Thomas Nelson Fiction is introducing a new line of "first novels" for $2.99 through the Christian retail channel for a limited time. Touted as a way for readers to sample an author, the promotion features the first novel in a best-selling series--titles that typically retail for $14.99, company officials said.

Shipping Saturday, Nov. 14, the first four in the promotion includes: Chosen by Ted Dekker, Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter, Without a Trace by Colleen Coble and Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman. Four more titles will release in March 2010.

In addition to the titles priced at 80% off original retail, the special editions also include introductory letters from the authors and bonus excerpts of the next novels in the series. The Chosen special edition is in hardcover format with custom end sheets, which includes an excerpt from the graphic novel.

"It would make no sense to sell $14.99 novels for $2.99--unless you believe so much in the content that you knew for each discounted book sold, you were creating a new fan who would then buy future installments in the series at full price," said Allen Arnold, senior vice president and publisher for fiction at Thomas Nelson. "That's a huge win for the reader, retailer, author and publisher."

Nelson's announcement comes in the wake of NavPress recently introducing a $5 book deal as a Christian retail channel exclusive, as well as Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target.com embarking in an online price war over the pre-sales of new hardcover, best-selling books.

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