June Assignments + Answering My Most-Asked Packing Question

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I’m just back from a 3-day cruise with my cousin on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which just made her LA debut. West coasters looking for a cruise on a ship full of fun amenities should definitely check it out (it does Mexico and Alaska) … my full review will run on US News & World Report next month.

I swear, the most often-asked question I get in the evenings on my cruises is: “What brand are those fabulous heels you wear with pretty much every dinner outfit?” The answer is: Ally Shoes, and specifically the slingback kitten heels. I am seriously terrible at walking in heels, yet I can navigate a moving ship of any size, stairs included, in this pair! That’s because Ally is a fashion brand FOR women BY women, renowned for its signature pain-free heels. Hallelujah!

This style comes in 30 colors (I have my eye on a white pair or the silver metallics next!), and every pair of shoes (they also have classic pumps, block heels, loafers, Mary Janes and even boots!) is handcrafted with premium lambskin leather and a special stretch lining to maximize flexibility. Say goodbye to the painful break-in period you’re used to!

Plus, Ally offers sizes US 4.5-12 in half sizes and four different widths (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) — I’m a wide myself, and they truly feel custom-fitted.

Want your own pair at a discount? I’ve got your back because I partnered with Ally for this issue of my newsletter!

Use code JILLS40 for $40 dollars off your first purchase of any heel OR code JILLS10 for 10% off your first pair of flats or boots — click here to place your order. I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

Ok, scroll on down for my links to my latest published stories AND fresh assignments I need help with.

Have a great day,

Jill

PS: I’m off to London on Sunday for a 2-week “Into the Midnight Sun” Viking cruise that goes to Scotland and Norway … I have a few days in Bergen on the backend if you rep any restaurants or activities there I should know about! Also open to London options, too!

---

Work 1:1 with Me!

Does this sound familiar?

You’re firing off pitches, chasing media opportunities, and doing everything by the book—but it’s just not working.

🚨 Your pitches are getting ignored.
🚨 You’re not landing the coverage your clients deserve.
🚨 You’re questioning the entire industry and your future in it.

The media contacts you spent years building? Laid off.

Writers and editors? Overwhelmed and not responding as often.

Your emails? Just more noise in flooded inboxes.

The harsh truth: The old-school PR playbook doesn’t work anymore. It’s time to adapt, pivot, and re-strategize.

That’s exactly what I help publicists do.

And I just opened up three spots to work privately with those who want to:

✅ Skyrocket pitch open rates, so your emails don’t vanish into the void
✅ Build real and long-lasting relationships with journalists that make coverage easier for years to come
✅ Improve ROI on in-person and virtual events, press samples, and press trips
✅ Create angles and hooks that make your clients’ stories impossible to ignore
✅ Nail your clients’ competitive edge — so they stand out as the only choice
✅ Navigate today’s shifting media landscape with confidence

We’ll work together over the next few months to get you serious results—quickly.

Would you like to work together?

Simply email me at JillSchildhouse@gmail.com and I’ll send you more info.

---

Buy an Ad in This Substack That 7,400+ Publicists and Journalists Read Each Week

Do you have a course, book, conference, event, tool or service that you’d like to promote to the 7,400+ publicists and writers who subscribe to my newsletter?

Humble brag alert: My average open rate is 45%, so this is a highly engaged audience (PS: that open rate is MORE THAN DOUBLE what’s considered “good” for marketing!).

Contact me today to discuss sponsorship opportunities: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

Testimonial from a recent sponsor:

Choosing to regularly advertise with Jill has been transformational for our business. Not only has she fostered such a genuine connection with her audience, but she’s also a complete natural at helping our business form the right copy to connect with the right person at the right time. It’s not even really in an advertisement – it’s an honest-to-goodness placement of her trust in your business to her loyal readers!

---

***Recently Published Pieces***
(Thank you for your help!)

• Business Insider: I flew business class with Qantas, Singapore, and American Airlines. Here's how they compare — and which is my favorite.

• U.S. News & World Report: Cruise Weddings: How to Get Married on a Cruise Ship

• U.S. News & World Report: The 7 Best Bachelor Party Cruises

• The Points Guy: 8 amazing places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean

• US News & World Report: Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas

• Reader’s Digest: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Offers All the Fun of a Megaship on a More Manageable Scale

• Reader’s Digest: I’ve Been on Two of the Biggest Cruise Ships in the World—Here’s the One I Would Be Most Excited to Sail on Again

• Reader’s Digest: Is This New Cruise-Tipping Trend a Huge Etiquette Faux Pas?

• Reader’s Digest: This Surprising Cruise Feature Is Disappearing from Ships Around the Globe—Here’s What You Need to Know

• Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is Suddenly Charging for These Popular Beverages—And Passengers Are Fuming

• Business Insider: My mom and I went to Mexico, but her suitcase went to India. Now, there's one travel mistake we'll never make again.

• Taste of Home: This is Why Some of Your Avocados are Stringy

• Eating Well: The 7 Best Canned Foods for Cognitive Health, Recommended by Dietitians

• The Points Guy: Oasis of the Seas cruise ship review: What to expect on board the original Oasis Class vessel

• Oprah Daily: Feeding My Soul in the Valley of the Sun

• Reader’s Digest: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake On Your Next Cruise

• Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is the First to Ban This Controversial Item on All Sailings

• Reader’s Digest: How to Score a Cruise Upgrade—For Free!

• Thrillist (my first byline for this outlet!): How Realistic Is ‘Doctor Odyssey’?

• Business Insider: I frequently visit Las Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's one of the best times to experience The Strip.

• Southern Living: I’ve Been Cruising For Over 25 Years, Here Are 22 Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed

• Reader’s Digest: It’s Not Your Imagination: Flights Are Getting Longer—Here’s Why

• Taste of Home: Why Are There So Many Food Recalls Right Now?

• Reader’s Digest: Here’s How to Tell Which Side of the Car Your Gas Tank Is on—Without Getting Out

• Business Insider: I spent $50,000 on my kitchen remodel. These 5 splurges were totally worth it — but I have one expensive regret.

• Insider: I spent $50,000 remodeling my kitchen. Here are 5 things I got right and one I wish I'd done differently.

• US News & World Report: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors

• Business Traveler: What Is It Like to Fly Singapore Airlines Business Class on the A350?

• AARP: Don’t Make These Mistakes on Your Visa Application (my second story about getting denied entry into Vietnam)

• Insider: I took an ultra-luxury river cruise with only 40 other passengers. I'm not sure how I'll ever sail with the masses again.

• Insider: I went on an ultra-luxury cruise that sails with up to 68 passengers at a time. I loved it, but it's not for everyone.

• Insider: I went on a $7,075 cruise for 9 days. See inside my 344-square-foot suite with a glass sunroom and walk-in closet.

• Reader’s Digest: Don’t Miss This Black Friday Cruise Deal to Score 75% Off a Second Guest

• Reader’s Digest: What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method, and Why Do Travel Pros Swear by It?

• The Points Guy: 10 hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants — and how to use points to pay for them

• Insider: Meet these retired sisters in their 60s who live on cruises full time. They've already spent over 1,500 days at sea.

• Southern Living: The 8 Best Cruise Itineraries That Sail Out Of Southern Ports

• Reader’s Digest: Royal Caribbean Is Raising Its Gratuity Fee—Here’s What You Need to Know

• Reader’s Digest: A Swiftie’s Guide to New Orleans: 12 Things to See and Do

• Insider: I Flew 33 Hours to Vietnam But Was Denied Entry

• AARP: Smart Guide to Reducing Food Waste

• Reader’s Digest: The First Thing You Should Do When You Board a Cruise

• AARP: 25 Great Ways to Build Healthy Habits

• US News & World Report: Utopia of the Seas: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Royal Caribbean's Newest Ship

• AARP: A Suspected Blood Clot Landed Me in a Cruise Ship Medical Center

• The Points Guy: 10 Best Asia Cruises

• The Points Guy: 8 Best Australia/New Zealand Cruises

• Southern Living: Royal Caribbean’s New Utopia of the Seas

• Town & Country: A Savannah Itinerary for Every Traveler

• Southern Living: 12 Tips To Know Before Taking Your First-Ever Cruise, According To Veteran Cruisers

• US News & World Report: Crystal Symphony Review: First Impressions of Crystal's Revamped Ship

• Insider: Here’s How I Maximize a Weekend in Sin City

• Southern Living: 11 Etiquette Mistakes You Might Be Making on a Cruise

• Reader’s Digest: July Luggage Review: I Tested the Carry-On Pro on Multiple Overseas Flights

• Insider: I Tried Princess Cruise’s Premier Package and It’s One of the Best Deals At Sea

• Taste of Home: Amish Chicken and Noodles

• Copper Courier: 8 Phoenix Rooftop Bars

• Virtuoso: The Sun Princess Sets Sail with Some of the Most Exciting Entertainment at Sea

• Reader’s Digest: After 20 Ocean Cruises, I Took My First River Cruise—Here Are 6 Ways It Was Better

• EatingWell: 10 Foods Rich in Vitamin K, Recommended by Dietitians

• Reader’s Digest: I took the Beis Front Pocket Carry-On on Multiple International Trips, and It’s a Winner

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, Twitter and LinkedIn (and please connect with me yourselves!).

---

Please Share this Newsletter With Your Colleagues

If you find this newsletter valuable, please click the share button below and send it to your colleagues … the more, the merrier!

---

—— Current Editorial Needs ——

1. Forbes Father’s Day Gift Guide: How to Elevate Your Coach Class Ticket to a First Class Flight

• Pitch me your fanciest travel products to be used in-flight (like DURING the flight … not once you arrive at your hotel) — think electronics and gadgets, things to make your long-haul more comfortable, luxurious joggers and compression socks, etc.

• REQUIRED: include a LINK to images (no attachments!) AND a photo credit

• NO supplements, food, drinks or things that are illegal on an airplane

• Subject line: Forbes Father’s Day Flight Products

• Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

• Pitch by: Thursday, June 5

2. Business Insider: Looking for a budgeting/money expert

• Looking for a budgeting or money expert to weigh in on tips for lowering your bills

• Send credentials, not commentary … I will send specific interview questions to the chosen sources

• Interview will need to take place via email

• Subject line: Insider Money Expert

• Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

• Pitch by: Wednesday, June 11

---

More Useful Info

• Other journalist newsletters definitely worth subscribing to: Be sure to follow my trusted colleagues so you can stay up-to-date on their pitching needs: Alice Dubin, Aly Walansky, Nicole Pajer, and Joni Sweet.

• Have you signed up for my OTHER Substack newsletter yet? It’s a joint venture with Nicole Pajer and we do deep dives into the media industry to help PR pros increase their ROI. Check it out here!