Venice Guidebook Expert Wanted

Lonely Planet author admits he didn't visit destinations, didn't eat in restaurants, so is the expert guidebook writer on Venice, Athens or anywhere really an expert?

This week I'm wanted as a Venice guidebook expert. A few months ago it was Amsterdam. Before that it was Paris, and before that Athens. Given the recent storm caused by the Lonely Planet writer who claimed he wrote about Colombia without setting foot in the country, you might like to ask if I've actually been to all these places. Well, yes I have. Frequently.

It's a shame Lonely Planet took the flak, because it seems the author concerned only wrote the History section of the guide, and you don't need to travel to a country to do that. The fact that he had a book to promote, about writing guidebooks, means it should all be taken with a pinch of salt, to use one of those clichés we guidebook writers are meant to love so much.

There are several sides to the story, and one of them is that, yes, some publishers pay guidebook writers very little. But there are also guidebook writers who abuse their publishers by not doing a professional job. I know several who take the money and run - though not to the destination concerned.

For the Venice guide I'm updating, the publishers (the AA) not only write it into the contract that I have to go, they are also paying a reasonable sum in expenses. Not enough to stay at the Gritti Palace and dine Michelin-style, but enough for basic living expenses.

Last year I updated my Essential Athens guide and turned it into Essential Spiral Athens, the new-style AA series – after ten days in the city. So yes, most guidebook writers do go to the places we write about. That's the best part! I don't need asking twice to go visit Venice, and maintain my credentials as a guidebook expert.