Tristan Rutherford

It's little wonder that 'travel journalist' is one of the world's most compelling job titles. The ability to travel the world, work to one's own schedule and put the passion of local markets, hidden beaches and chic cities onto paper - and get paid for it - is definitely appealing. Add the constant discovery of seeing new places, meeting fascinating people and seeing your name in print and the allure is ever present. Becoming a travel writer is not an impossible dream. Every year thousands of features are commissioned, hundreds of guidebooks are produced and great volumes of travel literature are published. Editors, from specialist travel journals to fashion and lifestyle magazines, are keen to hear from professionals with solid proposals. Unlike other media outlets, the world of travel journalism is not a cutthroat arena of big egos and vindictive editors, although the market is certainly competitive. The key to success is knowing how to get started, how to write sharp copy and how to get paid for your ideas, all of which will put you in contact with editors and help to place you ahead of the competition. Tristan Rutherford is a regular writer for The Guardian, The Independent and several international titles and has contributed to over 40 guidebooks for the likes of National Geographic and Time Out.

Over five days of classes, he will cover the pitfalls that most new writers fall into, gearing the course to those wanting to pursue a full or part-time travel-writing career. The course synopsis also covers pitching for work, copyright issues and how to deal with editors, and is equally applicable to those hoping to branch out into lifestyle, fashion or most forms of freelance journalism. The course will feature four prominent industry speakers, including (subject to change) the travel editor from a national newspaper or magazine, the editor of a global travel website, a guidebook series editor and a representative from one of the UK's leading travel PR agencies. Additional course content includes writing mock commissions in class.

Tristan Rutherford has been a freelance travel writer since 2002. Originally based in London, his first travel assignment took him to Nice where he has been based ever since. He has visited over 60 countries and written for the likes of The Guardian, The Independent and the Sunday Times Travel Magazine. He also lectures in freelance journalism at several universities and has updated, edited or authored over 40 guidebooks for Time Out, DK and Rough Guides among others. Visit his website here - http://www.rutherfordtomasettipartners.com/