Be a Travel Writer, Live your Dreams, Sell your Features

Compass Books focuses on practical and informative ‘how-to’ books for writers. Written by experienced authors who also have extensive experience of tutoring at the most popular creative writing workshops, the books offer an insight into the more specialised niches of the publishing game.

Now, take a long look at our world, all these places you dream about, the enticing names, the amazing cultures, the mountains and beaches, close to home or far away. Where would you like to go?

Forget about time and cost, just free your mind and draw up a wish list, as long as you like.

Now, decide where you will go next year, set a date and make it happen. How? If you really want to, you will find a way.

In the meantime, just keep on writing and prepare to live your dreams.

Enjoy the Journey and Happy Landing

Really? Absolutely.

So here we go:

Find a big colorful map of the world and stick it on your wall.

Highlight all countries or states visited to date, or mark with pins or flags, and count them. More than you thought? How many could you write about?

You sit down at your keyboard and pitch until your head spins.
It happened to me and in a blind panic, I approached a dozen markets. How did I fare? Eight commissions, challenging but I had to do it, different angles and more cash than I ever hoped for, ready for the next trip.

Everything is possible

Dress for the part: business or smart for dinner, casual for activities. Have fun, enjoy the wine but remain professional.

What happens if the proposed itinerary does not fit in with your commission?

You can request an individual trip, at a different time, giving details of commissioning market(s) and places or themes you plan to cover.

This is where your reputation works wonders and could earn you the trip of a lifetime.

Who organizes press trips?
CVBs, tourist boards and tour operators looking to promote a destination, an activity or a new product. They set the program for a group visit (three to a dozen or more participants).

Networking, to me, means making new friends so I prefer face to face as opposed to online. I use the three foot rule, talking to anyone within that distance of me. I