Monday: ASAP need for derm source for quick-turnaround story + photo submission guidelines and a fun new oyster-centric feature!
Good morning!
I need to start out today’s email with a pretty urgent call for sources - I’m working on a story this morning and I need a dermatologist to answer a few quick questions over email (should only take a few minutes!). If you have someone, please email me at alywalansky@gmail.com (please do not just hit reply on this email, it’s a good way to get lost in the heap) and I’ll explain more!
As this is a quick-turnaround need, early bird very much gets the worm with this one.
Speaking of sources, this weekend’s industry insights edition delved into the nitty gritty on the right (and wrong) way to submit photos to journalists. You can still check it out here.
I’m having a busy but fun day that includes but is not limited to — cat-sitting for my favorite neighbor for a few days (but I get to hang out with THIS guy seen above! Say hello to Theo - ain’t he cute? I’m generally a dog gal, obviously, but I think he’s so sweet) and a rather sexy media dinner I’m attending tonight. In between, I’m working on a pretty wild range of content, which makes this…well…a Monday.
Oh, PS: Both my caviar and tequila roundups for Forbes are live - check them out in the section below! And also, well, yum.
Newly published or freshly updated
Since people are often asking about the status of stories from a while ago, and I only share stories in this newsletter that were published or updated in the current week, I have created a list of my author pages at various publications to which I contribute. Bookmark it and make your life a bit easier.
This list will live on my Substack URL and be updated as necessary. That way, you can see what I’m doing at any publication, at any time, from types of stories to general structure of stories to even volume and frequency of my content at that outlet.
This can also help you to target pitching a bit better. That makes your job easier, and mine too!
PS: I love doing podcasts! Check out my guest appearance on Media Circus Podcast with Taiisha Bradley last week, as well as the Italian Wine Podcast recently, where we discussed all things Substack. Other recent podcast appearances include the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast with the incredible (and super fun!) Lexie Smith, where we chatted about everything from press dinners and events and trips to, well, sippin’! I’ve recorded a few others that should be live soon as well and I’m always open to doing more — email me at alywalansky@gmail.com.
RetailMeNot: 65+ College Student Discounts
Forbes.com: 30 Cocktails To Enjoy When Celebrating National Tequila Day
Forbes.com: 35 Delectable Ways To Embrace Luxury While Dining Out On National Caviar Day
Food Network: Entenmann’s and Baked by Melissa Pair Up to Make Limited-Edition Mini Cupcakes
Clean Plates: The Best Kirkland Products At Costco That Are Seriously High Quality
Clean Plates: 13 Trader Joe’s Dairy-Free Items That Actually Taste Good
Clean Plates: 10 Panera Meals Nutritionists Actually Order
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares! Please remember to tag @alywalansky and 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.
Please remember when pitching me: Email me at alywalansky@gmail.com - do NOT just hit reply on this newsletter, or there’s a good shot your email will be lost in the heap. Give your email a subject line that makes it clear which story you are pitching me for — it’ll help you in the long run.
Please consult my industry insights guides on submitting expert commentary, sending emails that will catch a journalist’s attention, how to craft pitches journalists will say ‘yes’ to, and the right and wrong way to submit photos, if you need any extra guidance before sending your pitches.
Forbes
I’m rounding up great dishes in honor of National Oyster Day, which is the first week in August. Please only pitch me when you have all the components (Try to think of it this way: Emailing me without the, say, image or quote, is the same as not emailing me at all.)
Name of dish
where available (city, state, name of restaurant — it MUST be on a bar/restaurant menu or be a special that someone can order)
Description (a recipe is not necessary)
Quote about dish (please remember to include who is being quoted)
LINK to image and appropriate photo credits (even better if you include those photo credits in the file name of the photo)
Looking to up your affiliate marketing game?
Affiliate marketing is complicated, and it seems that the landscape keeps changing. If you are looking to be prepared for gift guide season and all other shopping-related content, you may want to try the 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!)
Virtual (and now in-person!) consulting sessions...
Looking for a consult as you plan your next event or trip? Or just want someone to take a look at the pitches you’ve been sending and give some feedback?
I've been popping into a lot of PR team virtual meetings and some other fun stuff and making myself available to answer all sorts of questions about pitching, events, and trips from a media perspective. I like to keep these things chill and comfortable and relaxed all by sharing perspective and learning from one another. Note: I’m also available to travel for consulting sessions as long as travel expenses are covered. We can chat!
If you are interested in setting anything up for your own team in the coming months, please email me and we'll get something on the books! This is available for entire agencies or smaller group lunch and learn type concepts. If you are a freelance publicist and want to join in with a few other freelance publicist friends and set something up, we can do that as well!
Have a great day!
Opened this one, saw the pic first, and immediately thought - DID ALY GET A CAT?! I CAN'T WAIT TO SPAM HER WITH CAT MEMES!!! lol - I will try to control myself. Have a great week!
Caviar Day, Tequila Day, and now OYSTER DAY?! This is the best stretch of food/drink days EVER 😂
Also, Mr. Theo is adorbs 💜