Imagine it now.
The constant stress of having to perform to your highest standard or risk going unnoticed or losing work, always worrying about where your next paycheque is coming from, having to chase up unpaid invoices, always working for new people in different environments, having no consistency and moving from place to place constantly. Every day would be a challenge.
Yet if the above issues stressed do not deter you, then deciding to work as a freelance travel journalist could be one of the best and most rewarding decisions of your life.
Getting Started
Before leaving the UK, it is wise to save up a considerable amount of money to fall back on whilst you’re in another country - plan for the worst but hope for the best.
As you start out, it is best to have a part-time job in the country you’re staying as security in case you can’t find work. It is better to be prepared and work in a job you hate whilst you try to make it in the industry - sacrifices have to be made but if you stick at it, success is more likely.
Try and gain as much experience in the industry as possible, this is something editors will look for when employing a freelancer. Try and shadow a couple of journalists, get experience at your local newspaper, radio station or at television studios.
Another important thing is to ALWAYS write and ALWAYS read the news. Keep up to date with what's going on and do whatever you can to get your articles published. The more published the better.
As in most industries, it very much so about who you know. Before you leave, gain the vital contacts that will get you work abroad. Set up meetings in London with foreign editors and get your name known, remember - no contact is a bad contact.
Making A Living
When working in freelance, you will usually be self employed. It can also be on a fixed contract basis ranging from anything to a day or a year. This often increases your popularity with employers as freelancers have a greater flexibility and are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance and pension contributions.
There are hundreds of publications in the UK which would be interested in foreign news and features. On average, for a news story expect to get paid around £90-£160 for 700-1,000 words. However, features pay considerably more. Of the UK newspapers, The Independent and The Guardian are the most interested in foreign features.
Publications Interested In Travel News & Features
World Politics Watch – interested in foreign policy and international affairs.
Noticias Aliadas/Latin American Press – interested in social and development news from across Latin America.
New Internationalist Magazine – interested in development and human rights issues. Slate - interested in foreign news.
Times Higher Education Supplement – interested in news of higher education in countries across the world.
The Guardian - interested in foreign features and news.
Most newspapers and magazines cover some form of foreign news, whether it be features or straight news. Research different publications and find out who you want to write for.
Pitching An Idea
You must remember that you can’t copyright an idea so when you’re pitching an idea to an editor, show them you’re the person most fitted to write the article.
Firstly, decide which publication you wish to sell your article to. Contact them and ask if you need to send the article up front, or send in a précis. You can sell the same idea to multiple publications but not the exact same article.
Ensure copyright issues are discussed, the publisher can either buy the full rights of the article therefore allowing it to be published anywhere without having to pay the author again or partial rights can be sold where any reprint, other publication printing or in an international publication, the writer is due another payment.
Take great care and time writing pitches and make sure that you have already figured out the piece in your head. Do not expect an editor to sort out your muddy thoughts for you.
So Why Is It The Best Job?
Freelance journalism has it downfalls as most jobs do, but the benefits may surpass any negative it may have.
You can be your on boss, you can write about what you want to write about, you have the freedom to travel around the world with hardly any commitments and nothing can hold you back.
If you have the drive and the passion, you can be a freelance travel journalist and it could be the best decision of your life.
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