As a travel writer, building relationships with magazine editors can be an essential part of getting your work published and establishing your career. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we will provide tips and advice on building strong and lasting relationships with magazine editors, including researching the publication, personalizing your pitch, and following submission guidelines. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting your work published and develop valuable connections in the industry.
1 Research the publication
Ensure you understand the magazine’s target audience and content focus before reaching out to the editor. This will help you tailor your pitch and increase your chances of getting published.
There are several ways to research a publication before reaching out to the editor:
Read the magazine
Start by familiarizing yourself with the content and style of the magazine. Look at the types of articles they publish and the destinations they cover. This will give you an idea of what the magazine is looking for and whether your pitch would be a good fit.
Visit the magazine’s website
Most magazines have a website that includes information about their editorial focus, submission guidelines, and contact information for the editors. Make sure to review this information before reaching out to the editor.
Search online
Look for articles or interviews with the editor or other magazine staff members to learn more about their interests and the types of stories they are looking for.
Talk to other writers
Reach out to other writers published in the magazine and ask for their insights and advice. They may be able to provide valuable information about the magazine’s editorial process and preferences.
2 Introduce yourself
Introducing yourself to an editor is important in building a relationship and publishing your work. Here are some tips on how to effectively introduce yourself as a travel writer:
Keep it brief
An introduction should be just that – an introduction. Keep it brief and to the point, and avoid going into too much detail about your personal life or background.
Highlight your relevant experience
As a travel writer, it’s essential to highlight any relevant experience or published work you have. This could include articles or pieces published in the past, any awards or recognition you’ve received, or any appropriate education or training you’ve received.
Mention your writing style and focus
Tell the editor a little bit about your writing style and focus as a travel writer. Do you specialize in a particular type of travel (e.g., luxury travel, adventure travel, etc.) or have a particular writing style (e.g. descriptive, narrative, etc.)?
Explain why you’re interested in working with their publication
Make it clear why you’re interested in working with the editor’s publication. Do you have a particular idea or story that would be a good fit for their audience?
Keep it professional
Remember to keep your introduction professional and respectful. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid overly casual language or slang.
Here are a few tips on how to effectively introduce yourself as a travel writer, along with some examples:
- Start with a professional greeting: Begin your introduction with a formal greeting, such as “Hello,” “Dear,” or “Hi.” This sets the tone for a professional relationship.
- Introduce yourself: Provide your name and a brief overview of your background and experience as a travel writer. Include your education, relevant writing or journalism experience, and specific areas of expertise or interest in the travel industry.
- Share your goals: Explain what you hope to achieve as a travel writer and what you hope to contribute to the publication. Include sharing your passion for exploring new destinations and cultures and how your writing can provide valuable insights and information to readers.
Here’s an example of an introduction to an editor:
“Hello,
My name is Sarah, and I am a travel writer with a background in journalism and a passion for discovering new destinations and cultures. I have written for various travel and lifestyle publications and have a particular interest in adventure travel and sustainable tourism.
I am reaching out to introduce myself and share my goals as a travel writer. I hope to contribute engaging and informative articles that showcase the unique character and beauty of various destinations worldwide while also highlighting the importance of responsible tourism practices.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with your publication and hope to contribute valuable content that resonates with your readers.
Thank you for considering my work.
Sincerely, Sarah”
3 Build a connection
Try to find something in common with the editor, such as a shared interest in a specific destination or type of travel. This can help establish a personal connection and make the editor more likely to consider your pitch.
Building a connection with an editor can be a great way to establish a personal relationship and make them more likely to consider your pitch. Here are a few ways to go about building that connection:
Find common interests
As mentioned, finding something in common with the editor – such as a shared interest in a specific destination or type of travel – can be an excellent way to build a connection. This could be as simple as mentioning that you both love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations or have a passion for adventure travel.
Engage in casual conversation
When communicating with an editor, try to engage in casual conversation and get to know them a little bit. For example, ask about their interests or experiences as a travel writer or share your experiences and insights.
Offer to help
If you have a particular skill or expertise that could be of value to the editor, consider offering to help them out in some way. For example, if you have a strong social media following and the editor is looking to promote their publication, you could offer to share their content with your followers.
Follow their work
Keep up with the editor’s work and engage with it on social media or other channels. This can help you stay on their radar and show that you’re interested in what they’re doing.
4 Follow submission guidelines
Each magazine has its own guidelines for submissions. Ensure you follow them carefully, as editors are often bombarded with pitches and may not have time to review poorly formatted or non-compliant submissions.
Following submission guidelines is essential in getting your work considered by an editor. Many magazines and publications have specific guidelines for how they prefer to receive pitches and submissions, and it’s important to follow these guidelines carefully in order to increase the chances of your work being considered.
Here are a few tips for following submission guidelines:
Read the guidelines carefully
Make sure you thoroughly read and understand the submission guidelines for each publication you’re interested in pitching to. Pay attention to details like the preferred format for pitches and submissions, the length and type of content they’re looking for, and any specific requirements or preferences they may have.
Follow the guidelines to the letter
Once you’ve read the guidelines, follow them closely when preparing your pitch or submission. If the guidelines specify a specific format or length, stick to it. If they request certain information or materials, make sure you include them.
Don’t try to bend the rules
While it’s okay to pitch an editor with the idea that it may be a little outside of their usual focus, it could be better to try to bend the submission guidelines to get your work considered. This can be seen as disrespectful and may decrease your chances of getting published.
5 Personalize your pitch
Rather than sending a generic pitch, try to tailor your idea to the specific needs and interests of the magazine and its readers. This will show the editor that you have taken the time to research their publication and are genuinely interested in writing for them.
Here are some tips for personalizing your pitch:
Research the magazine
Look at past issues and read articles to get a feel for the magazine’s tone, style, and focus, understanding what type of content the magazine is looking for and how your idea fits in.
Know your audience
Consider who the magazine’s readers are and what they might be interested in. It will help you tailor your pitch to their specific needs and interests.
Show your expertise
Demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the topic you are writing about. This will help the editor see that you are qualified to write on the subject and that your article will be valuable to the magazine’s readers.
Be specific
Rather than just sending a general pitch, provide specific details about what your article will cover and how it will be structured. So the editor will better understand your idea and how it will fit into the magazine.
Personalize your email
Use the editor’s name and address them directly in your email. This will show that you have taken the time to research the magazine and the editor and that you are genuinely interested in writing for them.
6 Be concise
Editors are busy, so keep your pitch short and to the point. Focus on the main points of your article and why it would be a good fit for the magazine.
How to be concise? When writing a pitch, it’s important to be concise and to the point. This means focusing on the main points of your article and explaining why it would be a good fit for the magazine.
Use a clear and concise subject line
This will help the editor understand the main focus of your pitch and decide whether they want to read more.
Keep it brief
Aim for around 150-200 words in your pitch. This will give the editor a clear idea of your article without overwhelming them with too much information.
Use bullet points
Break up your pitch into bullet points to make it easier for the editor to read and understand.
Get to the point
Start your pitch with a clear and concise overview of your article. This will help the editor understand the main focus of your article and whether it’s a good fit for their magazine.
To be more concrete, here are a few tips on how to be concise when pitching an article to an editor:
- Start with a strong hook: In the first sentence or two, grab the editor’s attention with a compelling idea or angle for your article. This could be a unique destination, a timely topic, or a surprising perspective.
- Explain the focus of your article: Clearly and concisely outline your article’s main points or themes. Avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details, and focus on what makes your article unique and relevant to the publication’s readers.
- Offer a brief overview of your qualifications: Provide a brief overview of your background and experience as a travel writer, focusing on any relevant skills or expertise that make you uniquely qualified to write this article.
Here’s an example of a concise pitch to an editor:
“I’m writing to pitch an article about off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Pacific Northwest. As a travel writer who has lived in the region for the past five years, I’m well-versed in the hidden gems that tourists often overlook.
My article will highlight a range of lesser-known destinations, from secluded coastal towns to serene mountain retreats. It will provide practical tips for readers on accessing and exploring these hidden regions’ hidden corners.
I believe this article would be a great fit for your publication, as it offers a unique and timely perspective on a region that is often overshadowed by more well-known destinations.
Thank you for considering my pitch. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your publication.
Sincerely, [Your name]”
7 Include a writing sample
If you have a writing sample relevant to the pitch, include it with your submission. It will give the editor an idea of your writing style and ability.
Including a writing sample with your pitch can be a great way to showcase your writing skills and give the editor an idea of your style and ability. Here are a few things to consider when including a writing sample with your pitch:
Make sure it’s relevant
Choose a writing sample that is relevant to the pitch you are submitting. This will show the editor that you have experience writing on the topic and can produce high-quality work.
Keep it short
Choose a short writing sample, such as a blog post or article excerpt, rather than a full-length piece, giving the editor a quick overview of your writing style without overwhelming them with too much content.
Edit and proofread
Make sure your writing sample is well-written and free of errors showing the editor that you take your writing seriously and can deliver polished work.
8 Follow up
If you haven’t heard back from the editor after a week or two, it’s okay to send a follow-up email to inquire about the status of your pitch. However, be respectful of the editor’s time and avoid pestering them.
It’s normal to want to follow up with the editor if you have yet to hear back about your pitch after a week or two. However, it’s essential to respect their time and avoid pestering them. Here are a few tips for following up on your pitch:
Keep it brief: Don’t write a long email asking for an update. Instead, keep it short and to the point.
Be polite: Remember to thank the editor for considering your pitch and ask if they have any updates or feedback.
Offer to resend your pitch: If you think the editor may have missed your pitch, you can offer to resend it. However, double-check that you are sending it to the correct email address and that all the necessary information is included.
Don’t follow up too frequently: Avoid following up multiple times in a short period of time. If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, it’s okay to send a follow-up email, but wait a few more weeks before sending another one.
9 Keep in touch
If your pitch is accepted, follow through on your commitments and meet deadlines. After your article is published, send a thank-you note to the editor and consider sending them any additional pitches or ideas you may have in the future. This will help you build a long-term relationship with the editor and increase the chances of getting published in the magazine again.
10 Network with other writers
Building relationships with other writers and industry professionals can also help you make connections and get your work noticed by editors. Attend writing conferences and workshops, join writing groups, and participate in online writing communities to connect with others in the industry.
Networking with other writers and industry professionals can be a great way to make connections and get your work noticed by editors. Here are a few ways to network with others in the writing industry:
Attend writing conferences and workshops
These events provide opportunities to meet other writers, learn from industry professionals, and get your work noticed by editors.
Join writing groups
Look for local writing groups or join online communities to connect with other writers and get feedback on your work.
Participate in online writing communities
There are many online writing communities where you can connect with other writers, share your work, and get feedback.
Reach out to other writers:
Feel free to contact other writers or industry professionals for advice or to ask for introductions to editors. Building relationships with others in the industry can help you get your work noticed and advance your writing career.
Pin it!
You may also like: 7 ways to make money from travel writing