Happy Monday!
April is going to be such a wild month. It’s a holiday week, then just a few days later, I head to Ireland…then a week after that, it’s coronation time in London!
I.can’t.wait.
But until then, and during then, too, course, there’s a lot of work to be done.
Quick FYI: Keep an eye on this space, I should have a batch of new Mother’s Day gift guide assignments any day — I’m waiting on the email right now. As soon as I get them, I’ll share them here!
I want to take a second to wish the lovely Jill Schildhouse a very happy birthday. (It was actually yesterday, but don’t we observe holidays that come out on a weekend on the next day of business as well?) — if you have a moment be sure to drop her some extra love today <3
As I mentioned a few days ago, Friday was a WHIRLWIND day that started with a batch of exciting new bylines (and BTW, thanks SO MUCH for the loads of super sweet emails I got Friday after I sent out that day’s email!), went on to include teaching a workshop for college journalists (went seamlessly!), and then as a perfect finale, really special evening where I was a guest at a beautiful Shabbat dinner and made some lovely new friends in the process (not to mention delicious food!).
I’m not religious — we see me post about my love of shellfish on a regular basis! — but I loved the beautiful sense of community and friendship and tradition, and it was such an honor being included.
I spent most of the weekend focusing on holiday prep at my parents’ house, where I’ll be spending the bulk of the holiday. Passover prep is essentially turning over the kitchen for the holiday, which for those who don’t observe, just picture the most intense spring cleaning ever. Times ten.
But also in non-Passover news, I made a ginger-wasabi spin on air fryer wings last night, and the recipe is on my Instagram stories. They came out SO SO good.
A few new pieces published since Friday’s newsletter, including one on a limited-edition Passover-inspired ice cream that looks absolutely DELISH.
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!
In case you missed it, I was recently a guest on a podcast. Check it out here — I share some easy-to-follow tips on how emerging brands can get the attention of busy editors.
Speaking of podcasts, I was a guest on the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast last month (I ADORE Lexie Smith!), and you can still catch it here. We chatted at length about pitching, the ever-changing landscape of the editorial process, and more.
(Also, if you host a podcast that has anything to do with media/PR/writer content or food/bev/travel content and are interested in me coming on as a guest, I’d love if you reach out!)
Wine Enthusiast: 10 Passover Wines to Make Your Seder Shine
Eat This, Not That: 6 Steakhouse Chains That Serve the Best Fries
Southern Living: Invited To Your First Passover Seder? Here's What You Should Bring
Southern Living: How To Preheat An Air Fryer
Forbes: Fun Passover Cocktails To Welcome Guests At The Seder
Forbes: Shopping For Passover Wine And Spirits Requires Careful Preparation
Forbes: Chocolate Matzo Ice Cream Is The Perfect Dessert This Passover
Best Life: 6 Items You Should Always Have in Your Kitchen When Guests Come Over
Clean Plates: The Healthiest Tomato Sauces You Can Buy at the Grocery Store
RetailMeNot: 10 Easter Sales That Shouldn’t Be Missed for 2023
Bicycling: 10 Smoothie Recipes for Cyclists to Fuel Their Rides
Forbes.com: Capture The Spirit Of The Season With Whimsical Easter Cocktails
Forbes.com: Food-Themed Easter Baskets Add A Touch Of Whimsy To The Celebration
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.
TODAY.com
I’m beginning to round up Cinco de Mayo food deals at chain restaurants. I’m not looking for free delivery or reward point type of deals at this time but more BOGOs, freebies, discounts, etc. Please be sure to tell me how to claim the deal (i.e. coupon code, downloading app, etc) when responding.
Forbes.com
I’m looking for home entertaining experts to send some commentary over email about how to plan your own at-home coronation watch party.
Also, I am looking for bars/restaurants around the world that have created specialty cocktails in honor of the coronation of King Charles III this May. I’ll need the usual — where it is, what’s in it, why it’s a perfect cocktail for the occasion, a quote from a bartender/owner/chef, and a high res image. I’m really excited about this one, so lets try to find some great cocktails!
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!
Awww thanks for my bday shoutout!
So much fun travel ahead! Have the best time and safe travels!