In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name.

Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as she works with authors and connects their books with readers.

Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 4

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the evolution of human consciousness.

Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 3

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get time to read! Simon is the editor of many award-winning authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Zadie Smith, and Micheal Magee.

Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 2

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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In a special bonus episode taken from Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. 

Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 1

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 12: Best books of the year.

Thank you for listening to The Penguin Podcast and our new show Ask Penguin. We would love to hear your feedback and if you have any questions for us. To get in contact with the team, send us a message via the email address below. We return in the Spring with a new series. Until then, Happy Reading!

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their winter-themed questions. Plus, we’ll stroll through the office to gather the perfect list of festive reads from our Penguin colleagues for you to enjoy this Christmas.

Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 11: Winter Reads

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Joining us in the studio to provide reading inspiration from the Roman Empire to the Second World War are author and podcast duo of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, James Holland and Al Murray, plus creator of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary

For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History Special

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al Murray

Casino ’44 by James Holland

A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary

The Cauldron by Zeno

Scoop by Evelyn Waugh

Mary Queen of Scots by Alison Weir

The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

Swords of Honour by Evelyn Waugh

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey, alongside Commissioning Editor Kaiya Shang and Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Charlotte Bush. Plus, we share details of the programmes offered by Penguin Books to help aspiring writers.

Books and authors mentioned in this episode

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

For more information on how to get published visit: Getting Published

For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 9 - How to get published

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. 

For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas gifting

Enjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs apply

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

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Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. 

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Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

By Any Other Name by Jodie Picoult

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Catherine Arden

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lee

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Firebrand by Elizabeth Freemantle

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Maurice by E.M. Forster

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical Fiction

Send us a question: [email protected].

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.