Best-Selling Author Michael Scott Returns to Gaia Online For Latest Book Promotion

San Jose, Calif. (PRWEB) June 18, 2009

Gaia Online, the world's most active online community of more than seven million users, recently partnered with best-selling author Michael Scott to host a live author chat exclusively for Gaia Online members. The chat, which kicked off the release of "The Sorceress," the third book in Scott's highly-acclaimed children's book series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, took place on the May 26 and attracted thousands of young fans. "The Sorceress" picks up where previous books, "The Alchemyst" and "The Magician" left off, continuing Nicholas Flemal's battle against the Dark Elders.

During the forum event, Gaians were given a unique opportunity to engage with Michael about the series and ask questions about his life as an author, his unique characters and story backdrops, "The Alchemyst" and "The Magician," and the potential twists and turns they are hoping for in "The Sorceress" and subsequent volumes. The two hour discussion resulted in more than 18,000 page views and 70 pages of questions.

"With teens spending upwards of 16 hours a week in virtual worlds, the current young adult reader is making book decisions based on information gathered on their favorite sites, as well their online circle of friends," said Wendy Louie, New Media Marketing Manager for Random House Children's Books. "Gaia Online was the perfect medium to promote the series - it provides instant access to millions of members of Michael's core audience - a very intelligent and creative group of young adults."

Michael Scott has participated in live author chats with Gaia Online members in the past to promote "The Alchemyst" and "The Magician." During "The Alchemyst" discussion, users posted 427 pages of questions about the story, and all 78,000 forum participants received a virtual book signed by Scott.

"Not only do Gaians love to read, but they are particularly drawn to Michael Scott's books because of his quick wit and compelling readability," said Craig Sherman, CEO of Gaia Online. "We are thrilled that Michael continues to spend time with our users, book after book, and that we are able to help publishers keep books fresh and new for teen readers by reaching out to them through exciting social sites like Gaia Online."

Gaia Online's promotion of "The Sorceress" also included a free ebook give-away of the first book in Scott's series, "The Alchemyst". More than 14,500 PDFs of the ebook were downloaded during the two-week promotion.

About Michael Scott
Michael Scott, an authority on mythology and folklore, is one of Ireland's most highly regarded and prolific authors, writing for both adults and young readers, with over one hundred titles to his credit. The Irish Times hailed Scott "the King of Fantasy in these isles." His critically-acclaimed series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, has been licensed in 33 languages and has been optioned by New Line Productions for the feature film rights to the entire series. Both The Alchemyst and The Magician, are New York Times bestsellers, with the The Alchemyst remaining on the list for 14 weeks. The Alchemyst, the first book in the series, is a Book Sense Children's Pick; an Amazon Best Book of 2007; and was selected for the Texas Lonestar Reading List 2008-2009. The Magician, has been named a Children's Indie Next Pick and a 2008 IRA-CBC Children's Choice. The third book in the series, The Sorceress, comes out May 26, 2009. Michael will embark on a 6-city national tour in the fall to promote the third book. Michael Scott lives in Dublin, Ireland.

About Gaia Online
Founded in 2003, Gaia Online is the leading online hangout for teens and young adults.
More than seven million visitors come to Gaia every month to make friends, play games, watch movies in Gaia Cinemas, Gaia's virtual theaters, and participate in the world's most active online community. Gaia provides a fun, social environment that inspires individuality and creativity. With everything from art contests to discussion forums on poetry, politics, celebrities and more, to fully customizable profiles, digital characters and cars, Gaia is a place where teens can create their own space and express their individual style. For more information, visit http://www.gaiaonline.com.

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