Fans of author Donald Miller are following his updates on social-networking sites to find the locations of hidden manuscript copies of his newest book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, to be released by Thomas Nelson in October.

Sixty numbered and signed "bootleg" copies of the manuscript are being hidden in secret locations in 60 cities around the country, company officials said. Each day, Miller sends out messages via Twitter and Facebook with information on the location of two of the manuscripts. Those who find a manuscript also receive Miller's personal phone number, so they can call him to talk about the book.

The Donald Miller Hidden Manuscripts game started Aug. 17 with manuscripts hidden in Portland and Seattle. Other cities featured so far include Memphis, Tenn., Fremont, Calif., Fairhope, Ala., Longmont, Colo., and Atlanta. The response has been phenomenal, with manuscripts being picked up within a few minutes of Miller's Twitter and Facebook updates, Nelson officials said.

"So far, 10 minutes is the longest it's taken anywhere," said Jennifer Womble, marketing specialist at Thomas Nelson. "I'm blown away with how quickly people are getting to these spots."

The publisher is also giving out consolation prizes to people who don't arrive in time to find the manuscript, including a free download of the audiobook version of Miller's best-selling Blue Like Jazz (Thomas Nelson). Miller will embark on a 65-city bus tour in September to promote A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

Click here for more information about the hidden manuscripts.

• Prev
• Next