News for Authors

Identifying Forms of Harassment on Social Media

by Phil Stamper-Halpin|July, 2019

As we mentioned in a previous article, on your social media accounts, you get to determine the line between general negative comments and hate speech, threats of violence, or obscene language. But as online discourse gets louder and messier, it becomes harder to draw that line. In this article, we define common types of online harassment and explain how to report and deal with each. Read more

How Authors Can Use E-Courses to Boost Their Brand

by Stephanie Bowen|June, 2019

Online learning is a popular medium for readers and authors alike. E-courses can help you connect with your existing audience and expand your fan base by offering engaging, instructive content that goes beyond your book itself. In this article, we explore what makes an online course successful and how to determine if creating one is the right strategy for you and your book. Read more

Frequently Asked Question: Should I Start My Own Author Newsletter?

by Phil Stamper-Halpin|June, 2019

As the Penguin Random House “News for Authors” newsletter begins its eighth year, one frequently asked question from authors has become increasingly relevant: “Should I have an author newsletter, and how do I start one?” In this article, we share what’s new in the newsletter world and give some best practices for starting your own. Read more

Introducing: Madeline’s Picks!

by The Author Newsletter Team|June, 2019

When you’re the CEO of the biggest book publisher in the country, you’ve got a pretty long books-to-read list! Our undaunted leader/reader, Madeline McIntosh, gives us a peek at some of her favorite recently published books—novels, business titles, memoirs, and everything in between. Find something fresh to enjoy, recommended by someone who seriously, seriously reads books. Read more

Penguin Classics: The Art of Redefining Classic Literature Design

by Elda Rotor|May, 2019

For more than seventy years, Penguin Classics has been a revered publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics celebrates the universality of storytelling from our past to connect generations of readers inclusively across time. Read more

How to Take a Great Book Photo for Social Media

by Neda Dallal|May, 2019

Book photos are a great way to promote your book on social media and cultivate a bookish aesthetic. Read more to learn some handy tips and tricks for taking your own beautiful book-related pictures. Read more

Understanding the Differences Between Your Publicity and Marketing Teams

by Neda Dallal|April, 2019

As you navigate the publishing process, you will work closely with both your publicity and your marketing teams. This article gives a breakdown of these two essential publishing realms, the differences between them, and how they work to get your book out into the world. Read more

Penguin and Random House Unite in One Building

by Alex Hill|April, 2019

Since Penguin and Random House merged in 2013, it has always been our hope that the colleagues from both houses would officially unite under one roof. This became a reality in 2016 when Markus Dohle, Penguin Random House CEO, announced to employees that SL Green Realty Corp., the majority owner of Random House’s longtime headquarters at 1745 Broadway, had offered an exceptional one-time deal and PRH accepted the opportunity for an earlier move than previously thought possible. With that, a multi-year project to bring the Penguins uptown began. Read more

Updates on IGTV: Tips and Learnings for Authors

by Richard Wylde|April, 2019

Instagram’s vertical video hub, IGTV, launched last summer and has since seen several significant developments. (If you need a refresher, read our initial report here for an overview of IGTV’s features and a walkthrough of its technical aspects.) This article looks at recent changes, and brings you up to speed on what you need to know. Read more

Behind the Scenes: A Q&A with Penguin Random House Audio

by Neda Dallal|March, 2019

As digital audio consumption continues to grow, the team creating our audiobooks continues to adapt. We sat down with Amanda D’Acierno, president and publisher of Penguin Random House Audio Group, to learn more about the inner workings of PRH Audio and the audiobook industry as a whole. Read more