Monthly Archives: February 2026

Announcements

In Memoriam: Ann Godoff, Founder, President, and Editor-in-Chief, Penguin Press

From Scott Moyers, President & Publisher, Penguin Press: It is with great sadness that I write with the news of the passing of our beloved colleague Ann Godoff, Penguin Press’s founder, President, and Editor-in-Chief.

Ann’s impact on American book culture over the past four decades is incalculable. An editor of immense range in fiction, nonfiction and poetry, Ann shepherded into print innumerable New York Times bestsellers, multiple winners of every major award, and works that have appeared on all manner of best books lists – of the year, the decade, and the century.  Beyond the industry accolades, her legacy should be measured in her success in helping authors create indelible new spaces in the minds of readers.

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Announcements

Two PRH Central Ads Colleagues Featured in “The Forward 30”

Courtney McAuslan (l) and Lety Flores (r)

Digital Culture Group, an audience-first, performance-engineered ad tech company, launched The Forward 30 list, honoring advertising and marketing leaders who are actively advancing the industry. These are innovators building new systems, cultural architects shaping influence responsibly, and impact-driven executives raising the standard for modern marketing.

On this year’s list, two PRH Central Ads Team colleagues were honored! The recognition spotlights innovation, cultural fluency, and measurable impact to move the industry forward with intention and excellence.

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Announcements

Our Upcoming Author Events | February 23-March 1, 2026

The Penguin Random House Communications team invites you to discover some of the Penguin Random House Author Events we’re looking forward to this week!

Every Monday, a curated selection of literary gatherings highlights authors across divisions and events across the country. Connect with favorite authors and explore exciting new titles!

Please note these are just a few of the events happening this week. For a comprehensive list, explore the Upcoming Author Events Calendar.

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Announcements

Spotlighting Our LA Times Book Prizes Finalists

The Los Angeles Times announced the finalists and honorees for its 46th Annual Book Prizes, recognizing outstanding literary achievement across 13 categories and celebrating the highest quality of writing from authors at every stage of their careers.

This year, PRH author Amy Tan will receive the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement, and our partner We Need Diverse Books will be honored with the Innovator’s Award. PRH author Adam Ross will also be recognized with the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose.

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Announcements

Two PRH Novels Selected as PEN/Hemingway Award Finalists

We’re proud to share that two Penguin Random House novels have been named finalists for this year’s PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel: THE CORRESPONDENT (Crown) by Virginia Evans and AWAKE IN THE FLOATING CITY (Pantheon) by Susanna Kwan.

Selected by judges Rachel Beanland, Dionne Irving, and Taymour Soomro, this year’s finalists were chosen from 146 eligible novels by American authors published in the United States during the 2025 calendar year. Since 1976, the PEN/Hemingway Award has honored a debut novel of exceptional merit by an author who has not previously published a full-length work of fiction. The purpose of the award is to champion new voices of promise entering the literary landscape.

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Announcements

Penguin Random House Champions Independent Voices Through the Constellation Award

Penguin Random House and the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses announce the winner of the 2026 Constellation Award.

Penguin Random House and the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) are thrilled to announce that Host Publications, based in Austin, Texas, is the winner of the 2026 Constellation Award. The press will receive $10,000. CavanKerry Press was selected as a finalist, located in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Given to honor an independent literary press that champions the writing of people of color, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American & Pacific Islander individuals, for excellence in publishing, the Constellation Award was launched in 2021 by CLMP with the support of Penguin Random House, which has annually underwritten the award.

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Announcements

There’s a Book for That: Black History Month

“It gets dark sometimes, but morning comes. Keep hope alive.” ― Rev. Jesse Jackson

Since 1976, Black History Month has been observed every February. The commemoration grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. To further educate and inspire, we present the following award-winning and acclaimed memoirs and history books. Please also visit Penguin Random House’s All Ways Black for more recommendations. Stay tuned for Black History titles for young readers next week! Continue reading →

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Penguin Random House Partners With Inkluded to Expand Access to Publishing Careers

Penguin Random House has a new partnership with Inkluded.

Penguin Random House has announced a new partnership with Inkluded, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering diversity and expanding access within the publishing industry. The collaboration reflects our continued commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable publishing ecosystem. Continue reading →

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Announcements

There’s a Book for That: Valentine’s Day!

Love is in the air this Saturday! Because we believe in a daily romance with reading, we invite you to fall for something new. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a book from this dazzling selection of heartfelt fiction and nonfiction. Perhaps cupid’s arrow is a bookmark? Continue reading →

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