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Writing Travel Guidebooks

Course is closed.
Writing Travel Guidebooks

WHEN
Wednesday, June 21
6:30-9:30 pm

WHO
Ideal for any writer who wants to work for a guidebook company

WHERE
mediabistro.com
494 Broadway
(Spring & Broome)
New York, NY 10012

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

Course Details

As a guidebook author, you show up in a town, seek out the best hotels, restaurants, bars, cultural events, and recreation to write about them. Guidebooks offer the chance to write about history, sports, politics, art, food, music -- you name it. How do these companies function? How do you convince a guidebook company that you are the right person for the job? What is the work really like? If you've ever read through a guidebook and fantasized about being the writer, this seminar is for you.

In this seminar, you will learn:
  • The setup of this quirky publishing sub-industry
  • Which guidebook series appeals to which travel market -- and which is the best fit for you
  • How to position your travel and writing experience for a guidebook company, and how to pitch them successfully
  • The realities of the guidebook writer lifestyle
  • How to write your sample chapter and what the editors are looking for
  • Specifics of guidebook writing style

Instructor Bio

Robert Reid's Courses

No courses available at this time.

Robert Reid
Robert Reid is a Brooklyn-based travel writer, who has updated guidebooks for Lonely Planet (New York City, Central America, Trans-Siberian Railway, Myanmar) for the past three years. His blog on his Siberian trip was highlighted in a New York Times piece on experimental travel in December 2005. Before all this, Robert worked as commissioning editor and publishing manager of multi-country guides at Lonely Planet's Oakland and London offices. Part of the job included leading seminars at author workshops, approving new authors' writing samples, and commissioning authors on first-edition and update guidebooks.

Testimonials


I was very impressed with Robert Reid's presentation. I found his handouts very helpful. As this was the first seminar I've attended through mediabistro, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a positive experience and I look forward to attending more in the future! -- Tracy Clough, Rutgers University

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