MAIN NEWS HEADLINES

May 15-31, 2004 Edition

HarperCollins Sales

Jump 30 Percent

In First Quarter

NEW YORK, NY/05/06/04—HarperCollins reported an incredible 30 percent increase in sales for the first quarter ending March 31. The company posted $321 million in sales, and earnings rose 56.5 percent to $36 million.

CEO Jane Friedman said she expects to finish the year with a solid profit. During the first quarter, HarperCollins boasted 35 bestsellers. One title alone, The Purpose-Driven Life, sold 3.5 million copies in the first quarter, and more than 15 million copies to date.