The first printing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, to be released on July 21, will total 12 million, Scholastic announced yesterday. The last Harry Potter title, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, had a 10.8 million first printing in 2005 and sold 6.9 million copies in the first 24 hours.

In addition, as part of the "multi-million dollar" campaign, Scholastic will ask seven questions--one every two weeks, beginning April 17. The company hopes that fans will debate these "big questions" online, at book clubs and elsewhere.

 The campaign includes distribution of table-top easelbacks and millions of bookmarks (each featuring a question) to retailers and librarians. The company will also offer a 5-ft. high promotional piece and millions of tattoos that may be given away at Harry Potter midnight parties.