Deadline for Exclusive The 39 Clues Promo May 30

The American Booksellers Association is partnering with Scholastic to create an exclusive, promotional marketing card for this fall's launch of The 39 Clues. Featuring books, cards, and a dynamic online game, The 39 Clues is a multimedia series that offers a combination of action and humor for middle graders -- including reluctant readers and video game players. Book #1, The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan, launches on September 9, 2008.

This exclusive card for ABA member stores will be designed to echo the actual series game cards, making it an attractive collectible. The piece will contain a code that provides the reader/player with online added-value (custom decoration for a personal crest, game dollars, or an equivalent gift). The printed cards will be branded "from your local independent bookseller" and similar electronic messaging will pop up when the code is redeemed online. Cards will be available for distribution on/around the program launch date of September 9.

In order to take part, booksellers should contact their Scholastic trade sales rep or Scholastic telemarketing at (800) 229-9406, by May 30, with a commitment to participate and the number of cards the store would like to order. The cost of the cards will be funded out of co-op, and booksellers may use their general Scholastic co-op pool or the $0.50 per book incremental co-op available for The 39 Clues Book #1: Maze of Bones. (The unit cost per card will be determined by the total number of cards ordered.)