We Think You're Ready…
We’re Looking for Ten Top Travel Writers Ready to Break into the Upper Echelons of the Industry…
You’ll work personally, one-on-one with
freelance travel writer Jennifer Stevens:The Goal? To put you on the fast track to becoming one of the most sought-after writers in the travel industry...
The Method? Have an experienced master take just you and nine other aspiring travel writers by the hand and lead you to success...
DISCLAIMER: This will be an intensive, 3-day workshop in Colorado Springs spent one-on-one with Jennifer Stevens, author of AWAI’s The Ultimate Travel Writer's Program. The meek need not apply.
When I say intensive, I mean you’ll get an assignment to complete before you arrive, you’ll work on no fewer than 3 articles while you’re there, and you’ll get VIP treatment locally as a visiting travel writer.
Jen will take you by the hand and walk you through every aspect of this business… from coming up with an idea to finding a market to researching the story to writing the query to penning the article…
Not only that, but she’ll personally edit the articles you work on during this program AND… you’ll get her personal email address, where you can send her your articles for a once-over for an entire month after the workshop ends.
NOTE: This workshop is best suited for those who have already worked through AWAI’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program or attended one of their live workshops.
-- Scott Rempe, Director,
Accelerated Training Services
Dear Travel Writer,
A remarkable thing happened in Denver, Colorado this summer.
Over 70 people came to the last travel writing workshop I hosted for AWAI – plus there was a waiting list. But it wasn’t so much the size of the group that got my attention – it was the caliber of the writing it produced.
I was truly impressed. The short articles the attendees shared at the end of three days were some of the best I’ve ever seen. And looking back now, I see it’s a trend that has been building for a while now in those workshops. It made me realize…
With a Little Extra Push, I Could Transform
Some of these
Writers into Really Top-Level Performers
Many of the AWAI members who have completed the travel-writing program I wrote have certainly met with great – and even rapid – success. But I think some are ready to make a leap to the next level of travel-writing achievement… and even greater success.
I’m talking about a chance to…
- Become one of the hottest, most sought-after travel writers in the industry…
- Improve your writing to such a level of mastery, that you’ll be able to cherry pick the publications you write for and the assignments you get…
- Travel to any part of the world that strikes your fancy, any time you want, on assignment…
- Develop a pile of clips that would make a novice travel writer green with envy…
I’m going to personally show you how to achieve these goals in a newly-designed, first-ever, intensive workshop offered through Accelerated Training Services (ATS):
Travel Writing Master's Workshop
Colorado Springs, CO
October 19 - 21, 2006
I’m Jennifer Stevens, and if we haven’t already met, you probably at least recognize my name. I am the author of AWAI's Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program, and I also designed and am the lead presenter of their Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop.
I turned my attention to training new writers after spending years and years as a writer and editor for a travel publication that never had enough writers or enough quality articles. And yet I constantly met people who said they wished they could do what I do for a living. It just didn’t make sense.
An Intimate, Advanced-Level Writing Retreat
Here at Accelerated Training Services (ATS), we organize intimate, advanced-level writing retreats, each led by an admired writer… and focused on a specific kind of writing.
It's a proven format that gets results… and I'm particularly excited about this, our first-ever Travel Writing Master's Workshop.
That's because I've seen Jen Stevens -- our expert leader -- in action before. And I don’t think it's beyond the pale to say she's a gifted instructor.
Jen has a real knack for leading people to the most important ideas… helping them to see what their own writing needs… and then showing them in clear, easy strokes how to improve it.
The truth is, there are many excellent writers and editors out there who produce fine work… but who couldn’t explain to anybody how they do it. Jen can -- and does -- brilliantly.
I knew she'd be the perfect addition to our cadre of writing experts. And I'm absolutely thrilled to have her on board with this workshop.
She's designed an excellent -- albeit extremely ambitious -- program for you. But if anybody can transform in three days the so-so writing of ten novices into the kind of quality prose editors can't get enough of… she can.
-- Scott Rempe, Director, Accelerated Training Services
Today, I love that the AWAI program and workshops I’ve been part of turn out so many newly published travel writers… and that so many people are learning how to indulge in the travel writer’s enviable lifestyle. But I think I’m ready to turn up the heat on that accomplishment.
That’s why I’ve joined forces with Accelerated Training Services to offer a more intensive, highly personalized opportunity for a select handful of budding travel writers who are ready and eager to become bona fide, top-notch professionals.
It makes sense, when you think about it. If you want your career to accelerate, your training has to accelerate a bit, too. That’s why Scott Rempe, creator of ATS, has carved out a training niche designed specifically for those individuals who want to race ahead of the usual learning curve. I think it’s the perfect model, and the perfect time, to offer this kind of workshop.
For you, it could mean your big chance to take your rightful place among the most sought-after travel writers in the business.
Introducing: The World of Difference
Between Novice and
Pro…
In other words: This is your chance to take the fast track… to become a writer who produces consistently strong articles… and to learn how to quickly and easily produce the kind of stories that make an editor eager for more.
You know, one real measure of success in this business is getting to the point where an editor says to you: "I'll take anything you want to send me. I love your stuff."
Say you want to go on a press trip, and you need a letter of assignment to send to the organizers. When you have a solid relationship with an editor like the one I just described, you're in a position to say, "Hey, Editor Bob, how would you like an article on XYZ? I have an invite here to attend a press trip, and I'd love to turn my experiences into a piece for you."
And you know what? If you're one of the handful of writers that the editor really likes working with, then more times than not, he says, "Sure. Sounds great."
Well, we've designed this workshop to get you to that place… to teach you to write the kind of compelling, top-notch articles that make editors sit up and take notice.
in Penn's writer's course." -- Joslyn L., Wyndmoor, PA
To be honest, I wasn’t willing to undertake this kind of intensive workshop last year when Scott first came to me with the idea. It’s going to be a lot of work for me – to take ten people by the hand and lead them to this level of success. I wanted to be sure that we had enough of the right people to make it worthwhile for everyone.
But then… this past July in Denver, I realized that the time is ripe. Attendees at the AWAI workshop held there seemed hungry for this next level of opportunity and dedicated enough to their goals to make this Master's event the most powerful stepping stone in their travel-writing endeavors so far.
I’m hoping you’ll be one of them…
Here's How It Works
If you decide to join me, you’ll be asked to submit some samples of your writing in advance. This way, I can tailor the seminar sessions to specifically address your strengths and weaknesses.
During the course of the program, you and I will meet for a one-on-one private tutorial to go over your samples in detail and help you to dramatically improve your writing – literally overnight.
Essentially, in signing up for this workshop, you become my personal protégé – and we both become committed to your success in a whole new way.
We haven’t invited any other presenters… because this isn’t an overview or an introduction. Rather, this is a chance to work side-by-side with me and a small cadre of other serious travel writers to help take your travel writing to the next level… in just three short days.
During the workshop, you’ll learn specifically how to…
- Ramp up your writing and editing skills to a more advanced level… the faster you can edit and write, the more articles you can produce. It’s that simple…
- Conduct interviews that put your subject at ease… and elicit better, deeper and more interesting information than the average question-and-answer session…
- Write queries that earn you better assignments… we won't just do "guidelines" for good queries… you'll actually work with me to write the letters to successfully market the articles you'll be working on here… so you can see them in print, fast.
- Go from average writer to skillful expert when you add just a handful of important editing techniques to your toolkit…
- Quickly and easily come up with more marketable story ideas…
- Target the right readers for every assignment… so you connect the right article to the right publication every time… and get hands-on practice doing just that.
- Develop relationships with editors that will have them emailing you when they have a juicy assignment, rather than vice versa…
- Network for assignments right in your own hometown… so in between trips you’re still generating stories…
- Position yourself as a reliable, talented writer who gets the job done right and on time… this is the key to getting on an editor's coveted "preferred freelancers" list.
These are the very skills a novice writer needs to break into the upper echelons of the industry… and this workshop is designed to take you there. If you’re ready for the challenge…
You’ll Put The “Work” Into Workshop… Even While You
Discover
the Breathtaking Beauty of the Colorado Rockies
We will write and write, and then write some more. If we need to, we'll order in pizza one day so we don’t have to break our stride. And when we do get out for lunch or cocktails later, we’ll still be working…
Here’s what I mean…
My goal is to send you off at the close of this workshop with a truly complete package -- not just the article you're working on (a full-length piece) but also the query letter you need to sell it.
Jen Stevens is undoubtedly the best editor I have worked with in my 10-year career as a professional writer. She always manages to make my articles better, even when in all my humility I don't think it's possible. Usually I don't even notice what it is she's changed unless I hold "before" and "after" up side by side, but whatever it is she does works.
She has both the delicacy and the accuracy of a skilled surgeon, only her scalpel is a pen. Jen Stevens is just the opposite of a slash-and-burn editor: She knows when to leave well enough alone, and how to "fix" problems in articles without altering the voice and tone of your writing. That takes a rare combination of modesty, skill, and insight."
-- David M., Louisville, TN
Plus, because you'll send me ahead of time two writing samples, we'll work together to whip those into shape as well.
The idea is for you to have in hand at the close of this workshop a total of three complete articles you can sell immediately -- and the contact information for the publications where you'll pitch them.
Quite literally, this is the most turnkey opportunity I can provide for you to become an accomplished freelance writer in this industry. And that’s not all…
The best part might be this: The benefits of this workshop don’t end just because you go back home.
Special Bonus: 30 Days of Unlimited Critiques
For 30 days after the close of the workshop, I'm going to give the attendees unlimited article critiques. That's right. You simply send to me anything you're working on -- could be a rework of one of the "workshop" articles or something else entirely -- and I will read it and send you my thoughts on what you can do to make it stronger.
You'll get exactly the same sort of one-on-one attention I'll deliver at the workshop, only by email.
This is the perfect way to make sure that you put every session and technique to work in your writing, even after the program is over… and it'll ensure that what you're submitting to editors is as strong as it can be.
After all, you and I share two important goals for this event:
- To help you become the best travel writer you can be
- To dramatically improve your chances of getting your articles published
You already know what’s waiting for you once you achieve these goals, right?
Unlimited opportunities to travel where you want, when you want. And while most people who yearn to explore and travel the world will pay full fare for their global adventures, as an accomplished and proven writer you can get many of your expenses reduced or covered. And you can write off the rest.
Perhaps best of all, the world will open up to you in ways that most people can only dream about…
A Serious Opportunity for Only
the Most Serious Travel
Writers
I’ll be frank: The program we have in mind isn't for the dabbler. It’s intended for the most serious writers only.
It’s going to be intimate and intensive… in fact, only ten people will be admitted. (There’s a good chance it will be full before you even have a chance to respond to this letter, I’m afraid. But we felt we had to give everyone a fair shot at getting in.)
what she knows as an editor without being pedantic or
patronizing is especially appealing.” -- Marah G., Lexington, KY
Is this right for you? Well…
First, you need to be eager to learn and ready to succeed. If your interest in travel writing is merely a passing fancy, or something you think you might like but you’re not sure… this probably isn’t the place to start.
Second, it's best if you've studied AWAI’s Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program or have heard me speak at one of AWAI's live workshops already. In other words, it's best if you've tried your hand at some writing and are confident you're ready to step up to the next level.
If you’ve just leafed through AWAI’s written program, hoping to get at it "some day," you should probably let this opportunity pass you by this time around… until you’re a little more certain that the travel-writing path is for you.
Jen Stevens is the former editor of International Living and Island
Properties Report. She has spent the balance of the last decade gallivanting
around Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe, writing about the best locales
for overseas travel, retirement, and investment.
She is the author of AWAI’s The Ultimate Travel Writer’s Program, host and presenter of the AWAI Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop, and architect of this new Accelerated Training Services Master Travel Writing Workshop.
In just three days, Jen will show you how to take your writing from a beginner level all the way to mastery… provide you with the insider’s scoop about what editors are really after… meet with you one-on-one to polish your articles and fine-tune your writing… share secrets for generating more marketable article ideas… .and much, much more.
A Commitment to Your Own
Success Is a Must
Finally – and perhaps most importantly – you need to be fully committed to your own success. We’re really searching for the writers who are ready and willing to commit themselves to breaking out of novice status… and joining the big leagues.
That means I want you to take this opportunity to heart… and make the most of it both while you’re at the workshop, and after you leave.
You see, a lot of people are just looking for a little something on the side… a more fun and even lucrative way to travel… which is perfectly fine.
But I know there are a handful of beginning travel writers who have gotten a taste of what’s possible… and are hungry for something more. That’s who I’m looking to meet with in Colorado Springs…
Now, I know I’m being a little heavy about it. And I know I’m asking for a real commitment from you… but don’t worry: it'll be thoroughly enjoyable, too.
Discover the City (my Home Town) as
No Ordinary Tourist
Would…on a Private Press Trip
We’ll be strategically located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, and based at one of the nicest hotels: the historic Antlers Hilton. From there, you’ll have easy access on foot to the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops… and your mission will be to search out the best story ideas there…
It's a highly marketable destination -- in fact, Money Magazine just ranked it #1 on its list of the nation's 10 best big cities.
She has a fantastic rapport with the group and is very organized.
She presents good information in a practical and easy-to-understand manner."
-- Agnes R., Berne, NY
Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak (which inspired the song, America the Beautiful), Colorado Springs is home to the dramatic Garden of the Gods, the United States Air Force Academy, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Old Colorado City, Seven Falls, and more.
Although I’m a native of this town and I can tell you about the area, we're calling in the big guns.
We've invited the local Convention and Visitors Bureau to give you a presentation and to take you around as well. In essence, you'll be getting a private press trip.
And that means you'll gain an introduction to this area that you just wouldn't get as a regular tourist. These guys understand that "good press" is worth a great deal when it comes to promoting a destination.
After all, as the logic goes, the more times a place is written up, the more tourists it attracts. And more tourists means more money being spent locally.
So, suffice it to say, they're eager to have in town 10 travel writers who will, potentially, produce 10 Colorado Springs stories that could appear in publications around the nation -- maybe even around the world.
Not only will you get an insiders glimpse into all the possible attractions and angles for your article, but you’ll also put into practice right away many new techniques that we’ll learn in sessions before our hosts arrive. Plus, you’ll discover first-hand how to make the most of press trips when you’re traveling on your own.
Come As A Novice… Leave As A Master
This is a unique opportunity – one that’s never been offered before, and I’m not sure will ever be offered again.
You might reasonably expect such an exclusive gathering with such personalized attention to cost a small fortune. After all, you're getting a level of dedicated time and attention that very few beginners have available to them. At the risk of blowing my own horn here…
I’ve been both a travel writer and an editor for over a dozen years. I’ve worked with hundreds of new and experienced writers. I have contacts at numerous publications and in countries around the world.
extensive personal experience. She is very articulate and has an enthusiastic
personality along with a great sense of humor."
-- Charles E., San Jose, CA
And when we get together – just you and me and nine other people – I will lay it all out for you. No holds barred.
It’s simply not something you can get anywhere, anytime. And I'd be surprised if we didn't fill up our ten available spaces very quickly.
I feel confident that you'll find the value of this workshop easily outweighs the cost. And, in fact, the program is reasonably priced at just $2,900 (AWAI’s Elite Access Members are welcome to join us for just $1,900).
Considering the highly personalized nature of this event, that's on the low side if you ask the "powers that be." But since it's the first time we're doing it, we figured we'd start there. Though chances are, this program won't be repeated at this low rate.
And, in truth, the information you'll gain at this workshop – and the hands-on learning you’ll do – could, quite literally, change your life.
I feel completely confident that if you come with the commitment and drive to make it happen – you’ll leave with everything you need to transform your career from one that’s just beginning… to one that takes a giant leap forward, allowing you to create for yourself an impressive portfolio and the track record you need to be traveling well and exploring the world like no ordinary tourist could.
Are You Up to the Challenge?
You already know that you can have a life of freedom and flexibility if you make a go of travel writing. You know you can travel the world for free – or nearly free – in many cases. And that the experiences you have dreamt of your entire life are out there waiting for you to claim them.
And all it takes is three days in Colorado Springs this fall… and a serious commitment to make the most of the opportunity.
Clearly, this is not for everyone. But, I would hazard to guess that if you've read this far… it's something that seriously interests you.
If you feel you're ready to take what could only be described as a monumental step in your travel-writing career, then I hope you’ll reserve your spot immediately – before they’re all gone. Please click below, now.
Hope to see you in Colorado Springs!
Best Regards,
Jennifer Stevens
Freelance travel writer and editor
P.S. I don't mean to sound alarmist, but the truth is: If you hesitate, I'm afraid you'll miss out. So I say, if you’ve gotten this far and your heart is beating a little faster than usual… and you just know that being a top travel writer is within your grasp… give your insecurity the old heave-ho and register! You won’t be sorry… click below now to reserve your spot.