iUniverse to Invest in Books That Show Promising Sales

Posted on January 17, 2003

iUniverse, a print-on-demand (POD) and ebook publisher which self-publishes 5,000 books annually, announced the first in a series of programs and services designed to give authors support in publishing, marketing and selling their books. Through the company's new "Star Program," iUniverse will invest in books that demonstrate promising initial sales. iUniverse.com CEO and president Kimra Hawley said that they see their business "as an 'incubator' for talented or undiscovered authors."

iUniverse will work with "Star" authors to create customized marketing plans then help them implement tailored programs. iUniverse said it will also provide assistance in securing reviews, directing marketing initiatives, book packaging, co-op advertising and with securing media coverage,

Pulitzer Prize nominee and iUniverse author Ted Rall, who recently published Gas War: The Truth Behind the American Occupation of Afghanistan through iUniverse, said the Star Program is a marked contrast to current publishing industry practice, where typically only blockbuster-selling authors receive marketing support.

"The Star Program is perfect for authors who are self-driven and motivated to make their books successful," says Rall. "iUniverse is willing to take chances on its authors, and that's rare these days."

iUniverse will also present titles from promising Star Program authors to publishing industry partners such as Kensington Publishing Corp. iUniverse authors that have moved on to success with Kensington include Ruby Ann Boxcar, author of Ruby Ann's Down Home Trailer Park Cookbook, and Brandon Masey, author of Thunderland. iUniverse recently announced a partnership with Kensington to help them find new talent among iUniverse.com's many authors.

"We see our business as an 'incubator' for talented or undiscovered authors," says Kimra Hawley, president and CEO of iUniverse. "We go beyond just helping authors publish and distribute their books. We help authors determine if there is an audience for their book, then pave the way for them to find acceptance with traditional publishers and agents. This provides value to our authors and to the industry as a whole."