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Joining the Society of American Travel Writers

Society of American Travel Writers

Today I'm excited to share that I've been accepted into the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).

The SATW is a professional association of North American travel writers, editors, photographers, publishers, and PR pros.

When I first came across the SATW a few  years ago, it seemed only relevant to traditional print journalists and professional photographers.

Over this past Summer, however, I was encouraged to apply as the organization looked to attract bloggers into the fold.

The Society of American Travel Writers’ mission is to promote responsible journalism, provide professional development for its members and encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.

Things are going swimmingly for me, so why did I go through the effort and cost to join?

It has been a little over 4 years since I left the highly structured corporate world to pursue my travels, and while I'm happy with how my self-development and life has evolved since then, I continue to look for ways to solidify this dream job as a pro travel blogger into a sustainable lifestyle and business.

The kind that can one day support not just me and my wanderings, but a family.

Or at least a spouse and a cute dog.

A few of the biggest benefits I saw to joining the Society of American Travel Writers include:

  • Increased credibility
  • Networking opportunities
  • Chance to further my development as a travel writer
  • Ability to help other members who are new to the world of blogging

Special thanks to Chris Gray Faust and Kara Williams for sponsoring me.

I first met Chris at a World Hum happy hour over two years ago in Washington, DC, when she was still working as the Travel Editor at USA Today. And I hope to meet Kara one day soon.

The SATW's tagline is Travel's Most Trusted Voices, and I'm proud to be their newest member. [gbicon]

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Kita Roberts

Tuesday 3rd of January 2017

Dave, Checking out SAWT now. Would you say it is still a relative and useful investment? Thanks!

Dave

Wednesday 11th of January 2017

Hi Kita, it's what you make of it. I'm just happy to have membership as a credit to my name and work. I haven't actually used it for much. But that alone has been worth the annual fees which are like $155.

Kara

Thursday 29th of December 2011

I just found this post! Thanks for the shout-out.

Laura

Tuesday 20th of December 2011

I am being told over and over by friends reading my blog that I should write for a living. I just don't know if they really know what they are talking about. How would I find out if it's true and where would I even begin.

Dave

Tuesday 20th of December 2011

The great thing about the new media landscape, including blogging, social media, ebooks, Kindle, and self publishing is that there aren't the old gatekeepers to stand in your way. Or even editors!

My advice is to just keep writing on your blog, and learn to effectively promote your stories via social media so that you can build up an audience. Put together an ebook and see how it's received. Printing on demand is easy to do as well if you want to make the books available in paperback as well.

You may want to check out the online MatadorU travel writing course.

Here's an inspiring story from a fellow travel blogger: http://www.fearfuladventurer.com/archives/5940

fabrice

Saturday 17th of December 2011

Welldone David!

I don't know if there is the same thing for the french, i'll check!

After some months in central america and Cuba, i'm back in Colombia. And you?

Dave

Saturday 17th of December 2011

Gracias Fabrice. I spent 2 months in Ecuador, and another 2 in Peru, where I'll be through early January. Then on to Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

I hope to get back to Medellin for a few months in 2012.

Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

Thursday 15th of December 2011

Congrats! That's huge!!!

Dave

Thursday 15th of December 2011

Thanks Andi, I'm excited :)

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