What is Downtime?
Downtime is a bestselling Substack culture and lifestyle newsletter where I share thoughtful recommendations worth your time. I write primarily about books and style — e.g. the latest lit fic I’m reading or products more people need to know about, like the perfect elastic-waist pant. Occasionally, I write about the chaos and joy of motherhood. One reader describes Downtime as “getting a weekly email from your smart, funny, in-the-know friend.” It’s all I ever want this to be!
Who are you?
I’m Alisha Ramos, a writer and editor who’s spent the last decade working in media and tech. Before Downtime, I founded and ran Girls’ Night In, a venture-backed media brand you might’ve seen in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Cut, and Good Morning America. Earlier in my career, I worked on the product team at Vox Media. I live in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. with my husband and two-year-old (and one more on the way).
Besides this newsletter, I offer editorial services + newsletter strategy for brands and publications, because I’m not [yet] a Substack gazillionaire. I also interview authors on stage and for publications. Email me to work together: alisha@downtimenewsletter.com.
When will I get a newsletter?
Free subscribers get one to two free newsletters per month, and a preview of the weekly Friday letter.
For $6 a month, paid subscribers get the weekly Friday newsletter, a roundup of great book recs and media recs (articles, podcasts, TV shows, etc.), and fun things to click on. In addition, paid subs get exclusive access to all paywalled content.
Paid subscribers also get access to other perks like the comments section, the ability to start threads in our lively subscriber chat (which is so good for sourcing recs from other readers), and access to the full Downtime archives.
Can’t swing a subscription right now? Shoot me an email and I’ll comp you, no questions asked: alisha@downtimenewsletter.com.
Where else can I find you?
Email me at alisha@downtimenewsletter.com.
Follow me on Instagram @alisharamos.
Shop my favorite things right here.
Are you a brand that wants to sponsor a letter? Reach out to kristin@downtimenewsletter.com. I’ve worked with brands like Sézane, West Elm, Etsy, East Fork, and Brooklinen.
NOTE: I use affiliate links when applicable, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases you make at no additional cost to you. Some brands and retailers use affiliate networks. Others do not. My recs will always be product first. Thanks for supporting my work and trusting me with your time.
