Penguin launches YA imprint and website

Penguin Canada has launched a new young adult fiction publishing imprint, dubbed Razorbill, as well as an interactive website geared to readers of the genre.
 
The Canadian version of Razorbill was introduced earlier this month (the imprint has existed in the U.S. for a decade and in the U.K. since last year). The inaugural first-edition book to be published under the label in Canada is Hiromi Goto’s The Darkest Light, which is currently making its way to market.
 
On Monday, Penguin launched Razorbill.ca, a website designed to engage readers of young adult fiction in discussions about their favourite books. The site promotes Razorbill books, provides conversation forums and will also offer special features such as online chats with authors.
 
Lynne Missen, publishing director for young readers at Penguin Canada, said creating a space for young adult fiction fans to post reviews and interact with authors and fellow readers made sense given the passion the genre elicits.
 
“Young adult audiences are among the most enthusiastic readers, and after they read a book they often want to talk about it,” said Missen. “We’re providing both the books they’ll want to read and a place where they can go and talk about them.”
 
The goal, she said, is to harness this enthusiasm in the form of an online community.
 
“I think what sets [Razorbill.ca] apart is the emphasis on conversation,” said Missen. “People are free to set up groups and start conversations.” Penguin won’t try to limit conversation to its products, she said, but would be using the channel for promotion.
 
Razorbill.ca was developed in-house by Penguin Canada staff.