Two More iUniverse Authors Ink Traditional Publishing Contracts

Lincoln, Neb. - Sept. 10, 2003 - Publisher iUniverse announced today that two more authors have leveraged their success with iUniverse and have landed significant contracts with "traditional" publishing houses. The authors are:

• Randy Rawls, author of three iUniverse titles: Jake's Burn, Joseph's Kidnapping and Jade's Photos. Rawls has signed a three-book deal with Quiet Storm Publishing. The first book, a Christmas novella titled "Jingle's Christmas," will be released in fall 2004, followed by two more books in 2005 and 2006.
• J. Scott "Skip" Rudsenske, author of Music Business Made Simple: Guide to Becoming a Recording Artist. Originally published by iUniverse, the book has been picked up by Omnibus Press/Schirmer Trade Books. The Omnibus edition will be available in January 2004.

"Without iUniverse, my career would never have reached this point," says Rawls. "They offer a win-win service that will benefit any serious author and may open doors traditionally closed to new writers."

Rudsenske, who originally tried to publish Music Business Made Simple through a traditional publisher, says that publishing through iUniverse gave him an edge in landing the contract with Omnibus.

"Though some interest was shown in the subject matter, having a published book allowed publishers to understand my vision and made all the difference," Rudsenske says.

Several other iUniverse authors have recently moved on to contracts with traditional publishing firms, including Random House, McGraw-Hill (NYSE: MHP) and Kensington Publishing.

"We congratulate Randy and Skip on their success," says iUniverse President and CEO Susan Driscoll. "This illustrates what the iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success is all about: helping authors showcase their talent and drive to reach new levels of success."

The iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success is 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 Reader's 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.