By Max Hartshorne
TPM – What is the #1 mistake you see in queries?
Max – The pitch doesn’t get right to the point by identifying where they want to write about. Or worse, they want to submit a generic, non-specific essay on why their traveling is more interesting than everyone else’s.
TPM – Give one piece of advice to a travel writer that will make their pitch stand out.
Max – Include a small series of photos in the email. Show me what you’ll be writing about. Pose the query as a question. Answer the question in your email, and you just might get noticed.
About Max Hartshorne—Max Hartshorne got his start in journalism as the 23-year-old editor of the Portland Chronicle in Maine. He went on to write features and music reviews for newspapers, and finally, travel articles as managing editor of Transitions Abroad Magazine. Hartshorne spent 20-years in advertising and promotional clothing sales. In 2002, he bought GoNOMAD to fulfill his dream of editing again. Max travels frequently. He gets great joy from helping young writers and interns develop their skills. He cherishes spending time with his grandchildren. You’ll find detailed GoNOMAD writer’s guides HERE.