Advanced Travel Writing

Travel the world, and get paid for it

Advanced Travel Writing
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WHEN Saturday, May 17, 10 am-4 pm

WHERE Meridian Gallery, 535 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA

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

LEVEL Advanced

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

Course Details

Travel the world and get paid for it? Whether a weekend jaunt in New York City or a job working Nicaraguan coffee farms, there's a market out there for your stories, and a proven path successful travel writers follow.

In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to grow your freelance writing career by mastering one of its most adaptable, engaging topics: travel. Travel is a conduit to many parallel genres, including food, art, politics, technology, fitness, fashion, and business. Whatever subjects you cover, the skills and experiences you'll gain covering travel can be applied to all your writings.

We'll detail the broad range of markets out there for your stories. We'll analyze the components of great travel writing -- humor and anecdote, sense of time and place, deep details, and a killer hook. We will also develop customized, individual plans that will help you meet your personal travel writing goals through brainstorming story ideas and working collaboratively in targeting primary and backup markets for your ideas. We'll practice pitch writing, discuss trends in the industry, and ways you can position yourself for increasing success as a travel writer in the years ahead.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • A full overview of the travel market, and a clear blueprint for success
  • Proven tricks and tips for strengthening your travel writing
  • What travel editors look for, and how to get them to notice you
  • How to turn one trip into a dozen or more story opportunities
  • Where to find story ideas in any place, and how to pitch them successfully
  • Ways to stretch your travel budget, whether abroad or in your backyard
  • Places to pitch travel stories besides travel publications
  • How to make money on the exploding online travel content space
  • The essential need for self-promotion, and building the brand of you

    Admission Requirements:
    Please submit a letter of interest (along with a brief work history).

Related Courses

Tell me when courses like this are scheduled.
Intro to Travel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts April 2)
Travel Writing Boot Camp – ONLINE (Class starts April 9)
Breaking into Travel Writing – San Francisco (Seminar on April 19)

Instructor Bio

Jay Cooke's Courses

Advanced Travel Writing – San Francisco
Breaking into Travel Writing – San Francisco (Seminar on June 22)
Intro to Travel Writing – (Class starts June 3)
Travel Writing Boot Camp – (Class starts June 17)

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 Cooke is an engaging and energetic teacher who really knows his stuff. He is 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 made my tuition back plus a little more. 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. This course did three things for me: (1) Taught me the basics of travel writing; (2) Got my creativity flowing; (3) Provided highly valuable feedback on my work, including suggestions about where and how to pitch." -- Genevive Bjorn

"Jay was amazing! The class was extremely informative and fun. He is a fabulous teacher with tons of personality, enthusiasm and, of course, practical knowledge. The class was a very comprehensive intro that provides a broad perspective on the industry, as well as very specific tips. The handout is rich with info -- and so much was covered in a short amount of time. Tons was covered and it was the best $65 and 3 hours I have spent in recent memory." -- Margaret Huang, Director, Atomic Public Relations

"Jay Cooke's travel-writing seminar was first rate. His energy and humor were infectious, but even better was his useful information for novice as well as experienced travel writers. 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 truly an inspirational speaker. Not only does he have practical experience, but he's also willing to share the secrets of the trade. It was surprising how much useful information can be acquired in such a short amount of time. 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, freelance writer/photographer

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

"Jay Cooke's class, Advanced Travel Writing, rocked. His teaching style allowed everyone in the class to feel comfortable and relaxed, which in turn, had us excited about learning as much as we could. His 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 been working as a travel writer for several years but wanted to do this class to see how others approach the job and validate my own methods. I learned more than I expected! I'm now thinking differently about my work and have implemented what I learned from the course. I've already received 4 commissions from ideas generated in the class. This course exceeded my expectations." -- C Edrich
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