Aly's Newsletter: Wednesday Edition
PS: You can now access this newsletter via an app!
Good morning, friends!
It's been a big TV night/morning in these parts.
First of all, last night's This Is Us...I'm avoiding spoilers because I know there's people who haven't watched, but how emotionally wrought was the final Pearson Thanksgiving? (And as my friend Shari said, who I text-watch every episode of the series with, Beth is indeed the brightness that everyone needs in their life. Seriously I'm not sure I could have survived that episode without her!
I woke up early this morning to watch the ending of Pam & Tommy before work and that's emotionally wrought in an entirely other way. I remember when the whole sex tape thing happened several decades ago, and at the time, I really wasn't feeling much empathy for either of them, but now, I completely do for Pam. In fact she's a very likable character in this series. (Tommy...not so much.)
And now that that is done with, my TV focus remains on Outlander and Bridgerton (which comes back in a few weeks - in fact, scroll down for a story I'm working on based on the return!).
Some administrative news
Good news! This Substack (and all Substacks) are now available via app. That means you can keep up with everything you are reading from your phone. Download the app for iPhone and iPad here. For Android users, sign up for the waiting list here.
Passover
I've been getting a lot of pitches for the Kosher For Passover story I'm doing for Forbes, and I need to implore you to read directions carefully. Kosher and Kosher for Passover are not the same thing. Something (most things) can be kosher 51 weeks out of the year, but is NOT kosher for Passover. It's two distinct certifications. And most people are missing out on that stipulation when they pitch me. Please make sure what you are pitching is kosher for passover before pitching - otherwise you are just wasting your time! If you have ANY questions at all, please email me.
Here's some stories that were newly published yesterday:
The Kitchn: Netflix’s Newest Reality Baking Series Is Based on This Viral Food Trend
TODAY.com: Where to score the best food freebies and discounts for Pi Day
Clean Plates: This Psychology-Powered Platform Helps People Lose Weight — And Keep It Off
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, please share on social and tag me (I'm @alywalansky basically everywhere, please follow me!), and also please remember to tag the outlet.
Here's what I'm working on:
Be sure to read the below list carefully. Many are stories I posted about yesterday, but some of yesterday's stories are no longer listed and a few new ones have been added since yesterday. This (below) is everything that is still a currently open opportunity as of today.
Today.com
I'm working on a big roundup of restaurants open on Easter. We’re looking for a big list of big and small chains across the country –high and low. It's the Easter version of this story we did for Christmas, if you want an idea of the format I'm looking for.
I'm also looking for restaurant chains nationwide doing special deals/discounts for tax day (i have a few weeks to play with this one...a rare feat!)
Forbes.com
The new season of Bridgerton is set to premiere on March 25. For Forbes, I'm working on a guide to Bridgerton-inspired (or Regency-style/inspired) cocktails that are on the menu at bars/restaurants. If you have any to pitch me, please send in THIS format:
Name of drink
where sold
description (not a recipe)
quote from owner/bartender about the drink
high res image of the drink
*please do not forget to tell me the full name and title of the person being quoted. This happens more than you'd imagine!
For Forbes.com I'm rounding up Kosher For Passover wines and spirits for an upcoming story. I'm also doing a story on fun finds in Kosher For Passover snacks/treats/new products. These items must exist online and they MUST be shippable. And please please make sure the item is kosher for passover certified (that's a different thing than kosher, so if something is kosher, it's not necessarily KFP) - I'll do a dedicated newsletter soon explaining the difference for anyone who doesn't quite understand. But meanwhile, you can always email me questions. And, please, pitch me!
To pitch me for ANY of these stories, please email me at alywalansky@gmail.com (and start a new thread, please!).
Are you confused about affiliate marketing?
If you are having trouble learning how to navigate issues of affiliate marketing (trust me, we've all been there!), you may want to try out my friend Sarah Karger, a publicist, and former editor Dana Baardsen (and all-around fab girl!)'s Ultimate Masterclass and Introduction to Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. It's a brilliant course and it'll answer all your questions (including some you didn't know you had!)
Have a great (rainy!) day
<3
aly