“A travel writer? How did you even get into that?” If you’re like many aspiring creatives, you’ve probably pondered this question. For those outside the publishing sphere, the world of professional travel writing can seem shrouded in mystery. Even Skye Sherman, a seasoned freelance travel writer behind Sherman Travel content, often finds herself explaining her career path, assuring people (especially her mom’s friends!) that yes, travel writing is indeed a real job – and a fulfilling one at that.
If you’re among those curious about what it takes to become a travel writer, particularly following a path similar to Sherman Travel’s Skye Sherman, this guide is for you. Consider this your insider look into navigating the exciting, albeit sometimes unpredictable, world of freelance travel writing, directly from someone who’s living the dream. This article is especially tailored for fresh graduates, students, and anyone eager to transform their passion for travel and writing into a viable career.
Skye Sherman, much like many in the freelance world, emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship. Early in her journey, she vowed to assist fellow freelancers whenever possible. Entering the freelance writing industry can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. There’s no set roadmap, no definitive guide, and few clear indicators to confirm you’re heading in the right direction. For those accustomed to structured paths, like the academically inclined, the ambiguity of forging a freelance career can be initially daunting.
Unlike professions with clear academic tracks, there isn’t a specific degree or course to become a freelance travel writer. It’s a career built through experience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn as you go. Skye Sherman, who ventured into full-time freelancing around November 2017, even now sees herself as relatively early in her career, highlighting the continuous learning process inherent in this field. However, with several years of full-time experience and significant achievements under her belt, she’s well-positioned to offer valuable insights to those just starting out.
Skye Sherman’s Journey: A Timeline
- August 2012-May 2016: Honing foundational skills at Palm Beach Atlantic University, part of the Honors program.
- June 7, 2014: Life partnership established through marriage (a personal milestone Sherman believes positively influenced her journey, though individual experiences may vary).
- 2015: Formalizing her passion by declaring an English major, recognizing her natural writing talent and love for reading.
- January-May 2016: Gaining practical industry experience with an internship at Palm Beach Illustrated.
- March 2016: A moment of realization – Journalism might have been a more direct academic route, but passion for English prevailed.
- May 2016: Graduation from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Psychology.
- June 2016: Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle with her husband, embracing full-time travel.
- June 2016-January 2017: Living as “digital nomads,” focusing on blog development, social media presence, and part-time work as Influencer Marketing Manager for MONQ.
- 2017: Shifting focus from personal blogging to professional writing for established publications.
- November 2017: Committing fully to freelance writing, dedicating her efforts to building a career.
Skye Sherman with a thoughtful expression, sitting outdoors.
Image: Sherman Travel writer, Skye Sherman, contemplates career advice for aspiring freelance writers.
For a deeper dive into Skye Sherman’s professional trajectory and published work, you can explore her portfolio and LinkedIn. Understanding that resources for aspiring writers can be invaluable, Skye Sherman shares insights drawn from her own experiences and past conversations with those seeking guidance.
Insights from Sherman Travel: Frequently Asked Questions by Aspiring Writers
How did you break into freelance writing?
“I truly learned as I went,” Sherman explains. Her internship at Palm Beach Illustrated was instrumental in providing an understanding of the publishing industry’s inner workings. Post-internship, she pursued every paid writing opportunity available, gradually becoming more selective and ambitious as her career progressed. This hands-on, iterative approach is a cornerstone of the Sherman Travel philosophy – learning by doing and continuously refining your path.
What are the biggest challenges and joys of being a writer?
Sherman candidly discusses the daily duality of freelance writing. Challenges include navigating rejections from editors, the frustrating lack of response despite follow-ups, and the ever-present issue of late payments. The unpredictable income stream is another significant hurdle, as consistent paychecks are not a given in this profession.
To mitigate financial uncertainty, Sherman advises setting a monthly income minimum that is realistically achievable and then striving to exceed it. Securing regular assignments, such as monthly columns or ongoing contracts, provides a stable financial base. For Sherman Travel and many freelancers, reliable clients are invaluable, often outweighing the allure of specific topics.
Conversely, the joys are immense. The incredible experiences, such as sponsored travel and unique opportunities, are major perks. Furthermore, the autonomy to shape one’s own schedule and career direction is a significant advantage of this “job.”
What was the most valuable preparation for your career?
Sherman pinpoints her internship at Palm Beach Illustrated as crucial. Equally important, she credits her “entrepreneurial, big-dreaming” husband for his unwavering support and influence. This highlights the blend of professional experience and personal support systems that underpin a successful freelance career.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
For college students, Sherman strongly recommends interning at a reputable publication, ideally in a major media hub like New York City. Internships are “KEY” and provide invaluable experience and industry understanding. Networking during internships can be career-defining. These connections can lead to future employment, collaborations, and freelance opportunities as editors and fellow interns advance in their careers. At a minimum, internships provide essential portfolio clips.
Even contributing to college newspapers or similar publications can be beneficial. Sherman also suggests a Journalism or Communications major for a structured academic foundation. Self-education through industry blogs and articles is equally vital.
Sherman herself immersed herself in travel writing resources early on, finding online platforms particularly helpful in understanding the industry landscape. While acknowledging that no single resource is universally definitive, she emphasizes the value of absorbing diverse perspectives to forge your own path. Importantly, Sherman notes that she didn’t invest in paid courses, highlighting the wealth of free information available.
Tips for building a portfolio and finding freelance opportunities?
Building upon existing clips is a great starting point. Sherman emphasizes that career advancement in freelance writing is about consistent effort and persistent action. Early in her career, she focused on aggressive pitching and attending industry events like TBEX to network with writers and editors. Building connections is paramount for long-term success.
While starting with smaller publications is acceptable, Sherman cautions against working for free. Unpaid outlets often lack industry recognition, diminishing the value of those clips for reputable editors.
The best strategy for portfolio building is to target your dream publications directly. Create a list of target outlets and persistently pitch them relevant story ideas. While initial responses might be infrequent, persistence can eventually lead to positive responses and assignments.
Brainstorming and maintaining a robust list of story ideas is crucial. Continuously identify publications that align with your ideas and proactively pitch them. Persistence is key to breaking through.
Sherman underscores the power of in-person networking. Meeting editors face-to-face significantly increases the likelihood of your emails being opened and considered. Building personal relationships with editors is a highly effective strategy for gaining entry into desired publications, and opportunities often expand from these connections.
Do you typically develop article ideas and then pitch, or seek outlet assignments first?
Sherman’s approach is primarily idea-driven. She typically generates article ideas and then identifies suitable publications for pitching. Even with established relationships, receiving direct assignments is rare. While welcomed for their reduced brainstorming effort, these assignments are not the norm.
Sherman Travel’s Curated Resources for Travel Writers
For those embarking on their travel writing journey, or seasoned freelancers looking for fresh inspiration, continuous learning is key. Explore resources like: [list of resources from original article if provided, otherwise suggest general travel writing resources].
Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned freelancer, embrace the rewarding yet unpredictable nature of this career. As Sherman Travel demonstrates, it’s an exciting path, offering perhaps the best “job” in the world for those with a passion for travel and storytelling.
