How to Edit Travel Content Like a Pro

Writers get the glory and the byline. Editors rarely get a mention. Yet their role in creating great content is vital.

For some, the process of writing seems to be effortless, a natural gift. Their prose is engaging, witty, evocative and always clear. But the chances are you are reading their end product. What if you were to see their first draft?

It might come as a surprise to learn that even the most talented of writers don’t always get it right first time round. First drafts are frequently lacking finesse, and it takes significant refinement to make them absolutely perfect.

Most top publications and blogs have professional editors to tweak and fine-tune their content — to give it a little nip and tuck where needed. Other writers and bloggers have to edit themselves, which can prove a lot more difficult. Editing is not an easy feat — it’s time-consuming and draining — but it is a necessary one. Not editing your travel content is like bypassing quality checks. Without doing it, the results can be embarrassing or, even worse, damaging to your brand. Fortunately, there are techniques and tips that can help you with the process.

So whether you’re a travel writer looking to improve your own editing skills, or a travel brand trying to ensure that the content you receive from writers is the best it can be, here’s our eight-point checklist for editing travel content.

mistake Continue reading

Style Guides: Why Every Brand Needs One

It is a dilemma experienced by every brand. You know the written content that your company produces needs to be consistent, but the quantity of content required means that you’re employing multiple writers to work on it. So how do you ensure everyone is (ahem) on the same page? The answer is easy: by creating your own style guide.

We look at why style guides are essential for all companies – and why they are particularly vital for travel brands.

When it comes to style guides, it’s okay to borrow from other publications

Continue reading

Seven Very Handy Travel Writing Habits

Good written travel content is the result of three main factors: an interesting idea, solid research and great writing. Attaining these goals is easier than you think; it’s all about the habits you form. Just as bad habits can ensure bad content, developing good habits can ensure consistency and quality throughout your written travel content.

Here are seven habits that we think are well worth forming…

7418726440_7191c6d923_k

Continue reading

Getting off to the Best Start: How to Write a Winning Travel Writing Opener

Never underestimate the power of a good opening line. First paragraphs — even just first sentences — will dictate your reader engagement. While the headline hooks your reader’s attention, it’s the introduction that reels them in.

Travel writing relies heavily on storytelling (we spoke about this already in a previous blog post), but it’s important to remember that good stories don’t always begin at the beginning.

Websage Continue reading