Happy Monday!
And it’s an extra happy Monday because today is my fur baby Lily’s 17th birthday!
(And yes, I believe she’s already aware in NYS that would make her eligible to drive…)
We made her a little birthday party, complete with a meatball-inspired birthday cake, matching bows and party dresses, and rather on-theme party favors…see more on my Instagram. (and if you want the recipe for the cake, just ask!)
And if you feel so inclined, please wish her a happy birthday while you are there, I’ll be sure to read her all the comments later!
Some new stories to share today. For Forbes, I have roundups of refreshing and low ABV spritzes, just in time for National Spritz Day, and for everyone who loves avocado as much as I do (avocado toast is my brunch go-to forever and always), check out my creative avocado dishes roundup, also for Forbes.
Also: A reminder that today is National Tequila Day! For Forbes, here’s 30 cocktails to enjoy while celebrating (responsibly, of course).
ICYM: This weekend’s Industry Insights edition focused on why it’s important (essential, really) to keep that media list current — and some ideas on how to do so.
I have a pretty busy few days ahead of me. This afternoon, I have a consulting session booked (please book yours soon! My summer schedule is filling up fast…), tomorrow afternoon I am taking a cooking workshop I’m pretty excited about, and Wednesday AM I leave for Kansas City — where I’m there on assignment for a few days on some food-related content. (And, don’t you worry, BBQ is def on the agenda.)
In between, I have packing to do and stories to write…so we need to get going with this Monday!
Job Leads
Quinn PR is looking for an Account Executive in NY
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.
Forbes.com: 15 Cocktails To Enjoy On National Spritz Day
Forbes.com: 7 Fun Dishes To Enjoy On National Avocado Day
Travel & Leisure: Mosquitoes Love Me, and This Is the Surprising Gadget I Swear by to Get Instant Bug Bite Relief
RetailMeNot: 65+ College Student Discounts
Forbes.com: 30 Cocktails To Enjoy When Celebrating National Tequila Day
Clean Plates: Is Cottage Cheese Healthy? We Asked The Experts
Clean Plates: The Best Trader Joe’s Items for Easy, Healthy Summer Entertaining
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.
RetailMeNot
I’m getting started working to update my Labor Day Store Hours roundup piece from last year. Please check the link and if you were a chain mentioned, please email me and tell me if your hours for that day are the same or need to be modified from last year’s info. (And if you are another chain with Labor Day store hours info, please do send! Thanks!)
Forbes
I’m rounding up great creative/unique dishes/drinks in honor of National Oyster Day, which are all in the next few weeks. 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/drink
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/drink (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!
Wishing Lily a happy birthday!! :)
Happy birthday Lily! :)