Tuesday: Seeking expert commentary and pitches for several new stories
Every travel writer has that dream invite they fantasize about, hope for, and try to manifest into the universe.
That invite popped into my inbox this morning.
I don’t want to write more about it here until all is confirmed and set in stone, but when I’m able to share…let’s just say it’s VERY exciting and VERY me and I’m already imagining a half-dozen story angles surrounding it.
Never be afraid to set your intentions. You never know when the universe is actually paying attention!
In other news, have some fun new stories to share that published since yesterday — including a new menu option at Chipotle I had the opportunity to do an advance tasting of and REALLY enjoyed.
Yesterday was one of those INSANELY hectic days — but everything got done and went smoothly, which is a blessing all in its own right, and I was done in time to spend last night watching that docuseries on HULU about MH370 mystery and holy crap was it fascinating — in an intensely devastating way. Highly recommend giving it a watch when you have some time.
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!)
Forbes.com: Delta Air Lines Has Finally Brought Back Kids Meals
Mashed.com: Mistakes Everyone Makes When Making Cinnamon Rolls
Mashed.com: Mistakes You're Making With Homemade Icing
Taste of Home: Lay’s Cheesy Garlic Bread Chips Will Be Back for 2023
The Kitchn: This Copycat Recipe for Birthday Cake Truffles Is One of the Best You’ll Find
Pawp.com: What Can I Give My Cat For Pain? Signs Your Cat's In Pain & How To Help
Food Network: What Does Chipotle’s New Chicken al Pastor Taste Like?
The Kitchn: KitKat-Flavored Cereal Is Hitting Shelves Soon — But There’s Just One Catch
Food Network: Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed Doughnuts Go Bright Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Taste of Home: What Is “Hero Meal Prep”?
Clean Plates: We Found the Healthiest and Best-Tasting Organic Peanut Butters
Forbes.com: Cocktails Perfect For Sipping On St. Patrick’s Day
Forbes.com: Have A Sweet Saint Patrick’s Day With These Festive Desserts
Taste of Home: You Need These 4 Simple Tricks to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer French Fries Ever
YourTango: 13 Safe Ways To Remove Pesky Hair Dye Stains From Your Skin
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.
GLOSSY
This is not a story I’m working on but a great lead I’m sharing on behalf of the amazing Amber Katz, who is working on a story for Glossy on hotels that sell high-end beauty products (think: Dyson hairdryers, T3 heat tools and beauty products in the mini bar like sheet masks, etc.) Do you rep a hotel that offers any of these items? If so, please email Amber at amber@rouge18.com by Wednesday.
Runner's World
I’m working on another story for Runner’s World! This one is focused on smoothies for cyclists -- I’m looking to interview two RDs who can chat about what ingredients are good for smoothies and why, and I’d love if they can break down and share some recipe. They don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Please when sharing these ingredients/recipes, explain if they are good for pre-race fueling or post-race recovery.
TODAY.com
I’m beginning to round up Cinco de Mayo food deals at chain restaurants. I’m not looking for free delivery or reward point type of deals at this time but more BOGOs, freebies, discounts, etc. Please be sure to tell me how to claim the deal (i.e. coupon code, downloading app, etc) when responding.
Forbes.com
I’ll be working on a story on great wines, snacks, and products to buy for Passover 2023. It is IMPERATIVE for this story that everything I include be certified as kosher for Passover (not just kosher - it’s a distinct certification). Please be sure to confirm before pitching.
I’m also looking for Passover-inspired cocktails you can find at bars and restaurants. This one is trickier because I realize for this one a lot of submissions will probably come from places not kosher for Passover or even kosher — that’s fine for this story (but not the other one). This one, I need name of drink, where served, a description, a quote about it, (how is it inspired by Passover?), and an image of the cocktail.
Also for Forbes, I’m looking for Easter-inspired cocktails found at bars and restaurants (same parameters as above, please!).
Finally, I’m rounding up creative Easter baskets brands are doing (must be food or spirits related) — are you a bakery that is doing a basket of fun cookies and pastries that is shippable, in honor of Easter? Or a chocolate shop doing the same with a basket of fun confections? Please let me know!
Looking forward, I am looking for bars/restaurants around the world that have created specialty cocktails in honor of the coronation of King Charles III this May. I’ll need the usual — where it is, what’s in it, why it’s a perfect cocktail for the occasion, a quote from a bartender/owner/chef, and a high res image. I’m really excited about this one, so lets try to find some great cocktails!
Looking to up your affiliate marketing game?
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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!
Just have to say HI and wish I had more clients that fit what you're working on! Holy cow - you are killing it! so many great stories that recently went live - congrats friend! xx