Why Italy

Is it harder to publish nonfiction writing?

I'm a junior in college (with a double degree in English and Anthro) and I've decided to put together a collection of travel writing for my senior thesis next year. My articles are about various experiences I've had in Europe over the past year. Most travel writing I've read (in newspapers/certain magazines) is very dry and is more along the lines of: "Italy is beautiful. There is a nice resort in Town A and a very good hotel in Town B, etc." My travel writing is similar to stories rather than dense articles. I would love to publish some of my articles or even try to publish my entire thesis once it's completed. I was wondering whether there is a market for creative nonfiction that isn't autobiography. Also, would something of this nature be harder to publish in general - especially as a book rather than in magazines that cater to travel writing? Any information would be greatly appreciated. :)

Public Comments

1. If the travelogue is written in novel form and kept fairly chatty, It can be a big seller. I recommend, "Travels with Charlie" by Charles Karault as an example.
2. Yes, the is a market for creative nonfiction. Under the Tuscan Sun and its sequels have done very well. There was something of a "hook" in using Italian recipes in those books. Two others that are interesting takes on individual cities are Berendt's City of Falling Angels (Venice) and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (Savannah.)
3. Publishing such a book would be challenging, as is publishing any book (I'm both an author and a publisher, so I know!) But travel books written with a witty, engaging style are very popular--especially if you can include some nice color photos, maps, etc. Travelogues were extremely popular in the early 20th century when most people could not travel so far from their own homes. With the advent of cheaper transportation in the mid- to late-20th-century, they declined in popularity. But NOW, with the sometimes dangerous world climate as well as the increasing price of travel (fuel, security, etc.), I believe travelogues are going to resurge in popularity.
4. No, it's a lot easier. And you have more chance of being paid, rather than with fiction. I'm a published writer of both non-fiction and fiction. Check on-line, there are hundreds of travel magazines that will pay for articles.
5. Hey there - Here's my best advice - pick up a copy of the Writer's Market. It is the writer's bible. Read it cover to cover. (ok well the advice sections anyway) and then find your market. That's where you'll get the most bites. Also - go to websites to the places where you want to publish, read guidelines and etc - and read the market you want to be published in. 99% of rejections come from not reading the mags and not following submission guidelines Your thesis is not the book - this is the advice my thesis advisors gave me. And it is true. Especially in short pieces (memoirettes, short fiction, essays) - be careful - travel writing is in the decline - the market is looking more for personal essays and memoirettes than travel pieces