HarperCollins and Skype team up to host first ’virtual’ world author tour with International bestselling author Cecelia Ahern

WEBWIRE – Monday, November 02, 2009

LONDON - This November HarperCollins and Skype have created an innovative world first event - ’Cecelia Ahern’s Virtual World Tour’ - to promote the publication of her latest novels, The Book of Tomorrow and The Gift, across the globe. Cecelia, one of the UK’s best selling authors, who wrote PS: I Love You which was made into a highly successful Hollywood movie, will join events around the world via Skype video.

Unable to embark on her regular worldwide promotional tours this year due the arrival of her first baby this autumn, HarperCollins and Skype are bringing Cecelia together with her fans through real-time Skype video. Cecelia will join events live from her home in Dublin and will appear on screens at selected retailers in central city locations. Events will range from celebrity-hosted evenings to invite-only retailer events. Fans will be able to speak to Cecelia and buy pre-signed copies of her new books. The tour kicks off with an event at the new Liverpool Waterstones store on Friday 13th November with further events scheduled in Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Sydney and Singapore.

Cecelia Ahern has sold 12 million books in over 48 countries in only five years. At 28, she is one of the biggest success stories in commercial fiction. She is also the creator of the successful TV drama series, Samantha Who?

Kate Fitzpatrick, Digital Marketing Manager says: "Our partnership with Skype has given Cecelia a fantastic opportunity to reach her fans in all corners of the globe at a time when she is unable to travel. As a first truly international PR event for HarperCollins the use of Skype has proved that distance doesn’t have to be a barrier for fans to engage and interact with their favourite authors"

"Skype is delighted to make it possible for Cecelia to connect in a meaningful way with her fans even though she can’t be with them in person" said Jonathan Watson, Skype’s marketing manager. "We hope this is first of many virtual book tours we will facilitate with Harper Collins"

The full story at Webwire.