The Complete Travel Writing and Marketing Master Class
Seattle, WA
April 25-27, 2019
Experience the world’s most luxurious destinations (and get paid for it).
The Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class is
an exclusive program where we'll explore, in detail, every single step
of my travel writing, pitching and selling strategy. It's only offered
once a year and registration is CLOSED.
Sorry, registration is closed for the 2023 Marketing Master Class for Travel Writers
Other
workshops gloss over the details, but that’s not how we do things
around here. You will walk away from this program knowing exactly how to
get sensational paid trips around the world and sky-rocket your travel writing success – even if you’re starting at $0.
Each
workshop is limited to a small number of participants to guarantee a
high quality experience and allow plenty of time for interaction between
your instructors and fellow writers.
We believe our Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class is the BEST of its kind, ANYWHERE! Our “graduates” have a excellent success rate, with most getting their stories into paying print media.
If you want to learn how to become a real travel writer & see your articles & photographs in glossy print magazine and journals, our three-day master class will do the job nicely.
We hope to see you in Seattle in April, 2019 for this once-a-year event!
Are you ready to learn what travel writing success feels like?
Picture this:
It’s early evening and you’re luxuriating in a 5-star Balinese
lifestyle resort. You’re reclining on a pristine white daybed with your
partner, sipping a cocktail beside your private pool in the gorgeous
garden. Maybe you spent the day wandering around a market and marvelling
at the colors, smells and sounds. Perhaps you were inspired by art
galleries, found intriguing historical sites, enjoyed a bird’s eye view
from a hot air balloon and took a dip in the crystal clear turquoise
ocean.
Soon you’ll be served a private meal with exquisite
international cuisine in your opulent jungle surroundings. Tomorrow
you’ll be experiencing a bespoke aromatherapy spa treatment before
boarding the hotel’s VIP yacht for an unforgettable snorkelling and
diving trip. And the best part? You’re getting paid to do this.
This
isn’t an unachievable dream. I’ve been paid to travel the globe and
stay in the most exclusive hotels and resorts for over ten years. My
travel stories have appeared in more than 200 publications and
I’ve
earned thousands of dollars writing about the world’s most luxurious
destinations. Let me tell you, success feels fantastic – and I’m going
to show you exactly how to do it.
If you want to make money as a travel writer you need to know precisely what works and what doesn’t.
“Call this what it is – a master-class of sales writing to get into magazines and newspapers.”
-- Chris Backe, Editor & Travel Blogger, OneWeirdGlobe.com
“Roy’s energy and humor, mixed with rigor are an excellent mix.”
-- Mike McMaster, February 2016 Master Class
What will you learn?
I’m going to share every single step of my writing, pitching and selling strategy.
When you use my strategy, you will dramatically improve your sales and speed up your learning curve.
- The tried-and-tested way to dream up captivating travel story ideas and assess their marketability.
- Where to find hundreds of publications that want to buy your travel stories.
- Why you should always query your story idea before writing it.
- How to craft irresistible query emails that will sell your stories.
- The exact query email formatting and structure used by elite travel writers.
- How to avoid making amateur mistakes that damage your relationships with editors.
- How to pitch several story ideas to sky-rocket your acceptance rate.
- How to handle the flood of acceptance emails you’ll get.
- How to resell your articles multiple times around the world to maximise your profit.
- How to network like a pro and market yourself effectively within the travel writing industry.
- How to build an online platform so editors can find you and read your clips.
- The secrets behind using your assignments to request complimentary travel perks. Hello, first class luxury!
Ultimately, you’ll learn exactly how I sell my travel stories 90% of the time and how you can improve your success rate when you use my proven strategies from start to finish.
“Roy really knows how the game is played and it makes all the difference. I’ve learned how to properly prepare query letters and distribution lists, how to deal with editors, and how to work with the tourism, convention and visitors bureaus. Avoiding little mistakes and responding to editors and others properly can be critical so having the luxury of a prolific industry expert like Roy to answer the numerous questions that come up has been invaluable for me.
The results of Roy's coaching have been amazing!! I’ve managed to secure assignments with 6 magazines including Discover Britain, Renaissance, NW Travel, Kindred Spirit, and several online
publications. Not only are most of these paid gigs, I have already parlayed them into free accommodations, free meals, and free tours & attractions, just as advertised. It's real and it's awesome!!
I would highly recommend Roy's services to anyone looking for a fast track to breaking into writing magazine articles.”
-- Jed Vaughn, 2016 Travel Writer’s Workshop Attendee
“Thank you, Roy, for all your help, education and support. Your writer’s Master Class has been extremely helpful and I so enjoyed it. You’ve given me the confidence that I need to go forward in my new career as a freelance travel writer, photographer, and destination video producer-artist.”
-- Shelley Pittman, Freelance Writer & Photographer
Alumni, 2016 Chiang Mai Master Class
Who's Roy?
Hello!
I’m your host and your marketing instructor during the Master Class.
I'm also a professional freelance travel writer and photographer based in Seattle, Washington and currently living in the vibrant beach town of Da Nang, Vietnam.
I’ve cracked the travel writing code and had more than 1000 articles published in over 200 regional, national, and international magazines, specialty magazines, newspapers, trade journals, in-flights, on-boards, and online travel magazines and blogs.
I’ve been described as one of the most prolific travel writers in North America, and I attribute all my success to the strategies I’m going to share with you during my Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class.
Yep, I really am giving away all my secrets and strategies.
My work has appeared in the USA, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. I’ve written about travel, culture, history, food, wine, beer, hotels, spas, military history, military vehicles, writing, art, communications, health, fitness, running, triathlons, sports and film festivals.
Publications I’ve contributed to include Britain Magazine, Scotland Magazine, International Living, American Cowboy, Smithsonian Air & Space, Spirit of Ireland, Renaissance, This England, Australia & New Zealand, Emirates Open Skies In-flight, Beers-of-the-World, Beer Connoisseur, Beer Magazine, Beer & Brewery, Cheese Connoisseur, Collectible Automobile, Blue Water Sailing, Canadian Yachting
West, Classic Boat, Coast Food & Arts, Sculpture, Lost Treasure, Northwest Meetings & Events, National Communications, Northwest Travel & Life, South Sound, Gorge Guide, Off-Road Adventures, Jeep Action, Oregon Coast, Sunday Oregonian, New Zealand Sunday News, South China Morning Post, GoNomad.com, GoWorldTravel.com, TouristTravel.com, Travellady.com, TravelPostMonthly.com, Travelmag.co.uk, YourLifeIsaTrip.com, AllwaysTraveller.com, Europeupclose.com, Realfoodtraveler.com, epicureantraveler.com, and many other magazines.
I include this info to show you, without shadow of a doubt, that my strategy works.
I’m not the world’s best writer, but I have figured out how to sell my stories 90% of the time. I started completely from scratch. I didn’t study writing at university, and I’ve never studied business or marketing.
If I can get paid to travel the world using my strategies, believe me, you can too.
Here's What the
2018 Master Class Participants
Say About the Class
“This weekend was one for the books! It was an incredible honor to be a part of Roy’s world-class marketing conference and I’m eager to see how my fellow classmates and I crush it!”
Jessica Pickett
“Home and ready to go to Barnes & Noble this morning. Thanks so much to Roy & Linda for this amazing weekend and thanks to all the participants for your support and generosity with advice. Looking forward to your success stories!”
Mary Lou Osmond
“What a great learning weekend! Great workshop...hope to see everyone again next year. I loved the small intimacy of the size of the group. Really felt like there was good camaraderie & enough attention from the presenters as well. I’m looking forward to what happens in the future with the knowledge I’ve picked up.”
Becky Breshears
“Just wanted to say I arrived home finally to Ohio. Roy and Linda, thanks for such a great conference and thanks to everyone that I met this weekend. What an amazing bunch of people and diverse.”
Dave Hamill
“Learning and getting inspired! Wohoo!”
Kari Dahlstrom
“Great class, already working on first pitch at the airport.”
Charlene Scott
“Fabulous class, fabulous people. I'm inspired!”
Candi Licence
“I appreciate Roy’s philosophy as a rebel. He has a formula that works and that is proven. With due diligence and hard work, I can be successful.”
Dave Hamill
“I got some really good story ideas from Roy. Liked the reinforcement of Roy’s marketing approach."
Pam Baker
“I found the research activity valuable because I learned how to research and evaluate places and go and get story ideas in advance, to gain assignments.”
Candi Licence
“I found the marketing strategies presentation extremely valuable because it gave me an understanding on Fam and comp trips and how to request them. I also learned how to manage multiple acceptances and selling the same, or similar, articles multiple times.”
Candi Licence
“It was great to really hear Roy drive home how to be professional & to have integrity in your travel writing career.”
Kim Kortum
“It was great to hear how there are so many magazine opportunities outside the travel magazine section as within.”
Annette De Smedt
“Great nuts and bolts information!”
“I enjoyed Roy’s field trip to the Barnes & Noble bookstore because I could see his approach in action and how he directs others with their search through the magazine racks. This gave me ideas I never would have thought of.”
Jessica Pickett
“The field trip to Barnes & Noble was extremely valuable because we saw Roy’s voracious approach to discovering opportunities through magazine research.”
Pam Baker
“Building your magazine database is a daunting task, so seeing the magazine rack through Roy’s eyes I now know exactly what to do when I return home.”
Kim Kortum
“I’ll never look at Barnes & Noble in the same way!”
“I’ll never look at a magazine rack the same again!”
“I cannot say enough about how valuable this workshop has been. Roy is a wealth of knowledge and just a joy to work with! I love his enthusiasm, encouragement and passion for helping new travel writers.”
-- Pam Baker, April 2017 Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class Attendee
“No one teaches about marketing and selling like Roy Stevenson.”
-- Claudia Looi, 2016 Complete Travel Writer’s Workshop Attendee
Guest Speakers
The Art of Creative Travel Writing
Nick O’Connell
Nick
O’Connell’s writing presentations will help you master the craft of
narrative travel writing essential for creating good, saleable
nonfiction stories.
Nick O’Connell is one of the finest travel
writers on the West Coast, U.S.A. His bylines make most of his peers
envious. Nick’s work has been published in numerous top tier travel and
food glossies including Newsweek, Gourmet, National Geographic
Adventure, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Sierra, Sunset, Image,
Outside, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Horizon Air, Wine Spectator, Saveur,
Seattle, Image Journal, and the New York Times.
In
this 4-hour session Nick will introduce you to travel writing, the
genres of travel writing, developing story ideas, scenic writing,
creating suspense, quest narratives, and more through lecture, class
discussion and in-class writing.
“Nick O’Connell was a fabulous bonus to an already stellar conference.”
Candi Licence
“I
enjoyed Nick O’Connell’s presentations because of his systematic,
organic and creative steps in the writing process. I loved his outline
approach to setting the scene and the sub-genres of travel writing.”
Jessicca Pickett
“Nick’s
first handout on the ten steps to good travel writing was most useful.
We have a checklist when writing stories and will add this to our
toolbox.”
Pam Baker
"It was very helpful to have Nick
frame the creative non-fiction sub-genres and break down scenes. I
don’t have a background in this, so it was terrific.”
Kim Kortum
What Magazine Editors Want
Allen Cox
Northwest
native Allen Cox brings years of experience as a widely published
travel and lifestyle journalist, editor and guidebook author.
As
a magazine writer, his articles about travel, food, wine, the arts, the
outdoors and profiles have appeared in several publications, regionally
and nationally including South Sound, Harbors, 425, Coast Explorer,
AAA Journey, Oregon Coast, WellBella, City Arts, Washington Magazine,
Northwest Palate, and Northwest Magazine.
Allen is currently the editor-in-chief of Northwest Travel & Lifestyle Magazine and is the former editor of Harbors Magazine.
He serves on the board of directors for International Food, Wine and
Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and is also chair of the Northwest
Travel & Words Conference.
“Loved hearing directly from a local editor who shared some realities of the business.”
Kari Dahlstrom
Press Trips and Fam Tours: Working Successfully with DMO Media Reps
Annette Bagley
Annette
Bagley is the Director of Marketing for Bellingham Whatcom County
Tourism. As a writer and media relations consultant, her work has
appeared in local and national media.
She has been enjoying life
in the Bellingham and Whatcom County region for more than a decade. Her
ideal escapes include water, mountains, a farm visit, or a history
lesson, accompanied by good food and a glass of wine.
Annette
will discuss what you need to do to put together successful press trips
and customized fam tours, and how travel writers can build solid
relationships with CVBs.
“Annette was terrific. It was great to hear how she evaluates travel
writers for comp assistance and how she is playing the long game with
her community and with her travel writers.”
Kim Kortum
“Loved this! So helpful to hear directly from a well-run organization & be able to ask questions.”
Kari Dahlstrom
“Liked that she spelled out the criteria for getting on a Fam tour.”
Pam Baker
How Many People Will Be At The Workshop?
My number-one priority is that every single Workshop attendee walks away full of knowledge and knows exactly how to sell their travel stories.
I get real deep; answering questions, giving personalized advice, tailoring activities and doing whatever it takes to ensure the highest quality experience for everyone involved. Seeing my students achieve their writing goals is why I do what I do – it’s my passion. I want you to succeed.
With this in mind, the Workshop is only available to a limited number of people. For my Seattle Master Class, that's twenty-five people.
Throughout the year I receive a great deal of interest from people all over the English-speaking world.
We expect the Master Class to fill up fast and early. I don’t want you to miss out.
“Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend in a great city! I enjoyed learning how to market my travel writing. The entire weekend was very inspirational. I look forward to taking the tools from my toolbox & getting started right away. It was nice to meet so many like-minded writers in all phases of their journey. Until our paths cross again. Warm Regards,"
-- Barbara Wertz
April 2017 Master Class Attendee
Is The Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class right for you?
Ever since I started running this Master Class, I’ve been inundated with emails that sound like this:
“Roy, I'm considering joining your Master Class. It sounds great! But...is it right for me and my situation?"
Let’s go over some of the most popular queries I get in my inbox:
“I’m not a published travel writer – I’m starting at the beginning.”
I get it. Ten years ago, that's where I was. I felt completely clueless.
I had no idea how to think up good travel stories, or how to pitch to editors. Getting paid to travel the world seemed like an impossible dream – but I wanted it so badly. I scoured the internet looking for any information that could help me succeed.
Every piece of “expert” advice I soon discovered came from someone who hadn’t walked the talk – it was downright frustrating, and I wasn’t getting anywhere.
I promised myself that when I achieved real success, I’d create a program to teach other travel writers exactly how to get paid to write travel stories, even for those starting at the beginning. The Travel Writing & Marketing Master Class is that program.
Rest assured, even if you're a complete beginner, this class is for you.
“I’m a published writer and photographer, but I don’t have much experience travel writing.”
I show writers and photographers exactly how to capitalize on their existing skills and break into the travel writing field. You’ll drastically increase your learning curve and get excellent paid travel story assignments, faster. I can’t wait to see your reaction after I show you what your schedule could look like when you follow my travel writing strategy.
“Roy’s candor and sense of humor fueled the weekend. Roy doesn’t sugar coat anything.”
Attendee, February 2016 Master Class
"Roy talks the talk and walks the walk. He has such a keen interest in the story and an ability to share. I revere this approachable, friendly, gracious and talented and well-published writer.”
-- Lisa Richardson, Travel Writer, Los Angeles, CA
“I’m not sure how good my travel writing is… how do I know editors will like my stories?”
First of all, you almost certainly have more skills than you realize. In most cases, editors aren’t looking for an expert travel writer – you don’t have to spend years honing your craft, I promise.
In this Master Class you'll learn exactly what editors are looking for - and we invite an editor to tell you in his own words!
The Master Class also includes four hours of instruction on how to make your travel writing sparkle from author and travel writer Nick O'Connell and learn the most vital information about the craft.
You'll learn ...
• How to avoid the most common beginner travel writer’s mistakes.
• How to write in the active voice to bring your stories to life.
• Words and phrases to avoid.
• How to describe your destination in a new, fresh and compelling way.
“I’m already a published travel writer. What will I learn that I don’t know already?”
I’ve yet to meet a published travel writer who didn’t benefit from learning the exact details of my proven strategy. I show published writers how to take it to the next level and skyrocket their travel writing income by sharing every detail of my proven strategy.
Registration Details
Sorry, registration is closed for the 2023 Marketing Master Class for Travel Writers
The Master Class includes:
- In-depth instruction about how I sell my travel stories 90% of the time - so you can sell more stories, too.
- In-depth training about how to use your assignments to land press trips and free tours.
- Detailed guidance on how to write enticing query letters.
- How to write captivating travel stories that editors will love, taught by a well-published author and travel writer.
- Advice on how to work successfully with editors from a professional travel and lifestyle editor.
- Digital resources including The Complete Guide to Marketing and Selling Your Travel Articles and The Complete Guide to Query Letters.
- Post-workshop, one-on-one coaching with Roy using one of your story ideas and working through the process, start to finish, worth over $750.
- Special reduced rate of $135/night at Host hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn. (Full details available when you register.)
- Amazing opportunity to socialize with fellow travel writers and the workshop speakers.
- Lunch is included all three days of the workshop.
What's not included:
- Airfare
- Ground transportation
- Hotel
- Meals other than those described above
- Other incidental travel expenses such as laundry, tips, travel insurance, and other miscellaneous costs.
Cancellation Policy:
If you decide to cancel for any reason, we will happily apply the amount you paid to a future workshop either in the U.S. or at an international destination, less a small administrative fee of $125 as long as you notify us at least one week in advance of the start of the workshop. To protect your investment, we strongly suggest you purchase trip-cancellation insurance.
If we must cancel for any reason, we will fully refund deposits and registration fees in full.
So, are you ready to learn what travel writing success feels like?
Your stay in that luxury villa is much closer than you think. Follow my strategies and advice, and you will succeed as a travel writer.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Sorry, registration is closed for the 2019 Master Class. You can get on the interest list for upcoming workshops and be among the first to hear details when we announce them. Get on the interest list here:
“If anyone is better at what Roy does, I've never met that person. No one, repeat no one, is better at travel writing than Roy.”
-- John Mooshie, Travel and Golf Journalist, 2017 Master Class Attendee
“Roy is right to the point. He gives precise and tangible information and professional writing advice. He gave precise information on how to obtain complimentary travel press trips—the most comprehensive information I have ever heard. I would recommend this program to travel writers, whether a novice writer or someone like me looking to “kick it up a notch”. This course is outstanding.”
-- Noreen Kompanik, 2016 Seattle Travel Writer’s Workshop Attendee
If you still have questions, please use the form below to let us know what's on your mind, and we'll get back in touch promptly: