RSS Amplifier

The Assignment Desk, by Jill Schildhouse · Jul 15, 2026

Back to School Gift Guide (and more)

0
Sign in to vote or save

Jill Schildhouse · The Assignment Desk, by Jill Schildhouse

Happy Wednesday!

I know it’s only July (and I’m just about to head out on my summer vacation), but somehow it’s already time for back-to-school campaigns! I’ve had several publicists ask if I’m covering BTS, so I decided I’d better :)

See below for stories I’m sourcing for and please send pitches my way!

Also: I’m going to be in Lisbon in mid-September, so I’m looking to connect if you rep any area hotels, restaurants, activities, etc.

Have a great rest of your week,

Jill

PS: If you haven’t yet taken the time to follow me on Yahoo, I’d REALLY appreciate the support … plus, it’ll give you a better idea of the types of stories you can pitch for! 👉 Follow me on Yahoo here: https://creators.yahoo.com/brands/jill-schildhouse/. And then send me some pitches!

PS: Always looking for pitches for my Forbes stories, too. I cover all things travel here.

Leave a comment

Share

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 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 two 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.

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

Do you have a course, book, conference, event, tool or service that you’d like to promote to the 7,900+ 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:

“This is amazing — thank you so much! Already seeing the results: +45 active profiles for now and the number is growing, users are already sending feature requests. Couldn’t have asked for a better launch day.”

Leave a comment

Share

This course shows you how to amplify media coverage with affiliate strategies, land more top-tier placements, and position yourself as a performance-driven PR expert.

It’s perfect for PR pros who want to stay ahead of industry shifts and prove ROI with every placement.

This course walks PR professionals through the step-by-step process of setting up affiliate programs on networks like Impact, Rakuten, and CJ — and shows how to use affiliate strategies to win more media coverage, secure better placements, and deliver measurable results.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Launch and manage affiliate programs for clients in less than a week

  • Pitch with the “commerce language” editors want today

  • Set competitive commissions and stand out in crowded markets

  • Future-proof your PR career with performance-driven skills

Learn more or sign up today

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!).

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

Share Jill Schildhouse's Call for Pitches

(Friendly reminder: if you don’t use my subject lines listed below, there’s a good chance your email won’t populate when I search my inbox and your pitch will be lost in the void)

  • I’m rounding up the best spa treatments in Scottsdale … think: use of indigenous rituals or ingredients, unique treatments you can’t get anywhere else in the state, insanely luxurious VIP services, etc.

  • Please send a pitch + a link to images (no attachments)

  • Subject line: Scottsdale Spa Treatments

  • Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

  • Email by: July 15 (Today!)

  • I’m often in need of U.S.-based flight attendants for expert sources in my articles … would love to add to my meager roster!

  • Subject line: Flight attendant

  • Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

These guides are sponsored and priced very affordably since the total cost is split among a group of brands. I have limited slots—if you want info on fees and deliverables, send an email with the subject line listed below (do not reply to this email!)

Current available topics include:

1. THINGS TO PACK FOR A COLD-WEATHER CRUISE

I’m looking for everything from gadgets and luggage to things for your cabin and excursions. Things like (but not limited to):

  • Daypacks/backpacks/luggage

  • Binoculars

  • Cameras

  • Lounge sets

  • Travel blankets

  • Clothing/footwear/accessories

  • Travel games

Subject line: Yahoo Cold Weather Gear

Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

Deadline: July 17

  1. BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

I’m looking for practical products that help students, parents, teachers, and college students prepare for the school year. Things like (but not limited to):

  • Backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles

  • School supplies and organization tools

  • Tech and accessories (headphones, keyboards, chargers, etc.)

  • Dorm room essentials

  • Study and productivity products

  • Clothing and shoes

  • Snacks and lunch solutions

  • Health and wellness items

  • Beauty and personal care

  • Sports and extracurricular gear

Subject line: Yahoo BTS Gift Guide

Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com

Deadline: July 24

Leave a comment

Share

No posts

Read the original on jillschildhouse.substack.com

Comments

Nothing yet. Say the first thing.

    Sign in to join the conversation.