Hi! It’s Sucheta…
Perhaps you read my bio already, but let me tell you about myself in relevant to this Substack. I am an Atlanta-based BIPOC food and travel writer almost 20 years in the industry. Over the years, I have contributed as a freelance writer, blogger and columnist to most travel and food related publications - CNN Travel, Travel+Leisure, TIME Magazine, Conde Nast, Fodor’s, AAA - to name a few. Last year, I published approximately 100 stories that reached 600 million or so readers (no it’s not exaggerated, my assistant calculated it!).
The reason I gave up my investment banking and business consulting career is to have the freedom to travel and do what I love to do. I have traveled to over 100 countries across all 7 continents & you can say “living my dream life.”
Some of things I love writing about are - human interest stories, off the beaten path destinations, food and wine (especially chocolate), wellness, wildlife and sustainability (you can’t pay me to go camping). I like to tell a story from my own lens - a South Asian female who grew up in India but never had the opportunity to travel abroad. My grandma hosted international visitors through a free peace building travel exchange program and these guests became my window to the world. I had never read a travel magazine or watched a travel show but already knew where I wanted to go…
I also write children’s books on travel based on my real-life cat Beato (meaning happy or blessed in Latin) because kids are our future (watch my TedX on cultural intelligence through travel), and speak on many topics relating to media, diversity, culture, sustainability, marketing, etc.
In my free time, I host an AirBnb experience - Dinner with a food and travel writer - at my home in Atlanta, where I cook a 3-course meal inspired by my latest travels. Come on over when you are in town!
Why subscribe?
Each day, I receive hundreds of emails filled with pitches, announcements and FAM trip invites. While I try to read and respond to most, I initially scan through, giving priority to what would be related to something I am currently working on or would really like to uncover.
GAIN MORE EARNED MEDIA
I created this Substack to connect directly with destination marketing organizations, public relations and marketing professionals to help you in co-creating story ideas. From time to time, I will send you journalist alerts based on what I am working on (sometimes my editors assign or ask me for stories), with detailed pitching tips for each publication. You will also see examples of similar stories I may have worked on, so we can work together more efficiently.
TELL BETTER STORIES
Some people have asked me what is my “secret sauce” to getting so many stories published. I believe it is simply looking at things from a different perspective. I rarely write anything based on a press release, but rather experience and explore different angles at the destination that you may not have thought of otherwise. In this Substack, I want to show you my work process so you can also craft your own unique angles.
GET INSIDER TIPS
As a seasoned media person, I get invited to do workshops and speak about working with journalists, how to pitch, the craft of writing, etc. - so I also want to offer you some of my professional wisdom whenever I can. If you are inspired to learn more or want me to speak at your event, feel free to reach out.
When you subscribe, you will be THE FIRST to receive media alert and full access to my presentations. Never miss an update.
Read My Editorials
To see my portfolio and read my published work, visit my website SuchetaRawal.com.
