I Funny. You Funny? The Search for the Funniest Kids in North America Contest

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

The "I Funny. You Funny? The Search for the Funniest Kids in North America Contest" (the "Contest") begins at 12:01 PM Eastern Time ("ET") on January 28, 2013 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on April 15, 2013 (the "Contest Entry Period").

Contest Objective: The objective of the Contest is to find the funniest kids performing a sixty (60) seconds or less comedy routine. Kids must be between the ages of 8 and 15 years old.

Eligibility: Contest is open to any legal resident of the fifty (50) United States (and the District of Columbia) and Canada (except the province of Quebec) who at time of entry has reached the age of majority in the jurisdiction where they reside and is the parent or legal guardian of a child between the ages of 8 and 15 years old (the "Contestant" or "you"). Children, immediate family relatives, and members of the household of employees of Hachette Book Group, Inc. (the "Sponsor"), James Patterson, James Patterson Entertainment, YouTube, Ventura Associates Intl LLC ("Administrator"), and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, retailers, distributors (collectively, "Contest Entities"), and their immediate family members (spouse and parents, siblings and children and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and/or those living in the same household of each, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win. Contest is void in the province of Quebec in Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and where prohibited by law. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, provincial, local laws and regulations.

How to enter: Contestant (parent/guardian) should visit www.ifunnycontest.com (the "Website") and provide your email address so Sponsor or Administrator can send you a return email for verification purposes along with an electronic entry form. Click on the link provided on the email you receive and upon verifying your email address, please follow these steps below:

1) Video tape your child performing a sixty (60) seconds or less solo, comedy routine. The child, and no third parties, should be in the video;

2) Upload your video on YouTube.com (follow instructions provided on YouTube.com on how to upload the video including creating a free account if you do not have a YouTube account);

3) After you have successfully uploaded the video on YouTube.com, copy the URL of your video and paste it on the field labelled "YouTube URL for Child's Video" on the Website entry form; and

4) Fill-in your name, address, your child's first name and click Submit (all the above steps collectively referred as "Entry(ies)").

Once you submit your Entry, your submission is final and may not be modified or edited. If the URL submitted with the Entry does not lead to a video from YouTube.com (i.e., the provided YouTube URL is incorrect or the video is removed by YouTube.com for any reason whatsoever), the Entry will be disqualified. All Entries will be prescreened by the Sponsor within five (5) business days of submission prior to posting on the Website. If your video is longer than 60 seconds, only the first 60 seconds will be judged. Refer to the Judging section for judging criteria. Entries that contain videos that do not comply with the requirements stated herein will be disqualified at Sponsor's sole discretion. To be eligible, your Entry must be received during the Contest Entry Period. Use of automated processes and devices to submit Entries or subvert the Entry process are not permitted and will be void. Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who, it determines, tampers or attempts to tamper with the Entry process or the operation of the Contest or Website or violates these Official Rules. All Entries become Sponsor's property and will not be returned or acknowledged. In the event of a dispute over the identity of a Contestant, or ownership of or rights to the Entry, the disputed Entry will be disqualified in the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Limit: One entry per child/video.

Entry Content: Entries must comply with the following content guidelines to be eligible. Entries cannot:

By entering you represent and warrant and agree that: the video is taken by you, and is a video of your child or a child for whom you are a legal guardian, and that all elements of your Entry submitted by you are original and are not copied from any other work and do not infringe upon the rights of any third party and you own said elements sufficient to enable you to grant the rights granted herein. You retain ownership of the Entry(ies) you submit, but by entering you, on behalf of yourself, grant the Sponsor, Administrator and Contest Entities the perpetual, fully-paid, irrevocable, non-exclusive license to publish, reproduce, prepare derivative works of, distribute, display, exhibit, transmit, broadcast, televise, digitize, otherwise use, and permit others to use and perform throughout the world the video and Entry in any manner, form, or format now or hereinafter created, including on the Internet, and for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising or promotion of Contest Entities and the Contest all without further consent from or payment to you, including those Entry(ies) which were not selected as the winner. By submitting your Entry(ies), you agree that Sponsor, Administrator and Contest Entities have no obligation to post or publish your Entry and can take down any Entry at any time for any reason, that all such postings or publication, if any, will be in Sponsor's sole discretion and that the posting or publication of a Entry does not guarantee the Entry will be selected as the winner.

By submitting an Entry, each Contestant understands and grants to Sponsor permission for his/her Entry to be posted on the Website, ifunnycontest.com, as well as jamespatterson.com, youtube.com/jamespattersonkids, facebook.com/middleschoolbooks and facebook.com/jamespatterson in perpetuity throughout the world for viewing by visitors to the Website. Contest Entities are not responsible for any unauthorized third party use of any Entry. Entries will not be received or held "in confidence" and a submission does not create a confidential relationship or obligation of secrecy between you and the Sponsor, Administrator or Contest Entities.

By submitting an Entry, each Contestant acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor may obtain many submissions under this Contest and that such Entries may be similar or identical in theme, idea, format or other respects to other Entries submitted under this Contest and/or other contests staged and/or sponsored by the Sponsor, Administrator and Contest Entities, and waive any and all claims Contestant may have had, may have, and/or may have in the future, that any composition, video and/or other works accepted, reviewed and/or used by the Sponsor, Administrator or Contest Entities (or their respective designees) may be similar to his/her Entry. Contestant acknowledges and agrees that the Sponsor, Administrator and Contest Entities do not have now, nor shall any of them have in the future, any duty or liability, direct or indirect, vicarious, contributory, or otherwise, with respect to the infringement or protection of any copyright in and to Contestant's Entry.

Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Entry for any reason, in its sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor is under no obligation to disclose why an Entry has been disqualified other than the Entry was ineligible under these Official Rules. Furthermore, the Sponsor reserves the right to not award any prize if, in its sole and absolute discretion, it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and qualified Entries in the Contest Entry Period.

Judging: A panel consisting of representatives from the Sponsor ("judges") will review all Entries based on the following judging criteria:

A) Creativity (35%) Creativity and Originality of Comedic Material in Video;

B) Presentation (25%) - Poise, Eye Contact, Overall Presentation of Material on Camera;

C) Quality of Video (15%) - Sound, Visual Quality of Video; and

D) Organization (25%) - Clear Beginning, Middle and End of Stand-Up Routine as one (1) set.

The Entry with the highest score, as determined by the judges in their sole discretion, will be declared the Grand Prize winner (subject to verification). The entries that received the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth highest scores will be declared as First Prize Winners (subject to verification). The next seventh through sixtenth entries in ranking order of high scores will be declared as Second Prize Winners (subject to verification). The decisions of the judges are final and binding on all matters.

Ties: In the event of a tie the Entry from among the tied Entries with the highest score in most creativity will be deemed as the Prize winner for the respective prize level. In the event of a further tie, the Entry from among the tied Entries with the highest score received for presentation will be deemed the Prize winner for the respective prize level. In the event of further tie, the judges will make the final determination as to which Entry from among the tied Entries will win for the respective Prize level.

Prizes/Approximate Retail Values ("ARV"):

One (1) Grand Prize is available: The Grand Prize consists of a 3 day/2 night trip to Orlando, Florida, and admission for both the parent/guardian and child featured in the winning video to attend a VIP tour of Universal Studios Orlando (the "Event") from July 6-8, 2013. (ARV of Grand Prize: $1,930). Actual value of trip will depend on location of Grand Prize Winner and fares at time of departure. Grand Prize Winner will not receive difference between actual and approximate retail value. (See below for further details and restrictions on the Grand Prize).

Up to Ten (10) First Prizes are available: Each First Prize will consist of having one (1) of the jokes from the First Prize winner's video entry featured in the next I Funny series book, published by Sponsor, and authored by James Patterson, if any; and one (1) hardcover copy of I Funny. (ARV: $ 115.99 each). If a First Prize winner's joke is published, no names, credits or other acknowledgements of the parent/guardian winner or child will be included in such publication. Sponsor shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to edit, condense, reword, paraphrase, and/or summarize all jokes as needed for inclusion in an I Funny series book. James Patterson retains all rights and copyright in the I Funny books, including but not limited to any jokes featured in an I Funny series book based in whole or in part on a First Prize winners' entry.

Up to Ten (10) Second Prizes are available: Each Second Prize consists of five (5) complete sets of Middle School books (5 hardcover titles), which include the following titles: Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, Middle School: Get Me Out of Here, Middle School: My Brother is a Big Fat Liar, Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill, and I Funny. (ARV: $399.75 each).

Up to One Hundred (100) Third Prizes are available: Each Third prize consists of one (1) hardcover copy of I Funny. (ARV: $15.99 each).

Total ARV of all prizes: $8,686.40. All prize details are at Sponsor's sole discretion.

Limit: One prize per person, family or household. Winners may not substitute or transfer any prize or portion of the prize. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any prize or prize component with one of equal or greater value in the event the offered prize or prize component becomes unavailable. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. All taxes (if applicable) (including but not limited to federal and state, income and sales tax) are the sole responsibility of each winner. Since the Grand Prize trip has an ARV in excess of $600.00, an IRS 1099 will be issued to the IRS.

Grand Prize Trip includes (i) round-trip coach airfare from/to the closest major commercial airport nearest to Grand Prize winner's primary residence or ground transportation, if a he/she resides within 100 mile radius of Orlando (to be determined by Sponsor at its sole discretion), (ii) two (2) nights double occupancy hotel accommodations (one non-deluxe room to include room and tax only), (iii) and admission to Universal Studios Orlando Park for a one-day VIP tour for both the parent/guardian and child which may include the following: personal escort throughout Universal Studios Florida, souvenir lanyard, and select discounts on theme park food and merchandise. The trip is only for the benefit of the Grand Prize parent/guardian winner and his/her child who appeared in the winning video. All meals, ground transportation (other than as noted), taxes, gratuities, incidentals, upgrades, service charges or other expenses or incidentals not specified herein are not included and are the Grand Prize Winner's sole responsibility. Grand Prize Winner and child must travel on dates specified by the Sponsor or forfeit all rights to the trip. Grand Prize Winner and child must travel together on the same itinerary including same departure and return locations and dates. Travel arrangements must be made through Sponsor's agent on a carrier of Sponsor's choice. Grand Prize winner and his/her child must comply with any security procedure or measures imposed by the Sponsor and/or Event coordinator(s) and/or their representatives who reserve the right in their sole discretion to suspend or cancel the participation of Grand Prize Winner and/or his/her child due to non-compliance with any security procedure or inappropriate behavior or misconduct. If the Event is postponed, canceled or has occurred, no compensation or substitution will be provided and the Sponsor shall have no further obligation to Grand Prize winner other than to supply a trip to Orlando, Florida minus the Event portion of prize (VIP tour of Universal Studios Orlando). Should this be the case, trip must be taken within twelve (12) months from the date of prize notification. If Grand Prize winner and/or his or her child cannot travel or redeem any portion of Grand Prize for any reason whatsoever, or if weather affects the ability for the Event to take place as scheduled, then the Sponsor shall have no further obligations to the winner and/or his or her child other than to supply the remaining elements of the Grand Prize minus the unused and/or unavailable portion of the Grand Prize. If for any reason whatsoever, Grand Prize winner and/or his or her child are unable to travel or attend the Event for any reason whatsoever after all travel arrangements have been made and paid, the Sponsor shall have no further obligation to the winner and/or child. If Grand Prize is forfeited prior to Sponsor finalizing and paying for travel, and there is sufficient time to determine and notify an alternate Grand Prize winner, the corresponding prize will be awarded to Contestant with the next highest score. Grand Prize winner is responsible for obtaining the proper travel documentation (e.g., valid photo ID or passport) prior to travel. The Grand Prize winner must execute any required travel documents on behalf of his or her child and must accompany child on trip at all times.

Notification of Winner: Potential winners will be determined on or after April 30, 2013 and will be notified by e-mail within forty eight (48) hours thereafter. Potential winners may be required to sign and return to Sponsor or Sponsor's representative an Affidavit of Eligibility/Grant of Rights and Liability/Publicity Release ("Affidavit") within five (5) days of the date on notification; otherwise the Entry will be disqualified, and the Contestant with the next highest score will be determined the alternate winner, at the Sponsor's sole discretion. If an Affidavit or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, or if a winner cannot accept the prize for any reason, or if a winner cannot be contacted within five (5) days, or is found to be in violation of the Official Rules of the Contest, that winner's Entry will be disqualified and the Contestant with the next highest score may be determined the alternate winner, at the Sponsor's sole discretion. The Sponsor reserves the right to modify the notification procedures in its sole discretion. Prizes (consisting in whole or in part of books) will be awarded within approximately 30 days after receipt and verification of completed prize notification. Entry and acceptance of prize constitute permission (except where prohibited by law) for Sponsor and its designees to use each winner's name, child's first name, prize won, hometown, likeness and Entry for advertising, promotional and other purposes in any and all media, now or hereafter devised, in any manner, worldwide in perpetuity, without further compensation, notification or permission.

General: By submitting your Entry, you agree on behalf of yourself and your child and respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns, to release, defend and hold harmless the Contest Entities, YouTube, Facebook and all of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, lost profits, indirect or direct damages, consequential damages, incidental damages, punitive or exemplary damages, judgments, extent, executions, claims and demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity, whether known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, against Released Parties which any one or more of the Releasing Parties ever had, now have or hereafter can, shall or may have which in any way arise out of or result from Contestant's participation, acceptance and use or misuse of prize.

Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Contest or in the announcement of prize. In the event Sponsor is prevented from continuing with the Contest as contemplated herein by any event beyond its control, or otherwise, including but not limited to fire, flood, earthquake, explosion, labor dispute or strike, act of God or public enemy, satellite or equipment failure, riot or civil disturbance, terrorist threat or activity, war (declared or undeclared) or any federal, state, or local government law, order, or regulation, or order of any court, or other cause, Sponsor shall have the right to modify, suspend, extend or terminate the Contest. If terminated, Sponsor reserves the right to determine the winner from among all non-suspect, eligible Entries received up to time of such action using the judging procedure set forth above. Contestants assume all liability for any injury, including death or damage caused or claimed to be caused, by participation in this Contest or use or redemption of prize.

This Contest shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A. without regard to its conflicts of laws provisions.

Released Parties are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, damaged, inaccurate, stolen, delayed, misdirected, undelivered or garbled Entries, including videos; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), Website, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties, or other errors or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, computer, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Contest, the processing or judging of Entries, the announcement of the prize, the incorrect uploading of the video or in any Contest-related materials. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to any person's computer related to or resulting from participating in this Contest or downloading materials from or use of the Website. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Contest or Website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated Entries will be void.

By participating in the Contest, Contestants (i) agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of Sponsor and the judges. Failure to comply with these Official Rules may result in disqualification from the Contest. LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT A CONTESTANT, TO DELIBERATELY INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL & CIVIL LAWS AND SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES) AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

Winners List: To obtain a copy of any legally-required Winners List, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope by 6/7/13 to: I Funny. You Funny? The Search for the Funniest Kids in North America Contest Winners, c/o Ventura Associates Intl LLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 650, Attn.: D Edwin/#LBBY-4325, New York, NY 10165.

Confidentiality: All information gathered in conjunction with this Contest will be solely for the purposes of the Contest. Information provided by you to participate in this Contest is subject to Sponsor's privacy policy located at http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/privacy-policy.aspx

Sponsor: Hachette Book Group, Inc., 237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, Attn.: AD-15-160G.

Administrator: Ventura Associates Intl. LLC, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 650, New York, NY 10165.

This Contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by YouTube or Facebook, nor is YouTube or Facebook associated with this Contest in any way. By entering this Contest, you understand that you are providing information to Hachette Book Group, Inc., and Administrator, and not to YouTube or Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding this Contest must be directed to Hachette Book Group, Inc., and not to YouTube or Facebook.