Andrew Collins

Andrew Collins – Editor

I'm an editor, writer, and teacher—with a focus on travel, culinary, and LGBTQ—and with nearly 30 years of book and magazine experience.

Overview

I'm a freelance editor, copy editor, and writer based in Mexico City, but also living part-time in both Portland, Oregon and New Hampshire's Lake Sunapee region. Additionally, since 2004, I've taught both travel writing and food writing for New York City's rewowned Gotham Writers Workshop. My professional focus is primarily in nonfiction, although I graduated from Wesleyan University (in Middletown, CT) with a degree in literature and will consider certain fiction projects, especially if they relate to my primary areas of expertise: travel, food, and LGBTQ. In my capacity as a magazine and travel guidebook editor over the years, I've also developed a strong knowledge of and interest in art, architecture, history, biography, cinema, and hiking and the outdoors).

I've contributed as an editor, copy editor, or writer to more than 200 guidebooks for the internationally respected travel publisher Fodor's (I currently work on the Pacific Northwest, National Parks of the West, New Mexico, New England, and Mexico City titles). Additionally, I'm the editor in chief of as well as the food and beverage columnist for The Pearl, a quarterly magazine about Portland, Oregon's hip Pearl District. And I've served previously as editor in chief for four different regional wedding and travel publications geared to the LGBTQ community. I'm also the former copy editor of New Mexico Magazine, and I've written for a variety of both mainstream and LGBTQ magazines, including Travel + Leisure, Sunset, AAA Living, Out Magazine, The Advocate, Canadian Traveller Magazine, and Four Seasons Magazine.

What can I offer you as an editor? The simplest answer is that I love helping talented writers realize their full potential as engaging storytellers. I'm also a bit of a grammar geek. Yes, I read style guides and ponder the implications of nonrestrictive clauses and whether or not to hyphenate compound adjectives entirely because I like to. As a copy editor, I focus on these sometimes arcane grammar and style issues so that you can focus instead on what you probably love the most about writing: telling your story.

I've been both a writer and an editor for nearly three decades. As a writer, I'm eternally grateful to a handful of editors I've worked with over the years who've helped me to fine-tune my message, organize my ideas, and—above all else—express myself clearly and compellingly. As an editor, I strive to help the writers I collaborate with to achieve these same ends. I'll communicate with you candidly but constructively, and I'll provide you with the flexible feedback you need to turn your manuscript into the book or article you envision.


Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits LGBTQ Non-Fiction Travel
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Award (best guidebook)
  • IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) Travel Writer of the Year Award (2017)

Work experience

The Pearl Magazine

Jun, 2014 — Present

I serve as the lead editor of The Pearl (thepearl.explorethepearl.com), a quarterly lifestyle publication about the Portland, Oregon's hip Pearl District. In this capacity, I also serve as the magazine's food and beverage writer, where I cover restaurants, bars, breweries, food shops, and other culinary-related neighborhood businesses.

Gotham Writers Workshop

Jan, 2004 — Present

I teach 10-week online classes in travel writing and food writing, and have also taught courses on how to get published and submit query letters, from New York City's acclaimed Gotham Writers Workshop (

Self-employed

Jun, 1991 — Present

Portfolio

Ready to experience the National Parks of the West? The experts at Fodor’s are here to help. Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of each National ... read more
Though small in stature, Rhode Island packs more living into its small borders than any other U.S. state. Founded by a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay colony in the 17th century, this proud little state has emerged from its slumping post-industrial ... read more
Written by locals, Fodor’s New England is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this New England travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Joi... read more
Written by locals, Fodor's travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. With the growing interest in adventure travel, national parks, hip cities, wineries, and microbreweries, the Pacific Northwest attracts a hu... read more
Written by locals, Fodor’s InFocus Santa Fe is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this travel guide will help you pl... read more
New Orleans aficionado and travel writer Andrew Collins knows the best way to experience New Orleans, from exploring the plantations on the Great River Road and where to grab a drink Bourbon Street to taking a swamp tour on the North Shore. In this fully updat... read more
Personable and chatty, informative and candid, Fodor's Gay Guide to Amsterdam is a one-stop introduction to one of the world's premier lesbian and gay cities. With his signature flair, Andrew Collins reviews Amsterdam's liveliest and gayest sights and establis... read more
·The most comprehensive guide to the USA expressly for gay and lesbian travelers; engaging and insightful, personable and chatty; a guide with attitude covering 40 cities and other travel destinations nationwide.· Each chapter includes hotels, inns, B&Bs, rest... read more

Andrew has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Peter G.

Peter G.

May, 2019

Andrew was an excellent editor. I feel very grateful to have his input. The project involves several components (graphic design, travel, and autobiography) and Andrew's feedback and constructive criticism will improve every facet of the book. I would recommend him in a heartbeat.
Andrew C.
Peter was terrific to work with. His book project was carefully thought through and completely enjoyable to work on, and he provided a clear explanation of what he wanted me to focus most closely o...
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