Gary Vaynerchuk's "Crush It!" Now a Vook

EMERYVILLE, CA--(Marketwire - October 27, 2009) - Vook, the company that recently introduced the innovative new media product that blends text and video, today announced its newest strategic publishing relationship with HarperStudio, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, as well as the impending release of the "Crush It!" vook. This is the first vook from "Social Media Sommelier," Internet video tastemaker, brand expert, and bestselling author Gary Vaynerchuk.

The "Crush It!" vook offers an entertaining step-by-step guide to entrepreneurial success through the personal and incredible story of Gary Vaynerchuk. The vook features never before seen videos and gives readers an insider's look into how Gary has translated his success of building a family wine business into a $60 million dollar venture and a personal brand that has now grown from Web subculture to the mainstream.

"The project I did with Vook is one of the most exciting I have ever been involved with," said Gary Vaynerchuk. "They really hustled to work with me and create this collection of amazing videos, and I am stunned by how polished the final product is. Just being a part of this on the ground floor very much makes me feel like I am looking into the future!"

The vook was introduced earlier this month as a new way for readers to experience the works of beloved authors and for authors and publishers to expand their publishing formats in step with the habits of today's readers. Vooks blend text and video into a single, uninterrupted reading and viewing experience, enabling readers to read and watch at the same location on their screen.

Vooks are available on the iPhone and iPod touch, providing users constant access to engaging content whenever they want it. The applications have quickly become among the most compelling mobile entertainment options on the market, and some of the bestselling book applications at the iTunes store. Vooks are also available for the desktop and all browser-enabled computers via the Vook Reader, which allows for a full screen viewing experience of Vook's HD-quality videos and integrated text.

"Gary shares the Vook vision. He understands that this new media approach is the best way to deliver his story to fans and readers," said Bradley Inman, founder and CEO of Vook. "The 'Crush It!' vook brings Gary's effervescent personality to life through premium video that's not available anywhere else. As we expand our catalogue of vooks we are also delighted to welcome terrific publishing partner HarperStudio to the Vook family."

"As soon as I heard about the vook, I knew I wanted to experiment, and the perfect author to start with was Gary Vaynerchuk," said Debbie Stier, SVP, Associate Publisher, HarperStudio. "It was liberating to be able to expand out from the print book in areas where a video could enhance the written word. At the same time, it was a challenge to come up with video content that was fresh and unique from Gary, who's all over the Internet in video. I think the vook achieves what we set out to do."

"Crush It!" is the latest vook release and the first from HarperStudio. It is being released on the heels of the highly anticipated "Crush It! Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In On Your Passion," Gary Vaynerchuk's book on building personal brand and entrepreneurial success.

"Crush It!" the vook is available for all Vook formats today. Please visit www.vook.com to get yours today.

Gary Vaynerchuk and Vook will be co-hosting a Special Edition Book Launch Party at The Bell House (www.thebellhouseny.com) in New York tonight starting at 9:00 pm. Come hear Gary speak about how to "Crush It!", check out never-before-seen behind-the-scenes video, and get a first-hand look at his first vook. The event is free.

About Vook

Vook is an entirely new company and integrated media experience that blends text and video to create robust, rewarding new experiences of the books and authors that readers love. For more information about vooks visit www.vook.com. Vooks are streamed to the browser-based Vook Reader and are also available on the go as a unique mobile application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Vook is based in Emeryville, CA.

About HarperStudio

HarperStudio, a division of HarperCollins, is a new imprint with the mission to change many of the practices of the publishing industry and create more realistic partnerships with bookstores as well as authors. HarperStudio was created in 2008 by Robert Miller, a publishing veteran who also founded Hyperion Books and saw the company through 17 years of growth and many bestsellers including The Last Lecture and marquee authors like Mitch Albom. In the first year of publishing they have had two New York Times bestsellers: Emeril at the Grill by Emeril Lagasse and The 50th Law by 50 Cent and Robert Greene, and have published well-regarded books from authors as diverse as Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, Isabella Rossellini, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mollie Katzen.

Contact Information: Contact: Peter Evers or Kasey Fleisher Vook(at)launchsquad(dot)com 415-625-8555