Advice Columnist Signed By Landers' Syndicate

By: Dave Astor Updated at 12 noon, July 3

Creators Syndicate, distributor of the late Ann Landers, has signed another advice columnist.

She is Amy Alkon, who self-syndicates "Ask the Advice Goddess" to more than 70 newspapers -- including alternative weeklies. Creators Director of Operations Lori Sheehey told E&P Online that the syndicate will distribute Alkon starting July 28, the day after Landers' last column runs.

July 28 is also when Creators will begin syndicating a three-in-one package that includes a daily column by two of Landers' assistants, a weekly column by Landers' daughter, and a weekly best-of Landers column. Alkon's weekly feature will be offered separately from the other three, according to Creators President Richard Newcombe.

"I'm thrilled," Alkon told E&P Online, noting that she's both happy to be with Creators and to no longer be self-syndicating. Alkon said she'll use the time she used to spend on sales to concentrate more on her writing and do more reading to support her advice.

"Ask the Advice Goddess" focuses on love and relationships. "My column is humorous, but it all has a point," said Alkon, who primarily targets an 18-to-45 audience while also having some readers younger and older than that.

The California-based Alkon started her current career dispensing advice on a New York City street corner. In addition to her syndicated column, she also wrote "Ask Amy Alkon" for the New York Daily News for five years.