Hey gang
I hope you didn’t roll your ankles running to open this email. Sadly, I don’t have a room on an expedition ship to Antarctica to offer you (if only!), but I do have some tips to help you get there.
In this week’s newsletter, I’m sharing some early career advice that helped me rocket to the top of editor’s assignment lists.
In 2022, I really did receive an email with this exact subject line from a luxury travel magazine editor asking if I’d voyage to Antarctica to write and shoot for them. This was a dream assignment, and something I’d been actively working towards through my wildlife and travel reporting.
But it didn’t happen overnight. I stuck to three golden rules to help me build relationships with editors to the point where I could be trusted with such a rare opportunity.
Before we get stuck in, did you catch my last newsletter featuring 6 cracking ways to find your next story? It’s for subscribers only, so hit the button below to subscribe now, then catch up on the good bits you’ve missed.
Now, let’s get into it.
The three golden rules
When I first started out as a freelance journalist in 2020, I hoovered up as many blogs, podcasts and workshops I could find online.
This eventually led to me to National Geographic Traveller’s Masterclasses, an annual workshop series where professional writers and photographers shared how they find, pitch and write stories. An individual session cost £10, with all six classes available for £50 – a bargain to hear from writers like Jamie Lafferty, Jonathan Thompson, Sarah Barrell and more.
It was one of these sessions where I heard Jonathan Thompson share his three golden rules for being a successful travel writer. I’ve shared them below, along with my own ideas.
1. Be good
That means knowing your craft, including:
Being able to identify good story angles
Knowing what works for your chosen publication. This means taking the time to get familiar with its coverage, sections and themes.
Producing clean copy, without too many cliches (hey, we all do it sometimes).
Sharing source details in your notes so the editor knows where you have found your information.
2. Be on time
Editors are famously time poor as it is. They don’t need to waste their time following up on a writer or photographer who has gone AWOL on a deadline. Make sure you file on time. If you’re working with an overseas editor, double-check the time zone conversions so you don’t accidentally file a day late (which has happened to me!).
Wherever possible, I always try to file my stories early. It shows editors you’re on the ball and gives them peace of mind knowing a story is in the bank. The key here is to make sure you’ve filed early, AND your copy is clean. Filing an unpolished draft just to please the editor won’t be received well.
3. Be nice
An amicable email manner and being pleasant to work with can take you far.
But you also need to be able to take feedback and edits graciously and in good spirit. I’ve heard many stories on both sides about journalists cracking it at their editors, who are just trying to help make your work shine.
This doesn’t mean you need to be a doormat, but you can express your ideas tactfully and respectfully.
As Jonathan said, “eventually, if you’re around long enough, you’ll get to a point where you only need to be two of those things.”
Jonathan’s philosophy has helped me become top of mind when editors need to assign stories.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to relationships and trust, because the truth is there are many aspiring travel writers out there, and editors have been burned by contributors who failed to deliver.
If you can set yourself apart, you might find yourself with an email in your inbox saying: Antarctica?
What do you think? Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
The Takeaway in 25 Words or Less
Travel media is a small and shrinking industry. Stand out by knowing your craft, being pleasant to work with, and always nail your deadline.
Not tracking your pitches yet? Here’s how to start straight away
The New Year is a great opportunity to start using my pitch tracking tool.
It isn’t some fancy gizmo or AI app. It’s a simple spreadsheet designed to help measure and track your pitching success. Tracking the raw data of your wins and losses not only helps refine your pitching approach, but it can also provide a much-needed reality check when it feels like nothing is getting commissioned.
I gave subscribers exclusive access to my Pitch Tracker, plus a rundown on how to use it.
Next time: What happens when two editors want the same story?
It’s a question I’ve had to grapple with more than once recently. I’ll unpack the dilemma, the ethics, and what you can do to avoid burning bridges.
Subscribe today and you’ll get it straight to your inbox.
Bits and bobs
Taking the biscuit: I wrote for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald about why I pack Tim Tams on every travel assignment.
Patagonia sues drag performer Pattie Gonia over trademark: It’s not what you think! Yes, the famous outdoor brand is suing the famous queer environmentalist, but this story has become a surprising litmus test for internet comprehension.
Is it time to retire ‘Venice of the East’?: Phrases such as “lost civilisations” and “untouched land” are classic travel cliches, but that language deserves a rethink.
My journey from foreign correspondent to Uber driver in Trump’s America: A harrowing and eye-opening account of how quickly life can change.
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Safe travels, JM