New assignments - Pitch me!

Travel, health, and humidity

Nov 13, 2024

Hi friends,

First off, thanks to everyone who donated prizes to the annual charity bike ride scavenger hunt I organize, Brooklyn Cranksgiving. 100 people came out and we raised thousands of dollars for Black-led food justice organizations that are fighting for food sovereignty and long-term food solutions. The pic above is from the ride.

I was so focused on that last week that my assignments have piled up. I’m also being considered for a big Lonely Planet guidebook project so this week, I’m focused on the four-part writing test, which includes walking tours (with photos) and destination write-ups. I canceled physical therapy, a facial, my weekly shift at the food co-op, and a follow-up with my orthopedist to discuss the “pothole” behind my knee (his words - ugh!).

If you haven’t gotten a response to your email yet, that’s why. I’m also getting a billion Holiday Gift Guide pitches right now but unless it’s a fit for a topic I’ve already received a commission for, I likely won’t respond.

Oh, I’ve also gotten a TON of requests to meet over the next few weeks, be it via Zoom, over coffee, or at a product showcase. Again, I can’t keep up, but if you’ve been trying to land a 1:1 with me or any other writer you’d like to work with, or trying to convince them to attend your destination-hosted dinner or product showcase, I highly suggest checking out my recent newsletter on How to Convince Writers/Editors to Meet You in Person . More info below about booking 1:1 consults directly with me.

Cassandra

Private Consultations

I offer private 1:1 phone and video calls with outdoor brands, travel brands, hotels, tour companies, destination managers, and more. We can chat trends, specific publications, SEO, affiliate networks, pitching, or whatever you want. I’m already booked up next Monday and Tuesday but I have availability November 20-23 and the following week.

“Cassandra and I were able to cover so much in just 30 minutes. I got to ask questions about how various outlets she writes for function that I would have no other way of knowing about. She gave me great feedback on potential avenues for several of my clients, which helped me identify a few new angles and approaches to pursue that I never would have thought of on my own. Time and money well spent!”
- Jason Simms, Principal - Theirsay
“My coaching session with Cassandra was exceptional! She exceeded my expectations. I took about 2 pages of notes, and had about 7-key takeaways that I would never have thought of on my own. including where to pitch and new pitch angles. It was refreshing and insightful, so much so that I got about to pitching and heard back from The New York Times Travel section. I definitely recommend working with Cassandra, if you're looking to get more press. She's super smart and knows her stuff.”
- Elina Leclaire, Owner – Glampful Campground

If interested, email me at cassandra@escapingny.com to request a quote, letting me know who will be on the call (you, an entire team, etc.).

CURRENT EDITORIAL NEEDS

1. AARP Travel - Christmas Tree Destinations for Adults

First off - did you see my recent AARP Pitch Call Explainer? If not, you may want to check that out for some helpful AARP-specific pitching tips and an example of an awesome AARP pitch I recently received.

This piece will feature Christmas Tree destinations to visit across the country this winter, be they cut-your-own-tree farms or attractions that sell pre-cut trees (or some combination of the two). Because the audience is in their 50s, the focus will be on fun for adults. Please do NOT send destinations marketed as “fun for the whole family,” as these are almost always primarily targeted at families with young kids. The piece will be formatted similarly to the piece I wrote on pumpkin farms.

What makes a Christmas tree farm perfect for adults in their 50s? They might offer wine tastings, live music, farm-to-table-dinners, adults-only sleigh rides, wreathe-making workshops, and on-site ski and snowshoe trails.

In responses, please also include the following:

Location: Where is the farm and how far of a drive is it from a well-known city? Where would visitors fly in from or drive from?

Pricing: How much is admission and any additional activities?

Dates: What are the start and end dates for the farm and activities? Also please note if certain activities are only held on certain days of the week.

Requirements: Must include specific activities that are a draw for folks in their 50s. Pricing must also be included.
Subject line: AARP Christmas Trees
Email: cassandra@escapingny.com
Pitch by: EOD Monday, November 18th

2. Travel Wisconsin - Winter Outdoor Experiences Bayfield

I'm seeking winter experiences in and around Bayfield, Wisconsin for a new piece I'm writing for the Travel Wisconsin website. The piece will be similar to this piece on International-Inspired Restaurants in Door County. The article will focus on outdoor experiences like snowshoeing and skiing, but can also include mentions of special restaurants or bars that are known for a great fireplace and crafty winter cocktails or something.

Requirements: I am ONLY considering locations in and around Bayfield, Wisconsin so please do not send locations elsewhere in the state. Thanks!
Subject line: Bayfield Winter
Email: cassandra@escapingny.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday, November 15th

3. Yahoo - Best Humidifiers

I'm writing a new piece for Yahoo Creators (here’s my Yahoo profile if you want to see recent work) about the best humidifiers. Because there are a million humidifiers on the market that work well in small spaces, I’m especially keen to hear about (and test out) humidifiers intended for very large spaces and also those that also serve another function, such as air purifiers.

Requirements: Products must offer affiliate commission.
Subject line: Yahoo Humidifiers
Email: cassandra@escapingny.com
Pitch by: EOD Monday, November 18th

4. Hilton Hotels - Amman, Jordan

I’m writing a new piece for Hilton Hotels about what to do in and around Amman, Jordan. It will be similar to what I wrote for them about a Lavish Long-Weekend in Beverly Hills (just without the pet-friendly angle). The piece will call out specific restaurants, bars, cafes, spas, activities, and attractions in and around Amman and will have sections catering to families, couples, and luxury travelers. Therefore, I’m open to lots of suggestions.

Requirements: Because this is for Hilton, I cannot include any restaurants or bars that are located within other hotel chains.
Subject line: Hilton Jordan
Email: cassandra@escapingny.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday, Nov 15th

VARIOUS RECENT ARTICLES

Recent Articles

Thanks to those of you who helped me source products and quotes for these pieces. I’ve had a lot of roundups and reviews publish recently and I don’t have the capacity to send personal updates but your brand or destination may be included below:

Midwest Living: 11 Must-Visit State Parks According to Locals and Pros

AFAR: This Canadian Island is a Dream Destination Best Explored By Sea

AARP: Four Pumpkin Patches to Celebrate Fall

AARP: Adaptive Equipment to Make Mealtime Easier for Caregivers

Sierra Club: Leaf-Peeping for Hikers

Travel + Leisure: 13 Essentials I Pack for East Coast Fall Foliage Trips

Travel + Leisure: I Just Hiked 10 Days in Slovenia and These Boots Kept My Feet Blister-Free

Wall Street Journal: For an Outdoorsy Vacation Without Massive Crowds, Look to Your Nearest State Park

CNN: Conquer Long-Haul Flights: A Review of the Game-Changing Turtl Neck Pillow

CNN: The Best Smart Bird Feeders of 2024, Tried and Tested

Sierra Club: How to Hike Safely in the Heat

AARP: Traveling in Hot and Humid Weather? Here’s What You Need to Know to Stay Safe