Book Report Network To Create Author Websites for HarperCollins

Posted on November 2, 2000

HarperCollins Publishers and The Book Report Network have announced a strategic relationship to create dozens of author websites over the next year. The Book Report Network will develop websites for HarperCollins authors which will be featured on its AuthorsOnTheWeb.com website. HarperCollins has committed to bringing 50 authors to this initiative, including Dennis Lehane, Bernard Cornwell, Stephen Pollan and Beverly Cleary. AuthorsOnTheWeb.com will also feature author websites from other publishers.

The Book Report Network has been building a network of reading-related websites since 1996. Starting with book-related sites on AOL, the company has expanded to include the websites Bookreporter.com, Teenreads.com, Kidsreads.com and ReadingGroupGuides.com. The company's new division, AuthorsOnTheWeb.com, offers website design services, website hosting and marketing.

``This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to serve our authors and establish a dialogue with interested readers,'' said Jane Friedman, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers. ``It is a marketer's dream to have the ability to reach an audience so directly. The Book Report Network is the ideal partner because of its extensive, well-established network of book-related websites, which will be strengthened with the upcoming launch of AuthorsOnTheWeb.com. Working together with The Book Report Network, we will present targeted, vibrant websites that truly reflect our authors and effectively market their books.''

``Since 1996, our mission has been to create websites where readers and writers meet,'' said Carol Fitzgerald, Founder and CEO of The Book Report Network. ``We are thrilled to have the support of HarperCollins, a leading global publisher, as we head towards the launch of our newest site, AuthorsOnTheWeb.com. This is an exciting new chapter in The Book Report Network's history.''