We're excited that you're considering submitting articles for possible publication on the TravelReporter.com web site.  We have been working for several months to develop TravelReporter's format into a colorful, entertaining, informative Internet resource.  If you have not surfed through all the elements of TravelReporter.com, we recommend that you take a few minutes and look at what we've done so far to have a better idea of how your writing (and photography) will complement the current content.  The "Ten Ways To Participate" page provides a rundown of all of the different forms of freelance material we are inviting, some paid and some not paid. (Well, there are some fun prizes)

Brevity rules on the Internet.  Experience shows that most web site visitors will not stay with a site to read lengthy articles.  But, this doesn't mean articles can be short on information.  The Internet writing style is much like good broadcast journalism (Yes, there is some good broadcast journalism.), where reporters are expected to give meaningful accounts of complex events in just a few seconds.  Most television news stories run less than two minutes.  Radio news reports are usually less than a minute.

Paid Articles

We prefer submission of completed articles for consideration.  It is a major challenge to write compelling information in three to five hundred words.  That's the target length we're looking for.  Payment for these is 10 cents per published word to a maximum of $50.00.  Longer articles may be accepted (no more than 1000 words) but, for now, the maximum payment for each article is $50.00.  Payment will be made within 30 days of initial publication.

Photographs are a great enhancement for any travel article.  But, because of the nature of the Internet (slow loading of graphics) we need to use them sparingly.  We encourage the submission of photographs with articles.  For now, there is no additional payment for photos, but a good picture may make the difference in deciding what articles to publish.  Photos should include a cut line (caption) and information about where, when and by whom the picture was taken.  Photos may be submitted as prints, on floppy disc (in any PC format) or may be transmitted as attached files via email.  A by-line and photo credit will always be included with the publication of articles and pictures.  We will also include your email address and a brief author bio, if you wish. 

Articles should be submitted via email as attached files.  No zip or PDF files please.  Articles may also be submitted by mail in a PC word processing format on floppy disk accompanied by printed hard copy.  A TravelReporter submission form is no longer required. But a model release, is necessary if any individuals are specifically featured or prominently positioned in your photos.  a signed model release, if required, must be received by us (via US mail) before any photo article can be accepted for publication.  A sample model release is available on the forms page on the TravelReporter web site.

We are also looking for interviews and commentaries on audio tape, which we will digitize and offer as streaming "Soundcastings" for visitors to listen to in the Real Audio format.  Payment for these is determined on a per case basis and may be as high as the print limit of $50.00. 

Unpaid "Prize" Articles

We are also seeking short, reviews and tips. There is no cash pay for these, but you'll receive a TravelReporter prize, such as a Logo Mug, T-shirt or TRTravel Journal, upon publication.  Please review the "10 Ways to Participate" page for more information.

Legal Stuff

Articles may have been previously published either in print or electronically.  By submitting material for publishing consideration, you are certifying that you own all rights to the material, that there are no copyright limitations on this work, that payment from TravelReporter, in cash or prizes, constitutes full compensation for use on the TravelReporter Web site and that you have read and accept the provisions of these guidelines.  The author or photographer retains full republication rights.  We hope your participation in TravelReporter leads to many other opportunities for publication of your work.   Unless otherwise agreed upon, submission of your work means that TravelReporter may display or offer the material (writing, photos, audio or video) on the our main site for a period of 60 days and then make it available on our archives for an indefinite period.  Archived material may be deleted from our server at the publisher's discretion or at the request of the author (30 days notice required).

The author or creator accepts all legal liability for statements made in their submitted work.  Contributing photographers certify that there are no copyright restrictions on their submitted photos.  Signed model releases must be in submitted for any persons prominently identifiable in photos or videos, and for non-public persons interviewed in audio and video presentations.  Non-public persons are people who do not customarily appear before the public and are not the focus of ongoing news coverage.  TravelReporter.com reserves the right to edit submissions as necessary, as determined by our editors.  The TravelReporter Writers Guidelines are subject to change without notice.

Submissions can only be returned if they are accompanied by sufficient postage and packaging (SASE).  Please contact us with any questions about freelance submissions to TravelReporter.com.

Good Luck,
Bob Lawrence
Co-Publisher