On Internet Boundaries and Pitching Guidelines
Simply put, if it doesn’t feel right, I will not oblige.
I’ve always employed transparent boundaries (to varying degrees of desired results) but the pandemic exacerbated burnout across my personal and professional life. Once I fully transitioned to full-time freelance journalism, demands for my presence rapidly grew and I knew I had to make changes for a more sustainable lifestyle, with a long-lasting career that I enjoy. I didn’t want to fall back into the same overworking trap that a decade of corporate agency life put me through. And as someone who treats her inbox as a to-do list and her online presence as unpaid labor, it’s become necessary to reiterate how best to engage with me so that I can prioritize efforts that are worthwhile.
TL;DR: This meaningful work I love takes time, effort, and money.
Below is a guide to my internet boundaries and pitching tips inspired by this astrologer and author. This is meant to help alleviate irrelevant and redundant outreach I frequently receive, especially publicity pitches and event invites so that you have a better understanding of what I can and want to contribute value to as a working professional. Also, as a former publicist, I’ve been in your shoes. I know what it’s like to send email blasts all day long and be ignored, however, what I learned doing PR is that personalized outreach to researched best-fit writers and outlets with unique story ideas is key — and now as a journalist, the same approach is necessary.
The list is long and particular for a reason and should be read and followed with detail and respect. My goal with this guide is to build long-term, mutually beneficial working relationships. I hope by the end of reading this guide you invest in your own boundary-setting practice.
Thank you.
Here’s a snapshot of what I love to cover:
human interest stories such as in-depth interviews and profiles about interesting people (chefs, bartenders, industry leaders) doing unique work, especially if they’re from an underrepresented population or community (like Hispanic and Latinx people) that deserve more attention; “rising star” talent and the stories of their journey and the impact it has on a community
travel, lifestyle, and destination guides that invite readers to explore an interesting place; speak to cultural contributions of a community; are accessible by car or public transit; have dog-friendly accommodations and activities; and do not further the displacement of local residents because of overpriced and gentrified attractions/hotels/restaurants/bars
product guides for The Strategist (New York magazine) with valuable recommendations and pro-tips from industry experts that speak to functionality/versatility/craftsmanship (how a product/tool works) and design aesthetics (why it also looks cool)
restaurant recommendations and food itineraries that go beyond a listicle round-up to tell unknown stories about a chef, bar, or restaurant; that are researched with a diverse casting net and inclusive of local residents’ feedback; and prioritizes overlooked spots
long-form features that peel back the curtain on the “how” and “why” of an interesting subject[s] or place[s] to educate and inspire readers
personal essays that expand on my connection to a person, a place, or a culture in hopes of inspiring others
Here’s what I don’t cover — and why:
I don’t cover spirits or brand-specific writeups (recipes, product reviews, or “X Best [insert spirit category here]”) — unfortunately I don’t have media placement for these stories at the moment; instead, I welcome brands to join my #LatinxIndustryNight series for exclusive on-premise activations
I do not write about or participate in national or familial holidays (Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) or made-up social media hashtag holidays (National Pizza Day). They trigger my familial estrangement and promote capitalist consumerism. I prefer reporting on and celebrating underrated cultural holidays like Record Store Day, Flag Day, Bastille Day, Beaujolais Day, and Three Kings Day
I don’t cover general news or events unless there’s a unique and timely Philadelphia experiential or lifestyle hook for Time Out Philadelphia; bonus points if it’s an angle/story that other local publications have not already covered
I do not cover or promote brands, products, restaurants, events, or chefs for free. This includes (re)posting or sharing event info on my social media
Here’s some tips to keep in mind:
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with my work, beat, interests, and clips (see homepage for examples); if you have questions or need more information, reach out!
Please include a personalized introduction that shares how you came across my work, especially if we’ve never met or connected before
Please consider the volume and frequency of emails you send and refrain from following up when I am unresponsive. I will only respond if it aligns with my interests, budget, or coverage beat
Please do not send pitches, invites, or promotional requests via Instagram DMs
Please do not add me to your mailing list without my permission
I’m allergic to shellfish and mollusks including gastropods (e.g., limpet, abalone), bivalves (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels), and cephalopods (e.g., squid, octopus) so please be mindful of restaurant invites where the menu is heavily focused on seafood and shellfish or where dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated
I am not an influencer. I do not identify as a content creator or a storyteller. I am a writer; a journalist; a reporter. I research, interview, report, fact-check, and verify all sources, subjects, and places of interest for my stories
I do not enjoy attending influencer-heavy events as my purpose is to seek out new sources, subjects, and stories — not take photos of food for free, for social media
I do not do advertising or sponsored content deals without integrating journalistic practices
I do not participate in parachute journalism. I only cover travel destinations upon multiple reporting visits and with the inclusion of reimbursed travel expenses
I do not perform public speaking or produce event programming for free. Currently, my Hispanic and Latinx industry night series requires funding to continue
I do not attend events, media openings, or restaurant previews (free or not) that are not of interest, that do not fit within a relevant story idea or assignment, that are not within my budget, or that do not fit into my schedule
I encourage shared communication and feedback among teams. Please make a note of my responses to reduce redundant and repetitive outreach
I do not respond to emails, texts, or social media messages while traveling or on vacation
I do not work for free, write for free, or provide consultation for free. I am available for hire via an hourly rate or minimum monthly retainer.
