Introduction to Travel Journalism—On the Road With Serious Intent

John F. Greenman (Journalism, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia, USA) wrote this book because he could not find a good introductory textbook for teaching travel journalism. He helpfully defines travel journalism: "The travel writer looks in a mirror; the travel journalist looks out a window. The travel writer serves the travel industry; the travel journalist serves the public. The travel writer is subsidized; the travel journalist pays his own way." This book is a clearly written, how-to guide for would-be travel journalists, and offers a window into how independent journalism works. In seven chapters, it covers: who makes a good travel journalist, audiences for travel journalism and how to reach them, the skills and knowledge travel journalists need, print journalism and online alternatives, opportunities to sell your writing, and funding opportunities for travel journalism projects. The book includes real-life case studies for almost every chapter, and a resource section with professional advice on everything from best books on journalism to recommended apps for journalists and websites for finding inexpensive places to stay. The author has surveyed travel journalists and done supporting research, and each chapter has endnotes. The book is written for the contemporary scene, in which most writers cannot expect a regular job with a newspaper or magazine. It is important because the journalism field has changed so rapidly that how-to books published five or ten years ago are now outdated or misleading. A practical, comprehensive, helpful, well-organized book, it is a must-read for people seriously interested in travel journalism. It is also valuable for writers and readers who travel on a budget or off the beaten path, and readers interested in how journalists work now. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

John F. Greenman is the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Distinguished Professor of Journalism at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Prior to entering academia, Greenman was an editor, publisher, and corporate officer for Knight Ridder, where he helped lead a team that won the Pulitzer Prize. Greenman has reported from 25 countries on five continents.