Mic check... is this thing on?
new year who dis
Hey, had you all noticed that it’s 2023? I’m guessing you are all generally acclimated already and the water’s fine. I’m still only in up to my torso.
My kids are in the Los Angeles Unified School District, which gives three weeks off in the wintertime, rather than the more typical two. This works out nicely for me, because the first week in January is the perfect time to travel after the crowds (and corresponding flight costs) recede. Last week, we were at the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, on the serene and posh East Cape, and it was delightful.
But then — as is my annual tradition lately — I got back to my desk a week later than most other people and have spent this week trying to get back up to speed. I’m almost there. Meanwhile, pardon my dust.
Happiest new year to all (don’t @ me, Larry David). I’m excited to see what 2023 has in store for all of us. So far, we’ve had whopping amounts of rain in L.A. (you may have heard?), so I’m convinced that anything is possible!
I’ve missed y’all. A bunch of new pitch calls below, as well as a backlog of recently published stories (many of which include the fruits of your excellent pitches)!
Tools of the trade
Is anyone using Press Hook yet? If you haven’t heard of it, it’s designed as a platform to connect journalists looking for story sources with brands who want to showcase their products and experts. 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). Give it a try and let me know what you think.
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’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
My TV reporter and PR agency owner friend Christina Nicholson (who hosted me on her podcast ) hosts a 3-day program for pitching media. Once a seasonal event, she’s now made it available on-demand and ready when you are.
She’s sharing her seven ingredients to land TV segments, online features, and podcast interviews that generate serious bank. You get the masterclass, a personal branding workbook, and a fill-in-the-blanks pitch template. And for some reason, she’s offering all of this for $37. It’s a steal, so don’t let it pass you by.
Open press opportunities
You may recall that I recently wrote a pair of “where to go in 2023” roundups for Insider. This time, I’m working on a similar concept for House Beautiful. This version of “where to go in 2023” roundup can include individual callouts for new restaurants, hotels, etc. (not just destinations broadly). Please send along strong pitches asap but not later than EOW (*prepares inbox for deluge*). And please include photos.
For Town & Country, I’m working on a roundup of ridiculously luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Please include photos in your pitch.
For Woman’s Day, I’m working on a roundup of Purim gifts. Sweet spot is around $40.
Recently published or updated
The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (Esquire)
The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas (Esquire)
23 of the best places to travel to around the world in 2023 (Insider)
The Ultimate Disney Packing List (Travel + Leisure)
30 Most Romantic Valentine's Day Getaways in the United States (Good Housekeeping)
How To Store Lettuce So It Stays Crisp (Southern Living)
40 Galentine's Day Gift Ideas to Show Love for All Your Besties (Woman’s Day)
The 20 Best Slippers for Men and Women of 2022 (Travel + Leisure)
23 of the best places you should travel to in the US in 2023 (Insider)
50 Best Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her That Are Affordable and Romantic (Woman’s Day)
13 tattoos that powerfully represent people's mental health journeys (Insider)
This Popular Weekender Bag From a Meghan Markle-loved Brand Is 25% Off Right Now (Travel + Leisure)
How to Return Gifts From Amazon Without the Sender Knowing (Good Housekeeping)
Holiday Feasts (cover story in the print issue of Where Los Angeles)
7 Social Media Tips to Grow Your Destination Wedding Business (travel industry trade The Compass, print feature, pages 64-69)
Signs that you might be trauma-dumping instead of just venting, according to psychologists (Insider)
The 12 Best Matching Sets for Travel of 2022 (Travel + Leisure)
The 68 Best Comfortable Shoe Deals Ahead of Black Friday — Up to 82% Off (Travel + Leisure)
9 Vegetarian Cookbooks That Make Eating Healthy Delicious (Woman’s Day)
Article Sofa Review: At Home with Article’s Sven Sofa (Living Cozy)
101 Positive Quotes for Life to Improve Your Mindset (Woman’s Day)
37 Unique Gifts for Bakers Who Have Everything (Woman’s Day)
This Brand New Cozy Fleece Puffer With Pockets Is Amazon's Best Fall Jacket Deal (Travel + Leisure)
This Genius Weekender Converts Into a Wrinkle-free Hanging Garment Bag — and It’s Just $34 Right Now (Travel + Leisure)
How to sincerely and meaningfully apologize, according to psychologists (Insider)
After a Nurse on My Flight Jumped Into Action, He Told Me to Always Travel With This $33 First-aid Tool (Travel + Leisure)
What a Los Angeles local wants tourists to know before visiting, from weather advisories to drought warnings (all for Insider)
How to Find Short Sale Homes: A Guide for Buyers (HomeLight)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now free! Have an open opportunity you want me to promote? Share it with me at info@alicedubin.com.
Dreamday, founded by the former VP of marketing at Ritual, is now hiring an experienced PR account executive to help service its growing team, which includes clients like Brightland, Fly by Jing, Girlfriend Collective, and more. Dreamday is a “collaborative, empathetic, and passionate remote-work environment and offers flexible vacation policy, health insurance, 401k with matching, gender-neutral parental leave, and more.” You need 3 to 5+ years experience. Contact: Jamie Werner, VP of communications, at jamie@dreamday.la
Book Launchers has two open jobs, which involve working on the media strategy and outreach for indie authors. They are:
Media coordinator: Full-time, working directly with the marketing manager on strategy and overseeing media for clients.
Book media specialist: Can be full-time or part-time, works under media coordinator, focuses more just on media pitching with clients on their plate.
Both roles are 100% remote work with flexible schedules. “We’re looking to hire immediately to ideally train before the holidays.”Modern Currency PR is looking to bring on a social media account executive with a passion for hospitality (food, travel, etc.), and a strong handle on social media. Applicants should be highly organized, creative, and passionate about PR/social media, and willing to be scrappy, proactive. Agency has a portfolio of award-winning luxury travel and hospitality clients, and a supportive and warm team environment. Applicants must have at least 1-2 years of direct experience in social media strategy/management. This position is fully remote but must be based in L.A. with the ability to be mobile for on-site client meetings, shoots, influencer tours, meet-ups etc. For more information and to submit a resume, reach out to Meghan Patke at meghan@moderncurrencypr.com.
Carma Connected is seeking a senior account executive to join the team at its Miami Beach office (hybrid schedule of remote/ in-office work). 4+ years of experience in luxury lifestyle PR required. Carma offers competitive salary, health insurance including dental and vision, 401(k) plan with profit sharing, flexible schedule, generous time-off policy and more. Please send resumes to careers@carmaconnected.com
KAYLEY Media is hiring a PR account manager in Web3 entertainment PR. Fully remote, part-time position with the intention to grow into full-time.
Rinck Advertising is actively seeking a public relations manager. “If you are passionate about growing in a high-performance culture that values respect, integrity, empathy, and courage,” apply. This is a remote, full-time, mid-level position with an opportunity for advancement.
Work with me
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 list 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.
Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
How to help
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