As a continuation of the previous post, here is a starting list of writing markets to look into. Research (1) submission policies, (2) editors/e-mail addresses, and (3) types of articles the publications are looking for:
1. Local writing markets, such as newspapers, alternative weeklies, and local magazines.
2. Guidebooks. What are some of your favorites? Identify target audience and publication size and scope. For example, Rough Guides keeps a file of potential contributors. They encourage writers to send writing samples, as well as 1000 words or so on a place you know well, written in the “Rough Guide” style. They also welcome book proposals. You can submit via mail, or e-mail to write@roughguides.com.
3. Magazines. Print magazines now have online versions too, so this is a double bonus. Most magazines prefer you to have previously published material. National Geographic Traveler, for example, welcomes the submission of one or two well-developed story proposals, crafted specifically for NGT. Check their index to make sure a similar article has not already been published. Include your credentials, relevant published clippings, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to Query Editor, National Geographic Traveler, 1145 17th St NW, Washington DC 20036.
4. Online Magazines. Check out this, for a 50+ list of online magazines that welcome submissions. For example, World Hum, a high quality site, welcomes a wide variety of travel stories. To submit, you send your submission or short pitch, with bio, in an e-mail to dispatches@worldhum.com.
5. E-Zines. Pay will vary, including no compensation. However, the exposure can help build significant contacts. For examples, Oriental Tales welcomes submission of first-person narratives, from writers for all experience levels. There is no compensation, but it is exposure. You can submit by e-mailing tales@orientaltales.com
6. Blogs. Bloggers like nomadicmatt welcome guest bloggers. Matt says to shoot him an e-mail at nomadicmatt@nomadicmatt.com if you’re interested in writing an article for his blog.
7. Other sources. Be creative. You can find things like The Correspondents Program with Glimpse. If you’re going to be abroad for 10+ weeks and are accepted into the program, you will be provided a small stipend, training in photography and writing, support from professional editors, and guaranteed publication on Glimpse, as well as possible publication with National Geographic.
Text: Nancy Harder/Photo: Gregory Szarkiewicz
