This is a very true look into the real world. I have many friends that do this.. for frommers etc.. they pay is very low, it helps cover expenses if you are travelling anyway. But as most restauratn reviewers know.. they don't pay for meals, hotels etc... so you pretty much break even at this level!
then it builds up to where you can actually write articles ... that pays! sometimes. there are many money making publications that sell subscriptions or sell advertising, that want article for free. But it does build up one's "book"
Thanks Colleen for that link! I have had a few non travel things published and am thinking I might want to do some travel writing down the line specifically for families since we will certainly get lots of experience in this as we go.
Yikes - that's a steep fee! I didn't notice it, either.
Marta had actually posted a link to their forums, which you can view without being a member (just like SlowTalk.com). It looks like there are some very informative topics.
Posts: 14284 | Location: The Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: 06 August 2001
Just so people don't get the wrong idea: Personally, I wouldn't accept stories from writers who had taken trips paid for by anyone but the writer or the publication (increasingly rare) and taken anonymously. (For example, no free trips/stays/meals from resorts, tourist boards etc.) I know it's widely done (they have a cute abbreviation for it, I forget what it is). I'm sure there are tons of career travel writing professionals out there scoffing "Then there's no way anyone would make any money! Everything would be "mIE summUr vaKaYtion" written by amateurs! She obviously doesn't have a clue!" Whatever.
The situation just doesn't pass my smell test.
But if you do take a trip under these circumstances and want to write about it for publication, you should let the editor know up front. Some obviously don't mind, but they should know. Otherwise, it starts to sound like a lie, even if your intentions were pure. And sometimes, these days, the feeling that "something's not right" about a story or a writer is enough to get it spiked.
And the nice thing is, these days, you can publish every day and never once need to get anyone's approval!
FYI: some people pay $1.00 a word for an article, some $50 for an article. Quite a difference. Most writers I know have a partner with a real job... or also have another job.
Unless you are on contract to a paper or magazine, it is a tough world!
FAM trips, to familiarize people, are often used in teh travel business to promote and educate people. What I think is that one must be honest about their experiences. Just because you got a free trip doesn't mean you liked it!
I have read some great articles by a friend who visited a mozzarella factory and farm on a FAM trip. This sort of trip would be hard to do on your own.
So that said.. I would love to get paid for writing up my experiences and have hired a writing coach.... and will keep you all posted!
It is easy to get in print for free... but to get paid.. that's another story...there is also a lot of competition.
Topic Closed
as I just tucked it away in a folder to look at more closely when I have more time.Thanks for the heads up!
