Writing Travel Guidebooks

Course is closed.

WHEN
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m.

WHERE
Chancellor Hotel
Union Square
San Francisco, Calif.

MORE INFO
Email us, or call (310) 659-5668.

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, recreation—and write about them. Guidebooks offer the chance to write about history, sports, politics, art, food, music?you name it. These jobs do exist, both for seasoned writers and travelers who want to share their expertise. 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 introductory seminar, you'll 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: the good, the bad and the ugly
  • How to write your sample chapter and what the editors are looking for
  • Specifics of guidebook writing style
  • Approaches to in-country research

Instructor Bio

Jay Cooke's Courses

Advanced Travel Writing – San Francisco

Jay Cooke
Jay Cooke is commissioning editor (US East) for Lonely Planet, where he develops and manages 15+ travel guides, writes and edits print and digital content, creates and develops partner content and manages the syndicated column.

His writing and commentary has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, Business Traveler, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Bay-Guardian, Cooking Light, Wired, Rick Steves Radio, Traveler's Tales, Publishers Weekly, The New York Times and others.

Jay is the founder and CEO of OutwesterMedia, a travel content and media consultancy firm. He blogs on the world of travel at www.outwester.com.

Testimonials


Jay is engaging and eager to share his vast wealth of knowledge with his students. The class gave me both the tools and the kick in the pants I needed to get out there and start my freelance career. -- David Hennessy

"I sold my homework assignment from week 3 before the course ended, and I sold two other pieces that I brainstormed while doing Jay's optional homework assignments." -- Genevive Bjorn

"Jay is a fabulous teacher with tons of personality, enthusiasm, and practical knowledge. The class provides a broad perspective on the industry, as well as very specific tips." -- Margaret Huang, director, Atomic Public Relations

"Jay's energy and humor were infectious. He shared his knowledge, and never once talked down to the class -- even those who were exploring travel writing for the first time." -- Tom Honig, executive editor, Santa Cruz Sentinel

"Jay is willing to share the secrets of the trade. I live six hours away from San Francisco, and I'd be happy to drive that distance again for an opportunity to attend one of his classes." -- Betsy Husband

"Jay teaches what he knows -- and he knows a lot. His class is loaded with practical insight and precious nuggets of advice that will help launch a freelance career." -- Michael Coren, former CNN.com science editor

"Jay's tips were great, the exercises productive, and we all left the class psyched and ready to get out there and start pitching, writing, and traveling." -- Lisa Cecconi

"I've already received 4 commissions from ideas generated in the class. This course exceeded my expectations." -- C. Edrich

"Jay was well-informed, organized, and engaging. I gained a lot of new and useful information to aid me in my travel writing career." -- John Anderson

"Jay covers a tremendous amount of useful information in a relatively short period of time. By the end of the class, participants have an action plan as well as all the necessary information to enter and navigate the travel writing world." -- Rebecca Elia

"Informative and inspiring. Based on the money and time required, I got a great return on my investment." -- Sonya Boggs

"Jay was a fun and extremely knowledgeable teacher who was generous in sharing his expertise with our class." -- Brooke Sabin

"Jay is a great instructor with a tremendous amount of experience. He was encouraging, patient, and really organized in his approach. I hope to take another class with him!" -- Roopika Saran

"I felt like a voice of experience was giving me a personal guided tour through the world of travel writing." -- John Healy

"Jay's relaxed yet focused teaching method made for a great experience. He came highly recommened and did not disappoint. What ever he's teaching I'm taking." -- Kevin Lynch

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