Self-Published Author Achieves Success Through iUniverse and Barnes & Noble In-Store Placement Program

NEW YORK (Dec. 19, 2006) – With the help of iUniverse's unique supported self-publishing approach, Constance Brown-Riggs proved that her new book Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes has what it takes to succeed in today's competitive publishing marketplace. Brown-Riggs' book was first stocked in her local Barnes & Noble through iUniverse's Publisher's Choice program. The book caught the attention of the national Barnes & Noble buyer and is now available in-store at multiple Barnes and Noble locations.

The Publisher's Choice designation is given to titles that meet or exceed the publishing standards established by iUniverse. Authors that publish through the Premier Pro package have their manuscripts and cover ideas reviewed by professional editors and art directors with experience in the traditional publishing industry. These experts provide valuable advice that increases the likelihood of market success.

Publisher's Choice titles are featured in a high-traffic area of an author's local Barnes & Noble store for at least eight weeks. If the author and their book successfully generate steady demand, Barnes & Noble may continue stocking the book in the author's local store and also consider placing it in additional locations. Authors that achieve Publisher's Choice receive one-on-one marketing training from iUniverse to help them prepare for their book's in-store placement.

Brown-Riggs was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Barnes & Noble buyer decided to continue carrying her book in her local store in Carle Place, NY after the designated eight-week period—and in other locations, too. "My initial response was disbelief. My friend wanted to purchase 3 copies of my book but there were only 2 copies in the store. When the clerk checked in the computer he said the book was in both the Bayshore and Massapequa stores." Brown-Riggs said she went to the Massapequa store to see for herself if her book was on the shelf. "I can remember telling my friend that 'seeing your title in B&N takes supported self-publishing to a whole 'nutha' level.'"

Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes is a comprehensive guide that provides nutrition information and carbohydrate-counts for foods that will appeal to African-Americans who suffer from diabetes. Constance Brown-Riggs, a certified diabetes educator with over twenty-five years of experience, shares her vast knowledge of nutrition and dietetics in order to encourage African-Americans to prepare and enjoy traditional ethnic fare from the American South and the Caribbean while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This book not only provides life-saving information for people with diabetes, but also educates their families and serves as an excellent resource for health care providers and diabetes and dietetic professionals.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, iUniverse will post an informative podcast about the success of Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes on the company's Web site, www.iuniverse.com/. To learn more about Brown Riggs' continued success with the Publisher's Choice in-store program, you can listen to the 20 minute podcast in MP3 format.

About iUniverse

iUniverse offers a full range of professional services to help authors edit, publish, market and sell books in all genres—fiction, nonfiction and poetry. Whether writing for a large commercial audience or for a small audience of friends and family members, authors can choose the services and support they need to help them realize the greatest potential of their books. The iUniverse management team has extensive editorial and managerial experience with traditional publishers such as HarperCollins, Putnam, Holt and Holtzbrinck. iUniverse also partners with leading author organizations, including the Authors Guild, the Harlem Writers Guild, and the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) to bring innovative programs to their members. Barnes & Noble is one of the company's major investors. For more information visit www.iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS.