WRITERS GUIDE
The following is a guide for potential contributors:
Thank you for your interest in contributing to Traveller's Voice, which is published quarterly and distributed throughout Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. We are a full colour, adventure travel magazine dedicated to covering the intrepid and the insightful traveller in domestic and international locales. We dispense practical information on adventures, people & culture, eco-tourism and cost effective travel, narrated through compelling experiences.

We are interested in writers who are active and passionate in the pursuits of the outdoors.

What kinds of articles does Traveller's Voice publish?

Articles that are tightly focused with lively narrative. Contributions should posses a strong sense of the authors voice, vivid descriptions and humour where appropriate. Well rounded impressions that capture an immersion of culture and outdoor adventure, that speak to an educated, adventurous, curious and well-travelled audience. We want articles that tell a good story with an emphasis on practical information. Articles that go beyond merely, "been there done that" overviews. Our content is 50% Canadian and 50% International.

What writing style does Traveller's Voice want? A knowledgeable and truthful account sets the style at Traveller's Voice. Let our readers feel the place and experience your wonderment but avoid, "I saw this, I went there, I did that," type of journal travelogue. Usually written in present tense. Try to avoid the passive voice--"was" and pursue the active voice with verbs, mainly because this inspires readers to follow in your footsteps as if they were along for the journey. Avoid heavy guidebook description style or travel brochure, "must see--must do" jargon. No fluff, no promotional hype. Be insightful, be perceptive. Above all--familiarize yourself with the magazine. In short, and most importantly: get real, be honest, find the unusual angle, and write with a sense of discovery. We insist that you report and research accurately, because our readers use these articles to plan their own adventures. Fact checking is the responsibility of the writer. You must submit accurate spellings of all proper names, places, titles, including foreign spellings. Traveller's Voice adopts the CP stylebook for usage and spelling i.e. color is colour and traveler is traveller. Any information called into question and cannot be verified by Traveller's Voice will not be published.

What about Payment? Traveller's Voice is a grassroots publication written by travellers--for travellers. The magazine works with new writers who seek publication to achieve portfolio growth through, tear sheets, by-lines and photo credits. Currently establishing itself in the market place, Traveller's voice is unable to remunerate writers for material at this time. This policy is subject to change without notice.

Submitting queries and story proposals. *Please do not send any unfocused wish lists of multiple queries. *Queries should present a clear and original thesis, not merely a topic or idea. *Submit well developed proposals, not more than a page that clearly sets out the premise and approach of the article. This query should represent: your style, a strong lead and a good headline that suggests what the article is about. It should answer when and why your article is a good fit for Traveller's Voice. *Unsolicited articles will be accepted, but a query letter is still expected to accompany it.

*Please submit single spaced material and paste into e-mail as a text document. Please no attachments. *Submit editorial to editor@travellersvoice.com *Do not send original photographs or transparencies. *Images will not be returned unless accompanied by a SASE. *Please send photos to Traveller's Voice Magazine Box 408, 205-329 North Road Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 6Z8

Traveller's Voice Departments

Features Our features range from 1,000 to 1,500 words. They cover a variety of topics and destinations. Each issue covers one domestic and one international piece.

Sidebar requirements: All sidebars must include names of businesses mentioned in the article along with contact information, prices, availibility, and amenities.

Life on the Road 800-1000 words. Stories that focus on a typical day in the region you visit. Highlights may include: border problems, traveller beware advisories, topography, a day in the life of a local.

Postcards A compilation of impressions of a country/city/town captured in a single image. One photo and 150-200 words that takes a closer look inside a specific aspect of: culture, scenic beauty, flora and fauna, people, activity or history of a particular locale.

Worldwatch Up to 100 words. Global travel advisories. Snippets of safe travel tips. Travel bulletins of where and when not to travel. Health regulations, and disease outbreaks plus changes in border openings/closings and modifications to visa requirements.

Gear Guide Usually staff written. Focus is on consumer FYI pertaining to relevant gear. Seasonal equipment that mirrors a particular activity covered in the issue.

Thank you for considering Traveller's Voice.