What can I do for you as a writer, editor, or consultant?
Writing
I have broad experience writing about travel and culture, with sidelines in design, art, and food. I know how to tackle meaty topics – I've written many lengthy destination features and am currently at work on a book, my most involved project yet – but I'm not afraid of shorter-form writing. I've blogged for a range of publications since 2006.
I am particularly good at sussing out independent travel, and I have a knack for locating and documenting buzzing neighbourhoods, streets, architecture, culture, and cuisine. I have mostly written about Europe and the Americas; these days, my focus is broadening to include Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Editing
Since 2018 I have edited Fields & Stations. In 2011 and 2012 I edited Travel by Handstand (later Crave Travel), a magazine for the tablet. I commissioned and edited some great work, developed most of the magazine's departments, and contributed many articles myself. Travel by Handstand won Gold in 2012 and Silver in 2013 in the app category from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation's annual Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition awards.
Consulting
I'm also available to write for clients to produce tailored itineraries, research, consult on social media, assist on destination branding projects, and write copy.
Tailored itineraries. I am well travelled and I know a lot about the travel industry and. In other words, I know both how to experience places richly and fully, and how to place destinations into context. For years I've come up with bespoke itineraries and suggestions for private clients. I only offer tips and advice about places I know well; if I can't help you I'll do my best to put you in touch with someone who can.
Research. Did I ever tell that I wrote a dissertation? Well, I did. Give me something to research and it will get done.
Social media. There are lots of insipid social media ideas out there in the travel media space. I can identify good strategy from bad and help clients determine how to direct their resources and time.
Destination branding. I have been exposed to good and bad destination branding concepts. I've contributed to two of FutureBrand's annual Country Brand Index publications. I can help destinations zero in on their strongest selling points with speed and clarity.
Copy. I turn in sparkling copy, always keyed to client specifications.
For all inquiries: textorian@gmail.com.
Other stuff
I believe in disclosure at every stage and I work conscientiously to avoid conflicts of interest. I will not help market or publicize a destination I am writing about as a travel journalist. Though I typically pay my own way, I do accept media support on occasion; when I do, I prefer to disclose the specifics.
Unless we are friends – or you are running an academic publication, for which nobody is ever paid a thing – I will not write for you without remuneration.