Wednesday: So much going on this week + check out my new refer-a-friend bonuses (Who doesn't love sharing love?!)
Good morning and happy Wednesday!
Happy to share the big RetailMeNot guide to July 4th sales I’ve been compiling for weeks is now live — there’s some exciting deals in there, if I may say so myself.
In other news, I have another exciting podcast appearance coming up - can’t wait to share it with you!
Stay tuned for more information on that (and other podcast appearances in the works that I’ll be sharing soon…)
Last night, I attended a lovely event celebrating the summer solstice via the theme of the quintessential Italian summer. It was hosted at a beautiful spot in Long Island City (I love when brands think out of the box - literally! - and have events outside of Manhattan!), and was hosted by Puglian winery Tormaresca over a beautiful menu of Apulian cuisine. It really felt like I was back in Italy for a few hours — and I didn’t even need my passport!
Thank you for being a friend!
I don’t think I say it often enough, but thank you so much for taking the time each and every morning to read my newsletter — it’s your support that gives me the momentum I need to keep at it many days. As many of us know quite acutely, the world of a freelancer can sometimes feel very isolated and lonely, and having this community to interact with and share a part of ourselves with each day has been an incredible feeling.
If you enjoy the content in this newsletter, it would mean the world to me if you invited friends to subscribe and join our little community. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to increased benefits that come with a paid subscription, such as Industry Insights newsletters, exclusive AMA Zooms, and so much more.
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Thank you for helping get the word out!
Don’t miss this one-day-only Tiny Turnips deal
I’m really into the Tiny Turnips line (the spoonulas are genius and so fun!), and for one day they are doing 50% off their sustainable and eco-friendly line full of adorable kitchen essentials.
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! Check out my guest appearance on the Italian Wine Podcast this week, where we discussed all things Substack. Other recent podcast appearances include the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ podcast with the incredible (and super fun!) Lexie Smith, where we chatted about 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.
RetailMeNot: Here Are the Best Fourth of July Sales of 2023
Forbes.com: 20 Perfect Cocktails To Enjoy This Independence Day
Pawp.com: Is Your Dog Afraid Of Fireworks? 8 Tips To Calm Your Anxious Dog
Parade.com: Caterers Say These Are the 8 Craziest Wedding Food Trends They’re Seeing This Summer—Are They on Your List?
RetailMeNot: Stores Open Fourth of July + Fourth of July Store Hours
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.com
And Just Like That… is returning soon and that means a lot of people will be drinking a lot of nostalgic cosmos. I’m looking for creative variations on the cosmo that even Carrie Bradshaw would approve of. If you have something available at your bar or restaurant - be it a cocktail, even a dessert, or even a cosmo-themed appetizer, I’m into it - please pitch me with the following info — where it’s available, what it is, a description, a quote about it and an image with appropriate credit info. The more unique and fun, the better! Thanks! As the new season premieres tomorrow evening (ahh!!!), I’d love all responses to this by EOD today.
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!
Appreciate all the efforts with your daily newsletter and insights to make us all work smarter and more collaboratively! Excited to check out the next podcast appearance too!
Thank YOU Aly for being an incredible person! It's so easy to cheer you on and tell others how helpful and entertaining your newsletter is :)