Settling in to the post-Christmas blues. Actually, it's a relief that it's over. I'm sure I'm not alone in that. This Christmas was weird, however, as we didn't get back from a trip to the South Pacific until the 20th (I know, but somebody has to do it), and then spent Christmas at relative's, so made close to zero preparations for the holiday.
We enjoyed not having to lift a finger, though, and still ending up well-fed. Not going through the agony of decision over whether to buy or cut a Christmas tree was refreshing, too. We didn't put one up at all. This meant I didn't have to crawl on hands and knees to the back of the closet to retrieve ornaments.
This year, I was the Grinch.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Top 12
I'm happy and proud to report that my book, Accidental Cowgirl, was chosen as one of The Spirited Woman's Top 12 Books.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Work
My blogTour is over. It was fun, but also work. So much of life is like that. But if you love your work, what's the problem?
Do you love your work? Tell me about it.
Do you love your work? Tell me about it.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Win a Copy of Accidental Cowgirl
Today is the day to win a copy of Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, Nor Horse and No Clue.
Check it out at Silver and Grace, where there is also a link to a book review.
Good luck!
Check it out at Silver and Grace, where there is also a link to a book review.
Good luck!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Food
My article on food today on "This Mama Cooks!" might be if interest, as it deals with a subject we all confront sooner or later. If you garden, or even think about it, I hope you enjoy it.
Here's the URL:
Here's the URL:
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The Wine Country Word: Hear it Here First!
Here's the link to National Association of Memoir Wtiters. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Interests
Well, Joe, it looks like you have even more interests than I do. Where do you find the time? BTW, my daughter is a singer/songwriter, too, but you have me at a disadvantage, communication-wise, as I don't speak German.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Hear it Here First!
If you'd like to join NAMW (see below), Have I got a deal for you! Please go to their site and use the coupon below for special savings:
"In honor of Mary Lynn’s stop over at the National Association of Memoir Writer’s, we’ve created a coupon code for a $10 discount off any membership level at NAMW. This info isn’t published on our site, but as a member of NAMW Mary Lynn may choose to publish it elsewhere. This coupon can be used in addition to any other sale price offered on the NAMW website."
The code is FRIENDOFMARYLYNN
Expiration date: 8/31/2010
If you're interested in Accidental Cowgirl, please go to the National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW) link above to hear me reading excerpts from the text.
"In honor of Mary Lynn’s stop over at the National Association of Memoir Writer’s, we’ve created a coupon code for a $10 discount off any membership level at NAMW. This info isn’t published on our site, but as a member of NAMW Mary Lynn may choose to publish it elsewhere. This coupon can be used in addition to any other sale price offered on the NAMW website."
The code is FRIENDOFMARYLYNN
Expiration date: 8/31/2010
If you're interested in Accidental Cowgirl, please go to the National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW) link above to hear me reading excerpts from the text.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"What, Me Ruralpolitan?
I'm pretty stoked! Please read my article on AOL News today. And check out Red Room, too. Gina Misiroglu of Red Room put me in touch with the AOL people, which is one of the great ways in which she's bringing traffic to Red Room and getting attention for Red Room's authors.
Pretty cool, huh?
Pretty cool, huh?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Friday, April 09, 2010
Indie Press Tries Minimum Advertised Pricing
Indie Press Tries Minimum Advertised Pricing: ""There's such rampant discounting. The idea is really to keep the ..."
Friday, March 26, 2010
Accidental Cowgirl Appears in Person!
If you live in Sonoma County, check this out:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Lynn Archibald
707-395-0542 Phone
707-529-9873 Cell
marylynn@winecountrywriter.com
“Accidental Cowgirl” to Appear at Cloverdale Seniors’
Annual Spring Literary Luncheon
Healdsburg, CA March 26, 2010—Mary Lynn Archibald, long-time local resident and three-time award winner for her second book, Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, will be the guest speaker at Cloverdale Senior Center’s Spring Literary Luncheon, Saturday, April 17th.
The theme of the book, the saga of how two suburban greenhorns spent twelve years attempting to raise a herd of Polled Hereford cattle in the remote wilds of Trinity County California, has a much wider appeal than even the author expected. As one magazine columnist put it recently, “Don't we all, deep down, long to be cowgirls and cowboys?
It was, however, something that the then interior designer had never planned to do—shoveling manure being somewhat incompatible with manicured nails and chic business suits.
“In 1990, we heard the wilderness call to us, and God help us, we answered,” says Archibald. Her book, now in its second printing, is the humorous account of what happened next. Says reviewer Alice Berger: “Rarely do I find a book so enjoyable that I savor it in small nibbles, like fine chocolate. Accidental Cowgirl is such a book.”
Mary Lynn believes in the personal essay and memoir form. “People nowadays are truly interested in sharing their own history as it is made,” She also teaches the art of memoir.
Her next book contrasts her small-town idyllic childhood with her young adulthood in the big, bad city of San Francisco, learning the ropes as a chorus girl, fashion model, sales clerk and switchboard operator.
Archibald will speak about and read from her work at the Senior Center Literary Luncheon from 1-3 P.M. on the 17th. The Center is located at 311 Main Street in Cloverdale. Call 894-4826 to reserve a table for 4-6, or to make an individual reservation. A $25 donation is requested. You may also reserve online at their website: http://www.cloverdaleseniorcenter.com/?p=466.
The author will also be signing her books at the event.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Lynn Archibald
707-395-0542 Phone
707-529-9873 Cell
marylynn@winecountrywriter.com
“Accidental Cowgirl” to Appear at Cloverdale Seniors’
Annual Spring Literary Luncheon
Healdsburg, CA March 26, 2010—Mary Lynn Archibald, long-time local resident and three-time award winner for her second book, Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, will be the guest speaker at Cloverdale Senior Center’s Spring Literary Luncheon, Saturday, April 17th.
The theme of the book, the saga of how two suburban greenhorns spent twelve years attempting to raise a herd of Polled Hereford cattle in the remote wilds of Trinity County California, has a much wider appeal than even the author expected. As one magazine columnist put it recently, “Don't we all, deep down, long to be cowgirls and cowboys?
It was, however, something that the then interior designer had never planned to do—shoveling manure being somewhat incompatible with manicured nails and chic business suits.
“In 1990, we heard the wilderness call to us, and God help us, we answered,” says Archibald. Her book, now in its second printing, is the humorous account of what happened next. Says reviewer Alice Berger: “Rarely do I find a book so enjoyable that I savor it in small nibbles, like fine chocolate. Accidental Cowgirl is such a book.”
Mary Lynn believes in the personal essay and memoir form. “People nowadays are truly interested in sharing their own history as it is made,” She also teaches the art of memoir.
Her next book contrasts her small-town idyllic childhood with her young adulthood in the big, bad city of San Francisco, learning the ropes as a chorus girl, fashion model, sales clerk and switchboard operator.
Archibald will speak about and read from her work at the Senior Center Literary Luncheon from 1-3 P.M. on the 17th. The Center is located at 311 Main Street in Cloverdale. Call 894-4826 to reserve a table for 4-6, or to make an individual reservation. A $25 donation is requested. You may also reserve online at their website: http://www.cloverdaleseniorcenter.com/?p=466.
The author will also be signing her books at the event.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Hands
Don't know if you have this problem, but I have to take some time away from the computer. My hands hurt and go numb. Tendinitis. Nasty. Back soon.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
What To Do About Publishing?
As noted so ably by my recent guest blogger, Julia Lindsey, there are many options to consider nowadays, when it comes to deciding how to publish what you write.
If you're an author, it's always tempting to go with a conventional publisher, especially if you desire hand-holding and instant prestige. But wait! Unless you're the Next Big Thing (or a recycled Last Big Thing), don't count on either one.
Unless you can sell 10-25,000 out of the gate, you may not even be able to make back your advance. And that's after you've spent it!
Self-publishing may be the answer, but that's only if you're a do-it-yourselfer, like me. There are many pitfalls to be overstepped there as well, but at least you have a lot more control over the process and the product.
The two biggest obstacles to overcome with self-publishing are decisions about printing and distribution. And if you don't employ someone to help you market, then you have to spend the time to learn all there is to learn (or all you can) about marketing, and believe me, there is a lot to learn. It helps to have a buddy who can do some info-sharing with you, especially if your budget is tight (and whose is not?)
Just in case you didn't have enough to worry about.
If you're an author, it's always tempting to go with a conventional publisher, especially if you desire hand-holding and instant prestige. But wait! Unless you're the Next Big Thing (or a recycled Last Big Thing), don't count on either one.
Unless you can sell 10-25,000 out of the gate, you may not even be able to make back your advance. And that's after you've spent it!
Self-publishing may be the answer, but that's only if you're a do-it-yourselfer, like me. There are many pitfalls to be overstepped there as well, but at least you have a lot more control over the process and the product.
The two biggest obstacles to overcome with self-publishing are decisions about printing and distribution. And if you don't employ someone to help you market, then you have to spend the time to learn all there is to learn (or all you can) about marketing, and believe me, there is a lot to learn. It helps to have a buddy who can do some info-sharing with you, especially if your budget is tight (and whose is not?)
Just in case you didn't have enough to worry about.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Guest Post from an Independent Publisher/Bookstore
Are You An Author, Small Publisher, Or Independent Book Seller? How Can We All Work Together?
The book market is changing rapidly and it is time for the small publishers, authors and independent booksellers to unite to keep a small piece of the pie. No matter if you are an author, small publishing company or independent book- seller, you are generally passionate about what you do and most likely do not do it just for the money.
If you are an author you may have difficulty getting your book noticed by a large publishing house, and if you self publish you will have trouble getting noticed by the bookstore chains. Small publishing companies do not have the marketing budget to promote the authors or give large advances on royalties. Independent book sellers are often reluctant to buy from small publishing houses and self published authors because they cannot offer the standard 40% discount that the booksellers require to make a profit. We all struggle in our own way and if we are all going to survive we must learn what we can do to help each other.
So what can we do to work together?
Authors must take on the responsibility of promoting their own books. They have the passion to sell and promote their books. Since most authors do not have the money to do a big marketing campaign they can develop an online platform. They could have a blog to promote their book or topics related to the book. They could guest blog on other sites to promote their book, or on a topic related to their book.
If you are trying to get a bookseller to have your book on the shelf you should be aware that they are also trying to make money. You will have to give them a discount of at least 40-50%. Independent bookstores are in competition with the large bookstore chains. Most of the owners love books and are in the business because it is their passion. Authors with publish-on-demand books can sometimes convince a bookstore to stock their books by offering them on consignment. The authors provide copies of their books and give them to the bookstore to place on their shelves. The bookstore doesn't pay the author for the book until it sells. If it doesn't sell, the book is returned to the author. This can work with an author who has a strong local following.
Independent publishers are likely not independently wealthy and they typically are not in the business for just the money. Most independent publishers do not have the volume of sales to be able to have large marketing budgets. Publishers can have blogs related to writing, publishing and marketing books. They could also write book reviews and author interviews, with a link to a small bookseller to buy the book. The bookstore could offer a commission on sales from the referrals.
Independent bookstores generally do not have the time to do social networking. They should have a website, but probably do not have time to blog or promote their store on Twitter. But they could run a promotion on the book at the same time the author and publisher are promoting it with social networking. A book signing could also be set up at the same time. During that time total book sales could increase.
These are just some ideas for cooperation instead of competition. Let’s brainstorm other ways we can work together.
Bio
Julia M Lindsey is a published author and a student of personal development. Her love of reading and her mission to inspire others to find their inner passion, led to the co-founding of Our Little Books. Our Little Books is a small independent publishing company dedicated to publishing inspirational, educational and fun little books that fit into a pocket or purse. A little book is a great way to promote your business and to be seen as an expert in your field. For more information and to request a free publishing consultation, visit http://www.ourlittlebooks.com/contact/.
The book market is changing rapidly and it is time for the small publishers, authors and independent booksellers to unite to keep a small piece of the pie. No matter if you are an author, small publishing company or independent book- seller, you are generally passionate about what you do and most likely do not do it just for the money.
If you are an author you may have difficulty getting your book noticed by a large publishing house, and if you self publish you will have trouble getting noticed by the bookstore chains. Small publishing companies do not have the marketing budget to promote the authors or give large advances on royalties. Independent book sellers are often reluctant to buy from small publishing houses and self published authors because they cannot offer the standard 40% discount that the booksellers require to make a profit. We all struggle in our own way and if we are all going to survive we must learn what we can do to help each other.
So what can we do to work together?
Authors must take on the responsibility of promoting their own books. They have the passion to sell and promote their books. Since most authors do not have the money to do a big marketing campaign they can develop an online platform. They could have a blog to promote their book or topics related to the book. They could guest blog on other sites to promote their book, or on a topic related to their book.
If you are trying to get a bookseller to have your book on the shelf you should be aware that they are also trying to make money. You will have to give them a discount of at least 40-50%. Independent bookstores are in competition with the large bookstore chains. Most of the owners love books and are in the business because it is their passion. Authors with publish-on-demand books can sometimes convince a bookstore to stock their books by offering them on consignment. The authors provide copies of their books and give them to the bookstore to place on their shelves. The bookstore doesn't pay the author for the book until it sells. If it doesn't sell, the book is returned to the author. This can work with an author who has a strong local following.
Independent publishers are likely not independently wealthy and they typically are not in the business for just the money. Most independent publishers do not have the volume of sales to be able to have large marketing budgets. Publishers can have blogs related to writing, publishing and marketing books. They could also write book reviews and author interviews, with a link to a small bookseller to buy the book. The bookstore could offer a commission on sales from the referrals.
Independent bookstores generally do not have the time to do social networking. They should have a website, but probably do not have time to blog or promote their store on Twitter. But they could run a promotion on the book at the same time the author and publisher are promoting it with social networking. A book signing could also be set up at the same time. During that time total book sales could increase.
These are just some ideas for cooperation instead of competition. Let’s brainstorm other ways we can work together.
Bio
Julia M Lindsey is a published author and a student of personal development. Her love of reading and her mission to inspire others to find their inner passion, led to the co-founding of Our Little Books. Our Little Books is a small independent publishing company dedicated to publishing inspirational, educational and fun little books that fit into a pocket or purse. A little book is a great way to promote your business and to be seen as an expert in your field. For more information and to request a free publishing consultation, visit http://www.ourlittlebooks.com/contact/.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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