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My question concerns the travel section of many newspapers, including the one at the
Detroit Free Press.
Why is it that when a freelance writer sends an e-mail to a travel editor, they seldom get a response?
Although I'm a veteran newspaper reporter with nearly 18 years of experience, travel editors never respond to a query! I make it as brief and to the point as I possibly can, but I still get no response, not even an acknowledgment.
By comparison, editors on the Metro Desk, Foreign Desk and other more "important" areas of a newspaper "usually" do respond. Could it be that for some unknown reason travel editors see themselves as much more "important" than the rest of a newspaper staff? I sure hope you can answer my question, since I'm thinking of giving up on being a travel writer.
Thank you,
Rosie
Whoa, let's slow down a moment. You're ascribing attitudes to people who have not responded to you. That can, in effect, lead you to a long conversation with yourself.
There is no future in that.
There can be many reasons why the travel editor does not respond to you.
- In some cases, travel editors are not editors at all, but writers with biggie-sized titles and no authority to buy freelance pieces. Call to make sure you are querying the right person.
- Not all newspapers buy freelance pieces. They can get a lot for less from wire services and syndicates. While you have them on the phone, ask if they buy freelance work.
- Travel writing is a crowded field. Maybe they just ran a piece on the place you're trying to pitch, or maybe your pitch needs to be tuned. Ask about their interest in your subject and the angle you should take.
In short, I would be more targeted and strategic -- and you have to be ready for some rejection.
Coming Thursday: An agreement between two papers means that one needs to ask the other for permission to hire him. He worries that this could stop his career.
As someone who has done an awful lot of newspaper...
