Monday: The complete guide to updating your media list + new stories in the works!
Time's running out: You can still RSVP for our August Zoom webinar event.
Good morning!
Had a great time last night with Sarah Karger (who I know many of you know very well!), who flew into NYC last night and came directly from the airport to visit me in Brooklyn, luggage in tow (and believe it or not, this is not the first time she’s done that!) …
We had a lovely evening at one of my favorite neighborhood spots (you may remember it as the one that puts rainbow cookies as a garnish on their espresso martinis, that I gushed about a few weeks ago!).
I’m traveling tomorrow and for the rest of the week (but don’t worry, wifi-permitting, you’ll still get your daily email, of course!), today’s agenda is very much about life administration…but first…
Today, I'm going to talk a little about the crucial importance of updating and editing your media list.
PR and media relationships are all about communication, and, well, relationships. We've all dealt with situations where we are pitched using the wrong name (My most common misspellings are Amy and Alyssa, for anyone interested…), but honestly, there's a long and varied list of wrong names used for us on a regular basis. That's extra funny because my name is IN my correct email address!
Related: Remember, my email address is alywalansky@gmail.com - please do not just hit respond on this email, but use that one and start a new thread when emailing me. It’s the best way for me to see your email.
But it's more than using the wrong name. It is common for media to be pitched for outlets they haven't written for in years. In fact, those outlets sometimes no longer exist. It's also common for a food writer to be pitched light bulbs, or a parenting writer to be pitched lawn mowers. All of these issues could be remedied by editing and updating media lists, and that will be the topic of today's chat...
(More at the bottom of today’s email!)
Reminder: Have you signed up for our big annual Zoom workshop webinar event where participants can ask us anything about all things related to pitching holiday gift guides (our most popular AMA session each year!) — seats are going fast and we have limited capacity, but you can still register!
Book your summer consulting session!
I still have some space available for August!
I can join your team on Zoom, a phone call, or in-person and do a team Q&A and answer any of your questions about planning events, mailers, trips, pitching, followups, etc — giving you a very necessary media perspective. Email me at alywalansky@gmail.com if you are interested in chatting more and setting something up :)
I’m now contributing to the Yahoo Creators platform: check out my author profile to see some of my most recent pieces!
Limited-time deal on ad placement!
I’m offering a seasonal special on advertising in this newsletter. I’d love to place your sponsored posts and advertising in this Substack, which goes out to nearly 10,000 media professionals every single day.
Note: I do limit advertising to only what would be of interest to my readers, but am open to both short paragraph blurbs and dedicated posts - if you are interested in chatting details and scheduling something, please email me at alywalansky@gmail.com today!
Tools of the trade
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!)
Press Hook is where journalists, newsletter writers, and podcasters source expert quotes, hi-res images, product samples, affiliate info, and brand story angles — all from vetted brands in one searchable hub. It connects journalists and brands in what feels like a really user-friendly, organic way and I use it often to browse for sources and products aligned with my current projects and I’ve often found precisely what I need, when I need. Give it a try!
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.
Yahoo Creators: Check out my author profile (I have several new stories a day across the lifestyles umbrella, so that’s the best way to stay updated!)
Food Network: IHOP Brings an Extra Layer of Luxury to Dubai Chocolate
Forbes.com: 14 Delectable Ways To Enjoy Oysters On National Oyster Day
Southern Living: We Asked Southern Chefs Their Favorite Brand Of Baked Beans—And This Brand Won By A Landslide
Travel & Leisure: 15 Amazon Business Casual Clothes for Summer Travel.
The Kitchn: These "Vintage" Mason Jars Are So Gorgeous, You'll Want One in Every Room
The Kitchn: This "Adorable" Mini Waffle Maker Has Over 4,000 5-Star Reviews
The Kitchn: These $1 Potato Chips Are So Good, Shoppers Are Buying 5 Bags at a Time
Forbes.com: 18 Burgers To Try When It’s Time To Kick The Classic Up A Notch
Forbes.com: 12 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Chicken Wings
Food Network: Popeyes’ New Signature Sauce Goes With Just About Everything
Apartment Therapy: I Bring These Brilliant Insect Repellent Wipes Everywhere I Go (They’re Travel-Friendly!)
Southern Living: The One-Pan Cheesy Meal I Make Whenever I'm Too Tired To Cook
Apartment Therapy: 10 Things I Got Rid Of After 45
Apartment Therapy: Summer Packing Tips from People Who Travel for a Living
Travel & Leisure: 6 Best Business Travel Airplane Outfits, From $12
Travel & Leisure: I’m a Travel Writer, and I Swear by These Packable Ballet Flats for Comfort, Support, and Long Days on My Feet
Travel & Leisure: I Found the Perfect Walking Shoes to Prevent Sore Feet During Travel — Score Styles on Sale Up to 62% Off
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
Before pitching: Please be sure to refer to my photo submission guidelines for help with photo submission best practices!
National Potato Day is coming up - please pitch me the best potato dishes at your restaurant or bar (and yes, fries are totally allowed if they are fun presentations!). To pitch, please always use this format and don’t skip any parameters:
Name of dish
Restaurant, city, state, website
Description of dish
Quote from chef about dish (plus name and title of person quoted)
Image and photo credit (I prefer links to attachments!)