Exciting news! My inaugural travel feature for National Geographic went live in early April. I often share my success stories in the media pitching class I teach at Texas State University, and I thought it would be fun to write a blog entry about it too. If you enjoyed this, let me know, and I'll create more content like this!
While cold pitching can yield results, having a few steady clients is usually the best route for freelancers. I often work with editors who assign me stories or those I know will approve most of my ideas.
My Published Piece
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/alternatives-to-angkor-wat
Background Information
Since 2009, I've lived and worked in Southeast Asia, primarily with travel companies leading photo tours. My passion for the region and its ancient ruins drives me; I find incredible beauty in their decay.
Having visited Angkor Wat numerous times, I began exploring lesser-known temples nearby that are just as breathtaking but far less crowded. The four temples featured in my article were discovered during solo trips or road excursions with an archeologist colleague. The allure of visiting these historic sites without tourists was truly inspiring. Initially, I pitched this idea to another publication, but they weren't accepting submissions at the time.
Two significant events in the fall prompted me to keep pitching: the opening of Siem Reap's new airport and the inclusion of Koh Ker on the UNESCO World Heritage List. I discovered that National Geographic hadn't covered Cambodia in years, so I aimed to provide a fresh perspective on a popular destination by highlighting less traveled sites. (I initially included the airport in my lead, but it was cut during the editing process.)
For the record, I believe Angkor Wat is worth visiting. These other temples enrich one's understanding of the Khmer Empire's history, and experiencing them without throngs of tourists is far more enjoyable.
Pitch Structure
The editor I contacted was explicit about her preferred pitch format on X (formerly Twitter), so I adhered to it closely. Since she had transitioned to a different area, I removed her name from my pitch to avoid spamming her with travel proposals. This was a cold pitch, and I added extra details to introduce myself.
Her preferred pitch format was:
My ideal pitch includes:
- Sample headline and deck: if you struggle with this, you might have a topic rather than a story
- Nut graph: The 5 W's, emphasizing the WHY NOW (superlatives, global appeal, new perspective, timely news, etc.)
- Bio/clips
That's it.
The Pitch
Subject Line: Timely Pitch: What Cambodia's Hidden Temples Can Teach Us About the Khmer Empire
Hello XXXX,
I'm a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas, and Southeast Asia, with pieces published in The Washington Post and Texas Monthly. I'm excited to share a timely pitch about Cambodia.
Headline: Looking to escape the crowds at Angkor Wat? Discover these four hidden temples.
Deck: Four lesser-known temples, including a newly designated UNESCO site, shed light on Cambodia's Khmer Empire.
Cambodia's tourism sector is hopeful for a rebound to pre-pandemic levels, bolstered by two significant announcements this fall. The first was the addition of Koh Ker, Southeast Asia's only stepped pyramid temple, to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Koh Ker is famed for its unique architecture and advanced water-management systems. Once a capital of the Khmer Empire, it's one of many architecturally and historically rich temples near Siem Reap. The second announcement was the inauguration of the new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in mid-November, set to accommodate up to seven million visitors annually.
Unlike Angkor Wat, Koh Ker and other temples are often empty during peak seasons, making them perfect spots to escape the crowds. These include Sambor Prei Kuk, a sixth-century complex of over 180 Hindu temples that influenced Angkorian architecture; Preah Vihear, an 11th-century Hindu temple on a mountaintop with a unique orientation; and Banteay Chhmar, a 12th-century Angkorian temple known for its intricate bas-relief wall panels.
In this story, I'd like to explore the significance of these four temples and how visiting them can deepen our understanding of the Khmer Empire, featuring insights from archeologists.
Biography & Clips: I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. I encourage you to check out my writing portfolio, particularly articles from The Washington Post, covering topics such as national monuments in New Mexico, the history of Croatia's Istrian peninsula, and Marfa, Texas.
Would this story be a suitable fit?
Thank you,
Anna
Timeline and Payment Details
Pitch Submitted: December 5, 2023
Assigned: December 18, 2023
Story Submitted: January 4, 2024
Paid: February 20, 2024
Publication Date: April 4, 2024
During the editing phase, my editor changed roles, which contributed to the delay from February to April. I submitted the story ahead of the January 15 deadline due to an upcoming work trip.
For online travel articles, National Geographic compensates at $1 per word. I earned $800 for this 800-word piece. This payment rate is widely known among editors. Their contract operates on a work-for-hire basis. For photography, I received a per-image rate for usage alongside the article, with photos selected a week prior to publication and payment received two weeks after. They purchased stock images I had taken during my visits to the temples.
