Running Press, publisher of a young-adult novel being released in September, has signed an unusual marketing deal with P&G's makeup division Cover Girl; and although no money has exchanged hands, Cover Girl makeup is showcased in the book and, in return, the book will be promoted on Beinggirl.com, a website directed at adolescent girls, reports the New York Times (via MediaBuyerPlanner).

The book includes references to Cover Girl Lipslicks, a brand of lipstick, and a specific color of Cover Girl eyeliner. And in at least one cartoon supposedly drawn by the main character in the book, a caption refers to Cover Girl: "Artist! Detective! UnderCover Girl." The references existed in the manuscript before the marketing deal was made, but only in a generic form (a made-up lipstick color, etc.). After the partnership was defined, the references were changed to specifically mention Cover Girl and its products.

Product placement in books is relatively rare. And even subtle sales pitches aimed at youth could raise questions - and ire - about marketing to kids. A recent initiative by a company called BusRadio, which aims to bring commercial radio to school buses, has been attacked by commercial alert in an open letter to the Massachusetts governor asking him to halt the initiative.