FEATURED PUBLICATION: Midwest Living

Dear Reader,

I woke up this morning in a reflective mood.

Lately we’ve received a lot of positive feedback about our travel-writing programs. And over my cup of coffee this morning, I thought about how very lucky I am. I mean, in my job I help people turn their dreams into reality.

Over the years, Great Escape Publishing has helped hundreds of people just like you transform themselves into successful, working travel writers.

Folks from all walks of life are selling articles (even though they might not have a lick of formal writing training). They’re getting their names in print. And they’re traveling like real VIPs enjoying the perks this line of work can offer.

Take program participant Alice, for instance. She says:

“I’ve been comped four nights at a deluxe resort on Oahu after advising them of my plans. I wrote a letter explaining that I am a ‘freelance travel writer’ intending on writing an article on ‘Hawaii’s Most Romantic Room Views.’

“Although I won’t be on ‘assignment,’ I’ve gotten some pretty good feedback from a couple of newspapers… so wish me luck!! I’ve got another idea, too. Something about ‘Affordable Luxury in Paradise…Off-season in Hawaii.’ I’m sorry to ramble on and on, but I’m pretty excited!

“This could be the start of something BIG! Thanks a million!”

And Larry, another satisfied member, wrote to us to say…

“The information and examples included in your Travel Writer’s program were so good that I’ve landed an assignment with an international travel magazine even before completing all the program elements… I largely credit the program material for putting me firmly on the path to success in travel writing.”

I hope that you, too, are taking the best advantage of our Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program, because it really can make a world of difference in the frequency and speed with which you land by-lines.

Of course, we do our best to nudge you along, as well, with our weekly Featured Publication.

This week’s, Midwest Living Magazine, offers lots of space for short pieces… and they pay well. You’ll find all the details below.

Lori Appling
Director, Great Escape Publishing

P.S. One of the surest ways to guarantee your success is to follow in the footsteps of somebody who really knows this business inside-and-out. Jen Stevens is one of those people. And her protégés positively rave about her Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program. In fact, one of the guest speakers at our recent Denver workshop (already a well-published author) said he’d bought every book out there on travel writing, but that Jen’s course was, by far, the very best thing on the market.

She demurred. But it’s true. You’ll find in it more than 300 pages of step-by-step instruction written by an industry pro who cut her teeth as an editor at several top international publications. She knows her stuff. Order your copy of The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program today.

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Midwest Living Magazine is a quality, colorful bi-monthly lifestyle magazine that considers itself the definitive voice of the Midwest.

Many of the articles focus on a place or topic that somehow relates to being a Midwesterner. To help you get the definition of what constitutes the Midwest region, refer to the Writer’s Guidelines.

This is not a publication only for people living in the Midwest, but there is a strong emphasis on events and places in that region.

When writing a travel article for Midwest Living, keep in mind travelers coming to the Midwest and consider what would be a fun and worthwhile trip.  Is there a festival, event, or a newly renovated downtown that might draw someone in?  Why would the reader want to make a side-trip when he’s in the area?

Midwest Living wants more than the usual travel brochure stuff.  Show them a new angle on your destination or event. It’s also good to note that the audience is primarily female, therefore you’ll need to tailor your ideas to suit that readership.

Articles run between 300 and 1,000 words depending upon the topic and the assignment.  Pay is negotiated once your query is accepted.  Generally, Midwest Living pays around 80 cents to $1 per word.  They tell me the writer and particular article have a lot to do with the actual rate — the more research and in-depth an article, the higher the price it commands.

Please query first.  The editor wants 2 or 3 well-crafted sentences explaining your specific idea. Take that to heart.  Don’t suggest a topic that’s way too general. And don’t send in a full-blown story, either.

Here’s is an insider’s tip for breaking in:

You will have much better luck if you highlight an event, a B&B, or a notable time-appropriate news item in a short format.

Don’t pitch an idea for a bike trek along the Mississippi River. Too long a piece.

Instead, pitch an idea about a biker-friendly B&B that is run by former bike enthusiasts.  You’ll have more luck selling a shorter item. You receive a by-line for every article accepted, so even if it’s a short article, it’s worth it for the clip.

When you are ready to query Midwest Living, send your idea with several clips to: Query Editor Midwest Living, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

By Wendy VanHatten, Travel Writer

For The Write Way to Travel

[Editor’s Note: Learn more about opportunities to profit from your travels (and even from your own home) in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.]