Money isn’t an impediment to travel as long as you have the inside track of how to travel and move around a country on the cheap. Of all travel guide types I think budget guides can provide the biggest benefit but only if the information is written in a clear and concise manner, and that’s exactly how Matt Baxter approach his travel guide series.

Find out how this British travel blogger used his first hand experience traveling around Japan and New Zealand on a budget, to write and self-publish, country and regional guides.

The perception of many travelers is that both of these countries are expensive to travel around, so Matt’s guides provide travel advice and tips to show other budget travelers how to make the most of their travel time without busting their budgets.

~~ Jay

Author Interview: Matt Baxter

I write budget travel guides, and currently have four available. As well as a country guide for New Zealand and for Japan, I have regional books for Hokkaido with its superb skiing and lavender fields, and a Tokyo guide book.They are written in a clear and concise manner, meaning they are incredibly easy to read and super useful.

What motivated you to start writing?

​I lived in both Japan and New Zealand for several years. After leaving these countries, I always heard people saying they were too expensive, often to the point that people did not want to go. I knew that if they had the right tips and information, that they could actually visit these countries without burning away all their savings.

Tell us the journey you went on to get your books published (e.g. direct on your website, self-published, assisted-publishing, traditional publisher)

​I wanted total control, so I decided to self-publish. I started on Amazon, with 3 month exclusivity for the ebook as Amazon offers lots of tools for new authors to promote their titles if you do this. I then expanded out to other stores.​ Then I published the paperback via a company called IngramSpark. I noticed that the paperback was actually selling far more copies, and over the years I have expanded the number of places where it is sold. For example, I managed to get the books on the shelves of Kinokiniya, the biggist bookstore chain in Asia.

What publishing elements do you most enjoy and most like to avoid, and why? (e.g. design, marketing, formatting etc.)

I enjoy editing. All the real hard work has been done in the writing, so now I can take my time to make sure it’s all well organised and easy to use. But surprisingly, I found marketing to be the most interesting. It’s such a new world. How do I get people to actually consider my book among all those on Amazon? What cover works well? How do I advertise the book? So many questions, but it’s so rewarding when you get it right and start selling lots of books.

With the hindsight of being a published author, anything you would have done differently?

​Yes. I would have taken more time on research and marketing before releasing. I think first-time authors can impatient to release their first book, but we need to be patient so that absolutely everything is ready for launch.​ Marketing is something that authors often overlook, but in reality you may actually be spending as much time marketing as you are on writing. The key is to learn from others, via marketing books and on YouTube. If I had done this more before releasing my first book, I probably could have sold many more copies.

What tips or advice would you give an aspiring indie author who is looking to self-publish?

Research, research and research! Look at what is already out there and make something unique and inspiring. Take your time and write something that is unique. Once you have a book done, let everyone know about it, and don’t let the fact you are an indie author bring you down! If you have managed to write a book, that is a major achievement.

What marketing or promotional tools or techniques do you use to reach your readers?

​I find Amazon Marketing to be very useful. You can target certain readers with keywords, and after a bit of trial and error, it can really boost sales.​ Social media, and social proof, is also very important, so I post often onFacebook and Instagram, and do collaborations with other companies, such as book giveaways.

What impact do you want your books to have on your readers?

I want readers to realise that the stories that they hear about Japan and New Zealand being expensive places to travel to are only true if you don’t have local knowledge. I want them to use my books to explore these countries, heading away from the pricier, busier locations and into more off-the-beaten track spots.

What’s your book’s elevator pitch or key selling points?

You you want to travel to a seemingly expensive country like Japan or New Zealand? With my books you can travel there on the cheap, and have a more enjoyable time.

What’s next on your writing journey?

I’d love to write books about other countries. If my New Zealand book continues to sell well, maybe Australia or Canada could be next on the list!

About the Author

Hi, my name’s Matt (マット in Japanese, or Matty in Kiwi!). I have traveled to Japan and New Zealand on countless occasions, but I’m originally from England. I made Super Cheap Guides to share lots of useful travel information about Japan, New Zealand and hopefully more countries in the future. Having lived and traveled all over the world, with not much money in my pocket, I know the best tricks.

Writing about travel is my passion. You can find me at www.supercheapguides.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.

Pin This Image