Random House has partnered with Flipboard, the popular news and social media aggregation application, to become the first ever book publisher to curate content for the platform of 85 million users. The collaboration kicks off with two custom digital magazines. The first, curated by Margaret Atwood, is inspired by her new novel, MaddAddam and the second, by Westeros.org, explores the fictional worlds of George R. R. Martin. All of this new content is totally unique and Random House claims it has not been published before.
Margaret Atwood’s Flipboard magazine, MaddAddam’s World based on her new novel, MaddAddam is filled with unique information, out-of-the-box ideas, and stunning images. “The magazine will enhance the experience of being immersed in the brilliantly imagined world that Margaret Atwood has created in the trilogy,” says Judy Jacoby, vice president, director of advertising and promotion at Doubleday. “For readers who are new to the trilogy, it can be an intriguing introduction; for readers who have completed the trilogy and don’t want it to end…it doesn’t have to!”
The World of Ice and Fire magazine on Flipboard provides a centralized hub that explores all things related to George R.R. Martin. “George R.R. Martin has such a passionate fan base, an official Flipboard magazine is the perfect venue for fans to stay current on news as well as sample excerpts of GRRM’s work that they might not yet be familiar with,” said Scott Shannon, publisher of digital content at Random House. The magazine is curated by Westeros.org, known and respected experts on George R.R. Martin’s works, blessed by the author and Random House. Magazine readers can expect to learn more about the Song of Ice and Fire series, which began with A Game of Thrones, as well as the author’s other projects in fiction, comics, gaming, and collectibles.
Random House is doing something very unique with Flipboard and drawing attention to their eBook properties. Lee Child and Dean Koontz have been doing something similar with releasing free content that is basically short-form to get people excited about their full length novels. People often go with free and this will give them a chance to learn about the two worlds the authors have crafted and perhaps actually buy them, if they like what they see on Flipboard.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to connect with readers around the topics that matter to them,” says Amanda Close, senior vice president, digital marketplace development at Random House. “Flipboard provides a powerful platform for authors to create absorbing experiences for readers with their magazines. We are excited to reach a new audience on Flipboard and facilitate deeper discussion about books across social media.”
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.