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 a safe space, it’s become necessary to reiterate how best to engage with me so that I can remain focused on worthwhile projects and people I care about.
Below, is a guide to my internet boundaries inspired by this astrologer and author. This is meant to help alleviate irrelevant and redundant outreach I frequently receive, especially publicity pitches (I was a former publicist, so trust my guidance) and event invites so that you have a better understanding of what I can and want to contribute value to as a working professional. The list is long and particular for a reason and should be read and followed with the same 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.
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 do advertising or sponsored content deals without integrating the journalistic practices noted above.
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 respond to irrelevant pitches and repeated requests for coverage. It would be best if you familiarized yourself with my work, my beat, my interests, and my clips that are clearly shared on the homepage of this website. And if we’ve never met before, please include a personalized introduction that shares how you came across my work.
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.
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 holidays (National Pizza Day). I prefer underrated and unique holidays like Record Store Day, Flag Day, Beaujolais Day, and Three Kings Day.
I do not cover food news or round-ups or listicles. I prefer narrative stories and guides like personal essays, profiles, and long-form thematic features.
I do not perform public speaking or produce event programming for free. Currently, my Hispanic and Latinx industry night series is seeking funding and sponsorship.
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.
My email inbox is not an invitation for unwanted, unsolicited, or unlimited pitches, invites, press releases, or promotional requests. 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.
My social media inbox is not for professional contact use. I do not use social media DMs and private messages as email. Please refrain from sending unwanted, unsolicited, or unlimited pitches, invites, press releases, or promotional requests via DM. I will not respond.
I am not obligated to respond to unwanted or unsolicited messages via email or social media. I am not obligated to follow back.
I often 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.
I am not the only representative of Hispanic and Latinx communities. I cannot cover every Hispanic and Latinx food business, brand, chef, or event.
I am on a fixed budget with a small income and tailor my bookings and social calendar accordingly. But just because I cannot afford to be at every new bar or restaurant, doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention for future potential stories.
I am not online all day, every day nor am I accessible to you simply because I have a social media presence.
I exercise the power of “No” often. I detox from technology often and intentionally limit bookings, social media, collaborations, and other social activities for self-care and energy preservation.
