Online | Nonfiction | Seminar

4-Week Online Nonfiction Seminar: Breaking into Travel Writing

"I had a great experience taking Anja’s travel writing course. Anja provided comprehensive lecture notes for each segment of the course, was fully engaged during the online chats, and provided useful, constructive feedback on assignments. Her knowledge of the travel industry is vast, as is her experience with the writing and publishing process… As both a writer and an instructor, Anja is a pro—take her course, and you will learn a lot!" - former student

This is a course for writers of all levels hoping to break into travel writing. We’ll focus on generating multiple story ideas from a single trip (or even a staycation), breaking down the elements of a standout travel piece that brings the reader along and crafting an effective pitch. We’ll also cover the full spectrum of opportunities that exist for travel writers in a variety of markets—from magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, blogs and more—and learn about the intricate craft and the competitive business of travel writing.

By the end of the course, after completing a series of writing exercises that focus on positioning your story idea, you will have the tools and tricks for crafting the perfect pitch that can land assignments in your dream outlets and have written at least one salable story, with strategies on where and how to place it.

This class will meet over our text-only chat platform. There will not be any video or audio component to class.

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

- Learn to craft the perfect pitch that piques travel editors’ attention

- Make your travel writing stand out with personalized feedback from an industry veteran

- Identify the markets and opportunities that exist for travel writers

- Access to Catapult's list of writing opportunities and important submission deadlines, as well as a 10% discount on all future Catapult classes

COURSE SKELETON:

Week 1: Introductions; Finding inspiration & stories; Close readings of several travel pieces; Writing exercises.

Week 2: Close readings of successful pitches; Tips for identifying a salable story angle; Writing assignment.

Week 3: Workshopping the pitch assignment; Close readings of short travel articles; Writing assignment.

Week 4: Workshopping the short travel article; a dive into the business of travel writing—different markets, the etiquette and do’s & don’ts, best practices.

Anja Mutić

Anja Mutić’s travel writing—which won several awards—has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, AFAR, National Geographic Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, BBC Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Departures, among others. She has worked as an author on 20+ guidebooks for major publishers (such as Lonely Planet) and penned hundreds of articles for print and online publications. Born and raised in Croatia, educated in the UK, and based in Brooklyn & Zagreb, she has lived, worked and traveled on all the continents, except Antarctica.

Testimonials

"Anja's travel writing class provided me with a comprehensive and foundational understanding the industry. She structured the curriculum at a digestible pace in an ideal order, from broad education to tactical exercises. Anja is one of those teachers you remember, who challenges while encouraging you, keeping you engaged as she shares just enough of her own wisdom and experience in the business so that it can be applied uniquely to the student's own work and voice."

former student

"Anja's hands-on, direct and clear method of teaching taught me the rudiments of travel writing and provided a solid base from which to draw. She consistently had the class partake in written travel writing exercises that spanned writing for a variety of media, from newspapers, magazines to guidebooks, to name a few. Anja was very open to students asking questions and very detailed in her answers. Subsequent to taking her course, I was able to contact and contribute travel articles to a variety of publications, including Caribbean Travel and Life and Food and Travel, on topics ranging from batik in St. Kitts, the cuisine of St. Vincent, and the Grenadines and Frederick, Maryland, to the popularity of cider in New York City. No doubt that Anja's course gave me the tools that I needed, and use now, to be able to pursue my love of travel writing."

former student

"Anja has the magic talent that makes a great travel writer: She not only finds the story (in itself a skill), but also communicates it vividly and compassionately, with a mix of insight and charm. I say this as an editor who has assigned her prize-winning articles and as a fellow journalist who has traveled with her and seen her in action."

Pavia Rosati Founder of FATHOM MAG

"I had the pleasure of working with Anja Mutić on a piece for PANORAMA, where she delved into personal memories and vivid experiences in Zagreb, Croatia, her hometown. Her formidable gifts as a storyteller and global citizen would enhance any writer’s journey."

Kristin Vuković Streetview Editor, PANORAMA: THE JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

"I’ve commissioned Anja on many print and digital projects, both at Lonely Planet and BBC Travel. I’ve always been impressed by Anja’s evocative and lyrical prose. She not only knows how to bring a place to life, but understands the intricacies of writing for different mediums and publications—something that is vital to stand out in the competitive world of travel writing."

Ellie Cobb Contributing Editor, BBC Travel

"I've had the pleasure of editing Anja's work over the years and have found her voice to be thoughtful and insightful. And when necessary, she adapts her style to suit the purpose. She is the kind of writer editors love to work with."

Norie Quintos Editor-at-Large at National Geographic Travel Media