Students will have more low-cost textbook and course material options as they return to college and university campuses. From e-textbooks to online books by the chapter, to book rentals and customized curriculum, publishers are providing more efficient and less expensive ways for students to support their academic pursuits.

E-textbooks cost as much as 60 percent less than their print equivalent. Students can purchase more than 14,000 different e-textbooks directly from some publishers' websites or by going to CourseSmart.com. In addition to lower cost and anytime-anywhere access from a laptop or browser-enabled mobile device, e-textbooks offer search, note-taking, highlighting, copy/paste and print capabilities.

"By using technology, publishers are not only helping students succeed in the classroom, they're also lowering students' college costs and lowering the cost-per-pupil for instruction for colleges and universities," said Bruce Hildebrand, executive director for higher education at the Association of American Publishers.

Students also have the option to shop around on publishers' websites for their books in different formats, such as black-and-white, audio, paperback and three-hole punched binder editions. Increasingly, students can even purchase their books online, one chapter at a time. "Buying books by the chapter is a great way to save and budget, and ensures students buy only what they need when they need it," Hildebrand noted.

Some publishers are also offering rental options for print textbooks, either directly or in partnership with online textbook rental companies. Discounts on rental textbooks range from 40 to 70 percent off the suggested retail price.

In addition to multiple formats, savvy students can now go directly to the websites of publishers like Bedford Freeman and Worth, Cengage Learning, CQ Press, McGraw-Hill, Pearson, Wiley and WW Norton to purchase supplemental materials and homework solutions in various formats. On those sites they can often find discount codes and coupons that provide up to 20 percent off the list price, and perks such as free shipping and great return policies if a student makes a mistake or drops a course.

The Association of American Publishers

The Association of American Publishers is the national trade association of the U.S. book publishing industry. AAP's more than 300 members include most of the major commercial publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers, university presses and scholarly societies. AAP's Higher Education group represents the needs and interests of member publishers who produce instructional materials including textbooks and digital products and services for the post-secondary educational market.

For more information visit: www.solutionsforstudentsuccess.org.

SOURCE Association of American Publishers

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Outskirts Press, an Inc. 500 company in 2009 and the fastest-growing full-service self-publishing and book marketing company, was recognized once again by Inc. Magazine in 2010 in its annual "Fast 5000" list of the nation's fastest-growing private businesses.

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"As an Inc. 5000 honoree, Outskirts Press shares a prestigious pedigree with such notable alumni as Zappos, Visa, Oracle, and scores of other powerhouses," according to Jane Berentson, Inc. Magazine's editor.

The Inc. 5000 annual rankings are based upon the rate of each company's revenue growth from 2006 through 2009. This is the second year in a row Outskirts Press has appeared on the list.

"We are honored once again to be recognized by Inc. Magazine on this annual list," said Brent Sampson, Outskirts Press president and chief executive officer. "To appear on this list once is a feat; and twice in a row is a true testament of our commitment to quality, customer service, and value for our authors."

The announcement comes on the heels of the recent launch of Outskirts Press Version 4.0, where writing and book marketing services are now available a la carte, regardless of where writers choose to publish. Learn more at http://outskirtspress.com.

About Outskirts Press, Inc.:

Outskirts Press, Inc. offers full service, custom self-publishing services for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all their rights and full creative control. Available for authors globally at www.outskirtspress.com and located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, Outskirts Press represents the future of book publishing, today.

SOURCE Outskirts Press, Inc.

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The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention presents legendary Author Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles) on Sunday, September 19, 2010.  Ray Bradbury will be appearing 12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. to sign Ray Bradbury's Chrysalis, a new Science Fiction film just released on DVD.

Ray Bradbury's writing has inspired generation after generation of writers with his iconic works such as Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, Something Wicked this Way Comes, The Illustrated Man, Dandelion Wine and many others.  Several of Ray Bradbury's stories have been adapted for film and television.  Twenty seven of Ray Bradbury's stories were adapted for the classic EC Comic Books of the 1950s in such titles as Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, Crime Suspenstories, Shock Suspenstories, Weird Science-Fantasy, Weird Science, and Weird Fantasy.  Ray Bradbury just turned 90 years old in 2010 and he is still active and involved with creating new works.

Ray Bradbury is appearing in person to sign Ray Bradbury's Chrysalis, a new Science Fiction film based on his short story and just released on DVD.  Appearing with Ray for the 12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. signing will be Cast Members Glen Vaughan, Corey Landis, Elina Madison, Darren Kendrick, Larry Kirk, Producer Roger Lay, Jr., Composer Brandon Moore, and Creature Effects Designer Lee Romaire.  Ray Bradbury's Chrysalis DVD, Poster, and CD will be available for purchase at the Convention.

The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention will be held at the historic landmark the Shrine Auditorium Expo Center, 700 West 32nd Street, in Los Angeles, across the street from USC College.  Also featured is a large Dealer's Room full of Old and New Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Toys, Action Figures, Movie Memorabilia, Trading Cards, DVDs and many other Collectibles available for purchase at over one hundred tables.  Show hours are 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.  Admission is $8.00, five years and under are free.  A Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D Mini-Movie Poster will be given away free to everyone attending courtesy of Sony Pictures.  Check http://www.comicbookscifi.com or call (818) 954-8432 for more information.

SOURCE Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention

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AIRMALL® USA, the leading airport concessions developer in North America and operators of the AIRMALL at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), will welcome a host of authors who will be conducting book signings in September at Borders, located in the airport's Terminal A/B, Southwest Airlines.

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The following two book signings are scheduled for Friday, September 3:

• Capt. Edward Brittingham, a retired U.S. Navy officer and author of military-themed fiction and nonfiction, will sign copies of Sub Chasers, Operation Poppy, The Iranian Deception and Terrorism in the United States, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Richard Gazala will be signing copies of his debut novel, Blood of the Moon, an action-packed thriller set during the 2016 U.S. presidential election in a world that is engulfed in wars over ever-dwindling oil reserves, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

On Monday, September 6, Austin Camacho will sign his five detective novels in the Hannibal Jones series, The Troubleshooter, Blood and Bone, Collateral Damage, Damaged Goods and Russian Roulette along with his two action thrillers, The Payback Assignment and The Orion Assignment, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

On Friday, September 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Doris Washington will sign copies of A Blessing, Caring & Sharing and Faith, Hope and Love, two of her works of poetry that bring spiritual and inspirational messages of hope and love to the world of autism.  Washington resides in Harrisburg, Pa. and is an author, poet and disability advocate who has written more than 450 inspirational poems about autism awareness, her spirituality and social issues facing the world today.

Col. John Fenzel, a writer from Washington, D.C., will sign copies of his first book, The Lazarus Covenant, an international thriller that explores the scourge of extremism, terrorism and war in a haunting tale of friendship, faith and forgiveness on Saturday, September 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

On Monday, September 13, Rique Johnson, a writer and poet based in Springfield, Va., will sign copies of his exhilarating thrillers, Love & Justice, A Dangerous Return, Whispers from a Troubled Heart and Every Woman's Man from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  He will return on Friday, September 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Douglas A. Strouse will be signing copies of his book, The Secrets of Resilient Leadership: When Failure is Not an Option, on Wednesday, September 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  The book outlines practical yet essential skills that every leader needs in difficult times.  Dr. Strouse is currently president & CEO of Global Data Source LLC and managing partner of Wexley Consulting HRD LLC, a management and leadership consulting firm.

On Friday, September 24, Bobbie Hinman, an author from Bel Air, Md. who writes enchantingly illustrated tales about the magical interaction between children and fairies, will sign copies of The Bellybutton Fairy, The Knot Fairy and The Sock Fairy from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

About AIRMALL® USA

AIRMALL® USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Pittsburgh International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport (Terminals B and E), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.  The leading airport concessions model in North America, AIRMALL USA continues to boast the highest per-passenger spend on the continent and consistently receives accolades for innovation and customer service.  AIRMALL USA is owned by Prospect Capital Corporation, a leading New York investment company founded in 1988.  For more information on AIRMALL USA, visit www.airmall.com.  

SOURCE AIRMALL USA

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Penguin Books has announced it is to publish 'I Am Number Four' by Pittacus Lore, the first instalment of The Lorien Legacies, a mind-blowing new thriller series.

I Am Number Four is a tale of John Smith (aka Number Four) as he desperately tries to outrun his past, escape his mortal enemies the Mogadorian, blend into normal student life and above all pray, his newly found powers, legacies from home; Planet Lorien, don't give him away before he can complete his destiny and protect his future.

In an unprecedented move for Penguin, I Am Number Four will be published simultaneously in two editions on 26 August 2010 - one for adults (Michael Joseph) and a second for Young Adult readers (Razorbill). It has already captured the imagination of publishers around the globe and translation rights have been snapped up by over 18 territories worldwide. The film rights for I Am Number Four have been snapped up by Spielberg for DreamWorks and the movie will be hitting screens in early 2011.

"It became clear after only a few chapters that I Am Number Four is far more than an exceptional thriller, it's a book to fall in love with," said Mari Evans, Fiction Publisher for Michael Joseph.

"I Am Number Four has everything you could wish for: a killer hook, fabulous compelling writing, thrills, tension and surprisingly tender moments. It's fantastic entertainment," commented Puffin Fiction Editor, Sarah Hughes.

Film rights have been acquired by Steven Spielberg for Dreamworks and the movie is due to be released in cinemas in early 2011. I Am Number Four the film will be directed by DJ Caruso and produced by Michael Bay, with an all-star cast including Alex Pettyfer and Glee's Dianna Agron.

Visitors to the site will be able to discover their own Lorien Legacy, as well as enjoying extended content such as character profiles, breaking news on I Am Number Four and background information. By taking the Legacy Test users will be able to video themselves in action with their new found power. Supported by social media sharing functions, the video and Legacy Test will be pushed out to Facebook, Twitter and other networks, extending the awareness of the series and the site functionality.

"Number Four is a hero for this generation," Michael Bay.

About Penguin Books

Penguin was established in 1935 and is one of the world's leading consumer publishing businesses.  Penguin publishing comprises the following imprints: Allen Lane, Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Michael Joseph, Penguin, Penguin Classics, Puffin and Viking. Penguin has offices in 15 countries and is part of the international media company Pearson as well as providing an online bookstore.

About Pittacus Lore

Pittacus Lore is a Loric Elder, from the Planet Lorien, which is three hundred million miles away. He is approximately ten thousand years old. He has been to Earth hundreds of times, and he is here now.

Pittacus Lore is available for interview.

SOURCE Penguin Books

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