iUniverse Authors Turn Self-publishing Success into Significant Contracts with Traditional Publishers

McGraw-Hill Trade, Windstorm Creative Pick Up Authors, Titles

Lincoln, NE - February 26, 2003 - iUniverse, one of the largest publishers in the United States, today announced that two more authors who launched their careers with iUniverse have landed contracts with major, traditional publishing houses. The authors are:

• Marky Stein, author of Fearless Interviewing: What to Do Before, During and After an Interview. McGraw-Hill Trade has assumed publication of the book, now titled Fearless Interviewing: How to Win the Job by Communicating With Confidence; 95 percent of the copies in the first printing sold in the first month.
• Gary Wassner, author of GemQuest, The Twins. Windstorm Creative has signed Wassner to a three-book publishing contract; this title and the next two books in the GemQuest saga will be released as a series in January 2004.

"I'm very happy with my success with iUniverse and the opportunities it has presented," says Stein. "I enthusiastically encourage other authors to consider the innovative self-publishing programs they offer."

"Because of iUniverse, I was able to publish my work, gain a following and garner some very good reviews," says Wassner. "This success led directly to the deal I've signed with Windstorm. I'll always appreciate the support iUniverse has given me."

Through its self-publishing services, iUniverse provides many promising authors their first success in the publishing industry. Kimra Hawley, president and CEO of iUniverse, says the company's new Star Program is designed to help iUniverse authors achieve even higher levels of bookselling success.

"Through the Star Program, we will foster and promote talented authors more aggressively by investing in books that demonstrate strong initial sales," says Hawley.

iUniverse will cover (or share in) the costs of many of the program's benefits, which include securing book reviews, direct marketing initiatives, book packaging, and co-op advertising.

About iUniverse, Inc.

iUniverse helps individuals publish, market, and sell fiction and non-fiction books. The company is one of the largest publishers in the United States and publishes more than 5,000 new titles per year. iUniverse publishing programs are endorsed by industry leading author organizations, including the Authors Guild, ASJA, and the Mystery Writers of America. The company's major investors include Warburg Pincus and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit www.iuniverse.com.