Food and Travel Writing: From Pitch to Publication with Sonya Gellert

From crafting the perfect pitch to seeing your byline in print, learn how to turn your food and travel stories into publishable pieces.

In this practical workshop, you’ll learn how to transform your love of food and travel into compelling stories that editors want to publish. We’ll cover the full journey from idea generation and market research to crafting irresistible pitches and shaping narratives. You’ll gain insight into what publications are really looking for, how to develop your unique voice, and how to navigate the pitching and publishing process. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to take your stories from concept to byline.

Learning outcomes

As part of this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Generate strong, marketable story ideas rooted in food and travel

• Research publications and identify the right outlets for your work

• Craft concise, compelling pitches that grab an editor’s attention

• Structure food and travel features with clarity

• Develop vivid sensory detail and a distinctive writer’s voice

• Navigate the pitching, editing, and publishing process with confidence.

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on writing craft; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for travel, food and lifestyle writers of all levels and backgrounds.

About Sonya

Sonya is a travel, food and lifestyle writer, an occasional public speaker and university tutor, and the former travel editor of a national food magazine. Her stories have been published by 'Lonely Planet', 'Luxury Travel', 'delicious.', 'Escape', 'Vogue Living', 'Australian Traveller', 'International Traveller', and many others. Sonya loves helping aspiring lifestyle writers to find their voice and polish their pitches.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info