If I had been bitten by the travel bug at an earlier age, I might have found a way to cut my ties to everything and take off for an around-the-world adventure. But this wanderlust struck me later in life, so for now, I’ll keep working at the website and count the days until I can pull the plug and go.
I have to admit that the travel writing business has a steeper learning curve than I thought it would. It’s not like you can buy a book and get the knowledge and the experience you need to succeed. I’ve read a couple of really good books about travel writing. They have all been so helpful in learning something about the mechanics of the travel writing business. But I got to a point where I felt lost. When I started sending out query letters to magazine editors, I had a feeling that the letters were going down into a rabbit hole somewhere, never to be seen by anyone who could or would appreciate my article idea. In fact, that is how it has turned out. That is how I know that I need some help. I am doing something wrong, but I don’t know what it is.
Part of planning for the future is being able to recognize where your shortcomings are and getting help to overcome them. I’m looking forward to taking an e-course about the query letter process and learning more about how to sell my article ideas. For those of you who are struggling with this, I would encourage you to get help as well, so you can overcome this obstacle and move forward with your writing career. Sometimes it takes a little push and some encouragement to get that forward momentum going once again.
I have to admit that what caused me to write this post was thinking about travel writing and what seems to be holding me back. I know where I want to go, but like most people, I do feel frustrated when I seem to have hit a wall. I know this will pass like most other things eventually do. I’ll keep at it and share what I’ve learned along the way. I hope you will keep at it, too.
For an example of a query letter I wrote and sent to two magazines, check the previous post. Let me know if you have any comments on it. I’d love to hear them!
Please visit Gordon Burgett’s product page for some of the best ebooks on the subject of writing. He’s one of the best! And his book, “The Travel Writer’s Guide” is first rate!
How to Get Your Book Published Free in Minutes and Marketed Worldwide in Days
Test Your Niche Book First!
Travel Writer’s Guide (Trade Paperback Book)
How to Set Up and Market Your Own Seminar (audio series)