iUniverse Authors Receive Writer's Digest Book Awards

Lincoln, Neb. - July 31, 2003 - iUniverse, one of the largest publishers in the United States, today announced that several iUniverse authors received First Place and Honorable Mention in the 2002 Writer's Digest National Self-Published Book Awards. The annual contest, sponsored by Writer's Digest magazine, recognizes writing excellence in numerous fiction and nonfiction categories.

The Deepest Wound by Linda Crockett won First Place in the Life Stories category. Crockett says that iUniverse offers talented authors the opportunity to have their books published and recognized.

"Some of the best new writing is coming through non-traditional publishers utilizing print-on-demand technology and internet-based sales and marketing tools," says Crockett. "iUniverse levels the playing field for new authors, allowing us to reach a wide market and give readers the opportunity to judge the quality of our work."

The following books and authors received Honorable Mention awards (by category):

• Children's: The Call of Sagarmatha and Pond Puckster, by Mark Fidler.
• Genre Fiction: Too Big to Miss: An Odelia Gray Mystery, by Sue Ann Jaffarian
• Mainstream Fiction: No Kidding, by Wendy Tokunaga; Rough Cut From a Bygone War, by Bert Quint; Those Beautiful Eyes, by Ann Cowart Lutzky.
• Nonfiction: Rules for Roommates: The Ultimate Guide to Reclaiming Your Space and Your Sanity, by Mary Lou Podlasiak.

"We're very proud that so many iUniverse authors received this recognition for their achievements," says Susan Driscoll, president and CEO of iUniverse. "This demonstrates the overall quality and breadth of authors who are attracted to our unique publishing programs."

iUniverse recently unveiled the "iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success": a step-by-step process to help authors succeed by progressing through a series of clearly defined achievements, or "milestones." The Roadmap includes: an Editorial Review process to enhance the book's quality and salability; a Readers Choice program for authors whose books meet quality and preliminary sales goals; and the Star Program for authors whose books meet higher sales goals and demonstrate exceptional market potential. The most successful Star authors qualify for assistance in moving on to even greater levels of success, such as submission to the Barnes & Noble in-store book placement program and introductions to traditional publishers.

About iUniverse, Inc.

iUniverse helps individuals publish, market, and sell their books. The company is one of the largest publishers in the United States, with more than 12,000 titles in its backlist, and publishes 400 new fiction and non-fiction titles each month. 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. In May 2003, PC Magazine awarded iUniverse its coveted "Editors' Choice" designation, along with five of five stars, setting it far above all other publishers that utilize print on demand (POD) technology.