Virtual Tales, an independent publisher of trade paperbacks, eBooks, and eSerials spanning a variety of fiction genres and styles, announced that it has been added to the International Thriller Writers (ITW) list of recognized publishers. The ITW qualifies publishers for inclusion on this list by verifying that they do not contractually obligate their authors to pay for such services as advertising, sales, marketing, editing, or promotion of their books. Authors who have works published by an ITW recognized publisher are eligible to become members of the ITW.

"We are very excited to learn that ITW has reviewed our application and determined that we have qualified for their recognized publisher list," said Dave A. Law, Chairman of Virtual Tales. "This designation will clear the way for our thriller authors to join the ITW based on the novels that Virtual Tales has published on their behalf. Furthermore, it will help assure new authors who are interested in submitting manuscripts to Virtual Tales for publication consideration that they will be dealing with a recognized and professional publisher."

In deciding whether a publisher is qualified, ITW considers samples of the publisher's contracts with authors; whether and how the publisher pays advances; does the publisher charge fees to authors for any service; is there a sales force; the publisher's distribution practices, are the publisher's books reviewed in recognized publications; documented complaints against any publisher; and does the publisher expend money for marketing and advertising for either the author and/or the work.

International Thriller Writers Inc (ITW) was founded in 2004 to represent professional thriller authors from around the world. ITW's annual celebration of the thriller world, ThrillerFest, is the largest event of its kind, a meeting place for authors, readers, budding writers, and publishing industry professionals.

Virtual Tales is a privately held partnership founded in 2006 to publish original works of general and genre fiction in multiple formats, including print, eBooks and eSerials. Trade paperbacks are available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other outlets throughout the world. eBooks are offered in a variety of formats, including MobiPocket, Microsoft Reader, Amazon/Kindle, ePub and PDA-formatted Adobe Reader files. eSerials are delivered through email as Adobe Reader files suitable for reading on a PC, Mac, PDA, e-reader, cell phone or other devices. Virtual Tales is based in Vancouver, Washington, just north of Portland, Oregon on the west coast of the United States.

# # #