Dear newspaper editors

April 5, 2006

Doug Mead has a powerful testimonial of being a single parent for 12 years (and counting), sharing his single-parent journey with his readers. His writing hits home with single parents, because he writes about the joys as well as the struggles.

That’s why he started writing Parenting Solo in July 2004 with ANG Newspapers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since then, he’s developed a loyal readership of single parents, singles and marrieds alike, because his stories are in a narrative style that everyone can relate to.

His writing is witty, engaging and challenging in stories that include observations on life, single parents he meets on his journey or everyday life with his 18-year-old son, Matt. Doug has dedicated his life to being an advocate to single-parent families in writing, speaking and teaching. He has always been a dedicated dad to Matt, a college freshman. He has had custody anywhere from every-other weekend to full-time, so he understands every aspect of the single-parent lifestyle.

What sets his writing apart is his conservative, family-first viewpoint. Being a single parent is not an easy life, but it’s even harder for kids. His columns are geared to help single parents see the reality of their lives and the importance of making their children their highest priority. His lead-by-example mentality is a hit with single parents because he’s walked down that long, difficult path. He has experienced the trials and joys of being a single parent and is a better parent for it. His columns give long-term solutions for a lifetime issue.

Here's a few reasons why you should publish Parenting Solo in your newspaper:

· Roughly one third of adults in America are single parents, yet there are few resources available to their plight. Parents he meets are always looking for valuable resources.

· Half of all marriages end in divorce, yet there is little information in the media that addresses their life circumstances.

· He gives real-life solutions to real-life problems from an array of professional resources.

· Has spoken at more than 30 single-parent conferences.

· He has had more than 5,000 single parents and 1,000 children in his classes and workshops in 10 years of working with single-parent families in the church, from divorce recovery to small groups, to retreats, to conferences, to leadership training to the Internet.

· He has been a newspaper journalist for 24 years, the past 18 in the San Francisco Bay Area and meets deadlines.

· Parenting Solo costs only $20 a week.

· Use with your Sunday or family packages.

Do you want to know what his readers say about his writing? Check out the accompanying testimonials file. Ultimately, you’re in the business of attracting and keeping readers, and Parenting Solo will do just that. Call or e-mail Doug today for information or to get started. Your readers will appreciate it.

Doug Mead
4510 Melody Drive, #18
Concord, CA 94521
Cell: (925) 209-8470
E-mail: doug@parentingsolo.com