How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to submit a book to Penguin Random House
Only through an agent
Penguin Random House accepts no unsolicited manuscripts, proposals, artwork or queries and tells writers to find an established literary agent. It bought the rights to The Martian and Fifty Shades of Grey after both were self-published.
“Penguin Random House does not accept unsolicited submissions, proposals, manuscripts, illustrations, artwork, or submission queries at this time.”
“This includes submission of work previously published elsewhere.”
“If you would like to have your work or manuscript considered for publication by a major book publisher, we recommend that you work with an established literary agent.”
What it has bought from outside
2013
The Martian (print rights), first self-published as a blog serial and a 99-cent Kindle book from Andy Weir over US$100,000
“Weir sold the print rights to Crown in March 2013 for over US$100,000.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Fifty Shades of Grey (publishing rights), first self-published as an ebook and print-on-demand from E. L. James
“Originally self-published as an ebook and print-on-demand in June 2011, the publishing rights to Fifty Shades of Grey were acquired by Vintage Books in March 2012, topping best-seller lists around the world.” en.wikipedia.org
2024
Boom! Studios (comics publisher)
“In July 2024, it was announced that Penguin Random House would acquire comic book publisher Boom!” en.wikipedia.org
2023
Sourcebooks (majority stake, 52%)
“In 2023, Penguin Random House became the majority owner of Sourcebooks, owning 52% of the company;” en.wikipedia.org
