L.A. Travel Guide a Finalist for Premier Publishing Award

Free L.A., a unique travel guide to free fun things to do in Los Angeles, is a finalist for the Benjamin Franklin Award, given by PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 5, 2005 -- Free L.A. The Ultimate Free Fun Guide to the City of Angels, is assured to win the Gold, Silver or Bronze when PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, hands out its prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award for travel guides at BookExpo America 2005 next month. The unique guide to free fun things to do in L.A. is one of three finalists in the category of Travel Guides, 1 - 2 color interior.

Named in honor of one of Americas founding fathers, Ben Franklin, an independent publisher and printer, the award recognizes excellence in independent publishing. The Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest non-profit trade association representing independent publishers.

Free L.A. details hundreds of free fun things to do in the L.A. metro area, from Hollywood to Malibu to Pasadena. Edited by veteran L.A. travel writer Troy Corley, the hip pocket guide (CorleyGuide; 0970624212; $12.95; trade paperback; Travel/Los Angeles; 288 pages) was compiled by a crew of savvy local writers and designed by Hollywood book maven Kathy Kikkert (credits include Charles Phoenixs Southern California in the 50s by Angel City Press).

Whether youre looking for fun in the sun or for something free and easy to do on major holidays, Free L.A. (www.freela.net) is the perfect travel planner for tourists and residents alike. Treat the family to a gratis movie under the stars or bring a date to a free Playboy Jazz concert. Pay nothing to visit L.A.s top museums or take complimentary tours of historic L.A. landmarks.

Free L.A. has already earned Five Stars on Amazon.com and praise in several national and local publications including the L.A. Times Weekend Calendar, LA Parent Magazine, FamilyFun Magazine (Disney Publications), BargainsLA.com, RebeccaReads.com, Midwest Book Review and Heartland Review. A companion guide, Free Orange County (Free O.C.) The Ultimate Free Fun Guide to the California Riviera, authored by Free L.A. contributor Robert Stock, will be released in July.       

An L.A. resident for more than 20 years, Free L.A. editor/publisher and independent journalist Troy Corley has written for numerous publications including Parade, FamilyFun, Parents, Travel & Leisure Family, LA Parent, and America Onlines Digital City Los Angeles. As a mother of two with a penchant for saving a dollar, Ms. Corley has taken her family on numerous Free L.A. adventures and shares her passion for them in this twist on a traditional travel guide.

Distributed exclusively by Beagle Bay Books (www.beaglebay.com), Free L.A. can be found at dozens of L.A. area bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Vromans, Duttons, Book Soup, Skylight Books and Distant Lands.

Note yo Editors: Review copies and high-resolution photos are available. Free L.A. content also available for syndication. Contact: Troy Corley, 805-646-5467, publisher@corleyguide.com.

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