Three iUniverse Titles Named Southwest Books of the Year

Awards Cap Year of Literary Achievements, Recognition for iUniverse Authors

Lincoln, Neb. - Dec. 17, 2003 - Publisher iUniverse announced today that three of its books and authors are included in the listing of "Southwest Books of the Year: Best Reading in 2003" compiled by the Tucson-Pima Public Library, in partnership with the Friends of the Tucson-Pima Public Library and the Arizona Historical Society. The annual listing recognizes books that, in the view of the selection panel, best reflect "the American Southwest in its many and varied manifestations."

The iUniverse books selected are:

• Arizona's Hispanic Flyboys 1941-1945 by Rudolph C. Villarreal of Tempe, Arizona

• Rocky Point: Idylls Of The Sea by A.J. Ciulla of Glendale, Arizona

• Theme Town: A Geography of Landscape and Community in Flagstaff, Arizona by Flagstaff resident Thomas W. Paradis.

"I'm honored to be included in this list of esteemed Southwestern authors," says Villarreal. "Our region contains a wealth of history, beauty, and other riches to inspire writers. The Southwest Books of the Year list demonstrates that we also possess a wealth of talent to tell these stories."

iUniverse President and CEO Susan Driscoll says that the Southwest Books of the Year awards add to the growing list of literary awards and achievements garnered by iUniverse authors in 2003.

"We congratulate these authors for this significant regional recognition," says Driscoll. "We're extremely proud of the number of awards that iUniverse authors received this year. We believe this is testament to the overall quality of our authors and catalog of titles."

For information on iUniverse, its authors and other literary awards, visit www.iuniverse.com.

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.