Thanks for your interest in our travel writing classes: a relaunch of the renowned courses anchored by Instructor Amanda Castleman (our founder) since 2003 and 2010 respectively.
Not sure which is best for you, even after taking the master class quiz? Here are some points to consider.
Travel Writing I
This six-week workshop focuses on the mechanics of the genre: the different types of stories, generating ideas, timely angles, leveraging your expertise, the basics of pitching and finding outlets, how free/subsidized trips work and the ethics and considerations of accepting them, etc. We recommend this course as a good starting point, even for professional writers in adjacent fields like food and lifestyle. Travel writing has quirks and complications not found in other genres. A firm foundation will help you get oriented quickly and flourish.
Take it if… you want to understand how this rapidly changing industry works.
Is it suitable for beginners? Absolutely! But many experienced writers have found this series beneficial too.
Travel Writing Master Class I
The course works to level-up your voice and reporting chops. It assumes you’re savvy about how to pitch pieces and run your business — or that your focus is more on literary/creative non-fiction.
Take it if… you’re trying to break into a specific “stretch” publication or work on an essay or memoir where travel plays a vivid role.
Is it suitable for beginners? No: this course is designed for intermediate to advanced writers who want to deepen their skills. If you have never published — or taken a rigorous writing class with teacher- and peer-feedback before — you may want to start with Travel Writing I.
FAQ: Why is the master class more expensive?
Teachers offer developmental “line edits” — interleaving detailed comments into manuscripts — in both classes. Travel Writing I walks you through conceiving an idea, crafting a pitch letter and two drafts of a 1,000-word story: totaling 3,400 words. Students in the master class submit 4,000 to 5,500 words for feedback.
THE CHOICE REMAINS A TWO-WAY DOOR!
Please note: both courses will be offered at least once or twice a year. We’ll also be adding in Travel Writing II and a second master class — or else workshops focusing on topics like adventure, nature-writing, travel memoir, etc. Please feel free to anonymously let us know what interests you most below!