Dear Editor, I have exciting news that I believe will be of particular interest to you-- Stan Lynde's new cartoon GRASS ROOTS is now syndicated monthly and available to your newspaper today!

Come along with us for the ride! You'll be glad you did...

The original GRASS ROOTS cartoons ran in a number of weekly papers during 1984 and 1985.   They featured ranch hands Billy and Shag, who expressed through humor, wit, and earthy wisdom the values and opinions held by "grass roots" Americans--just like your readers.

Lynde's new, updated GRASS ROOTS cartoons not only meet his goal of expressing his readers' viewpoint, they are rich in humor, direct, and on target.  "Two factors led me to revive the feature,"  Lynde says, "the health, growth, and viability of the weekly newspaper, and the national return to 'grass roots' values."

Certainly, few cartoonists hold a greater knowledge of, or feeling for, the values held by the people of western and rural America.  Lynde's legendary comic strips RICK O'SHAY and LATIGO have touched a special place in the hearts of readers around the world, and his recent novels THE BODACIOUS KID and CARELESS CREEK continue to entertain both committed fans and new readers alike.

Milton Caniff, creator of TERRY and the PIRATES and STEVE CANYON, once called newspaper cartoons "the dancing girls in front of the tent" whose purpose is to bring the readers inside and in contact with the newspaper's advertisers.  There is truth to Caniff's analogy.  Cartoons are proven circulation builders whose readers are often extremely loyal both to the feature and the newspaper that carries it.

GRASS ROOTS cartoons are perfect examples of a feature that I believe can and will generate that kind of reader loyalty.

GRASS ROOTS is syndicated by Cottonwood Publishing of Helena, Montana.  No salesperson will take up your time or hassle you at your place of business.  At the same time, our company is highly accessible and available to your needs and concerns.  We're "grass roots" ourselves, and we have no formula phone calls or departments to get lost in.  Just call toll free 1-406-495-1020 weekdays between the hours of nine and five (MST).  We appreciate hearing from you and we really want feedback--that's what keeps GRASS ROOTS so connected to its readers!

GRASS ROOTS syndication.....Here's how it works:

1.  Subscribers will receive one month's cartoons (five per month, 60 per year) by mail or e-mail (in both PC and MAC TIF format) two weeks prior to the first day of the month. This system creates eight surplus cartoons a year as a margin of flexibility, or you may use the extras as a bonus cartoon now and then.

2.  Subscribers may use the cartoons in any sequence (one time use) that best suits their newspaper.

3.  Cartoons are provided 3 columns wide by 5 1/4" deep.

4.  GRASS ROOTS is affordable and non-exclusive.  Your rate is based on your newspaper's circulation.

5.  Statements are included with each month's cartoons, and payment is due monthly on a net 10 days.

GRASS ROOTS KICK-OFF...here's what we offer:

A press release including a GRASS ROOTS cartoon and photo of Stan Lynde will be provided at no charge.

Subscribers will receive a special promotional GRASS ROOTS cartoon to help announce the feature's launch in your paper at no charge.

Stan Lynde has agreed to make himself available for a personal interview by phone with each subscribing newspaper.

I'm sure you will agree that the return of Stan Lynde's all-new, updated GRASS ROOTS cartoon series is exciting news, and I hope your paper will be among its charter subscribers.  Just fill out the time-saving (and secure) SUBSCRIPTION FORM, or FAX it to 406-475-9585, or  e-mail:  Stan@oldmontana.com, or CALL me at 1-406-495-1020 and I'll sign you up!

We know how busy you are...that's why we've kept it simple!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Lynda Brown Lynde
President and Publisher

P.S. Reprint cartoons by Stan Lynde are available at reduced rates from previous years works. For information and samples please e-mail me at Stan@oldmontana.com, or call 1-406-495-1020.