I think a lot of websites "distort the truth" of how long it really takes to make it financially as a travel writer. What are your experiences? Do you have 10+ years experience as a writer? Did you have success right away or did it take you five or more years? Did you supplement your income with full-time and part-time jobs? Please share. Many thanks!
Financially making it as a travel writer.
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I have written three books, one of which is a travel book and I still need a job to pay the rent. I am not expecting to be ever really able to live of my writing, however much I would like to be.
Posted 1 year ago # -
@DuchessOfWriting - I agree with you....there are a number of website that make it sound like all you have to do is take their workshop and you'll instantly become a highly-paid and oft published travel writer.....and I think that is a pipe-dream for many writers. I will say that some do very well, but they do it by working hard and establishing a name for themselves, then can capitalize on their name and reputation to work their way into better opportunities.
For many travel writers, the reality is that the paying opportunities are shrinking, and the amount per word is shrinking, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there....they are, you just have to work harder to compete for them. And the travel writing genre is particularly flooded with people who believe it's the ticket to getting free travel.
The truth is that many writers would not be able to pursue their dream without a good support system, which usually means a spouse who has a steady paycheck.
Personally I have been writing for almost 12 years, but much of that has been doing copy writing, which means good pay but it's uncredited (no byline). A lot of writers start out this way, and many supplement their income from travel writing with the occasional copy writing job, or other freelance writing gigs that don't provide a byline.
So unless you're writing the next great best-selling novel, the odds are that you'll spend many years working at developing a successful career in writing, and keep in mind that success depends on how you define the word. For some, just covering the bills of a meager existence just to be able to travel and write is 'successful'.
All that said, I firmly believe that pursuing your passion for low pay is better than working at a job you hate, but everyone's priorities are different.
Posted 1 year ago # -
This is a "hot" topic right now. If you have 10+ years of writing experience either with a newspaper, magazine, or at a corporate job then your transition to freelance writing may be smoother than others.
For those entering the market without experience, it's best to transition slowly. Write on the side while you keep your full-time and or part-time job. Apply to writing opportunities that appeal to you even if they're not travel writing. This will help you build your portfolio.
It's a rude awakening when you discover that it may take five or more years to build your writing, especially if you're building a business. Stick with it. If you're asking yourself "is this worth it?" Ask yourself another question, "would I write even if I wasn't paid or recognized for it?" If the answer is "Yes" then you know writing is a passion of yours. If you're doing it solely for the money, you may experience stumbling blocks. Just my opinion.
Posted 1 year ago #
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