Pen International

The Pen International Publishers’ Circle

The PEN International Publishers’ Circle is a group comprising publishers of the world who support our promoting freedom of expression, literature and intellectual collaboration among publishers, writers and translators worldwide. Its members, like those of the Writers’ Circle, believe that literature and freedom of expression are at the heart of a strong, vibrant society.

Along with human-rights work, PEN International is renowned for its commitment in promoting writing and a love of reading through learning and outreach programmes, supporting access to literature through publishing and distribution and fostering literature through international festivals, events and publications.

“PEN’s efforts to promote free speech and protect free thinkers around the world are more than an honourable cause. It is an essential one, and putting our weight as a global publishing company behind those efforts is a natural extension of our commitment to our authors, and one that was long overdue.”
Arnaud Nourry, CEO, Hachette Livre

“The right to freedom of expression, which we take for granted in the literary cultures in which most publishers work, remains in jeopardy in many countries that have both a literary heritage and a vibrant creative culture. Publishers, and writers, must play their part in extending that freedom where we can.”
John Makinson, CEO, Penguin Group

“As long-time supporters of and participants in the activities of the PEN American Center we are privileged to be given the opportunity to extend our relationship on a global level with PEN International through our commitment to the PEN International Publishers’ Circle. With PEN, and with and our fellow publishers, we will offer ever-greater affirmation and urgency for our authors’ freedom of expression worldwide.”
Markus Dohle, Chairman and CEO, Random House

Members
Hachette Livre
Penguin Group
Random House
Aschehoug Forlag
Albert Bonniers Forlag
Cappelen Damm
De Oberoende
Douglas & McIntyre
HarperCollins Canada
House of Anansi Press
Gyldendal Norsk Forlag
Harper Collins Canada
KF Media AB
Natur & Kultur
Söderströms förlag
 
 
How can publishers become involved?

Advocacy
The advice of Publishers’ Circle members will be highly valued in strengthening PEN International’s support of publishers and writers under threat.

Programmes development
The advice and collaboration of Publishers’ Circle members is crucial to the development of projects supporting publishing and literature in countries in which PEN International operates.

Emergency situations
Members of the Publishers’ Circle can help PEN International face emergency situations such as in the case of Salman Rushdie in 1989, when a consortium of publishers came together to publish his book despite the threat of violence, thus helping to ensure the freedom to write and read.

Meetings
Members of the Publishers’ Circle meet once a year to discuss current issues, strengthen the work of the group and propose new goals and projects. This meeting is also be an occasion to introduce the Circle to potential new members and welcome new affiliates. During this event, PEN International will report on its work and make members aware of how they have contributed to the organisation’s achievements.

International Book Fairs
To sustain PEN International’s work in ways other than financially, members of the Publishers’ Circle can make a valuable contribution by organising or hosting readings. For example, the works of imprisoned writers and publishers may be read, helping to promote awareness and support PEN International’s advocacy campaigns.

Newsletter and updating
Members of the Publishers’ Circle will receive regular updates on PEN International’s projects specifically aimed at supporters of the Circle; yearly case lists; electronic versions of the Annual Report; and invitations to PEN International events.

Acknowledgments
Members of the Publishers’ Circle will be fully acknowledged in all PEN International communications, programmes and publications, as well as on our website.

You are free to consult the following documents:

English
PEN International Publishers’ Circle
How publishers can get involved
Financial Structure
Press Release 5th April 2011
Press Release 13th October 2011