Thursday: Daytime press events are hard -- but THIS is how you do it right.
Good morning!
Guess what? It’s still Prime Day!
A few new pieces published since yesterday’s email: For Forbes, Expert Ideas For Your Summer Picnic Charcuterie Board. For Yahoo, Do you want fries with that? Here's 13 spots to score free fries on National French Fry Day. and for Apartment Therapy, 12 Items to Buy on Prime Day, According to Pro Organizers.
Thanks so much for the great responses to yesterday’s email. It’s a good reminder that we’re all in this together!
Speaking of all in this together, I’ve gotten a few recent unsubscribes from those who have confided they had recently lost many clients or were laid off from their agency position.
I would hate for anyone who is especially in need of the benefits of this newsletter to miss out because of finances — trust me, I get it — I struggle too in this economy! - so if you have come upon hardship and need to unsubscribe because of it, drop me an email first and let me see if I can find a way to extend your subscription on a temporary basis from my end at a discounted rate until you are back on your feet again. All I ask if that once you are client-full or back in a position, you take the opportunity to pay it forward then to someone who needs it, whether that’s buying a subscription for a newer junior colleague who may need it, or for someone else that can benefit — remember, as said above, and always, we’re in this together, and I’m always here for if you need me.
I had the best time yesterday afternoon at Espolòn Tequila’s pool party at the Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop - there was everything from tacos and margaritas to pool access, and they took over the space all afternoon, with lots of lounges and wifi, so guests could use it as their office for the afternoon, or just swing by for a cocktail before heading out for the evening. Doing it this way was SO smart - I rarely can go to daytime events because they de facto mean getting NO work done that afternoon, between getting there, being there, and getting home.
But this event completely acknowledged that it’s the middle of the day and people had to work and incorporated that option (though not requirement!) into the event. It was truly the ideal Wednesday afternoon respite and a way to be social and be responsible at the same time (and get a little color while you are at it! I’m a delightful shade of pink today!)
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
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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.
Apartment Therapy: 12 Items to Buy on Prime Day, According to Pro Organizers
Apartment Therapy: 9 Brilliant Items Pro Travelers Always Buy on Prime Day (Starting at $8!)
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
Forbes.com: Elevate Your Order Of Fries Just In Time For National French Fry Day
Forbes.com: 12 Delicious Ways To Indulge On National Fried Chicken Day
Forbes.com: 13 Delicious Ways To Enjoy Caviar
Yahoo.com: Do you want fries with that? Here's 13 spots to score free fries on National French Fry Day. (This story is still being updated if you have any more free fry deals I should add!)
Travel & Leisure: 15 Best Amazon Safety Gear Sales for July 4th
Travel & Leisure: Amazon Prime Day Kicked Off Early With These 72 Incredible Travel Essentials Deals—Up to 70% Off
HerMoney: The Best Timing for Hotel Bookings: How To Save On Your Stay
Apartment Therapy: 10 Things I Got Rid Of After 45
Apartment Therapy: Summer Packing Tips from People Who Travel for a Living
Clean Plates: 11 Best Seafood Picks at Trader Joe's, According to RDs
Travel & Leisure: 6 Best Business Travel Airplane Outfits, From $12
YourTango: Frequent Travelers Are More Likely To Succeed At Work Because They Share These 7 Traits, Experts Say
YourTango: 14 Budget-Friendly Home Upgrades That Instantly Transform Your Space, According To Experts
Travel & Leisure: I’m a Travel Writer, and This Seat Cushion Is My Secret to Arriving at Destinations Pain-free
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.
Yahoo
You may have noticed over the days leading up to Amazon Prime Day, I’ve been doing a ton of new content on Yahoo across the lifestyles umbrella. Currently working on a story on how to choose a budget-friendly sofa/loveseat for a small space (i.e. a tiny apartment, studio apartment, dorm, etc), as well as suggestions about ones that will do fit the role (good sofa at a good price but also handles the takeaway/delivery, for those of us who live in walk-up situations where there’s just no other way). Pitch me any thoughts as far as products that may be a fit but also expert input on the process!
Also, because we’re in the cycle of never-ending infernal heat waves, I’m doing a roundup of the best deals online on compact air conditioners for small spaces (ideally those that people can have delivered and installed).
I’m working on a roundup of must-have toiletries, beauty, hair, skin, and otherwise to keep as staples in your carryon when you travel. This, too, will have a first person element and there’s some of my faves I travel with non-stop that I’m absolutely including.
Forbes
I’m accepting pitches for fun and unique presentations of CHICKEN WINGS in honor National Chicken Wing Day and BURGERS in honor of National Hamburger Day at restaurants/bars nationwide. To pitch me for any of these, please make sure your pitch includes ALL of the following in this specific below format.
Name of dish
Where found (so: restaurant name, city, state, URL)
Description of dish
Quote about what makes this presentation special (plus name and title of person being quoted)
Image of dish and appropriate photo credits
** I’m also still accepting pitches for National Mac and Cheese Day (creative mac and cheese dishes) - but that one will wrap up in the next few days! Same parameters as above!
<3
aly