Travel Writing: See the World. Sell the Story.

I purchased this book for a class, but would recommend it to anyone who would like to improve their written memories of trips - whether family vacations or exotic. This will help you hone in on what is important and how to make your stories memorable and interesting to those who read them.

If you've ever thought about becoming a travel writer this is a must have additional to your arsenal. But don't expect to sit back and just read. This book contains lots of exercises to motivate you to write.

The book itself is a marvelous example of good writing and contains many examples of what good writing is all about. It spurs you on to develop your own style and pace providing ample motivation to get you going.

The book covers all the basics although it's a little short on query letters. There are other books devoted to this subject so don't let that be a deterrent. One of O'neil's specialties is her presentation of The Travel Journal. This along with sections on Structure and Pace plus Style and Tone can help you with any type of writing you might be engaged in.

In order to learn most anything we need to take classes or lessons. I think of this book as a wonderful class in becoming a first rate Travel Writer with the lessons included. If you're a seasoned veteran you might find this book doesn't suit your needs, but for those of us who are just starting out you won't be disappointed.

Travel Writing by Peat O'Neil


An excellent book for the beginning travel writer. Ms. O'Neil includes a host of exercises contrived to sharpen the writer's senses and help to construct narrative. She also covers such things as how to plan your travel wardrobe and what to take along, building relationships with editors, side-line income and such.
She does give a short overview of guidebook writing (7 pages) but the bulk of the book is about writing articles--whether for magazines, newspapers or online markets. There is also a chapter on photographs. Although I have the newest edition, things change so fast that information on digital photography, taking notes (laptop? pda?) will always be a little behind the times.
Where O'Neil is best is in getting a grounding for travel writing. With every Tom, Dick and Mary writing up their voyages on the internet, it takes a lot to create a colorful, interesting article that is about a trip without being an ego trip. The author goes over the different types of articles, how to research an assignment, how to get an assignment. As many would-be authors are amazed to discover, travel writing requires work. This is a good starting point.Crafting the Travel Guidebook: How to Write, Publish & Sell Your Travel Book

Great, useful resource and advice for the aspiring travel writer - giving inspiration to reach for travel literature, rather than what I refer to as 'travel fluff,' with some practical wisdom thrown in. A fun read, too.

I bought this book because it was required for my Irish Literature class and a Travel Writing class before we left for Ireland. I only read a chapter or two, but it seemed alright. I just stuck to my own style of writing rather than follow any advice here.