iUniverse Announces 2nd Group of Star Authors

46 More Titles Qualify for Investments, Promotions, Barnes & Noble Review

Lincoln, Neb. - Oct. 22, 2003 - Publisher iUniverse today announced that 46 books have qualified for the second phase of its innovative "Star Program." iUniverse developed the Star Program to invest in and promote books that demonstrate strong initial sales.

The program provides numerous benefits to qualifying authors through securing book reviews and media coverage, direct marketing initiatives, book packaging, and co-op advertising. Earlier this year, 38 titles qualified for the program.

iUniverse President and CEO Susan Driscoll says that this second group of titles reaffirms the company's commitment to providing talented authors "new avenues to success."

"The Star Program breaks new ground in the self-publishing arena by offering real-dollar investments in promising authors and titles," says Driscoll. "In addition, Star titles are reviewed by Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS) for placement on Barnes & Noble shelves."

Several Star titles are now in Barnes & Noble stores nationwide. The Star Program also provides authors introductions to traditional publishers. Over the last year, iUniverse authors have moved on to contracts with Random House, McGraw-Hill (NYSE: MHP), Kensington Publishing, and other key publishing houses.

"For serious authors, iUniverse offers tools and resources that their competitors simply don't provide," says D. E. Tarver, author of The Book of Five Rings, which was included in the second group of iUniverse Star titles. "I see the Star Program as an important stepping stone in my career."

The Star Program is part of the "iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Successô": 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.

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.