Sharon Darby Hendry

Life is filled with very interesting twists and turns. I met Sharon and now own Cable Publishing because I was working for Elisabeth Congdon, the richest woman in Minnesota, when she was murdered in 1977.

My husband and I were Elisabeth’s Swift Water Farm estate managers on the famous Brule River in 1977. On a Sunday in June, I cooked what would be her last dinner, then bade Elisabeth farewell as her chauffeur helped her into her limousine. The next morning, news of the brutal murders of Elisabeth and her night nurse at Glensheen mansion shocked the region.

In the mid 1990s, Sharon walked into my home and my life. Sharon was researching the Congdon murders for her upcoming book, Glensheen’s Daughter, the Marjorie Congdon Story—a book which, now in its tenth printing, continues as a bestseller. We became instant friends, and I helped her with sales once the book was released. Sharon owned Cable Publishing, Inc. and had great success with both Glensheen’s Daughter and her next book, SoLiAh, the Sara Jane Olson Story.

Late in 2006, Sharon called and stunned me with her news: "I’m declaring Glensheen’s Daughter out of print." Sharon wanted to do some screen-play writing and found the marketing and shipping aspects of publishing too time consuming. Knowing her book had a lot of life left, I tried to discourage her by offering to help with shipping. Then came the next shock: “The only way to keep Glensheen’s Daughter in print is if you buy Cable Publishing.”

We negotiated for about two weeks, came to an agreement, and I merged my company, Waino Publishing, with Cable. I feel it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and hope Sharon feels the same.

Sharon did a fantastic job with Cable Publishing and made my transition as the new owner flawless. Her helpfulness in introducing me to all of her contacts was a huge benefit to me. We have several long, wonderful conversations every year, and Sharon remains actively involved with book signings at Glensheen, speaking to book clubs, and radio interviews.

Sharon chuckles when she tells her friends, “Elisabeth’s cook now owns my publishing company!” And this cook is very proud to call Sharon my friend.