Monday: Newly published content, and all my pending assignments for this week

Plus: Here's how you can support the freelancers in your life

Good morning and happy Monday!

It goes without saying that late March/early April is always sort of an angsty time for freelancers (of any ilk) as it’s when taxes are due (I e-filed last week…egads!) — but also when our first estimated quarterly tax payment of the next year is coming up.

So, it’s a dicey month!

Pair that with a time we’re in a very shaky media landscape ripe with layoffs and publisher cutbacks and it’s a great time (though all times are great times!) to support all freelancers you know and love.

So, you may be asking yourself, what’s a good way to support your friendly freelancer? Well, upgrading to a paid subscription if you are enjoying this newsletter and find it to be a useful resource is a fantastic way to go! You will get access to AMA Zoom discussions every month or so, as well as weekly Industry Insights newsletters, subscriber-specific chat threads, and so much more.

Another way to support this newsletter (and me!) is to enquire about booking a virtual consulting session for yourself or your agency. Scroll down for more information on what those entail, below in the latter part of this newsletter. This doesn’t just go for me, of course — I’m just one of many people you probably work with every day and want to (hopefully!) work with more often in more ways.

There’s ways to support ALL the freelancers in your lives. For example, if you work with someone who is great at what they do, and hear about editors looking for opportunities for writers, always make those referrals (I do that for my writer friends and my PR friends, too, and making those connections can be an amazing resource for everyone involved.)

Speaking of Industry Insights, this weekend’s newsletter was about the proper usage of those buzz words that are often wrongly used, from exclusive to embargo. Check it out here.

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!)

• Forbes.com: Capture The Spirit Of The Season With Whimsical Easter Cocktails

• Forbes.com: Orchard Park By David Burke Offers High-End Fare In The Most Unassuming Of Locations

• The Kitchn: This Grilled Cheese Stroopwafel Recipe Is the 2-in-1 Dish You Didn’t Know You Needed

• YourTango: 40 Best Energy-Boosting Foods & Drinks To Make A Part Of Your Diet

• Food Network: You Can Get a Free Cone at Dairy Queen on March 20

• Forbes.com: Delta Air Lines Has Finally Brought Back Kids Meals

• Clean Plates: 20 Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Snacks You Can Make in a Snap

• Food Network: What Does Chipotle’s New Chicken al Pastor Taste Like?

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

Mother’s Day Jewelry Under $100: This is an update of the story I wrote last year. In your pitch, please include a product description, stones used, etc, as well as the general aesthetic of the piece, as well as retailer and price. I’m totally fine with including some small businesses and lesser-known brands because I want to include cool and unique things that will make great gifts — but obviously also would love pitches from items available on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Macy's, Kays, and similar.

The Best Easter Sales for 2023: I’m updating this article from last year. For this story, I’m trying to focus on last-minute sales, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be pegged to Easter, as there’ll also be a ton of spring sales going on, too. So, really anything that helps you get Easter Basket stuffers, clothes, table decor, spring decor or whatever else for Easter is fair game. Trying to include some major retailers in this, such as Target, CVS, Walmart, Michaels, Macy's.

Stores Closed on Easter Sunday (+ Easter Store Hours for 2023): You may recall this is a giant guide I do for RMN every major holiday, and Easter is getting the treatment again this year. I’ll be updating this story from last year — so if I included you in last year’s story and you have updated info for me, or want to tell me the info is not updated and is the same, please email me. I’m  looking to mostly keep the same format, and simply adjust for 2023.

Runner's World

I’m working on another story for Runner’s World! This one is focused on smoothies for cyclists -- I’m looking for RDs to submit a few simple (think a few ingredients) smoothie recipes (will link back of course!) - and give a bit of commentary about why these smoothies are great for pre or post workout. Would love by EOD today please!

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’ll be working on a story on great wines, snacks, and products to buy for Passover 2023. It is IMPERATIVE for this story that everything I include be certified as kosher for Passover (not just kosher - it’s a distinct certification). Please be sure to confirm before pitching.

I’m also looking for Passover-inspired cocktails you can find at bars and restaurants. This one is trickier because I realize for this one a lot of submissions will probably come from places not kosher for Passover or even kosher — that’s fine for this story (but not the other one). This one, I need name of drink, where served, a description, a quote about it, (how is it inspired by Passover?), and an image of the cocktail.

Looking forward, 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!

<3

aly