Lonely Planet Travel Writing (How to)

 (16 customer reviews)

This is one of the best guides to any kind of writing that I've run across -- and by far the best to the difficult craft of travel writing. I've used it in my classes this summer and have been recommending it to every writer I know.

The chief author, Don George, is himself a traveler, travel writer, travel editor and teacher of travel writing, and all his experience comes into play in this compact, well-organized book.

The basics are all there, but the book goes far beyond them, adding a short history of travel literature; an outline of the ``quintessential qualities'' a travel writer needs (not least flexibility, frugality and passion); detailed advice from successful writers and major editors; even a list of travel-literature classics.

This book is destined to be a classic of its own -- one I wish I could have turned to when I was setting out in the field 25 years ago. And, like Lonely Planet's guidebooks, it's compact enough to slip into a backpack...Read more

This book is both sobering and inspiring, but most importantly, practical. Starting from an important place, "What It Takes To Be a Travel Writer," this may well convince you that travel writing isn't really a dream job for most people. Relationships with close friends can be strained, travel isn't as fun when it's a job, pay isn't usually too great, and there is such a thing as burning out from traveling too much. Some travel writers even forget to stop taking notes when they're on an actual vacation.

From there, the book delves into the practical aspects of travel writing- finding your story, getting published, using technology in your field research. This knowledge should give you confidence that you can make your dream a reality, provided you live simply, have realistic expectations, and market your work strategically.

Probably what makes the book the most useful is that it is just packed with interviews of working travel writers- about ¼ of the book- and...Read more

If I can't get published after reading this book, then I should give up.

Don George has written the best book I've read about travel writing. Not only does it deal with nuts and bolts issues of preparing for the trip and writing the story, it inspires the reader with the many interviews of working writers. The chapter about finding the focus of your story is one of the most practical and useful that I have read. Following his advice about crafting the story won't only improve your travel stories, but your writing in general.

Also included in the book are seven examples of 'good' travel writing and many suggestions for other travel stories and authors to read.

This isn't a pie-in-the-sky, get rich quick book. Mr George and the writers interviewed are very clear that you have to work hard and that you won't likely be able to support yourself only as a travel writer. It does make you feel that you can be published and gives many useful suggestions about...Read more