Search This Blog

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.

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.

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/.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Monday, August 10, 2009

Who's Afraid of Obamacare?

Me, for one! This whole deal is a giant power grab. Does anyone realize how much power Obama will control when he pulls this giant bit of wool over our eyes?

Monday, June 08, 2009

Wine Country Writer Hangs Out There

Gotta simplify. Please look for me on either Facebook or Twitter. No time for other blogs.

Thanks, ML

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Wanderlust

Off to Albuquerque to sell books and meet new family members.

I'll get the newsletter out when I return, I promise!

If you're a Sonoma County resident, Accidental Cowgirl will be available next week at Copperfield's Books. Pick up a copy, and let me know what you think.

Thanks, ML

"Problems are good, not bad. Welcome them and become the solution. When you have solved enough problems, people will thank you."
- Mark Victor Hansen

Friday, September 28, 2007

Amazing OpenSource Software!

If you are ready for some easy (well, relatively easy) web development software (which YOU control yourself, even though you are a programming virgin), then check out Joomla! I'm getting some help from an aficionado in Scotland, no less, and I'm starting to understand it, a little.

You can do an awful lot with it, and you are your own webmaster. Gotta love that.

Still speaking to fraternal organizations, etc., and selling books! (Distributor still doesn't have them in the warehouse, but I have some, and I'm selling those.) What an education in marketing I'm getting with Accidental Cowgirl. And what fun!

Rain on Sunday, they say. Fall is here. Get your pumpkins ready. Our dog always helps!

Ciao,

ML

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Back In The Saddle

Got back from Yosemite last Tuesday, but hard to get back to deadlines, writing my next book, etcetera.

I had two free days before the conference, so we saw some of the park, had lunch at the Ahwanee Lodge, and checked out the wildlife (not at the lodge). Saw lots of chipmunks, but no bears. Fine with me! Yosemite is very dry this year, and that's sad, whether you believe Al Gore or not.

Met lots of nice folks, sold lots of books, and learned a bit while renewing an old acquaintance in Bonnie Hearn Hill, a former writing teacher, who started the conference four years ago.

Speaking of nice folks, check out the Spirited Woman website link above. Nancy Mills has a great newsletter. Mine (Wine Country Words) will publish again, as soon as I get caught up—promise.

I'm starting to market in earnest—I plan a book launch party for Accidental Cowgirl this month, and will do a road trip in Oct., Nov., to meet with book clubs, speak at bookstores and to other interested parties. Please let me know if you'd like me to speak to your organization.

Ciao,

ML

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Mountains are Calling

Well, we're off to the Yosemite Valley for the Yosemite Writers' Conference. It should be a real trip!

I'll give you the rundown when I return, but I know it will be amazing, even though I haven't seen it for nearly 50 years.

Downloaded a useful item from the site: "What To Do If You See A Bear." Hope we don't need that one.

Great news! Accidental Cowgirl will be sold at the conference, and will also appear on the August 27th cover of Publisher's Weekly, along with 14 others. I am greatly honored.

Stay tuned. Newsletter soon.

Ciao,

ML

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Go Northwest, Young Woman!

Hello All,

I'm just back from Portland, OR, where I had the best Sunday Brunch experience I've ever had.

The restaurant in question is the Screendoor. I had the Blueberry and Cornmeal Pancakes, with Maple Syrup and Homemade Chicken/Apple Sausage,and my companions had Crab Benedict with Home Fries, and Mushroom Hash with crispy Pommes Frites (French fries), and a side of Screedoor Praline Bacon (maple/pecan glazed bacon), from which I could have made an entire meal!

Topped that off with Ramos Fizz, Apple Cider, and a couple of Prosecco Mimosas. That, plus tasty bottomless cups of Stumptown Coffee, and we were set for the day!

One word: Yum!

I also had a wonderful time with a local book club whose members had read my latest book, and it was so good to meet enthusiastic readers. Portland is full of them, by the way.

Before that, I attended the Hollywood Book Festival in Hollywood, CA. Great weather, but the festival itself was underwhelming. Maybe next year.

Great trip, but good to be home.

Ciao,

ML

Friday, July 20, 2007

Women's Voices

If you want a woman to speak at your next event or seminar, Women for Hire is a great place to start.

This is a new service that has received much press of late.

As one who is just beginning to speak about my books and about the process of writing the memoir or autobiography, I think this is a great service, both for the women and for the people who hire them to speak.

If you are a trained speaker with a message, check it out right now, as they have a special price for a short time only.

If you want someone to speak about writing the autobiography or memoir, that would be me. I'll be in L.A. from the 27th-31st, and in Portland from the 1st-7th. Send me an e-mail if you need a speaker at those times and in those places. Meanwhile, the newsletter will be out before I leave northern California next week.

Best,

ML

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Accidental Cowgirl Coming Soon!



Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, is finally at the printer's and poised to be released August 1. It's been a long ride (especially without a horse), but it's finally in the works!

I'm starting my road trip early, to Los Angeles, where I will attend the Hollywood Book Festival, and go thence to Portland, to meet with a book group. The August calendar of my scheduled appearances is on the website, on the media page. If you live in either of these cities, let me know if you'd like me to attend your book group meeting while I'm there.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Subscribers! Check Your E-mail!

Hey, troops! The newsletter (Wine Country Words, for the uninitiated) is finally in your "In" boxes, and as they say in the "Publisher's Lunch" newsletter ("Published daily except when not"), this one is more like "Published monthly except when not."

In my efforts to give you a variety of content, I sometimes fall down on the publishing part. From now on, no more apologies. That's just the way it is.

What can I say? I'm a flawed human being...mea culpa. Now stop crying and get used to it.

Ciao,

ML

Thursday, May 31, 2007

If Lateness is A Virtue, I am the Virtue Queen!

I've been thinking (that's why I'm late with my newsletter—I can't do two things at once), and as the galley proofs of my latest memoir have just come of the press, my thoughts of course turned to farming and ranching, both of which I've tried, and don't recommend if you enjoy leisure and money as much as I do.

But it was fun (and exhausting) while it lasted (12 very busy years).

Should your thoughts turn to something similar, check out the web page link above. I write for New Holland, but for a different branch, ACRES: Innovative Country Living Magazine (see it at your friendly neighborhood New Holland dealership). Great general and specific ranching and farming and country living articles abound in both ACRES and the New Holland News, so if you're serious—and you'd better read "Accidental Cowgirl" before you throw your cowboy hat into the ring—browse the site above. You can see a preview of "AC" at my website, .

I'll keep you posted.

Newsletter is coming soon! Meanwhile I just have one thing to say: "Yeehaw!"

—ML

Thursday, May 10, 2007

New Link for Writers, Editors and Publishers

Hey, Savvy Ladies,

Check out my new blogger panel, (at bottom),featuring the Publilsher's Lunch Job Board.

Lots of new listings are created every day, so if you're jobhunting in the literary mode, it's a great place to look, and it's updated every day.

Meanwhile, I go back to writing my next newsletter, and figuring out how to market my new book, Accidental Cowgirl, in the next few months.

It's going to Book Expo America in New York City, as is Briarhopper, my first book.
I'm excited!

Question: Would you like to see decorating snippets, or gardening, or herbs or writing or small business or country living thoughts, or health, or...what? I'm open to a conversation about any or all of these topics, and if you ask a question I can't answer, I'll let you know, or try to find one.

Best,

ML

Monday, May 07, 2007

Back in the Saddle Again

I'm back from L.A. (Big book expo there last weekend—44,000 people!)

Ready to start marketing my new book, Accidental Cowgirl, though the official publication date is still a couple of months away.
I'll have a few "unofficial" copies before then, and it seems it is never too late to start flogging your book (or so they tell me).

If you'd like to order an early printing, let me know.

Just finished another newsletter (go to my website to sign up), and I have a new article at the link above, on antique roses, should you have an interest.

That's all for now. Drop me a line and let me know how you're doing, and what kinds of articles you'd like to see in the newsletter.

Best,

ML

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Some News from the Silent One

Hi there,y'all,

The silent one would be me. The good news is that the next newsletter is nearly done, and should hit your desktop some time next week.

What with Easter and getting my manuscript to the book designer, I've been busy.

Whew!

Hope you all had a great Easter!


Best.

ML