CLEO'S
FAQ
I get a lot of emails from people who want to steal my job. Doesn't everybody? Here are a few of the most common questions I'm asked, along with whatever answers I made up at the time. If the info you want isn't here, read the rest of this section. If it still isn't there, email me. My going rate is $1 a word. And not New Zealand dollars either, smarty pants.
How should I start out? Is going to university to study journalism a good idea?
Don't worry about 'losing' the years in university. Worry about developing your talent. Some learn best in an academic environment, some learn best by doing (internships, etc...). I did a history degree (with Honours -- my parents were so proud) at McGill University in Montreal. Never took a single journalism course.
A lot depends on what kind of writing you want to do. For me, history is the most important thing because it gives depth to anything I approach. Also, you can't mess with a history professor. They are brutal. They force you to learn to research properly. And not just from the internet.
I have taught travel writing courses and quite a few of the students have been journalism graduates. They knew very little about how to sell, how to evaluate topics, etc., though they were very good at knowing how to fit into a newsroom. Again, it depends on what you want. And some schools are better than others. Some have great practical programs. And they are good for networking, but so is interning.
A lot depends on how self-motivated you are. If you need structure to succeed, go the traditional school route. If not, just do it. Or do it while at school. Why bother with contributing to university papers when you can write for real, paying ones.
Just so you know, no editor has ever asked me a single question about my academic background, though starting staff at papers are usually expected to have a journalism degree.
How did you get to the point you are at now?
Lots of luck and an ability to figure out markets. If you really know a newspaper or magazine, you can come up with a nearly irresistible pitch. That said, I never take rejection personally. I can get a 'no' for a million-and-one reasons that have nothing to do with me. I pitch dozens of stories for every one I sell.
I started working for CBC radio in my teens, doing teen culture pieces and teen movie reviews. As soon as I graduated from university, I left for Africa because I knew no one else was going so it would be a lot easier to sell freelance articles. It was. All that it involved was setting up some contacts before I went. I filed stories for CBC radio from there.
When I got back, I was interested in working for U.S. magazines, so I interned in NYC at the late, lamented SPY. I sent out pitches to other magazines from the SPY offices. That way, the pitchees thought I already had a cool job and were quicker to reply. That got me some clips and an identity (though I quit early because I got a job with a British tv crew).
I am also not a big believer in working my way up ladders. I just do exactly what I want to do and then find a market for it. There are some technical skills involved (i.e. if you are doing radio: how to transfer audio, etc...), but none of it is rocket science.
The key to being a successful (i.e. not homeless) freelancer is tenacity. You have to pitch and pitch and pitch. One story I pitched to Coastal Living two years ago was just put on the editorial calendar for two years from now. Unusually long, but a case in point.
Also key is to look to the American markets. There are much more of them and the pay is incomparably better. There are organizations you can join or books you can buy that list editors and markets. They are invaluable (for more on this see other sections of the site).
Generally, freelance travel writing is about 35% marketing, 30% booking trips/sending follow-up notes, 25% research and 10% writing. Romantic, eh?
Without going into exact figures, do you earn enough money to, say, afford a mortgage on a comfortable home?
Depends on where you live, eh? I have no problem paying the mortgage in Montreal. It would be harder in Toronto. Magazines pay better that newspapers but often take longer to write (except the front of the book sections which are quick, dirty and well paid). A typical newspaper piece will pay about $150-$300. So you have to resell the same piece many times to turn a profit. But there are literally thousands of potential markets in the U.S. alone. You have to be good at/have the drive to sell.
How much do you get paid (approximately) per article?
See above. U.S. magazines can pay $1(US) a word. Top for a newspaper piece would likely be about $700 for something for the UK press, but they will try to take all rights. My column situation is special and not relevant.
Do you make more if you take photos?
Yes. Typically newspapers will pay about $25 extra for photos. If your pics are good enough for magazines, that amount is a lot more. For newspaper, digital photos are easiest all around (for more on this see the section on this site about photography).
What is it like working as a travel writer?
Great. A bit hard on relationships but, obviously, I think it is worth it. The only downside is that I have to spend A LOT of time arranging trips, booking flights, setting up interviews, etc... and even more time trying to sell pieces. Travelling and writing are only a small part of the job.
How much flexibility in your writing style and article topic choices are you given?
When picking topics for my column, it's usually up to me. When writing for others, we agree on the topic, and the editors know they are going to get 'my style', for better or worse.
Any other tips?
Develop areas of expertise. The travel field is huge, so it is best to 'brand' yourself. Be the one editors turn to when they need a piece on horseback riding around the world, or music, or food, or palm trees. Whatever already is of interest to you.
Also, newspapers are usually keen on pieces about what local 'youths' are up to. That said, if you are young, your age can give you an edge, but it shouldn't be your whole identity. Otherwise you have a problem when you pass the spring chicken phase.
If there is something you are very keen on (music, skiing, whatever), make that your specialty. I know it seems decadent to be able to write about your passion, but that is what will make your pieces stand out.
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• Random Advice from Professionals
• Self-Syndicating, The Holy Grail
• On The Road E-Practicalities
• All-Purpose Bad Travel Story
