Travel Writing: Need Reading and Publication Recs

starrykitten · Sep 1, 2013

Hi all--

I am working on a travel essay about an uncanny small town in America, and I have some good photographs I took to go along with it. I have two questions for you:

1)Can you point me to some really good travel writing, especially on the topic of small town America? I have Bill Bryson's book, but would welcome any other suggestions.

2) Once this piece is finished, what are some markets I should try, either print or online? I would want the photographs published too, but they don't have to be in color.

Thank you.

JournoWriter · Sep 2, 2013

The Best American Travel Writing series might be a good place to start: http://www.hmhbooks.com/hmh/bestamerican/travel

As for markets, there are still a handful of newspapers with their own travel content (versus stuff that's canned from the wire services), but their articles are typically oriented towards "news you can use" - travel planning information. An essay might not necessarily fit. The New York Times' 36 Hours series is a great example (and compiled into books).

Siri Kirpal · Sep 2, 2013

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

VIA, put out by AAA does travel essays. Not sure if they accept freelance, but it might be worth a look.

Both National Geographic and the Smithsonian do accept freelance. They might also be worth a look.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

kimcooper · Mar 13, 2014

Have you read Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon? It's a gem.

Travel Writing: Need Reading and Publication Recs

starrykitten

practical experience, FTW

JournoWriter

Just the facts, please

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

kimcooper