About a month ago I received an email from a young person who had heard me talk, asking for advice on becoming a travel writer. I wrote a long reply, telling the story of how I started and offering suggestions for someone today.
I never heard back. Clearly, I had forgotten the best piece of advice: When someone does you a favor, acknowledge it. It’s not just polite; it assures the person that his or her missive was received. Though this young woman already has something going for her: Once she starts submitting her work, she will not be surprised by editorial silence.
