iUniverse to Showcase "Star" Authors at Book Expo America 2003

First Star Program Titles Available at Booth 2754; Publisher Also Sponsoring Sisters in Crime L.A. Event June 1

Lincoln, Neb. - May 28, 2003 - iUniverse, one of the largest publishers in the United States, today announced that it will feature books from the first authors participating in its innovative "Star Program" at Book Expo America, one of the country's premier literary events. The Expo is being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center May 28 to June 1, 2003. The Star titles, as well as an extensive printed Star titles catalog (featuring information on the books and authors, reviews, and more) will be available at booth 2754 in the Exhibition Hall May 30 to June 1.

Through the Star Program, iUniverse invests in promising authors and markets books that demonstrate strong initial sales. Benefits of the program for authors include securing book reviews, direct marketing initiatives, book packaging, co-op advertising, and other sales support activities.

"The first group of authors selected for our Star Program is incredibly talented and diverse," says Kimra Hawley, president and CEO of iUniverse. "This event is the perfect opportunity to showcase their works. We encourage aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts to stop by, chat with some of our Star authors, and learn more about the unique programs we've designed to help authors succeed."

In addition to the Star Program, iUniverse has recently introduced two other author-support programs:

• An Editorial Review program to help authors improve the quality and salability of their books.
• An in-store program with Barnes & Noble Inc. (NYSE: BKS), through which Barnes & Noble will review top Star titles for placement in Barnes & Noble stores.

iUniverse Star authors at the event include Liz Kelly, author of the recent Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) bestseller SMART Man Hunting; D.E. Tarver, author of The Art of War; David Twicken, author of Flying Star Feng Shui Made Easy; and Natasha Munson, author of Life Lessons for My Black Girls.

The other Star titles are:

• 1918 - Babe Ruth and the Boston Red Sox, by Allan Wood
• 7 Principles to Become Your Own Superhero, by Michelle Heath
• The Anger Habit, by Carl Semmelroth, Ph.D., and Donald E. P. Smith, Ph.D.
• The Anger Habit Workbook, by Carl Semmelroth, Ph.D.
• A Better Place, by Mark A. Roeder
• Be Brief. Be Bright. Be Gone., by Jay Frost and David Currier
• Behind the 8-Ball, by Linda Berman and Mary-Ellen Siegel
• The Blind Season, by Ronald L. Donaghe
• The Bluegrass Conspiracy, by Sally Denton
• College Admissions Trade Secrets, by Andrew Allen
• Common Sons, by Ronald L. Donaghe
• Dada, by Michael R. Crider
• Desert Sons, by Mark Kendrick
• The Devil's Apocrypha, by John DeVito
• Dr. Verne's Northern White Trash Etiquette, by Verne Edstrom
• Grandfather's Tale, by Timothy Erenberger
• The Impenetrable Forest, by Thor Hanson
• Into this World We're Thrown, by Mark Kendrick
• The Jericho Flower, by Stephen F. Wilcox
• The Long Distance Romance Guide, by Leslie Karsner
• Lucky In Love, by Jeanne McCann
• Manifesting 101 and Beyond, by Susan James
• Mean Spirits, by Roger Chiocchi
• The Migraine Gourmet, by Jerry Rainville
• Murder at Willow Slough, by Josh Thomas
• The Payback, by Hilary Hawke
• Pipsqueak, by Brian M. Wiprud
• The Sensitive Person's Survival Guide, by Kyra Mesich, Psy.D.
• A Simple Kind Mirror, by Leonard Roberto
• Stock Cycles, by Michael A. Alexander
• The Sweater Letter, by Dave Distel and Lynn M. Distel
• Three Kids on a Mule, by William R. Meador
• Winning the Cost War, by Dale R. Geiger
• Yo Capeesh!, by Jim Caridi

iUniverse is also supporting another literary conference in Los Angeles on June 1. The L.A. Chapter of Sisters in Crime, an international organization dedicated to promoting the work of women mystery writers, is hosting an event titled "Writing - Selling - Surviving in 2003" June 1 at the Assistance League of Southern California, 1370 N. St. Andrews Place, Hollywood. For more information, visit www.sistersincrimela.com or call (323) 469-1973.

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 partners with industry leading author organizations, including the Authors Guild, ASJA, and the Mystery Writers of America, to bring innovative publishing programs to their members. The company's major investors include Warburg Pincus and Barnes & Noble.