News for Authors

Creating Subtitles for Your Digital Video

by Neda Dallal|August, 2020

Social media videos with subtitles often receive high engagement, and can be a great way to make sure your message is received by everyone. Read on for a step-by-step process for adding subtitles to your digital video. Read more

Tracking Consumer Behavior Over the Past Few Months

by Erica Curtis and Grant Griglak|July, 2020

At Penguin Random House, direct communication and relationships with readers are key to marketplace success, and strong consumer marketing and outreach begin with understanding our audience. Read on to discover key consumer needs that have arisen in the past few unprecedented months, and learn how PRH is tracking them. Read more

Connecting Students and Readers with Our Books by Extending PRH’s Open License

by The Author Newsletter Team|July, 2020

In March, Penguin Random House issued a temporary open license, which was designed as an immediate measure during the coronavirus outbreak to connect our books directly with students and readers, while protecting the long-term value of our authors’ and illustrators’ intellectual property. In response to an increase in permission requests to use our titles, the open license simplifies the process for educators, librarians, and booksellers to conduct distance learning and read-aloud videos. Read on to learn more about the open license, which has been extended to August 31, 2020. Read more

Eight Tips for Promoting Your Book Before Launch

by Phil Stamper-Halpin|July, 2020

The leadup to the publication of your book is an exciting time, but it can also leave you with a lot of questions. In this article, we list some top tips for how to promote your book in the months leading up to its launch. Read more

A Note from the PRH U.S. Board

June, 2020

On Monday, June 8, members of the U.S. Board sent the following companywide email to Penguin Random House employees outlining an action plan and commitments regarding the company’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
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How to Promote Your Virtual Event

by Neda Dallal|June, 2020

If you want people to attend an event, you need to let them know about it! In a time of virtual author events, promotion is one of the best tools you have at your disposal to attract audiences. Read on for tips on how authors can encourage audiences to attend their virtual events. Read more

Encouraging Book Discovery Through New Category Pages on PRH.com

by Neda Dallal|June, 2020

As consumer buying behavior shifts due to COVID-19, our teams have been on the lookout for different and exciting ways to get your books into the hands of readers. In this article, you’ll learn more about our newest way of driving book discovery, through the new and improved category pages on PRH.com. Read more

A Letter from Our U.S. CEO, Madeline McIntosh

May, 2020

Dear authors and illustrators:

I hope you’re staying safe and well. I’m writing to you from what I now think of as one of several thousand Penguin Random House “offices” scattered across the country. We’re now into our third month of remote work, and so it seems a good time to let you know how we are doing, as a community and as a company. Read more

The Author’s Experience: How to Visit with Book Clubs

May, 2020

Jill Santopolo is vice president and associate publisher of Philomel Books, as well as the bestselling author of the novels More Than Words and The Light We Lost (a Reese’s Book Club pick). In this article, Santopolo offers tips on how to make your experience as a book club guest worthwhile for all involved, whether you are joining a local gathering or tuning in via video conference. Read more

Tech Tips for Participating in a Remote Video Interview

by John Clinton|May, 2020

Many authors have turned to virtual events in recent weeks to promote their books. In this article, we offer helpful guidelines to make sure your video interview looks and sounds great, so you can focus on the conversation and not worry about the technology. Read more