How writers connect with PR pros on Substack + sourcing for new stories
File this under: delayed reaction. But I realize I never shared a salient months-old Muck Rack post about how journalists are using Substack. As you know, this is a topic dear to my heart (and key to my sourcing strategy), and I am quoted throughout the story alongside some colleagues who will be familiar to you! Check it out here: How Substack is revolutionizing the way freelance writers and PR pros work together.
And ICYMI, some other good reads here:
Let's dissect an email pitch that did everything right (steal this template!)
The surprising best practice that saves your pitch from inbox oblivion — and gets writers to read it
The worst kind of follow-up email is still flooding my inbox
Separately, it’s birthday mania around here. We just celebrated my sister’s big 5-0 (!) in Vegas, and now my husband’s birthday is coming up next week. I should probably make some plans for that: What’s everyone’s favorite place for a birthday dinner date night in LA right now?
Now onto the source requests you came for…
Open press opportunities
For Travel + Leisure, I’m looking for a travel security/safety expert (ideally not brand-affiliated) for an as-told-to-style story about travel safety/anti-theft tools and products. Please reach out asap with any viable sources.
For Good Housekeeping, I’m working on a story about March baby names. I’d love to include some insights from an expert qualified to give commentary on the topic of baby names to add voice to the story.
Tools of the trade
You already know my own press opportunities are in this very Substack! I’m also a media member of 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. If you’re not using Press Hook yet, you should definitely give it a try: It’s designed as a platform to connect journalists looking for story sources with brands who want to showcase their products and experts, and it’s all really built on trust and meaningful connections (it’s not spammy). It also offers a suite of helpful workflow tools. Journalists can search by product and category, and participating brands get exposure and affiliate opportunities — so it’s designed as a win-win for everyone (in the same vein as this Substack, I like to think). Give it a try — and let me know what you think.
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Do you have a coaching program, online course, service, platform, or anything else that makes sense to get in front of my highly engaged PR and media readers? Reach out to me at alice@alicedubin.com to discuss sponsorship in this newsletter.
Recently published or updated
I let my 10-year-old twins roam free with no supervision on vacation. The week had a huge effect on them. (Business Insider)
In-flight Theft Happens More Than You Think — but These 10 Items Can Help Keep Your Stuff Safe, From $7 (Travel + Leisure)
I Just Went to a Celeb-loved Tropical Island — These Are the 15 Resort-inspired Styles I'm Adding to My Closet (Travel + Leisure)
Need to Sweeten the Deal? Here’s How Seller Concessions Work in Real Estate (HomeLight)
The Real Star of ‘The White Lotus’ Is the Four Seasons: These Are the Five-Star Hotels to Book Before Season 3 Inspires a Reservation Rush (The Hollywood Reporter)
I planned a fabulous girls' weekend in Las Vegas. Our perfect 48-hour itinerary checked all the boxes. (Business Insider)
What Is It Like to Fly Through the PS Private Terminal at LAX (Business Traveler USA)
The 9 Best Swimsuit Cover-ups, Tested and Reviewed (Travel + Leisure)
21 Songs From the 1990s That Feel Like They Came Out Yesterday (Good Housekeeping)
As a Frequent Flier, I Swear by a Blazer for Effortless Travel Outfits — Here Are 15 Favorites Starting at $26 (Travel + Leisure)
I've planned girls' trips with my friend group for decades. Now, we bring our daughters to pass down the tradition. (Business Traveler)
Holiday Foods You Can And Can’t Take Through Security, According To The TSA (Southern Living)
4 Expert Tips For Traveling With Gifts This Holiday Season (Southern Living)
The 12 Best Comfortable, Podiatrist-approved Boots for Winter Travel — Starting at $60 (Travel + Leisure)
I hated feeling like I had nothing to wear, so I hired a personal stylist. I got a whole new look without buying anything new. (Business Insider)
My sister and I have wildly different vacation styles. Dragging her family on my kind of trip was eye-opening. (Business Insider)
As a Frequent Flier, a Stylish Matching Set Is My Travel Day Secret — Shop My 14 Favorites From $33 (Travel + Leisure)
The 28 best gifts for walkers of all ages and all levels (Yahoo)
I Visit England Every Year, and These Are the 15 Cozy Style Tips I Picked Up From Locals (Travel + Leisure)
Signs You Need to Do a Friendship Audit ASAP (Woman’s Day)
First Look: Delta One Lounge Opens Its Doors at LAX (Business Traveler USA)
10 Airport Mistakes I See Travelers Make — and What You Should Do Instead to Save Time and Money (Travel + Leisure)
My 10-year-old twins have the most luxurious travel life ever. They’re in for a rude awakening when they grow up (Business Insider)
The One Thing Experts Say You’re Forgetting to Book Before You Board Your Cruise Ship (Southern Living)
The 24 Best Luxury Hotel Bedding Pieces of 2024 (Travel + Leisure)
Does Alcohol Ever Fit Into a Healthy Diet? (The Well)
8 best all-inclusive resorts and packages in Bora Bora (The Points Guy)
I Hauled Dagne Dover’s New Suitcase All Over Japan — Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Travel Bag (Travel + Leisure)
Sleepwalking: what causes walking in your sleep and how does it affect your health (Yahoo)
How to Pack for Heat and Humidity, According to Style and Beauty Experts (Southern Living)
What Is It Like to Fly Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 in Upper Class? (Business Traveler USA)
The best destinations to book an Airbnb this summer (The Points Guy)
My family went to Rome during the peak summer season. Our trip would've been better if we'd known these 5 things before we left. (Business Insider)
One of the Best Luxury Family Resorts in the World Is Less Than Three Hours From Hollywood (The Hollywood Reporter)
First Look: Air France Opens its Largest International Lounge in Los Angeles (Business Traveler USA)
The Best Hotels in Kauai (Travel + Leisure)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now a free perk for paying subscribers. Do you have an open opportunity you want me to promote? First, upgrade here if you need to. Then email me at info@alicedubin.com.
Modern Currency PR is hiring a highly skilled, scrappy, and strategic public relations account supervisor with 3-4 years of public relations agency experience within the hospitality, culinary, travel, tourism, restaurant and/or consumer lifestyle arenas. MCPR offers generous benefits, including a work-from-anywhere program, 401k matching, comprehensive healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), generous PTO, summer Fridays, annual holiday office closures, PR travel perks, incredible mentorship, training, and more. “Those who enjoy a small-company feel and who are drawn to a service-based and hospitality-driven culture should apply. While this is a remote position, candidates must be based in Los Angeles to ensure on-site presence at select meetings, client venues, and events as needed. Interested candidates can drop us a line with resume at contact@moderncurrencypr.com.”
Work with me
I am available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.
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How to help
Donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Save the Children.
Donate to the Anti-Defamation League to support the fight against hate.
Donate to Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Donate to Planned Parenthood.
Donate to Pasadena Humane Society