When I “met” Bex Shapiro, the Managing Editor for Intrepid Travel on Twitter a little while back, I immediately got the sense that she’s an editor writers love – she was responsive, generous, funny and thoughtful. I love this Q&A with Bex because not only do you get an insight into pitching and writing for a travel company that is one of the most ethical in the business, but also how passionate, committed and talented Bex is in supporting freelance writers and bringing their unique travel stories to light.
How to become an Intrepid Travel freelance writer. Meet editor Bex Shapiro
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your career so far?
I’m a Brit, born and bred. I studied Politics in the UK, moved to China for a little while and now live in Canada, where I’ve been for the last three years. I spent much of my early career flitting between internships and freelancing, getting bylines in VICE, The Huffington Post, and ELLE Canada etc.
And I’m now lucky enough to work as a Managing Editor for Intrepid Travel.
I’m a brunch enthusiast, passionate storyteller, travel enthusiast (obviously) and have been to 40 countries, ranging from Zimbabwe to Serbia to Colombia.
What prompted you to move from being a freelance writer to an editor?
I’m all about expanding my skillset – especially in today’s media climate – so when a job came up a few years ago to work as an editor at a start-up, I thought it would challenge me and grow my digital skillset. I was correct.
A year after that, and two years ago, I moved to Intrepid Travel. Best decision of my life.
I loved freelance writing – and still write, on occasion. But I’m very social and also very analytical, so I find that connecting with writers and innovating our editorial is what really gets me going. I’m passionate about telling stories, but find with both budget and creativity, I can do that more effectively as an editor than writer.
I also love the challenge of content marketing. There’s no reason why, just because we are marketing a product (the best product!), that our content can’t be as visual and impactful as that of Conde Nast Traveler or Travel + Leisure.
In fact, I see a shift happening whereby brands are becoming the new publishers. Because, increasingly, it’s brands and not publishers, that have the budget and vision to really take their editorial to new levels. It’s an exciting time to be in the industry, as it’s all change.
[To read more about how brands and tourism bodies are using freelance writers to create content read: Want to go on a press trip to Queensland? You need to meet Shelley Winkel.]
How has that transition been for you? I’m wondering if you have any insights you want to share about editors that freelance writers may not know because they haven’t been on ‘the other side’.
For me, the transition made complete sense.
I love networking and seeking out new writers and angles! I also love working with people who haven’t written before, which, in many cases, means helping them work up the courage to bring their stories to life. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
The thing I struggle with is not being able to say yes to every pitch!
As a freelancer, it’s easy to take pitch rejections personally, and to dwell on why an editor hasn’t replied yet. But you realise as an editor that there are so many competing priorities that if you keep on top of your inbox, you don’t get enough actual editing done!
So, it’s worth knowing that late replies from an editor are very rarely personal.
In terms of other insights, it’s useful for writers to clearly communicate the types of articles they’re best at writing and want to write! And I’d always rather a writer checks in while writing (with a proposed article structure or with questions), than staying unsure and submitting a first draft.
Can you tell me a little bit about Intrepid Travel, what makes it so special in the travel space and your current role there?
Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest small group adventure travel company. We offer trips in over 100 countries (yes, all seven continents!) and ensure every trip is a culturally-immersive, sustainable, local-led adventure. You’ll tour with an average of 10 like-minded travellers and see both the highlights as well as the hidden gems of a destination.
We have a trip style of every sort of traveller – from cycling to sailing, food to family trips. We also have a range of small ship Adventure Cruises, where you cruise with up to 50 people, stop at small ports, and basically have an off-the-beaten-path experience that other cruises can’t offer. These cruises and trips are all carbon offset.
In my opinion, Intrepid Travel is so special because it walks the walk as well as talking the talk.
Every person who works for the company believes in travel as a force for good. The company is serious about sustainability, and it impacts everything we do. We were the first global tour operator to ban elephant rides, and last year we became a certified B Corp, making us the largest one in the travel industry.
In my role as Managing Editor for North America, I commission, edit and publish blogs relevant to our North American audience. I also work with fellow editors in our offices in London and Melbourne on larger storytelling projects, and focus on editorial innovation, distributing our content, and growing an engaged Intrepid Travel writer community.
What kind of stories are featured on the Intrepid Travel blog, The Journal?
If a story inspires you to get up, get out of your comfort zone and see the world, it doesn’t really matter how it’s presented. We do have the regular types of articles you’d expect (“what to do in *insert destination*, why to visit *insert destination*), but we’re particularly interested in firsthand narratives from real travellers. We’ve found that these tend to resonate most with our travel community and aid with the ‘inspiration’ element of trip planning.
Example of some of these firsthand pieces include a 50-something woman writing about her trip to Nepal and how adventure travel isn’t just for the young (here) and a solo traveller turned group tour convert, who went trekking in Jordan on one of our trips (here). We’re passionate about ensuring all sorts of contributors are welcome, whether you’re a solo mum, illustrator or teenager!
We also share profiles of our talented, stereotype-defying local leaders (tour guides). (I recommend reading about Nadia in Iran and Channa in Cambodia!)
Lastly, we want to ensure our content is genuinely useful for those looking to plan a trip, so you’ll also find packing guides, food guides, and our local leaders’ guides to a particular destination too.
4 thoughts on “How to become an Intrepid Travel freelancer – meet editor Bex Shapiro”
Loved this, Lindy. Thanks Bex for great pointers. I knew the brand but not the ethos behind the publishing. Will definitely check this out. As someone who doesn’t photograph their (lack of) thigh gap, but loves to travel, I’m looking forward to digging into those 5 blog posts Bex recommends! Thanks for the thought food.
A great post as always Lindy – even making me think about pitching Bex an amazing Bolivia story I’ve never sold and always wanted to. Hmmmm #wheelsturning
Yes, do it Rachel!!
A great inspirational article. Love it.