HarperTeen Authors Use MySpace.com to Interact with Readers

HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, has partnered with MySpace, the world's most popular social network, to launch MySpace/HarperTeen (http://www.myspace.com/harperteen), a customized interactive community for teen readers to connect with one another, read author blogs, interact on message boards and forums, learn about upcoming releases, post photos, and participate in HarperTeen contests, programs and online polls. Beginning January 2008, HarperTeen authors will regularly interact with readers via the HarperTeen/MySpace site through author chats.

The MySpace/HarperTeen profile also provides user generated content tools where MySpace users can "Create and Share" by submitting their own creative writing and getting feedback from their peers in the HarperTeen community.

Through January 7th, 2008, MySpace/HarperTeen users can enter the first "Create and Share" writing contest by submitting original entries in the form of short stories, poems, and songs. The winning writer will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a phone call from their favorite HarperTeen author. A panel of HarperTeen judges will select the ten most original and creative entries, but the MySpace/HarperTeen community will vote for the actual winner. Finalists and their work will be featured on the HarperTeen profile and various other MySpace pages.

The MySpace/HarperTeen profile will also keep readers informed of new releases via their "Weekend Read" bulletin. Every Friday, users receive a book recommendation and can discuss the book the following week on the message boards.