Publisher Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RHPS?
A: RHPS is the division of Random House, Inc. dedicated to distribution and handling, sales, and a wide variety of additional service offerings for independent publishers. For more information, check out our Services page.
Q: Who are the independent publishers currently being distributed by RHPS?
A: RHPS currently distributes a wide variety of leading independent publishers, both large and small, including Rizzoli, National Geographic Books, DC Comics, Melville House and Beacon Press. For a complete list of clients, please visit our Current Clients page.
Q: In addition to distribution and sales, what other services does RHPS offer publishers?
A: RHPS provides its publishers with a wide variety of additional service offerings, including print production, website development and maintenance, catalog production, and online marketing services.
Q: Are additional services included in the fee?
A: Additional services are optional and are priced separately from the core fee.
Q: How long does it normally take a publisher to be fully integrated into RHPS?
A: Turnaround time for integration into RHPS depends on multiple factors, among them the size of the publisher’s list. We work closely with new clients to ensure a smooth on-boarding process for all aspects of the new relationship.
Q: Where would our books be warehoused?
A: Random House has two separate locations for storing inventory. Adult trade books are housed in our facility in Westminster, Maryland. Children’s titles are held in our warehouse in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Q. Does RHPS host any workshops for clients?
A. Each year, RHPS hosts multiple events aimed at providing our clients with best practices and the opportunity to interact with other clients and Random House personnel. Our main event is an annual two-day summit where clients and RHPS work together to share case studies, meet speakers from the industry, and discuss industry trends. In addition, we hold workshops related to key issues facing publishing from the transition from physical to digital books to the evolving social marketing opportunities for publishers.
Q: What are the warehouse requirements for the publisher’s books?
A: RHPS provides a binder’s kit to our publishers, which includes carton weight, bar codes, and other specifications to ensure client publisher materials are compliant with Random House standards.
Q: What is the territory for distribution?
A: RHPS offers sales and distribution services in the US, Canada, and worldwide.
Q: Does RHPS offer marketing services?
A: RHPS is launching new online marketing services this fall to aid clients in maximizing their digital reach to consumers. General marketing (catalogs, PR, advertising, etc.), however, is the publisher’s responsibility. Publishers will have an opportunity to participate in various RH marketing initiatives such as special markets, library and academic catalogs, and trade shows.
Have more questions? Email us at distribution@randomhouse.com.
