How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Founded in 1955, SATW is a tax-exempt professional association of North American Active members-writers, editors, photographers, lecturers, and broadcast/video/film producers--as well as Associate members who are public relations representatives in the travel industry. There are now more than 1,000 SATW members in North America.
Whether you apply as an Active or Associate, you must have a primary sponsor who is a member of SATW and either a secondary sponsor (also a SATW member) or two written references from professionals in the travel industry. References cannot be relatives, colleagues within your own company, or anyone who presents a conflict of interest. References must have professional knowledge of your work and explain why you are a good candidate for membership.
Your application is not complete until your sponsors/references have completed the required forms. To avoid delay please verify that they have responded to the e-mail generated by your application. Then the review by the membership committee will begin, and your name will be listed on the SATW website for a 30-day member comment period. Member comments alleging unprofessional conduct that is contrary to SATW's code of ethics and professional responsibility will be investigated and can lead to denial of your application.
It is essential that you contact your sponsors for permission before listing them on your application.
Sponsors
Sponsors are requested to re-familiarize themselves with the membership requirements before agreeing to sponsor an applicant. Both the primary and secondary sponsor will review the candidate's full application, master credits list, clips and other supporting material. The applicant process moves much faster if sponsors are thorough in their reviews and alert applicants of potential problems before submitting to Headquarters. Frequent issues include missing contact information for editors, grossly inaccurate circulation figures or AUVs, and outdated materials. Sponsors, please click here to access the online sponsor form once you have reviewed all applicant material.
Online Applications
When you are ready to apply, click here for the Active (journalist) Application form or click here for the Associate (publicist) Application form.
Printed Applications
Print and fill out the Active (journalist) application (PDF) or Associate (publicist) application (PDF) and mail with payment and supporting materials to:
SATW
Society of American Travel Writers
11950 W. Lake Park Drive
Suite 320
Milwaukee, WI 53224-3049
USA
Need help? Please contact SATW at info@satw.org with any questions about the membership application process.
Application Steps:
- Print and read the entire application. To do that, click here (PDF) if you are applying for Active (journalist) membership. Click here (PDF) if you are applying for Associate (public relations representative) membership.
- Freelancers, consult the point chart and fill out the Master Credit List on paper so you will have this information on hand for the online form. Note that you are limited to three clips each from the lowest circulation categories of newspapers and magazines. For circulations of major magazines and newspapers, use the links on this page.
Active Member Application
Please review the following information thoroughly before completing the appropriate form as instructed in "How to Apply." Once you have read these instructions and you wish to apply online you may do so here.
Active Membership Guidelines
Active members of the Society belong to either the Freelance Council or the Editors Council. Applicants for Editors Council may be salaried editors or staff writers, or travel website owners. Membership is based on travel content and reach of their media outlets. Applicants for Freelance Council are reviewed according to a point system. To qualify, U.S. applicants must produce 72 points within a 12 month period. Canadian applicants must produce 60 points.
Work published without payment—either of a traditional monetary fee or a proven revenue stream —will not be considered.
A travel article, image, video, broadcast, blog entry, website contribution, or mobile app must be editorial content that shows, describes, evaluates, discusses and/or facilitates travel. The viewpoint must not be dictated by any advertiser or travel vendors referenced in the article.
Advertorial or promotional copy will not count toward membership. Advertorial content is paid for by an advertiser or sponsor and printed only after advertiser/sponsor approval.
Associate Member Application
Please review the following information thoroughly before completing the appropriate form as instructed in "How to Apply". Once you have read these instructions and you wish to apply online you may do so here.
Associate Membership Guidelines
Associate membership in the Society of American Travel Writers is limited to those persons professionally engaged in public relations within the travel industry and working regularly with the media. Each new applicant must submit proof that his/her professional qualifications meet or exceed current membership criteria adopted by the Society. Applicants must be well regarded in their field and must have a desire to participate actively in the Society. By decree of the organization bylaws, the number of Associate members in the Society must always be less than the number of Active members. Thus, there could conceivably be a time when Associate Membership will not be available to new members.
Associate membership in SATW is given to an individual, not an organization. If an Associate SATW member leaves his/her position, the organization or company does not automatically retain the membership. The Associate's successor must apply for SATW membership.
Circulation Figures
U.S./Canadian Newspaper and Magazine Circulations
Use these pdf documents to check circulations and to verify publication names for your membership profile or application.
Magazines / Circulations 2011 (PDF)
US & Canada Newspapers / Circulations 2011 (PDF)
