Thursday, July 24, 2008

The 14th annual Society of American Travel Writers' Institute for Travel Writing & Photography

The 14th annual Society of American Travel Writers' Institute for Travel Writing & Photography will take place January 9-11, 2009, in Orlando, Florida, with a faculty that includes leading North American travel writers and photographers. New faculty members this year will include award-winning broadcast journalist and website producer-publisher Bea Broda, and Florida expert Sandra Friend, author of some 20 books, 12 of which cover Florida travel and the outdoors.

They join established faculty members who include USA Today Deputy Managing Editor for Travel Veronica Stoddart; online travel journalism pioneer Lee Foster; self-publishing authority M. Timothy O'Keefe; award-winning guidebook expert Christopher P. Baker, and University Press of Florida Editor-in-Chief John W. Byram, among others.

Open to beginners and experienced professionals alike, the Institute is considered North America's foremost program dedicated to assisting aspiring travel writers and photographers launch successful careers, while providing established professionals with the latest tools, insights, and tips for greater success in today's unpredictable media times.

"From the beginning, the Institute has emphasized the career aspects of travel writing and photography," says Institute chair Herb Hiller, author of two top-prize books and past contributor to The Atlantic, National Geographic Traveler and The Washington Post.

"It's all about guiding the ship, not getting rocked by the boat."

Faculty members will teach classes on marketing, working with editors and publishers, self-publishing, developing Internet opportunities, negotiating contracts, selling photography and travel video production.

A keynote speaker still to be announced will open the Institute, whose supporters include the Orlando Downtown Development Board and Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Recent speakers have included Arthur Frommer and National Geographic Traveler Editor-in-Chief Keith Bellows.

Registration costs $395 and includes most meals. Sessions take place at the Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown

For further information, visit the Institute's website at http://www.satwinstitute.org/, or contact Hiller at hiller@funport.net, or 386/467-8223.

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