Whodunit? iUniverse Authors at SleuthFest 2003

10 iUniverse Mystery Authors Lead Discussion, Workshop Panels; Special Guests Include Sue Grafton, Dr. Henry Lee

Lincoln, Neb. - March 11, 2003 - iUniverse, one of the largest publishers in the United States, today announced that 10 authors who publish mystery books through iUniverse will be featured on discussion and workshop panels at SleuthFest 2003, the annual trade conference for mystery writers. This year's event, hosted by the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, Inc., is being held March 13-16 at the Hilton Hotel Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

Sue Grafton, author of the highly successful "alphabet" series of mysteries featuring private investigator Kinsey Milhone, is a featured keynote speaker. Other special guests include renowned criminalist and forensic scientist Dr. Henry Lee. More than 300 authors, publishing industry representatives, and mystery fans are expected to attend.

"We're delighted that so many iUniverse authors are being showcased at this premier event," says Kimra Hawley, president and CEO of iUniverse. "This clearly demonstrates the quality of authors that iUniverse attracts, as well as the level of success that can be achieved through our self-publishing programs."

Eight of the iUniverse authors participating are Florida residents: Zelda Becht, Prudy Taylor Board, Steve Glassman, Elizabeth Housey, Jody Lebel, Ian O'Conner, M. Diane Vogt, and Randy Rawls. Rawls has published three titles through iUniverse: Jake's Burn, Joseph's Kidnapping, and Jade's Photos.

"iUniverse has an exceptionally strong and well-known stable of mystery authors represented at SleuthFest 2003," says Rawls. "It's clear to me that iUniverse provides a proven way for serious authors to get their books published and noticed."

The other iUniverse authors participating at SleuthFest are Janice Law and Marshall Frank.

As part of its commitment to helping promising authors, iUniverse recently announced the "Star Program," in which iUniverse will invest in books that demonstrate strong initial sales. 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.