Happy Monday, pitches! What no one tells you about getting married and going on a honeymoon is that there is a months-long hangover after (or maybe they do tell you & we just don’t listen?) Not like an alcohol-hangover; like an emotional one. *Sigh*
To combat said hangover, I’m reading several books at once: Verity by Colleen Hoover, Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, Ceremony by Brianna Weist, and to really round it all out, American Serial Killers: The Deadliest Years 1950-2000 by Peter Vronsky.
Last week’s Pitch, Please was a friendly reminder that I will be in Greece ~pretty much~ for the remainder of August. If you represent a hotel, restaurant, or a brand based in Athens, Ios, or Mykonos (or really, anywhere nearby), let ya girl know because it wouldn’t be an authentic Stephanie vacation if I didn’t do a deskside.
And don’t forget to read up on previous posts about Press Hook, HARO, and the ins and outs of affiliate marketing.
Speaking of affiliate marketing, you can still sign up for the Ultimate Masterclass and Introduction to Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. A Masterclass specifically designed for publicists, it covers everything from how to pitch and network like a pro to common PR faux pas. Get more info here!
To interview or not to interview…
I write a few different types of articles. Some are solely affiliate marketing-based; these can be either roundups of multiple products or a spotlight on one specific brand or product. These often don’t require a source of any kind.
Then, there are the kinds that do require a source. This can be an explainer—“How Much Does a Passport Cost?” in which I interviewed a travel agent—or an in-depth feature—“10 Ways to Upcycle Old Clothes” in which I interviewed several experts in the upcycling fashion industry.
For these articles, it’s pertinent that they are anchored by some expert source other than moi, the writer. After all, I’m just a vehicle.
For these articles, I’m always looking for “experts” in the industry.
When looking for said experts, I’ll often to turn to HARO, Press Hook, and even my own emails.
How to pitch (me) your interviewee
Being the writer, I am inherently the interviewer, so now I need you to connect me to the interviewee.
Sometimes, I suspect it’s harder for publicists to represent a person than it is a product. (If that makes sense.) Based on my own knowledge and experience, I answer far more product-related queries than I do “INTERVIEW OPP” ones.
This is partly because of my specific niche, but I can see how, for you, that can be annoying. Rest assured, there are ways to get my attention.
Put “SOURCE” somewhere in your email subject line: This helps when I’m literally combing through my emails, using the key word “source.”
Specify what your “expert” can speak to: Keywords like “fitness articles,” “health articles,” “sleep-related explainers,” etc. really help.
Give your “expert” a title: Again, this will help when searching. Ie. “meditation expert,” “mindfulness expert,” “sleep expert,” “TikTok expert,” etc. etc. etc.
I always prefer to conduct an interview over email. If your expert will only speak to me via phone, I will likely find someone else. That could just be me-specific but from my perspective, a phone call = transcribing said phone call. That’s a whole other additional step I now have to do instead of writing the article. I don’t get paid to transcribe. I get paid when I write an article, so, no thanks.
What not to do when pitching an interview
Please don’t expect an answer right away. I save almost every pitch I get, so if something relevant comes up, I will contact you eventually.
Please don’t expect me to pitch something based on your pitch. I have my stories pretty much planned out for the month before the month even starts. While other writers may focus a lot on pitching outlets, I don’t. I have enough to do, so I’m really only looking for what’s relevant to what’s on my plate. Please don’t be offended.
Again, please don’t be offended.
Please, please, please for the love of Cher, don’t agree to an interview and then bail on me. You will fudge up my deadline, my whole week, and I will not. be. happy!
Again, please don’t get offended!
Unrelated things I think you should read
I put together a little bit of light reading—in case you’re interested.
Are You Guilty of the Millennial Pause? Kate Lindsay for The Atlantic
For Sale: The ‘Sexiest’ Hourly Rate Hotel in Manhattan Alex Vadukul for The NY Times
BuzzFeed is apparently downsizing its newsroom and we all missed it? (this is just me editorializing, FYI)
Life (but also work) updates…
I’m leaving for Greece next week! Again, if you have a rep located there, LMK.
I begrudgingly returned to Twitter (for the sake of this Substack and no other reason, ugh). You can follow my rather abject tweets here.
I now also write for Krazy Coupon Lady. Woo! Give me your printable coupons, your online deals, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…
Also, why the FUDGE is everyone dropping the Oxford comma?! I am NOT okay.
What I’m working on this week
As always, products with affiliate links will be given precedence.
A mantra, TBH.
Best Eco-Friendly Phone Cases: Must be compostable or biodegradable (and not only in industrial conditions); if made from recycled materials, must be made from 75 percent recycled materials or more; BCorps preferred.
Best Eco-Friendly Solar Ovens: No propane; looking for 10+; must meet sustainability requirements.
Best Eco-Friendly Glass Water Bottles: Need 10+; must meet sustainability requirements.
Bridgerton Halloween Costume Ideas: Looking for at least 11+ Bridgerton-inspired Halloween costumes, preferably with affiliate links.
‘00s Decade Halloween Costume Ideas: Looking for at least 18+ early to late 2000s-inspired Halloween costumes, preferably with affiliate links.
Halloween Pumpkin Colors Meaning: Looking for expert to potentially breakdown the symbolic meanings of different colored pumpkins come Halloween time; also looking for little-known meanings of different colored pumpkins. (Ie. what does a pink pumpkin mean? Do you know? Tell me!)
Labor Day Appliance Sales: Send me your appliance Labor Day sales!
Labor Day TV Sales: Send me your TV Labor Day sales!
Feel free to email me if you have any relevant contributions to the above assignments.
See you next Monday, pitches.
Follow me:
Instagram: @stephosmanski
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/StephanieOsmanski
Twitter (ugh): @stephosmanski