Posted by Doug Bardwell on December 1, 2010 at 9:41am
After spending years and years in the corporate communications sector as a photographer, this year was my first year of going solo in the travel industry - writing and shooting about travel destinations and technology. Virtually everything I've written or shot has been for online publication, but I plan to start marketing to print publications in 2011. My question is, are there specific writers' groups/organizations that would make sense to join? My main motive for joining would be to help market my work to new publications, so I'm wondering if association membership carries any weight with various travel pubs?
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And Doug, seeing that you are based in Ohio, you might want to check into membership with the Midwest Travel Writers Association. It's a smaller, more intimate group, but because it's membership requirements are not as stringent as SATW, it is often a good place to get your foot in the door.
Doug, I second Lynn's endorsement of SATW. My husband, a photographer, and I are both members. My productivity and outlets skyrocketed when I became a member.
Although you say your primary motive for joining would be to help market your work, I can speak very highly of our professional development opportunities and networking. And like any organization, the more you gain from it is based on how much you give. Get involved.
I concur with everything said about SATW and IFWTWA. When I began travel writing I joined the latter because its requirements for membership were easier. As my production increased I finally qualified for SATW and have been a member ever since. Not only do you earn an instant cache as a successful "producer" (you can't get in or stay in unless you are), you will make lifelong friends and travel companions among the most congenial group of professionals I've ever encountered. Whenever I have a question about a destination, a publication, technology or equipment I can pick up the phone or open e-mail and contact another member (or through the SATW website's bulletin and discussion boards, a bunch of them) and receive informed answers.
I highly recommend Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) as did Lynn. Very proactive, dynamic group. Yes, SATW carries weight with travel pubs. I joined last year. Also, if you haven't already, set up an account at something like Photoshelter to show editors your work and sell online. for an example see http://stockphotos.fostertravel.com. Lee Foster has also taken his photo experience and made apps like a Photographer's Guide to San Francisco and a guide to Wash DC. The trick in going solo is creating many "riverlets" of revenue.
Lucy, active member SATW
Doug,
Congratulations on taking the leap from corporate. I'm relatively new to SATW and would be glad to discuss with you as well. Since you're shooting and also covering technology, you might check out broader umbrellas too, such as ASJA. Mediabistro offers an Avantguild membership which provides access to a helpful 'how to pich' database for print as well as online publications.
We are currently seeting up 2 journalistic tours for next year to experience and write about our products in magazines, TV and other publications. Please send a formal request to john@medraft.co.il if you wish to be considered for this opportunity everything will be paid for except the flight ticket. our aim is to have articles etc in European/Internation medias. our tours will be self drive jeep tours in Georgia and Montenegro as this then covers the 4x4 rugged tours we offer and also the Cultural 4x4 tours
Doug, have you looked into SATW, a quite prestigious and world-wide recognized travel writer/photographer organization? Check out our website at www.satw.org. I would be glad to chat with you about membership if you're interested. The membership is in the four figures and represents North American active members—journalists, writers, editors, publishers, photographers as well as associate members—representatives of properties, airlines, cruise lines and municipalities. Your motives seem to marry well with what SATW does well. Lynn Rosen, SATW active member.
Scott Burgess > Lynn RosenFebruary 6, 2011 at 9:02pm
Hi Lynn,
I looked into joining SATW but don't have that insider friend in there that can "sponsor" me. I understand the need to vet people but don't understand why you need that method -- people whom you compete against finding it in their heart to let you into the travel writer's club.
Replies
Although you say your primary motive for joining would be to help market your work, I can speak very highly of our professional development opportunities and networking. And like any organization, the more you gain from it is based on how much you give. Get involved.
Lucy, active member SATW
Congratulations on taking the leap from corporate. I'm relatively new to SATW and would be glad to discuss with you as well. Since you're shooting and also covering technology, you might check out broader umbrellas too, such as ASJA. Mediabistro offers an Avantguild membership which provides access to a helpful 'how to pich' database for print as well as online publications.
Hi its http://www.medraft.com our international web address.
Hi Lynn,
I looked into joining SATW but don't have that insider friend in there that can "sponsor" me. I understand the need to vet people but don't understand why you need that method -- people whom you compete against finding it in their heart to let you into the travel writer's club.
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