FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Penguin Group (Canada) Canadian Publishing Programme Announcement

March 24, 2004 — David Davidar, Publisher of Penguin Group (Canada) announced today his plans for the Canadian publishing programme over the next three years. Three months into his move to the Canadian company, Davidar says, "The central criterion for the books we will publish in the future will be excellence; readers can look forward to more of the ground-breaking non-fiction for which Penguin Canada has rightfully earned accolades, as well as extraordinary literary fiction and award winning children's books; in addition we will be looking to bring the best international fiction and non-fiction to Canada. We have spent the last weeks assessing our strengths and objectives and are now ready to move forward. The market will begin to see the results of the reorganization of our publishing list as early as Spring next year."

With 117 titles scheduled for 2004, Davidar plans to reduce output to 100 in 2005, but says, "This is not a numbers game, if we need to publish thirty more excellent books in 2005, we will; but I only want to publish books that are going to make a mark, not just in Canada but around the world. This country has writers who are brilliant and we intend to use the considerable resources of the Penguin Group to get them published and read internationally."

Penguin Group (Canada) will continue to publish hardcover titles under the Viking Canada imprint, paperbacks as Penguin Canada, and children's books under the Puffin Canada imprint. These are imprints that the consumer has come to know and trust, and the Penguin logo is the most recognized in the world.

The new editorial structure will reflect this focus. David Davidar will buy books in the following areas—literary fiction, crime and mystery and general non-fiction; Diane Turbide will focus on building the general non-fiction list, particularly politics, history, biography and innovative non fiction; Barbara Berson, the children's list and some Canadian literary fiction; Susan Folkins, the international fiction list and some non fiction, particularly science; and Andrea Crozier the business, self-help, New Age, lifestyle and reference list along with a major involvement in managing editorial processes and production.

Davidar says further, "In order to infuse our publishing programme with the freshest voices to be had we will continue to read unsolicited manuscripts and over-the-transom submissions. I am of the firm belief that Canada and Canadian literature will continue to have an effect on the global literary scene, building on the success of established stars like Atwood, Mistry, Ondaatje and Martel. Penguin Canada intends to be part of this phenomenon."

Penguin Group (Canada) will also continue to separate rights from both the UK and the US market to ensure targeted distribution and marketing on international titles. Says Davidar, "The Canadian consumer is adventurous, we are entering an incredibly exciting time in world literature, and my colleagues and I want to attract some of the brightest lights to the Canadian market for our readers."

For further information
Contact Debby de Groot
(416) 925-2409