In Waking Lazarus (coming Summer 2006 from Bethany House Publishers), Jude Allman has died and returned from the Other Side three times.

Now, I'd like to invite you to the Other Side of tlhines.com--a place filled with extra materials, unique prizes, and an inside look at the creation of Waking Lazarus:

• Lazarus Expanded: A free companion e-book filled with more than 100 notes and extras on the book's creation.
• Bonus and Alternate Scenes not included in the final book.
• "World of Waking Lazarus" Interactive Tour: photos and commentary on Red Lodge, Montana (the setting), and many of the locations where the story takes place.
• A Sneak Peek at My Next Book: Folks on the Other Side will be the first to get a look at excerpts from my next novel, coming Summer of 2007 from Bethany House Publishers.
• Chances to Win Unique Prizes: You'll get a chance to win a share of my first royalty statement, an iPod Nano, or a role in my next novel. That's cold, hard cash, some cool tunes, or literary infamy.

Is there a catch? Well, not really a catch; call it an agreement. In return for the free annotated e-book, access to the bonus materials, and the chance to win these prizes, you only have to agree to do one thing:

Not a full-time publicist, mind you, but a publicist. That means you agree to do one thing--just one thing--to help spread the word about Waking Lazarus. Maybe you'll write a post in your blog. Maybe you'll talk about the book in an appropriate online discussion forum. Maybe you'll call your local library and ask them to order the book. Maybe you'll say a prayer. (Lord knows I've said a few on this very subject.) It's all good, and it's all greatly appreciated. I'm not going to require proof of performance or anything like that; this is an honor system arrangement. You'll sign up at the Other Side (you have to pick a username and valid email address); in return, you'll get access to all the stuff listed above.

If you really want one of those cool prizes, however, you'll probably need to put in a bit more work as a publicist, and let me know what you're doing. Write posts on the Other Side, telling me what you're up to, or email me updates. Every time you do something or come up with a cool idea, you'll get points on the Other Side. On December 1, 2006, I'll name the 100 MVPs (Most Valuable Publicists), folks who have done the most work or shown the most innovation. The MVPs will receive:

• 10% of my first royalty statement. That's right. I'm giving 10% of my first royalty statement to the Top 100 MVPs--a minimum of $2,000, and no maximum. The #1 MVP will get 25% of that royalty split (a minimum of $500), #2 will get 12.5% ($250 or more), #3 will get 6.25% ($125 or more)...you get the idea, on down to #100. Every one of the Top 100 will get at least $10.
• An invitation to be a "first reader" for my next book. My second book, an untitled project coming summer of 2007 (also from Bethany House), is being developed right now. You'll get a chance to see excerpts before anyone else.

And hey, that's not all the schwag. On top of that, one MVP, chosen at random, will receive:

• An iPod Nano: pre-loaded with the "Waking Lazarus" iMix of songs I listened to while writing/editing the book, as well as all podcasts produced for the book.

But maybe you're a quality person, more than a quantity person. We've got that covered, too. The Publicist selected "Most Innovative" (as judged by me and Bethany House staff) will get perhaps the coolest prize of all:

• A role in my next novel: Yes, if you're picked as the most innovative publicist, you'll have a character in the next TL Hines novel (coming Summer of 2007) named after you.

So, even though you really only have to promise to do one thing to gain access to the Other Side, I'm hoping you'll do more--and let me know exactly what you're doing, so you'll have a chance to become an MVP. (Oh, and one more thing: I'll send you two dozen free business cards, listing you as my Book Publicist. Seriously. Give 'em to friends, family and others. You're not required to take the business cards, of course, but it you want 'em, you've got 'em; just email me your name as you'd like it to appear on your cards, along with a mailing address. Please be assured: I won't be sharing your personal information with anyone.)

And hey, I'm here to help; if you have ideas and suggestions, I'll listen and respond right away. No idea is too outlandish. After all, this is my book, and I have a wee bit of interest in seeing it succeed.

So, whaddya say? Wanna be my publicist? If so, break on through to the Other Side at http://www.tlhines.com/breakonthrough. (I'll admit it: I was a big Jim Morrison/The Doors geek in my formative teen years.) Remember: you'll have to pick a username and give a valid email address to get started.

I'm looking forward to seeing you, and working with you, on the Other Side.

-T.L. Hines