Tuesday: Is that sample you are sending actually a loan? Here's why you need to disclose it. ALSO: Timely story sourcing needs.
Good morning!
Admin note: This is a pre-scheduled email. I’m on a ship today, pretending I live in an episode of Doctor Odyssey (minus the throuples and orcas, as far as I am aware!), but because I hate to leave you empty handed for your daily morning coffee read, scheduled this email to arrive as-scheduled today…and I’ll see you tomorrow!
Today, I wanted to have a brief discussion on a topic that arose out of my ever-anxiety-inducing inbox.
A few dozen times each day, I will be emailed asking if I’d like a sample of something to consider for an upcoming story.
I, in general, say no to MOST of those sample offers — we’re talking like 90% — (I simply don’t have the space, TBH, but also I know budgets are tight and I’m only going to accept a sample when it’s truly helpful for what I’m working on currently or I something I am confident I will have strong potential to write about in the future) - in this one potential case I’m about to illustrate for my point, I said yes.
For some background: There was no mention in the initial email of it being a trial or a loan, and this was not a high-priced item.
After agreeing to the sample (which, again, I did not ASK for, but was offered in an email initiated by them, and not by me) and going back and forth over several emails working out the specifications, I was told it’d be a short-term loaner.
Ultimately, I had to graciously decline the sample.
(And, to be honest, I’m grateful for that exchange, because just this weekend I received a package in the mail where I found out it was something that needed to be returned AFTER receiving it…with no acknowledgment of that beforehand.)
Everyone is dealing with limited budgets these days, and everyone has every right in the world (a responsibility, even) to plan events or offer samples for review within the confines of that budget. But they need to do so while providing full disclosure. That’s simply the only right thing to do.
Those of us who do not have access to a mail room or a car or a FedEx drop off location in nearby proximity (or exist in a walkup apartment with super limited space) may choose to not accept a product to be sent at all if it means having to pack it up and send it back after and should have that knowledge informed in their decision making process.
This serves as an important reminder: When sending a sample, whether for consideration or review, ALWAYS say beforehand if you have expectations of it being returned. Loaners are fine - but ONLY if agreed that is the situation beforehand. Before someone has it in their home. It’s the considerate, professional, and responsible thing to do. Thanks for attending my TED talk!
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I’m also 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!
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Thank you for helping get the word out!
We had an amazing turnout at our recent Mother’s Day gift guide pitching workshop — and there’s a full recording available for paid subscribers. If you are interested in me sending you the video link, drop me an email. Thanks so much for your support and happy gift guide pitching!
Related: We loved how many of attended you took the time to attend our webinar event last month, covering the upcoming ShareASale to Awin migration. We covered an overview of the migration process and timeline, pricing of networks, and choosing a network for your specific client needs. If you missed it, we do have a recording available for paid subscribers. Email if interested and I’ll share how to grab that recording as well!
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!)
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: I Tried the Pomodoro Technique for Tax Prep — Here’s Why I’ll Never Do It Another Way
FoodNetwork.com: 2025 Tax Season Food Deals At Restaurants Nationwide
Today.com: Best drugstore wrinkle creams 2025, according to experts
Forbes.com: The Pizza Martini Creates A Sippable Version Of Everyone’s Favorite Snack
Forbes.com: 7 Celebratory Cocktails To Enjoy This Passover
Forbes.com: 17 Spring-Inspired Cocktails To Enjoy This Easter
Forbes.com: 15 Sustainable Cocktails To Enjoy During Earth Month
Travel & Leisure: I Travel Solo Often, and I Won’t Stay in Another Airbnb Without Packing This 1 Safety Device
Yahoo Life!: Best pedometers of 2025, tested and reviewed
Yahoo Life: The best black tea to brew in 2025, according to testers and experts
Travel & Leisure: I Found the Perfect Walking Shoes to Prevent Sore Feet During Travel — Score Styles on Sale Up to 62% Off
Apartment Therapy: The $3 Cleaning Gem I Use in Almost Every Room of My Small Apartment
Food Network: Popeyes Is Bringing Its Most Popular Sauces to Grocery Aisles.
Southern Living: KFC Is Bringing Back Their Most-Requested Side—But For 2 Weeks Only
Travel & Leisure: In-flight Theft Is Unfortunately a Thing, but These 12 Items Give Me Peace of Mind When I'm Traveling by Plane
Apartment Therapy: I Asked Pro Travelers to Share Their Packing Tips for Spring Break
RetailMeNot: How to Save Money on Groceries in 2025: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Southern Living: The Unexpected Reason I Always Travel With Duct Tape—And You Should Too
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.
Saatva
Biggest Bed Sizes: I’m working on a post for the Saatva blog on biggest bed sizes - and might need a bit of sleep expert commentary. Email if you have anyone (they cannot work for a competing mattress brand!)
Newsweek Reader’s Choice Nominations
As I have mentioned in the past, I’m on the committee of food and travel journalists that work on nominations for the Newsweek Readers Choice awards in a variety of categories. Currently working on categories that include: Best Meal Delivery Kits (nominees will be based on Food Quality: Are fresh ingredients provided? Is the food organic? Seasonal? Are the kits shipped in refrigerated boxes? Are steps taken to prevent cross contamination? Affordability: What is the cost per meal? How many meals are included in a subscription? How many people can the kit serve? Ease of Use: Are the recipes easy to follow? Are the instructions clear? Are the recipes easy to cook? Food Options: Are there options available for special dietary needs? Is there a variety of meals to choose from? Can subscribers skip/substitute a meal? (if applicable) Availability: How often do subscribers receive meals? (if applicable) Are all meals available year-round or are the meals based on seasonality? and Best Outdoor Music Festivals — nominations will be based on: The festival should be highly rated/well reviewed by attendees.n o security or safety violations should be associated with the festival, the festival is located in the US., diversity of genre, target demographic (for example, if it's a hardcore punk festival, it's probably not all-ages friendly), geographic diversity and variety (we want to represent the whole country), value for the money, seasonal diversity, events that take place in consecutive days as opposed to a series that takes place over the course of the summer.
Forbes
How To Enhance Springtime Recipes With Specialty Pantry Items And Chef-Approved Tips - this is more of a how-to/explainer than a product/shopping guide, but I’m still totally open to include products that serve the story, and very up for chef commentary!
I’m still taking pitches of Mother’s Day inspired cocktails available at bars and restaurants!
<3
aly