Good morning!
Happy May Day!
Five new stories have published since the last newsletter I sent out — check them out in the newly published stories section below…
But first…
I hate to play school principal, and there’s a few administrative issues I wish I didn’t have to bring up…
This weekend, I noticed a subscriber upgrading to a paid subscription and then unsubscribing just a few minutes later. This is not the first time someone has done this — it’s a way of reading paid content without being a subscriber.
Please never do this. It’s really no different than going into a department store, buying a dress, wearing that dress to a party, and then returning that dress. This is not Rent the Runway, and that is stealing. And, seriously, a month’s subscription to the paid version of this newsletter causes vaguely as much as a venti latte…is it really worth damaging relationships just to avoid paying for the subscription you asked for?
Also, just the day before, someone — rather than unsubscribing in the normal way - issued a dispute with their credit card company. They then, after I reached out to see what was going on and why they did that, they emailed me that they had “forgot to unsubscribe” so this was their way of reversing the charges.
This causes fees and penalties on my end.
In this case, it’s not only buying a dress to wear and return and ultimately use but not pay for, but spilling red wine on it in the process that I then need to get cleaned out. It’s a really uncool thing to do to someone.
(I’m getting a bit too involved in this metaphor, forgive me.)
I get that we’re all struggling and going through tough times here and trying to save a few bucks wherever we can, but I’m self employed too (and I struggle as well!). I love the opportunity to share my insights and commentary with subscribers regularly — but please don’t take advantage or steal from us (and I say us because I know similar has happened to other friends with Substacks). It’s not a kind or considerate thing to do and at the end of the day…being kind and considerate is all that really matters.
We’re all just trying to survive here, right? Don’t make it any harder than it has to be. Especially for those of us who are just here trying to help everyone. And, remember, at the end of the day — all we do here is about building and maintaining relationships, and taking advantage of someone is not the way to do it.
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!)
TODAY.com: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these spicy restaurant deals and freebies
Forbes.com: Fun Cocktails For A Cinco De Mayo Celebration
Best Life: The 6 Most Dangerous Foods to Put in the Microwave, Experts Say
Parade.com: Can You Really Keep a Jar of Honey Forever? Food Experts Settle the Age-Old Debate
Parade.com: This No-Tears Method Is How You Should Actually Cut an Onion, According to Chefs
Everyday Health: Is Blue Matcha Good for You?
RetailMeNot: 11 Gorgeous Pieces of Mother’s Day Jewelry Under $150
Forbes.com: Planning A Coronation Viewing Party? You'll Need Cocktails Fit For A King
Forbes.com: Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Mail-Order Dinners
Forbes.com: Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Pantry Staples For From-Scratch Cooks
Forbes.com: Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Grilling Gear
Forbes.com: Fairmont Hotels Has Launched A Tea Blend Perfect For Sipping During Coronation Viewing Parties
Food Network: Panda Express and Cult-Favorite Fly By Jing Join Forces On New Menu Item
Clean Plates: 13 Low-Lift, Fast Trader Joe’s Lunches You Need to Buy
YourTango: 20 Very Important Habits Of People Who Age Extremely Well
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.com
I’m looking for spots (in London and otherwise) that are doing fun coronation watch parties - be it hotels, bars, pubs, etc. If you will be watching Wills pledge his liege to his dad on a big screen while having a specialty cocktail, I want to know all about it!
I’m looking for bars/restaurants that are doing special cocktails for Mother’s Day. If you are, please tell me what the cocktail is, what’s in it, why it’s great for the occasion, and include a link to an image of the cocktail) - also be sure to tell me where your bar/restaurant is located and its name/URL and give me the name/title of anyone quoted with commentary about the cocktail.
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!
Good word on all! Will you be posting your other tips to round out the Top 5 for Press Trip planning dos & don'ts? :-) Thanks!