Inside Random House: Bringing Our Authors' Books to Life

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

Thanks so much for making us aware that KZbin's machine-generated closed captioning was not doing a good job with our video. We've now uploaded our own captions and we hope you find them more useful.

[@fallinginfiction]

When people ask me what I want to do for a living, all I have to do is show them this video. This video, is truly fantastic.

[@Moxormog]

Good luck because these people aren't dying

[@redracer2797]

So u want 2 B a literary agent or publisher or writer?

[@tb11212]

5 year check in! How did it go?

[@fallinginfiction]

tb11212 I find it incredibly funny that I am seeing all of these comments now, but nonetheless, it’s very amusing. In terms of what I mentioned above in my earlier comment, while being a writer is still a dream of mine, it is something I am striving to pursue on the side nowadays, as I continue the pursuit of obtaining a college education. If I recall correctly, I believe I was a teenager at the time of writing the above comment, and I am now in my early 20s. Writing is something I have always loved ever since I was a kid, and with each passing year, my admiration for it continues growing stronger. I don’t really know exactly what I will actively pursue with writing just yet, but I know that using this skill and my love of words and language is something I strive to do for the rest of my life, if that makes sense. (Especially from a career standpoint). I know this comment I am writing now seems vague, but I just figured I’d provide an update. In all honesty though, I completely forgot that I initially left a comment underneath this video five years ago. It’s funny how much times have changed.

[@littlejohnandbaloo9701]

@@fallinginfiction Well, hopefully, I could be the author and publisher of Penguin Random House when I grow up... _(well, honestly....)_

[@crashouch]

I'm a copy editor and I love what they say in this video. It's so true. I love bringing out the best in every piece of text I edit while ensuring I keep the author's unique voice strong and true. The relationship I build with every writer I work with is so intimate and I do my best to look after them and make sure they're happy at every stage of the editing process.

[@geraltrivian9801]

Which UK university is the best to be editor

[@geraltrivian9801]

How much experience is required to get the editor job

[@josephbohme7917]

Experience is a matter of how much you are willing to read, attend to your own education, write, be criticized, and work for free if required or at best minimum wage. That is a start. Self education is Free, but discipilne is unimaginally rare and quite expensive. So if you were asked to write 1 compelling piece per day for...... Readere's Digest (do they still exist?) Would you do it, and for how many times.

[@ginl1981]

I really appreciate how transparent you are in your process of producing books. As someone who has great interest in working in the publishing industry someday, I find this to be truly helpful and inspiring. It motivates me to work really hard and focus on that goal of working in publishing.

[@bardstables8909]

I just completed my first book. It's currently in the hands of a freelance editor and will be looking for an agent soon. With a little luck maybe one day I'll see it in print from your house. Best wishes to all.

[@moonlitskylight5740]

I doubt I'll be so lucky, but when I go to publish my novel, it would be a dream to have Penguin Random House publish it. From the video, they are the kind of people I want to work with.

[@moonlitskylight5740]

@realworldtalking Probably not, haha. Wishful thinking, really, but someone will publish me, that I know.

[@liamguthrie7027]

We all dream of being published by Penguin Random House

[@gods1princess306]

I bet that's what a lot of other authors thought. Believe who believes in you. You never know! 🙏💪

[@derrickkayson9467]

you probably dont give a shit but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost my password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@LAdiartos]

@@moonlitskylight5740 gonna start my first nonfiction book... i hope youre already published by now, but if youre not, just wanna say good luck and keep writing and submitting to agents!

[@theartofflying3580]

What a wonderful video. I’m 17,000 words into my first novel and every day I’m thrilled and amazed with what I’m creating. I think I’m writing my absolute favourite novel... but thinking about everything that comes next, editors, publishing, agents, marketing... it’s exciting but a complete unknown to me. This video puts a few things in place for me. “Publish with Penguin Random House if you’re lucky”

[@theartofflying3580]

@somnus _ I’m close to being done my first draft. 97,000 words. Really confident in the story that I’ve written, the characters, all of it. I’m excited to do revisions and continue to improve

[@yuktareddy986]

​@@theartofflying3580 hi what happened

[@HIVgirl1]

I enjoyed seeing how a brand new book goes from arriving at the publishers to ending up at the store or on a tablet. Good work.

[@musiclvr5003]

This is fantastic! I love that fact that now when people ask me what I want to do with my life, I can just pull up this video and show them. Thank you!

[@ASMRASCENDING]

You guys should do another one of these videos since it's been 8 years!!! Idk if things have changed but yeah lol would LOVE to see this! 🥰

[@alpn113]

I am done writing my Memoir, BORN WALKING!, My goal is to inspire people to be grateful for what they have.

[@BANGNOIR]

I really enjoyed this video. The process can be talked about and read many times over but actually seeing this dispelled the mystery of the process. Thank you Random House. XO

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

Thanks Lurlene, we're so pleased you enjoyed the video.

[@michellemarie1197]

I wanna both work for a publishing house in editing and be an author myself

[@szczesliwyanalityk4245]

I am a writer from Belarus. I am looking for a person who will help me sell my book "Cosmic Laws and World Domination" to Americans.

[@davefischer2344]

I just applied here, I really hope I get the job

[@lucinatorres9873]

Two years later- did you get the job?

[@brilliancesibuyi8269]

would you mind to come work in South Africa...please respond to my email [e-mail]

[@KLaBrown]

Did you get the job?

[@noorkhabbaz]

....hope u got the job

[@Ariana-vc3df]

Did you get the job?

[@carolinelewiscarrie2514]

Amazing video!! Very encouraging for new writers!! My relatively new WIP (a chapter book for older kids) is quite different to what a lot of my peers are writing (in a Writing Children's Novels course that I'm currently doing, with the Australian Writers' Centre) - as the main character has a crazy imagination, is very witty, and has a lot of insights, for a 13yo girl. But this video has been a great reminder that if you have a great story with great characters, publishers will be interested in your book. Thanks again for this inspiring video!!😊

[@jedicrush1497]

I'm a teacher. I have been teaching for 10+ years and would love to write short children leveled readers. I would love to work for Random House as a writer.

[@2ellebooks]

Loved seeing people I know in this video! My wonderful editor Anne Schwartz and art director Lee Wade, Wendy Lamb, and Annette Danek who runs the fabulous and humongous warehouse in a secret location in MD, where they treat you like family and you can pop all the bubble wrap you want and you never want to leave even though it's windowless on account of it's better that way for storing a third of the world's music and for reading every book that rushes down the sorting machines at you until you

[@writebrobp]

Wow, what a great, informative video with a real insight into the author and publisher's relationship in working with a book manuscript. Truly inspiring to this unpublished writer!

[@ZirrahOutLoud]

I want to be an editor so badly...I really regret not doing an internship somewhere in college. Really interesting, informative video.

[@andrewmullett6943]

I enjoyed this video which I found in my in box this morning I have been writing music and lyrics for years having been picked up by a well known company now I am branching out into book writing specifically children's books I was considering publishing with the competition but after seeing this video I think I will be calling Wendy Lamb

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

May 27, 2018---How about a video how this company decides whose book to publish and why?

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

Thank you for watching!

[@HoopsNerdNBA]

Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Showed me things I always wondered about.

[@jeanneumana1052]

I so appreciate the honest guidance these pros give to excellent writers who still r daunted and stymied by the business. It is an investment on their part, not charitable self indulgence. Tastes r dictated by social media/whims that further dictate what writers r enslaved by. I thank them.

[@paulapoetry]

Fascinating and inspirational video. Thank you for sharing.

[@kingkumkazithe2nd339]

This is exactly what I envisioned and hoped for, once I signed with a reputable publisher for my debut book (thats currently in production). I did so without an agent. Everything that they asked of me, I went above and beyond. However, once it was their turn to do their part, I felt frozen out and not provided progress updates. After many fights and me letting them know that for my newly completed second manuscript ( for my next book), not only am I looking for an agent, but will have it published not by them, did I get them to wake up. So, finally, I get to see for the first time, the first proof,this week

[@legendary.was.momentary]

How has your publishing journey been now that its three years later?

[@Knox122771]

I was the same though the recent Random House’s Hydra changes contract terms gave me a moment pause. They are clearly a force to recon with after purchasing Penguin. I hope they regain there footing towards upholding a common respective and Professional with prospective Authors and readers alike.

[@CBPCommunity]

Penguin Random House, I as Reinhard Mohn's sole Heir in his Will, received all of his Assets in 2006. As a member of the Board of Directors of Penguin Random House since 2006 I look forward to meeting all of you and being of service. When, and where, is your next Board of Directors meeting?

[@carcamper815]

Random House Go! Awesome video! See you guys soon...

[@Metatron141]

Launching a new book is really a mysterious, challenging and hopeful process. Some books take off on word of mouth while others sell through marketing and sales. I love books they are special and important to the soul but the selling of books is up for grabs,at,any time.

[@jekkreads]

It's Ann Kingman! When she started I thought hmm that voice sounds familiar then I remembered...Books on the Nightstand!

[@lindsayhengehold5341]

Love this publisher!

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

Hello Musiclvr5003, so glad you found the overview helpful. Best of luck to you!

[@BANGNOIR]

Thank you for posting. It is interesting and inspiring with what you guys do. A true writers dream.

[@catslady5]

That was hysterical. You guys have a great sense of humor.

[@JohnPaulBernett]

Very informative, I enjoyed this video

[@kathyl6677]

I have wanted to work for Random House!

[@BooksFriends]

WOOW, -i am a Book Activist and i wish to work with you or to do an internship but i have to improve my English first.

[@carbonc6065]

Love this video!

[@logansisson5949]

I'm trying to finish the short story I'm writing, this is amazing

[@stevenlloyd39]

I noticed something odd. Look at the editors as they edit. The manuscript is in a single space format.

[@TheReelNerdyReview]

Hope to to join the penguin family someday gotta get back on the book writing grind

[@bluenation5464]

This is a great video. You are all very author friendly.

[@beebourie3457]

I just wrote a book. After I'm done just re-reading and changing some things, I'm hoping to send it here

[@ALynnBassett]

Beebo Urie awesome. Keep writing and rewriting!

[@BooksFriends]

Good Luck to you. Keep working

[@razinlll2394]

Well, can I illustrate by my self?

[@princessthyemis]

This video makes me happy. I want to be an author but an editor also....

[@michaelrauch8629]

I'm considering applying now

[@judybrown8258]

I paid for editing for my book Nettie Boo with my publisher . What to do now. Why the work is not being done?

[@selfpublishing01]

Very good idea! Thanks.

[@Kahiya-u5k]

I love this video

[@princehamdanjournal]

Such a glamorous job. This is my life. It does remind you of Carrie Bradshaw on Sex & The City, except I ain't having no sex at all in any city.

[@rinaamaya7382]

I want to publishing my children books with you could you please tell me what I need to do I need help with the illustrations I have too many manuscripts Thanks for your attention

[@Knox122771]

I am very conflicted about random House right now. Random House’s Hydra contract terms that seemed so negatively nasty. As now Random House’s Hydra changes contract terms was positive move. I am very wary considering how quickly they made such a negative move with there contract as all my life Random House was the example of a solid professional grip of reality of the business.

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

You are very welcome.

[@rosie276]

Okay, you've sold me...you may publish my next book. ;-)

[@BuddhistTushar]

I wish I had this type of job

[@allisondavis5496]

I have a few books I'd like to have published. They are for 3 to 6yr olds. What is the first step? Do you have a section for this age?

[@ElfGreatTree]

Are the books finished? Pick your best one and try to find an agent to query about representing you to publishers. QueryTracker.com is a good place to find an agent that handles your specific genre of book. Examine closely each agent and their specific submission requirements (they can vary by a fair amount). KZbin has many videos about finding an agent and what to look for when doing so, its worth the time invested to get an idea of what to do/expect. QueryShark.com is also another place to read about how to write an Agent's query letter (which can be very difficult to do, since you have 200-300 words to grab their attention, thats it). If you dont want an agent/traditional publisher, you can go the other route and self-publish, but then you are taking on all the aspects of the job: editing, illustrations, publishing, marketing....I want to have an agent that will suggest edits, help me find a publisher and have their own in-house editors tear my manuscripts apart, and generally make what I'm trying to do that much better. Then get some expert marketing behind it so it (maybe) can sell a few copies. As I understand it, a good selling self-published book can sell 200-500 copies, a book thats undergone the traditional route will sell a few or many multiples of that... Best of luck to you, what I discovered from digging into this the last 6 months or so is that while I had a bang-up time writing and finishing off a 90,000 word novel, the real work comes when trying to take the next step with the damn thing. It IS possible to get published, of course, but its involved and ultimately you have to want it to happen so much that nothing gets in your way (not even the previously mentioned Query Letter, those things suck - its what im stuck on lately....25+ drafts, just 200 words...its still not perfect).

[@roneygarromonge9003]

I want to made a proposal book what to do ?

[@danielkingsley7142]

Bring back Dr Seuss's books 📚

[@yukip8312]

Hope the editors give more autonomy for writers

[@PenguinRandomHouse]

Thank you :)

[@Themoment888]

I'm going to publish my books with Random House.

[@rattanreule7760]

Kindly guide me. I want to publish my novel book from this publisher.

[@semperbauhaus]

To quote someone on The Passive Voice, "Once again, Big Publishing shows what its real focus and concern is, by trying to shift its branding focus from authors to publishers. Instead of saying to writers, “We’ll help you build YOUR brand as an author,” they say, “Aren’t you impressed by OUR brand as your publisher?” Maybe try spending money on marketing for your authors. You guys aren't important. No one says, gee I must get down the bookstore to see what Random House (or any other publisher) has released today. We readers don't gibe a rats ass about the publisher; it's the AUTHOR who is important, and ONLY THE AUTHOR!

[@AlexRetsam]

semperbauhaus No, it's a rare author that's any good without a good editor. The publishing company vets an author's work so you don't have to. I think they can be as important as the author because you rely on them to bring authors to you, and to guide an author's talents. The shitty thing that big publishing companies do now is quantity over quality. Thats why small publishing houses can be so good, because they're hungry and they live off the value of their small stable of authors.

[@lloydbryant-minestryofsurv1474]

Love the video so helpful I'm righting a book at the moment I'm only 13 if you have tips I would love to see what you have to say :)

[@rattanreule7760]

Greetings from Nepal, I am Dr. Rattan Reule. I want to get my novel published from this publisher. Please help me

[@SpeakWritePlayinEnglish]

The editing process involves more than changing words. It's about becoming the owner of the story to make it succeed.

[@geraltrivian9801]

Which best university in UK train a person to get this type of dream job

[@stendaalcartography3436]

When I'm finished with writing my book, this is where I'm sending my manuscript!

[@JordeeFam]

Fractures of Stendaal Hello! please check out my ebook🤗 www.amazon.com/Happy-Sunshine-Tales-collection-Halloween-ebook/dp/B07JMGJVQL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547034074&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=happy+sunshine+tales&dpPl=1&dpID=51rFop%2Bca3L&ref=plSrch

[@bengreenfield4638]

Random Question from my house: Will Random house take on a new novelist in his fifties, assuming great story?

[@bohuiniu2365]

Does a foreigner have the chance to work in random?

[@hitchhiker_1969]

Who is this commercial for, anyway? With the firewall RH has built to keep authors from contacting or submitting to them, it's certainly not been posted here for writer.

[@jemajoy8839]

For readers and booksellers 🤔

[@rolandorizzo1320]

Can any author forward a submission and have somebody look at it, or has the manuscript forwarded have to come from an agent? Amazing info in the video but I wanted to hear that anybody can send in work and have a chance to get published.

[@benskinner2257]

So why did u have to screw up 5he obi wan book

[@trienasee2136]

Great video, it is very informative. Will someone at your company be interested in a novel about a young female navy sailor.---"Sailor Girl." It has been edited and I promise you it is a good read. This is riveting story about a young woman's quest for meaning, purpose, and true love, and success in her life while serving in the US Navy!

[@raz8752]

I don't think the youtube comment section is where publishing houses look to find authors without agents

[@craigurban9357]

I just want to send a book that i have created in Word format. CW4 US Army Retired.

[@JordeeFam]

Craig Urban check out my ebook! www.amazon.com/Happy-Sunshine-Tales-collection-Halloween-ebook/dp/B07JMGJVQL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547034074&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=happy+sunshine+tales&dpPl=1&dpID=51rFop%2Bca3L&ref=plSrch

[@misterwhitman4368]

Gee whiz, I sure do miss Bennett Cerf!

[@JordeeFam]

David Whitman Character Actor hello! please give my ebook a try 🤗. www.amazon.com/Happy-Sunshine-Tales-collection-Halloween-ebook/dp/B07JMGJVQL/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547034074&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=happy+sunshine+tales&dpPl=1&dpID=51rFop%2Bca3L&ref=plSrch

[@JordeeFam]

Pleas ignore the nasty false review from my bitter ex friend

[@misterwhitman4368]

@@JordeeFam OK Jordee&Babes, I shall ignore it. For some cheep laughs and odd weirdos, come visit my You Tube Channel!

[@SeemaDevi-ym5yn]

I have one book to publish

[@TheBighatter]

“Bringing our authors books to life”... except those authors of course that offend the bluehairs in the mail room.

[@tommmy6471]

Tricofia and the cursed kingdoms . Anybody like this book title

[@josephbohme7917]

A Painter does not make paint or create their brushs. and in some ways an author may not write a story of fiction but report the facts in a 1st / 2nd person way. Looking at a scene in the mind, rather than creating the story. It is a reflection of circumtance, like any random conversation. Some few still read the news a lot but those words have little drama or scintillating adjectives and verbs.The analytics that drive the science of books is so 'corporate'. I dislike that the methodology has become so stratified at each of the publishers. So many hats are given out and so few were able to change the ones they should have had. Like the title of the book, or the author's reputation. Sales does not represent what percentage was read from cover to cover. If an author is out in the field they sell in very well by signing 100 + per day with a good lecture. And the next week?

[@andyweb7779]

If you's ever read one av my books ye'd shit yer knickers lol

[@snehshah4973]

Does penguin accept manuscripts from young authors(i.e. below 16 yrs of age)????????

[@snehshah4973]

@Magnificosoco Thx

[@snehshah4973]

@Magnificosoco The book is edited...... The only problem is that I am not 18yrs of age........

[@ericstandefer9138]

@sneh shaw your age shouldn't matter at this point. Get The Writers Market 2019. It lists agents. The agent will take care of the business aspect of things if your book is good.

[@snehshah4973]

@@ericstandefer9138 thank you very much.....

[@ranjit9220]

I have published self my Book THE god good to figure out Kindle Amazon A christian apologetic Book

[@michaelross1386]

Well, Ms. Kamil, you know, I can smell the bullshit in the air, and it starts at the very beginning. It is possible to sit down at a computer and just write. There are thousands of 'pantsers' out there, and some, like me, have written best sellers. And writing is NOT all about rewriting-for everyone. Writing is subjective and that applies to the technique of writing.

[@toyatsymonds9324]

Random House affiliation with disrespectfully placing cApS on a song title "Black Muse", Yet, with educated university corporate influence abandon CAPS with regards to freed "B"lacks. Even if, author over rides edit, state that , as to separate professional position. Misrepresentation of Biblical Scripture , with I'll intent, shuffling unwarranted adulation to a former destiny child.,, Also notated as trade 🗑️ PUBLISHING.

[@penny1186]

I hope Prince Harry’s book is a flop

[@julietpowell5164]

The editors seem to be trustworthy, unfortunately I doubt that they would have accepted my manuscript because it probably would be lost in the crowd. Marketing is not my bag but I get great feedback from my readers and although I have never made a submission to Random House I am thankful that the opportunity to self-publish exists. I get great comments from people who would love to tell me my books suck. Maybe one day I will invite a rejection from Random House Publishers. J. E. Powell

[@davaocityforever]

Too bad about that whole ePublishing thing, huh?

[@BillKing8888]

It looks like they're really open to hiring gays.

[@rachelthompson9324]

Legacy publishing propaganda at it's finest. What they don't tell you is telling.

[@jamal7586]

lol what do you mean by that!

[@rachelthompson9324]

@@jamal7586 There is a long list of what isn't said. Bottom line, you do all the work they get almost all the money, unless you are Steven King or another already well established writer. Only best sellers get a reasonable deal. Mid list writers are lucky they don't have to pay them off to pub and it's the same with all legacy outfits. Legacy is dying like stagecoach builders following after Henry Ford.

[@jamal7586]

But what can we do? Self publishing isn't such an attractive option either so many writers should consider raising the bar of their writing n never give up

[@silvasilvasilva]

@@rachelthompson9324 If they are dying, then your problems are solved...

[@danielkingsley7142]

Bring back Dr Seuss's books 📚

[@danielkingsley7142]

Bring back Dr Seuss's books 📚

[@danielkingsley7142]

Bring back Dr Seuss's books 📚