Tuesday: And we're back! Busy week -- newly published stories, job leads, source requests, and more!
Good morning!
We are back from the long weekend and even though it’s been several decades since I’ve had a first day of school, the first day after Labor Day kind of always feels like I should be wearing a new outfit and sharpening my pencils…
But as I work from home (so…nix an outfit, per se), and don’t really own or use any pencils to sharpen, this feels like more of an impetus to start the week strong.
Some fun new content since my most recent newsletter, such as my Southern Living piece where I share my recipe and tips for Air Fryer Grilled Cheese. There’s also a few other new pieces in the section below, as well as links to my most recent podcast appearances (more coming soon!).
Our big AMA webinar is in just two days, and those who are RSVP’d will be getting the Zoom info soon. We got so many great questions ahead of time and I really think it’s going to be a rewarding and productive session for all involved (and, a reminder: Yes, paid subscribers will get access to the recording after)!
It’s also a busy week because next week I’ll be traveling all week, then come home just in time for Rosh Hashonah, have a week packed with events the time in between, and then right after Yom Kippur, will be traveling again. So, even aside from normal deadlines and life responsibilities, September is already shaping up to be quite hectic…
(And, honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This sleepy summer has been a struggle for me!)
Job leads
Quinn PR is seeking an Account Coordinator, FL
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!
PS: I love doing podcasts!
My latest podcast appearance, on the fabulous Becoming You podcast, is now streaming!
Recently, I was also a guest on the Eat.Drink.Social podcast, and we chatted about my upcoming travel, recent press trip experiences, and so much more. Check out my guest appearance a little while ago on Jamie Stone’s A Little Too Much podcast. We had SO much fun discussing everything from the changing landscape of events and trips to our thoughts on some emerging food and cocktail trends.
Some of my latest podcast appearances include Media Circus Podcast with Taiisha Bradley, as well as the Italian Wine Podcast, where we discussed all things Substack, and the Coffee N° 5 podcast, where we chatted about effective strategies for promoting emerging brands to journalists and securing media coverage. Other recent podcast appearances include the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast with the incredible (and super fun!) Lexie Smith, where we covered everything from press dinners and events and trips to, well, sippin’!
I’ve recorded a few others that should be live soon as well and I’m always open to doing more — email me at alywalansky@gmail.com.
Southern Living: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
The Kitchn: Aldi Just Dropped a Frozen Find People Are Calling “Deeee-licious”
Food Network: Tyson’s Halloween Chicken Nuggets Are Back – With an Exciting Update
RetailMeNot: 40+ Government Employee Discounts Worth Knowing in 2023
Forbes: Cheeseburger Lovers Need To Try These 30 Epic Spins On The Classic
Forbes: A Hidden Treasure In Kansas City Is Redefining Midwestern Fine Dining
Forbes: 25 Brilliant Variations On The Negroni
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
Planning an extra-special extended friends and family gathering for the high holidays this year? Whether this is is for one of the Rosh Hashonah dinners or the post-Yom Kippur break fast, I’m interested in hearing about fun items you may want to stock up on, from interesting spirits (for example, I was pitched a whiskey matured in pomegranate wine casks), to bagel and lox combos to end the Yom Kippur fast. Has to be items that are shippable nationwide. Have anything that works? Please email me!
Also for Forbes, I’m rounding up dishes and cocktails for stories for National Coffee Day. Obviously coffee would be the star of both, and they must be on the menu at a bar/restaurant so that people can go in and order. If you have something that may be a fit, please send me the following:
Name of dish/drink
where served
description
quote from bartender/chef/owner
image and photo credit
Will be wrapping up both these stories by THIS Friday, Sept 8, so please send those pitches and other deliverables along asap. Thanks :)
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!
Hope you had a wonderful LDW!! Looking forward to checking out the podcast!