn is to jump in, spend an hour online each week until you are up and running. Follow the instructions for getting started provided by social media expert Meryl K. Evans.
This start-up plan for a writer platform will eventually blossom into an author platform. From start to finish, implementing a solid platform following this advice should take you about a year. By the end of that year, you will have established yourself as a serious contender in both professional and online circles, without killing yourself for some huckster’s promise of overnight success.
Have a plan. Leave a legacy in words, connections and professional influence. If you are consistent, by the time the year is done, you will have made effective use of your time and money in 2010. I wish you the best of luck in your platform-building efforts!
...........
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Grow an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids for Writer’s Digest Books. She has written hundreds of articles for national, regional, and online publications, presents at literary and publishing events around the country, and is a monthly columnist for the Willamette Writer. Katz publishes a weekly e-zine, The Prosperous Writer, and hosts The Northwest Author Series. She holds an MFA in writing from Columbia College Chicago and a BA from Dartmouth College. A “gentle taskmaster” to her hundred or so students each year, Katz channels over a decade of professional writing experience into success strategies that help writers get on track and get published. Learn more at ChristinaKatz.com.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Grantourismo to run monthly travel writing competitions...
Sounds like this might the first of many such travel blogging competitions offered by the newly created Grantourismo travel blog. Grantourismo is the brainchild of travel writers Lara Dunston and Terence Carter who are being sponsored by HomeAway Holiday Rentals to do a 'contemporary Grand Tour' around Europe.
The theme for this first travel blogging competition is The ’Hood.
All you need to do is write a 500 word word blog post that motivates people to:
-explore more authentic and enriching ways to travel
-get beneath sthe skin of a place when they travel
-learn to live like locals
-travel more slowly and more sustainably, and/or
-give something back to the places they visit.
Prizes are:
FIRST PRIZE A stay at a HomeAway Holiday-Rentals property of your choice anywhere in the world valued at UK£500 (US$750) and a Viator tour voucher worth £100/US$150
SECOND PRIZE A Context tour voucher worth US$100
THIRD PRIZE an annual subscription to AFAR magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE* Olympus FE 4040 cameras worth UK£160/US$240
Deadline: 28 March
For further instructions and terms and conditions, visit the Grantourismo Travel Blogging Competition: March page
The theme for this first travel blogging competition is The ’Hood.
All you need to do is write a 500 word word blog post that motivates people to:
-explore more authentic and enriching ways to travel
-get beneath sthe skin of a place when they travel
-learn to live like locals
-travel more slowly and more sustainably, and/or
-give something back to the places they visit.
Prizes are:
FIRST PRIZE A stay at a HomeAway Holiday-Rentals property of your choice anywhere in the world valued at UK£500 (US$750) and a Viator tour voucher worth £100/US$150
SECOND PRIZE A Context tour voucher worth US$100
THIRD PRIZE an annual subscription to AFAR magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE* Olympus FE 4040 cameras worth UK£160/US$240
Deadline: 28 March
For further instructions and terms and conditions, visit the Grantourismo Travel Blogging Competition: March page
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
BootsnAll Launches New Travel Writer Platform...
Keen to create partnerships with passionate travel writers to create expert-driven content on their favorite destinations and topics, BootsnAll is in the process of launching their new Travel Writer platform
Currently, they are looking for writers for the following:
* Destinations: Amsterdam, Australia, France, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Las Vegas, London, Mexico, South Africa, or you tell us!
* Themes: Adventure Travel, Business Travel, Round the World Travel, TEFL, Travel Gear or you tell us!
Here's how It Works:
* You get to focus on your passion — travel writing; BootsnAll covers the technical aspects.
* Weekly tasks: feature article writing, blog posts and social media interaction
* Time commitment: up to 10 hours/week
* Compensation: base pay of $100-500/month with profit sharing of 30-40%. The base pay is based on how much content is produced. Some destinations will require more content than others….that’s why the variance in base compensation.
* The “fine print”: Just like a guide book, your content will have a copyright and non-compete, but unlike traditional guide books, BootsnAll shares the profit (up to 40%) with each writer!
* If you love independent travel, fancy yourself to be an expert, and want to get paid to write about a destination you love, fill out the BootsnAll Travel Writer Platform application by Monday, March 15, 2010.
For more information and to apply, head over to http://writers.bootsnall.com/platform
Sounds interesting...
Currently, they are looking for writers for the following:
* Destinations: Amsterdam, Australia, France, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Las Vegas, London, Mexico, South Africa, or you tell us!
* Themes: Adventure Travel, Business Travel, Round the World Travel, TEFL, Travel Gear or you tell us!
Here's how It Works:
* You get to focus on your passion — travel writing; BootsnAll covers the technical aspects.
* Weekly tasks: feature article writing, blog posts and social media interaction
* Time commitment: up to 10 hours/week
* Compensation: base pay of $100-500/month with profit sharing of 30-40%. The base pay is based on how much content is produced. Some destinations will require more content than others….that’s why the variance in base compensation.
* The “fine print”: Just like a guide book, your content will have a copyright and non-compete, but unlike traditional guide books, BootsnAll shares the profit (up to 40%) with each writer!
* If you love independent travel, fancy yourself to be an expert, and want to get paid to write about a destination you love, fill out the BootsnAll Travel Writer Platform application by Monday, March 15, 2010.
For more information and to apply, head over to http://writers.bootsnall.com/platform
Sounds interesting...
Monday, February 15, 2010
Study Travel Writing With World Hum
Anyone looking to learn more about Travel Writing in the Digital Age might want to consider enrolling in one of the World Hum two-day travel writing workshops on offer.
The workshops, taught by World Hum’s founders and editors, Michael Yessis and Jim Benning, will run on the following dates at the Travel Channel headquarters in Washington, D.C.:
April 10 - April 11
June 5 - June 6
Aug. 7 - Aug. 8
Oct. 16 - Oct. 17
Dec. 11 - Dec. 12
The workshops are aimed to provide participants with information on how to turn travel tales into compelling travel stories that magazine and website editors will want to print, on how to create and write dynamic travel blogs and audio slideshows, and how to utilize social media networks to establish firm travel writing credentials.
Click here for more information.
The workshops, taught by World Hum’s founders and editors, Michael Yessis and Jim Benning, will run on the following dates at the Travel Channel headquarters in Washington, D.C.:April 10 - April 11
June 5 - June 6
Aug. 7 - Aug. 8
Oct. 16 - Oct. 17
Dec. 11 - Dec. 12
The workshops are aimed to provide participants with information on how to turn travel tales into compelling travel stories that magazine and website editors will want to print, on how to create and write dynamic travel blogs and audio slideshows, and how to utilize social media networks to establish firm travel writing credentials.
Click here for more information.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lonely Planet Photography Contest...
For as long as I can remember, there have been Lonely Planet guidebooks available to help travelers travel.
With their publication of the 15th edition of the guide to Australia, Lonely Planet has officially published it's 100 millionth book.
Lonely Planet is celebrating this milestone by inviting travelers to share photographs of their favorite travel experiences online.
The Lonely Planet Photo Competition is open to travelers around the world. You don't have to be a professional photographer. All you need is a travel image you want to share.
Each photo will be judged on how it tells a story - through combined image and a caption - and whether it captures the adventurous free spirit of Lonely Planet and getting to the heart of a place.
So go ahead and dig out your favorite travel image and who knows, you might just win the grand prize - round-the-world trip for two - or one of 200 Nokia handsets valued at around $740.
Images can be uploaded at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/win until July 28th, 2010.
Finalists will be announced August 18th and the grand-prize winner will be announced August 26th.
With their publication of the 15th edition of the guide to Australia, Lonely Planet has officially published it's 100 millionth book.
Lonely Planet is celebrating this milestone by inviting travelers to share photographs of their favorite travel experiences online.
The Lonely Planet Photo Competition is open to travelers around the world. You don't have to be a professional photographer. All you need is a travel image you want to share.
Each photo will be judged on how it tells a story - through combined image and a caption - and whether it captures the adventurous free spirit of Lonely Planet and getting to the heart of a place.
So go ahead and dig out your favorite travel image and who knows, you might just win the grand prize - round-the-world trip for two - or one of 200 Nokia handsets valued at around $740.
Images can be uploaded at http://www.lonelyplanet.com/win until July 28th, 2010.
Finalists will be announced August 18th and the grand-prize winner will be announced August 26th.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Soultravelers3: From Travel Blog to Travel Book
When Soultravelers3 hit the road and started a blog back in 2006 they hadn't planned on becoming pioneers and trendsetters in family travel. But they did.
They never thought that their blog would become so popular. But it did.
They never dreamed that the New York Times would be interested in their story. But it was.
And they never really planned on ending up with a book contract. But now they have.
Learn more about their path from travelers to bloggers to future authors with this interesting post New York Times Q&A With Soultravelers3 on Frugal Traveler
Way to go...
They never thought that their blog would become so popular. But it did.
They never dreamed that the New York Times would be interested in their story. But it was.
And they never really planned on ending up with a book contract. But now they have.
Learn more about their path from travelers to bloggers to future authors with this interesting post New York Times Q&A With Soultravelers3 on Frugal Traveler
Way to go...
Monday, February 8, 2010
Bloggers Meetup in Los Angeles
Travel bloggers in Los Angeles (or even just passing through) might want to check out this Blogger meet up co-hosted by The Vacation Gals and Uptake and television producer and freelance writer Kim Tracy Prince.
Here's the details:
Date: February 28, 2010 from 3.00 pm.
Location: The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica
What's on offer: Uptake, one of the fastest growing travel sites, is running the Blog Traffic Seminar from 3:00 to 4:00PM, with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and networking to follow.
If you think you can attend RSVP here.
Here's the details:
Date: February 28, 2010 from 3.00 pm.
Location: The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica
What's on offer: Uptake, one of the fastest growing travel sites, is running the Blog Traffic Seminar from 3:00 to 4:00PM, with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and networking to follow.
If you think you can attend RSVP here.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Perceptive Travel looking for a new travel blogger...
Looking for an outlet for your travel writing?
Want to work with a great team of writers (Sheila Scarborough, Allison Stein Wellner and me)led by editor Tim Leffel?
Then you might want to apply for the travel blogger posiiton over at Perceptive Travel Blog
Here's the original post...
Perceptive Travel is Looking for a Blogger
We’re all sad to say goodbye to Antonia Malchik, who is backing off from here to spend time giving birth to a second child and work on some less timely writing pursuits. We can’t argue with that. See her sign-off note here.
So that means we’ve got a spot open for a new blogger to join us. I’ve posted a special page on the website that gives a lowdown on what’s required of the position, what kind of person we are looking for, and what it pays. (Hint—the money is probably not the main reason you would want to do this…)
As a branch of the Perceptive Travel webzine, which regularly wins writing awards and gets into those “best travel writing” book anthologies, we want a real writer. This is not some blogging sweatshop throwing up banal content just meant to feed a big network owned by search engine marketers. So as you’ll see if you follow the link, you will need to prove you belong in the company of Sheila, Alison, and Liz—-and can fill Antonia’s shoes. (Though we wouldn’t mind a guy who wouldn’t be able to put on her shoes: it would be nice to have a smidgen of testosterone in the mix now and then.)
Interested in trying out? Go read the new blogger guidelines.
Want to work with a great team of writers (Sheila Scarborough, Allison Stein Wellner and me)led by editor Tim Leffel?
Then you might want to apply for the travel blogger posiiton over at Perceptive Travel Blog
Here's the original post...
Perceptive Travel is Looking for a Blogger
We’re all sad to say goodbye to Antonia Malchik, who is backing off from here to spend time giving birth to a second child and work on some less timely writing pursuits. We can’t argue with that. See her sign-off note here.
So that means we’ve got a spot open for a new blogger to join us. I’ve posted a special page on the website that gives a lowdown on what’s required of the position, what kind of person we are looking for, and what it pays. (Hint—the money is probably not the main reason you would want to do this…)
As a branch of the Perceptive Travel webzine, which regularly wins writing awards and gets into those “best travel writing” book anthologies, we want a real writer. This is not some blogging sweatshop throwing up banal content just meant to feed a big network owned by search engine marketers. So as you’ll see if you follow the link, you will need to prove you belong in the company of Sheila, Alison, and Liz—-and can fill Antonia’s shoes. (Though we wouldn’t mind a guy who wouldn’t be able to put on her shoes: it would be nice to have a smidgen of testosterone in the mix now and then.)
Interested in trying out? Go read the new blogger guidelines.
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