The final volume of J.K. Rowling‘s seven-book Harry Potter series was published two and a half years ago, but US publisher Scholastic isn’t letting go of the publishing juggernaut. Glomming on to the upcoming opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Scholastic is launching The Real Magic of Harry Potter Campaign to attract new readers, offer online goodies for Potter fans new and old, and a sweepstakes to send four families to the opening of the theme park.
Announcing the new campaign, Scholastic President of Trade Publishing Ellie Berger said “All of us who experienced the anticipation and excitement of the publication of each of the seven Harry Potter books over the years saw firsthand the power of this series to excite readers of all ages. Each year, new young readers are beginning their Hogwarts journey, and we want to provide a truly memorable and magical experience they can call their own.”
The sweepstakes runs from now through 1 June 2010. It’s only open to legal residents of the United States ages 7-14. The four grand prize winners will each receive a four-day, three-night trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. To enter, see this page.
Starting tomorrow, the redesigned www.scholastic.com/harrypotter will offer fans the chance to:
* Send an Owl or Howler to a friend, inviting them to join the magical adventure
* Answer questions to prove their Harry Potter knowledge and unlocking magical activities
* Search the glossary of Harry Potter terms to become a more advanced Harry Potter reader.
Scholastic is also offering a book trailer video, “exclusive virtual stickers”, and weekly polls through their Facebook fan page, as well as giveaways through their Twitter account (@Scholastic) and blog.
In the physical world, the Scholastic book clubs will be offering “buy one Harry Potter paperback and get a second at half price”, as well as a special, $4.99 offer on the first two book in the series, Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. They’ll also be running an “exclusive persuasive writing contest, inviting students to write an essay to convince their friends who haven’t read Harry Potter, to pick one up and start reading. The ten most persuasive writers will win a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, autographed by J.K. Rowling.
For the blog, links, and newest HP news, as always, see http://harrypotter.scholastic.com.
Related articles previously published on SFScope:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in Florida, comes close to reality (16 September 2009)
Harry Potter: The Theme Park. Coming in 2009. (31 May 2007)