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Penguin Random House Publisher Services (PRHPS) has revealed a multi-year sales and distribution agreement with Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group (WWBG).
According to the official statement, effective on 1 September 2024, PRHPS will manage the global sales and distribution of both the current and previous titles in the WWBG catalogue across all available sales channels.
Commenting on the major distribution deal with WWBG, Rachel Goldstein, EVP of PRHPS, expressed that they are enthusiastic about leveraging the complete range of resources from PRHPS and Penguin Random House to make their books accessible to an even wider audience worldwide.
She praised WWBG, which has distinguished itself from the rest in discovering and publishing the most exciting and engaging prose and graphic storytelling stories across genres.
Tina McIntyre, SVP and Head of Global Publishing at Wattpad WEBTOON Studios said, “Fans around the world have proven time and again that they will follow their favourite webcomics and web novels to print format, so we are thrilled to be starting the next chapter in our publishing journey with Penguin Random House Publisher Services. Their enthusiasm and proven success in building brands is unmatched, and we can’t wait to see what we will do together for our titles and creators.”
Who is Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group?
The Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group (WWBG) has revolutionised the publishing industry, shattering barriers and creating a space for fan-driven stories from various voices to be embraced and showcased on bookshelves around the globe.
Established in 2019 under the name Wattpad Books, the South Korean brand evolved into the WWBG upon introducing Wattpad WEBTOON Studios.
WWBG consistently releases over 40 new titles annually and has swiftly built an impressive catalogue of past releases. To date, WWBG has garnered a combined audience of 175 million people on WEBTOON and Wattpad.
Additionally, with successes such as Yaongyi’s True Beauty, Anna Todd’s The Falling, Annie Crown’s Night Shift, Kate Marchant’s Float, and Mike Birchall’s Everything Is Fine, WWBG’s diverse and extensive catalogue has captivated audiences worldwide.
Part of Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, WWBG encompasses leading Young Adult (YA) imprint Wattpad Books, contemporary adult fiction imprint W by Wattpad Books, graphic novel imprint WEBTOON Unscrolled, and the co-publishing imprint Frayed Pages x Wattpad Books, led by chart-topping author and entrepreneur Anna Todd.
Who is Penguin Random House Publisher Services?
Penguin Random House Publisher Services (PRHP) is a part of Penguin Random House company. It is the book industry’s leading sales and distribution services provider to exceptional third-party publishers.
Its diverse service offerings include sales, warehousing, physical and digital distribution, credit and collection, marketing, and information technology. Its portfolio of clients includes Marvel, DC Comics, Rizzoli, Kodansha Comics, New York Review Books, and many others.
What Does this Deal Signify for the Publishing Industry?
The partnership between PRHPS and WWBG holds significant implications for the publishing industry. It represents a convergence between traditional publishing and digital storytelling platforms.
By joining forces, this partnership helps to leverage their respective strengths. Combining the extensive reach and resources of a major publishing house with the innovative and interactive storytelling format in digital.
Most importantly, the partnership signifies the increasing integration of traditional publishing and digital platforms. Plus, acknowledging the changing landscape of how 21st-century readers consume content.
On top of that, the collaboration implies a promising opportunity for creators on WEBTOON to see their work reach conventional bookshelves and open up new avenues for cross-platform storytelling.
All in all, the PRHPS and WWBG deal reflects a strategic move to capitalise on the strengths of both parties, aiming to navigate and shape the evolving landscape of the publishing industry in the digital age.
