Travel Writing Boot Camp

WHEN 8 weeks, November 12 - January 21 Chats Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 pm ET WHERE Online. Click here for more information. LEVEL Intermediate/advanced PRICE $499 ($475 for ) more info

Course Details

Travel writing is a way to engage with the world and to build a bridge that brings faraway places home. It wakens the senses and stands everything we take for granted on its head. This class looks at the romance and realities of this exciting and lucrative market.

Over the course of eight weeks, students will consider the various forms of the field, from travel-related news items to personal essays, with the goal of selling these pieces to local, regional, and national publications. Each week, students will be assigned a travel-related article up to 1,000 words, along with an optional pitch letter, and will be expected to investigate unfamiliar neighborhoods, seek out experts in the field, and demonstrate the highest levels of research and reporting. This course generally requires a commitment of at least eight hours a week of outside work.

In this class, you will learn:

• How to use where you live to break into the travel market
• How to expand your career as a travel journalist
• Which sections of travel magazines are easiest to break into
• How to write perfect pitch letters
• What to do when you get to your destination
• How to negotiate with your editor for travel compensation

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, The Los Angeles Times, Budget Travel, Dwell, Gourmet, Men's Journal, Modern Bride, National Geographic Traveler, Salon.com, Saveur, Time Out New York, New York Magazine, The Boston Globe, Conde Nast Traveler, The San Fransisco Chronicle, and more

• Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
• Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
• Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
• Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

Related Courses

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Journalism

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Travel Writing

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Freelancing

Instructor Bio

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 Travels with Lonely Planet 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.

Jay Cooke's Courses
Advanced Travel Writing – San Francisco

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 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

"If you have the slightest interest in being a travel writer, understanding editors, and learning the business side of writing, then this is your class and Jay is the instructor for you." -- Christy Rey

"Jay explained the most reasonable method and effective schedule for pitching stories I've heard to date. He was knowledgeable about both the travel industry and market, as well as travel media and outlet opportunities. Well done!" -- Mary Lee Shalvoy

"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

"I appreciated Jay's superb business smarts and willingness to share the inside tips and realities. His class had very well-organized lessons, judicious critiques, and everything geared toward the goal of becoming a professional writer. I'd consider anything I wrote successful if it passed muster with Jay." -- Sara Miller

"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 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

"Jay's charisma, knowledge of the travel industry, and ability to direct students to helpful information for their careers is superior to the common teacher out there." -- Michael Margherita

"I really enjoyed Jay's interactive teaching style. He kept the group engaged and got the creative juices flowing." -- Kelly Staples