Alaska Kicked My Asska
Still super sick, but check out these HOT editorial opps and a ton of recently published articles!
Hey everyone!
Long time no talk, right? Who knew that my 12-day father-daughter Alaskan press trip adventure (which was awesome, btw, and I’ll share more details in a future post) would end with a cold that turned into bronchitis that morphed into double pneumonia that I’m still battling 18 days later? I had entirely fallen apart by the time we reached Fairbanks, which means I literally missed out on the last 3 days of my press trip while quarantining in my hotel room (my dad went and did everything on the itinerary solo, so at least he was able to complete the trip!).
I’m currently on my third round of antibiotics, 4x a day breathing treatments, and still enduring nonstop coughing. I have to sleep sitting upright on the couch, because my lungs won’t allow me to recline even a little bit (which means I haven’t gotten in my own bed in 26 days). It’s been a ROUGH few weeks to say the least, but I think I’ve finally turned the corner?
As you can imagine, I had to ask editors to reassign some articles and push back due dates of all others. I actually haven’t written a single thing in 26 days, an absolute first for my career — nor have I caught up on the 2,000 emails I received while I was out of town, not to mention the thousands of other emails that arrived over the last couple weeks (if I owe you a response to something urgently, please let me know … I’m honestly not sure I’ll ever catch up on all those emails).
I’ve often said I’d love to take a month off someday, but I didn’t mean because I was nearly choking to death on the phlegm in my own lungs and rocking a fever that was over 102.5 for eight straight days. Next time, I’ll be more specific in the wishes I send out into the Universe ;)
I’ve gone ahead and cancelled all my press trips for the next 6 weeks (including a family vacation for me and my parents to visit my brother, who we haven’t seen in a year since he moved to Charlotte), so that I can focus on healing and rebuilding my poor immune system. Adulting sucks.
So, with that said, today will be a very short and to the point newsletter because that’s all the energy I can muster.
Thanks for your patience on not hearing from me for almost a month … I’ve missed writing my Substack and wouldn’t disappear like that unless there was a very good reason!
Jill
PS: In lieu of sending me well wishes, please take a moment to sign up for the Top Tier Consulting Substack (my joint venture with journalist Nicole Pajer). We’ve been sharing incredibly comprehensive posts, like tips on pitching for holiday gift guides and how to work your sources into articles for the holidays. There’s also a community to join, when you select the Founding Member option, that gives you access to our monthly AMA calls. And you can learn more about our consulting services here… they could be just the leg up you need to finish 2022 strong or go into 2023 with a bang!
Recently Published Pieces*** (Thanks for your help!)
***Note: These are ALL new … a lot published while I was down for the count!
Travel + Leisure: Hotels to Book for a Trip to the Grand Canyon
Reader’s Digest: The Best Luggage Sets for Traveling in 2022
Reader’s Digest: The 12 Best Toiletry Bags of 2022, According to Frequent Fliers
Popular Mechanics: 8 Workspace Essentials Every Creative Needs
Good Housekeeping: Make Back-to-School Easy with CVS
Oprah Daily: Which Journaling Style is Right for You?
Now, it's time to get the word out! When you and your clients share your coverage on social media, please be sure to tag my accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn (and please connect with me yourselves!)
—— Current Editorial Needs ——
1. Reader’s Digest Gift Guide: Amazon Prime Gifts That Will Ship Fast for Last-Minute Shoppers (URGENT)
I’m rounding up the best gifts you can shop on Amazon Prime that'll arrive for last-minute shoppers. Will include items for every type of recipient: sports lovers, wine fanatics, yogis, homebodies, foodie, fashion-forward, bakers, music lovers, etc. I’m also looking for gifts at every price point.
Requirements: MUST BE Amazon Prime + have 500+ Reviews + have 4+ Star Rating
Subject line: Amazon Prime Gift + Name of Product
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Thursday latest
2. Men’s Health AND Women’s Health: Portable Fitness Products
Looking for things like a foldable yoga mat, exercise bands, a great bag/duffel to keep everything in, easy-to-pack workout clothes, etc. These products must help keep you fit on the road/traveling. I only have room for 4 products, so this will be stiff competition, FYI.
DO NOT PITCH: supplements, drinks, food (nothing that goes in your mouth!)
Subject line: MH/WH: Portable Fitness Products
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday
3. WE World Magazine: Hotel Makeovers That’ll Knock Luxury Travelers’ Socks Off! (LAST CALL)
Looking for TRULY spectacular U.S. hotels that have undergone amazing mega-million dollar renovations in the last year. These must be WOW-worthy!
In your pitch, tell me how much the remodel cost, what all was done, what special amenities are now available, when it was completed, etc. Include a link to pics, please. I don’t have a ton of space and expect I’ll get a lot of pitches, so really sell me on what makes your client’s remodel so special!
Target demo: This is for the launch issue of this luxury magazine. The target demographic is men/women aged 38-58. They have advanced degrees and an average net worth upwards of $3 million.
About: WE World Magazine is the official publication of world-renowned designer Wilfredo Emanuel and is a celebration of global design, inspired by Wilfredo’s clientele, fans and followers. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Wilfredo is not only a leader in the design industry, but an accomplished TV personality, consultant, modeling advisor, and has been a Premier Mentor for Christian DIOR USA House, both in the Caribbean and the United States.
Subject line: We World Luxury Hotel Renovations + Property Name
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Wednesday
I'm sending you well wishes AND signed up for your Top Tier Substack, so there. Healing light coming your way in 3, 2, 1…
I'd been missing your emails! Hope you feel better soon. <3