Disney Publishing Worldwide Announces Unprecedented 3-Million Copy First Printing of Rick Riordan’s Son of Neptune

National Laydown for Print and Digital is Tuesday, October 4, 2011

August 18, 2011 - EON

NEW YORK--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--With a 3-million copy first printing—the largest first printing in DPW history—Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today the return of the ultimate demigod hero, Percy Jackson in The Son of Neptune. In support of the October 4, 2011 one-day laydown, fans are invited to special prepublication festivities in Los Angeles and New York City as well as online at HeroesofOlympus.com. Disney Publishing will also launch the first-ever Olympian Week, a seven-day, coast-to-coast celebration of Rick Riordan and his Heroes of Olympus series.

“Children, booksellers, librarians, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting Percy’s return, and we believe that will propel The Son of Neptune to be the biggest book of the fall for young readers.”

“Rick Riordan has created one of the most iconic characters in children’s book history with Percy Jackson,” said Suzanne Murphy, vice president and publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “Children, booksellers, librarians, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting Percy’s return, and we believe that will propel The Son of Neptune to be the biggest book of the fall for young readers.”

Two exclusive prepublication events will take place the weekend prior to the book’s release, on Saturday, October 1, at Greeley Square in New York City, and Sunday, October 2, at The Grove in Los Angeles. DPW invites fans to help take over the entire outdoor areas of these iconic venues to celebrate The Son of Neptune. Fans of all ages are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and join the festivities, which will include performances and readings by characters from the series. Get all the latest information on the series at HeroesofOlympus.com.

The Son of Neptune simultaneously releases in hardcover, as an eBook, and as an audio version through Listening Library on October 4, 2011. Thirty million books are currently in print in the US across Riordan’s three series from Disney-Hyperion Books: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus. The books have been translated into 37 languages in 36 countries.
With an ever-expanding cast of brave-hearted heroes and formidable foes, this second book in The Heroes of Olympus series offers all of the action, pathos, and humor that Rick Riordan fans crave. Visit heroesofolympus.com for more information on The Son of Neptune and the series.

Rick Riordan, Children’s Choice Book Award Author of the Year, is the author of the award-winning New York Times #1 best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The Lightning Thief, the first book in that series, was developed into a feature film. In 2010 he launched two all-new series that both debuted at #1 on multiple best-seller lists: The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. For additional information on Rick visit rickriordan.com.