Subscribers who have been here for months (or even years!) know that sometimes I combine my free and paid newsletters when there’s just so much to share and it’d be a sin to keep it all from the people. Sooooo… below you’ll find a my usual calls for pitches, jobs, etc + a bunch of really helpful free resources and commerce content updates you should know about.
Need pitches:
Reader’s Digest: Apologies in advance for not throwing like a million more stories calls out there, but this one is going to take me a minute to climb through. It’s our annual roundup of the BEST GIFTS FOR MEN! Obviously we want to hit all styles, ages and stages. Please stay mostly under $300 (we’ll include a few splurges though), and yes—every product must be skimlinks-ready or via major retailer! bryce@theluxuryspot.com
Jobs:
DDM needs a senior editor on their native team. NY/hybrid/possible remote.
CBSNews.com also needs a new senior editor on their NY-based team.
Resources for you:
After loads of group member feedback on both the press + PR sides, I've compiled this lovely cheat sheet of helpful resources. Feel like I missed something or want to weigh in? This post will be pinned to the top of the Sharing Opps: PR Friendly group for the next few weeks, so drop thoughts in the comments section.
Best browser extension: Grammarly, there's a free version that works marvelously as well as a paid version with added bells and whistles
Best resource for both media + PR: PressHook, because media can join almost instantly to get quotes/press samples/information (and it's grouped by every imaginable detail). PR and brands can supercharge their pitching efforts affordably + get in front of more media. They also offer an expert quotes section. For media. For agencies. 10/10 recommend.
Best for researching writers: Before pitching a writer, MuckRack to get a feel for their content. They may be on your auto writers list, but no longer cover that topic because they switched outlets. Free and paid versions both exist.
Best for determining a site's reach: SimilarWeb can be reached via URL or through a Chrome extension, and gives a roundabout estimate of a site's overall reach. This is especially helpful when you're trying to determine if an outlet deserves your best resources.
Best transcription service: Otter.ai makes hours of work a task that takes only seconds. It's extremely valuable for writers responsible for interview work, and a game-changing helper for PR pros looking to get their client thoughts down on paper.
Best resource for building relationships: Skip HARO and go directly to the source by building meaningful relationships through media substacks. Lots of writers have their own, offering everything from their content schedules to calls for pitches. You should NEVER pay for a writer's calls for pitches, quotes or products. The above-board writers all have free versions of their substacks, so start there. Holler in the comments if you want me to make a list of the best ones to subscribe to.
Best CRM system for PR: Group members say PropelMyPR has been life-changing for them, and is totally free.
Best Facebook resources for both media + PR: Obviously we love this group, but writers are always welcome to join our media-only side at (sharing opps original link) and social media managers may like The Afternoon Brand. I strongly caution against any paid groups, because offering paid access to writers is an ethics issue. Writers, if you're in FB groups charging members for access to YOU, it could cost you your job. Not worth it!
Did this help? I hope so! Again, comments and thoughts always welcome! This may get updated in coming days/weeks :)
Important musing:
Yikes, a couple of weeks ago I promised a picture of the local dingo dog. I mean, he’s not a dingo, but he looks like one. He’s actually half coyote and half Australian shepherd. But here he is, and his name is Gus:
Also, on a personal level, I still need to hire a freelance/affordable web designer to help me finish building out the bones of Extra Good <3 Hoping to launch in just a few days!
Now let’s talk about affiliate things!
Last week we covered how Walmart is going to shake up the entire e-commerce industry with their big moves and new influencer network. This week let’s dive into some news, trends and gasp-worthy movements.
You know what’s selling like WILD right now? The following categories:
A reminder that these aren’t the stats from the publisher I work for (though some of these are universally popular). These categories represent the overall sales volume coming in over the last few days across most of the major publishers in the United States.
Appliances
Hiking-style clothes (whether or not they are actually used for hiking, who knows, but it’s a very rn aesthetic the internet is leaning into)
Facial skincare under $40
Ready-to-deliver sofas and living room furniture
Purses (they’re baaaaaaaaack!)
A category I’m deeming "luxe winter on a budget” bc it’s a collection of items like $60 cashmere v-necks and $90 premium denim