Penguin, Puffin and The Snowman Get Closer

As publishers have always been in the content and rights business but have long been restricted by the book format. Now the digital world offers new forms and licensing opportunities and enables publishers to redefine their role in the development and exploitation of content and rights and also build brands.

An example is the recent move by Penguin to take full ownership of Snowman Enterprises Limited (SEL). This logical acquisition means that Penguin now control not just the traditional book rights but the film, TV, digital and merchandising rights to Raymond Briggs' classic, The Snowman. The Snowman has accumulated over 8.5 million sales worldwide and has become synonymous with Christmas today. 

“... One winter's night, a snowman comes to life and a magical adventure begins...”

As part of the brand development, Penguin imprint Puffin now plans to release audio ebooks of The Snowman and The Snowdog read by actor Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as new publishing in print and digital formats. 

The move starts to move Penguin into being a multi media content and brand owner who is built around solid and respected stories and now with a tighter control over all associated rights.