Aly's Newsletter: Thursday Edition
Hi, all!
Congrats for making it to Thursday!
Going to try to keep this one short and sweet because I have a few things I need to knock out this morning, but I wanted to take a quick moment to give some (I hope!) helpful advice on photos.
Since so many of my stories are related to roundups — be it a cocktail or a cast iron - I’m receiving a lot of photos. Some of you guys do a great job of sending them along, but sometimes there’s some issues. So, in the event this may help you in the future, here’s some suggestions:
1 - Image naming. Please don’t send me images with names like “image0001” or “screenshot1202” - this is especially true if you are sending me a batch of images for various things at once. It’s also a great way of me using the wrong image for wrong expert/product/menu item. It’s super helpful if your image file name in some way describes what is inside. For example, if you are sending me an image of an XYZ brand serrated knife, you may want to title that image XYZ-serrated-knife.jpg.
Please don’t send me giant galleries of images and tell me that the image of that one specific dish or cocktail or product is “somewhere in there.” That too increases the possibility of me not finding it, or choosing the wrong one and then you needing to ask me to switch it out later.
If I do a call for pitches (like the ones below) and mention that something needs an image to be considered, please don’t skip that. I got tons of great cocktail pitches yesterday for the dessert cocktail story, but a good 20% did not include a needed element (the image, in most cases.)
I’m FULLY OK with you sending an image as a dropbox link or a google drive link instead of an attachment, and my inbox actually prefers it. Just make sure you do the aforementioned file-identifying so we’re all on the same page and there’s no confusion.
Whew. Thanks!
Here's what I'm working on today:
1. For Forbes.com, I'm still accepting pitches for dessert cocktails. This can be hot cocktails (say, a boozy hot cocoa) or cold (like an espresso martini) but I'd love it if it has some sort of festive nature for the season. Each cocktail pitched to me for this MUST include the following to be considered: Name of bar/restaurant (hotel bars/restaurants are fine too), location, URL, description (don't need a recipe), quote from bartender/bar manager (please remember to include their name and title), and image of the cocktail.
2. For Forbes.com, I'm also looking for tips for planning your And Just Like That..SATC reboot viewing party. Open to cocktail suggestions, set up, etc. If you have an expert to quote, please have them email me!
3. For SPY.com, I am looking for pitches for best cookware sets to gift this holiday. (I will probably have another batch of SPY assignments to share in tomorrow's newsletter, so keep your eyes peeled!)
4. For AllRecipes, I'm rounding up best hot food containers to take on a snow day.
For RetailMeNot, I’m still accepting pitches for best galentine’s gift for your BFF.
For any of these, please make sure to email alywalansky@gmail.com and start a new email thread with the assignment and the outlet it's for.
Here's what has published since yesterday:
Food Network
Chipotle Has the Perfect Gift for That Friend Who Hates Cilantro
Mariah Carey’s Cookies Are Back for Another Holiday Season
Cardi B Launches the Most Cardi B Whipped Cream
Today.com
Burger King is celebrating a birthday with 37 cent Whoppers this weekend
Where to score free cookies and discounts on National Cookie Day
Last night on my Instagram stories, I made stuffed poblanos in the air fryer. It was super fast and easy (10 minutes!). Check it out before it expires…!
<3
aly