A deep dive with Muck Rack's most viewed freelance journos
Plus a Mother's Day gift guide pitch call + new job opps
After spring break and Cesar Chavez Day, this morning was the first time in 10 days that my alarm went off for the school bus at 6 am. It was painful. (So very painful.) But the house is quiet during the day again, and that’s helpful for a working mama!
As I shared earlier this year, Muck Rack named me among its list of the top 10 most popular freelance journalists for 2024 by views. (Aw, shucks!) Now, the platform has asked three of those writers — myself along with Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner and Brad Japhe — for a bit more about our stories and our processes.
You can read the whole thing here, but here are a few snippets from my interview answers to help my readers get to know me better! (Also, my dad says there’s useful stuff in here for any profession, not just writers, and he’s always right. 😉 So I hope you find a useful takeaway in here you might be able to apply, too.)
Do you have a specific niche or beat? Where are some places your work has appeared?
Alesandra “Alice” Dubin (AD): My niche is lifestyle with a focus on travel. My work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Insider, Esquire, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, Parents, AFAR, Glamour, TODAY, The Hollywood Reporter, Business Traveler, Elle Decor, Verywell Family… and on and on and on!
How did you get into freelance writing? Tell us a bit about your career path.
AD: I started my career as a staff editor at a trade publication for the event industry, and spent many years with the same outlet, moving with it from New York (where I’d earned my masters in journalism at NYU and started my career) back to my hometown of Los Angeles (where I launched what was then the new bureau).
When my pay (and consequently my work output expectations) suffered a cut in the last major recession, I started freelancing on the side and ended up taking on more and more work for a new outlet that eventually hired me in a full-time, W-2 position. When that role ended a couple of years later in a layoff as part of a restructuring, I started freelancing as a stopgap measure—but I fell in love with being my own boss and I have never looked back.
Alice on a press trip in London during the coronation last May.
Please share your favorite recent byline.
AD: In January, I got stranded in Hawaii on a family vacation as a result of the grounding of the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 fleet. I had travel insurance, tons of hotel connections, and I was stuck in paradise—so it was a delight!
I also managed to turn it into four bylines with four different angles on the news for four prestigious publications: Travel + Leisure, Insider, Business Traveler USA and The Points Guy. I was proud of pounding the pavement in real time to make that happen.
Have you ever been laid off from a journalism job? Do you have any advice for a newly laid off journalist?
AD: As previously mentioned, I sure have. That layoff was so painful—it shook my whole identity and sense of worth to the core. I feared it was the end of my career. I started freelancing as a stopgap measure while I looked for new employment and— spoiler: I figured out freelancing is the place to be! It’s generally better compensated, more interesting, more flexible, more varied, and best of all—it’s my own name on the door.
I have told many laid-off journalists the same message: Once you establish yourself as a freelancer, you may find you wouldn’t go back to the other side for anything. It’s the best job in the world.
What’s your top tip for pitching a new publication?
AD: This advice is as much for me as it is for anyone else: Just do it! Don’t let fear or imposter syndrome prevent you from pitching. Don’t assume “this will never work.” Instead, craft the pitch and let the editor decide before you talk yourself out of your own pitch’s worthiness in your head.
Also, this may be controversial, but I pitch multiple outlets simultaneously, especially if the story is time sensitive. I believe it’s very much time for old conventions surrounding simultaneous pitches to die. (I do briefly disclose when it’s a simultaneous pitch.)
What advice do you have for fellow journalists looking to move into freelancing?
AD: I don’t believe that you can make a living as a freelance writer in the current era—at least not in a high cost-of-living area with kids (as is my situation)—if you hold out for only the most meaningful or glamorous bylines. I’m not too proud to write all kinds of content that pays the bills and keeps my writing muscles limber! And I definitely don’t just wait until I’m inspired to sit down and write—this is a great job, but it’s a job after all and some tedium is required.
Tools of the trade
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
I use Otter.ai to record interviews and Zoom meetings and also to transcribe them in real time. It’s a game changer. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
You already know my own press opportunities are in this very Substack! I’m also an affiliate partner for Press Hook, where publicists can create and manage press kits and brand profiles on behalf of clients and use the AI-driven platform to connect with journalists in a streamlined way. You can give it a try with a 14-day free trial — and if you use it, let me know what you think.
I’m also a partner for Press Loft, officially launching in the coming weeks in the US. The platform connects journalists with brands and PR agencies — primarily, but not exclusively, in the interior, home decor, and gifting categories. (It’s already among the top resources in the UK.) It offers some cool features like image-enhancing tools that use AI to turn low-res images into high-res ones. And you can upload product images and information to specific image libraries that journalists can access 24/7. Check it out with a free trial.
Open press opportunities
For The Hollywood Reporter, I’m working on a story rounding up the best gifts for moms. [Braces for inbox impact.] Please (only) send pitches for truly clever, beautiful, cool things that are a relevant fit for this audience.
STILL OPEN: For Travel + Leisure, I’m working on a roundup of the best hotels in Kauai. With your pitches, please send along the following info required for inclusion, which will help streamline the reporting process if I do select the property for inclusion:
Location (neighborhood):
Distance from Airport (miles):
Accessibility:
Loyalty Programs:
Wi-Fi (only if not included in the rate):
Parking (yes/no and rates)
Resort fee (y/n)
Rates (starting rates)
Recently published or updated
The 9 Best Waterproof Mascaras for Beach Getaways, Destination Weddings, and Long Travel Days (Travel + Leisure)
Why Doesn’t Aldi Play Music in its Stores? (Southern Living)
Springtime Event Ideas From Janie and Jack’s Cheerful Garden Party (BizBash)
Is it Safe to Eat Lemon Peels? (Southern Living)
Flight Attendants Reveal 11 Travel Essentials on Their Wish Lists for Amazon's Big Spring Sale — From $10 (Travel + Leisure)
We're Shocked That Madewell's Massive Insider Sale Has Discounts Up to 78% Off — Shop Our 36 Favorite Steals (Travel + Leisure)
Spring Cleaning: This Whimsical BÉIS Pop-Up Created a Car Wash for Your Luggage (BizBash)
Amazon Is a Gold Mine for Travel Essentials This Spring — Shop the Best Luggage, Shoes, and More From $10 (Travel + Leisure)
These 40 Best NYC Hotels Are the Epitome of Luxury and Elegance (Bazaar)
The best all-inclusive family resorts where you can vacation without ever opening your wallet (BabyCenter)
30 Best Pi Day Jokes and Puns to Help You Celebrate on March 14 (Good Housekeeping)
18 Best Kids’ Purim Costume Ideas of 2024 (Woman’s Day)
Wasabi: Why It’s So Uniquely Spicy (The Well)
A flight cancellation stranded my family for days — and it was the best vacation we've had in years (Business Insider)
Ahead of ‘White Lotus’ Season 3, Book These Luxurious Thailand Resorts Before the Reservation Rush (The Hollywood Reporter)
20 Best Passover Gifts for 2024, from Traditional to Fun (Woman’s Day)
These 12 Accessories Are Travelers' Secrets to Getting Everything in a Carry-on — and They're on Sale From $7 (Travel + Leisure)
Can You Eat Raw Green Beans? (Southern Living)
Can You Eat Bay Leaves? (Southern Living)
How I got $2,900 of expenses covered after the 737 MAX 9 grounding stranded me in Hawaii (The Points Guy)
The 25 Best Hotels in Hawaii for Families of All Ages and Sizes (Elle Decor)
After a Flight Cancellation Left Me Stuck for 4 Days, These Are the 12 Travel Essentials I'll Always Pack (Travel + Leisure)
20 of the Best Las Vegas Hotels for Couples on and Off the Strip (Harper’s Bazaar)
Stranded in Paradise: How the 737 MAX Grounding Left Us Stuck in Hawaii (Business Traveler)
Iconic Kona Village Resort Is Reborn as a Rosewood (The Hollywood Reporter)
Obsessed With Staying In Bed? It Could Be Dysania (The Well)
What Is It Like to Fly Fiji Airways Business Class from Los Angeles? (Business Traveler)
One of my twins got sick right before a trip. I took the other twin, and we had an unexpected bonding time. (Business Insider)
The 10 Best Essentials to Pack for Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort and Other Warm-Weather Theme Parks (The Hollywood Reporter)
The Best New York City Hotels for Families to Make Everyone Feel Right at Home (Town & Country)
20 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Teens Who Are Hard to Impress (Country Living)
I'm a Frequent Flier, and These Are the 14 Airplane Outfits to Wear to Get Upgraded to First Class — From $16 (Travel + Leisure)
16 Luxurious Florida Resorts That Take Relaxation to New Levels (Elle Decor)
Is Real Estate Investing Still the Best Way to Build Wealth? Experts Say… (HomeLight)
8 Train Rides Around the World That Immerse You in Gorgeous Landscapes (AFAR)
32 of the Best Glamping Destinations Across the United States That Are Seriously Gorgeous (Country Living)
30 of the Best Places in London for Afternoon Tea (Town & Country)
Tax Breaks for Buying a House: 13 Tax-Savings Opportunities You Might Be Able to Claim (HomeLight)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are free! Have an open opportunity you want me to promote? Share it with me at info@alicedubin.com.
Rise at Seven is hiring a digital PR strategist based in NYC. “You will most likely have a minimum of three years’ experience in PR agency side or in-house, with some experience in digital and traditional PR as well as a good understanding of SEO and social media platform operations.” Salary is in the $65K to $75K range, depending on experience.
Quinn PR is hiring a senior account supervisor in a commutable distance to Los Angeles. The ideal candidate will have four+ years of PR agency and management experience working on real estate, travel, and lifestyle brands and must demonstrate they have current and relevant media relationships. Candidates can learn more and apply here.
Work with me
I am always available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged audience of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
How to help
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children.
Donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong fund and the Maui Humane Society.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.