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Penguin Random House

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Terrible Pay, No Advancement, Good Time Off - Marketer Penguin Random House Employee Review

2.0
29 Apr 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good healthcare and time off, including week between Christmas and New Years

Cons

Truly terrible pay/compensation. It is impossible to work at PRH without a second job, family money/trust fund, being married to someone who makes a living wage, or going into debt to merely survive. Now one of the lowest paying publishers in the industry, not able to keep pace with compensation trends at the other Big 5 houses. One is essentially paid in books - employees can get more books than anyone could ever hope to read in a lifetime - but it's important to remember that books do not put food on the table or pay a power bill. Except for a very small number of chosen few (if you're reading this then you are most likely not chosen), the majority of employees are stuck in their roles for years without career development or advancement, regardless of work performance, success track, or department they work in.

Explore other reviews about Penguin Random House

5.0
20 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great writing, Top tier production

Cons

The male director never asked me once how I was doing or offer any advice to calm my nerves (on my first production ever with them) which lead to a burdensome recording process.

2.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great People, wonderful industry, books!

Cons

It has become less about the product and the people and more about the profit. No room for advancement. More work, less people, less empathy.

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