Publisher Profile: Peter E. Randall
The CBC asks Deidre Randall, CEO, questions about the publisher.
2025 marks the 55th anniversary of our publishing company!
What is your publishing house most known for?
High-quality nonfiction books, well-edited and well-designed, have been our hallmark, but in 2014 we began to publish more children’s books, which led us to the CBC.
Where in the country is your house based? What do you love about being based there?
We are based in Portsmouth, NH, and this is where my family was born and raised. I am the 12th generation to be in the US, descending from Aquila Chase.
What conventions and conferences does your publishing house usually attend?
We attend NEIBA. We miss Book Expo, but haven’t gone to any others.
How many employees does your house have?
We have 2 employees and a lot of freelancers.
How many books does your house aim to publish per season/year?
We usually publish about 20 titles a year.
Which genres does your house prefer to publish?
We are focused on nonfiction for adults, with history, memoir, and photography as three genres we are known for, but my broader approach is to publish books that can help our world. The children’s titles we publish are usually fiction and have a connection to nature.
Which formats does your house prefer to publish?
We publish hardcover, softcover, and ebook editions. The choice depends on the market for the topic. We are also working on audiobooks and have one available for purchase here.
What are some of your house’s publishing priorities over the next few years?
Expanding on what I answered above, it’s really to publish more books that will help elevate our world. I love to preserve history, share interesting life stories, and educate and entertain our readers. We would like to expand our children’s list and publish more audio editions.
Which title has your house recently rallied behind?
Hidden: A True Story of the Holocaust by Kati Preston; illus. by Dilleen Marsh – This is a graphic novel.
Which title does your house feel deserved more love than it got?
Truffle by David McPhail.
Which upcoming titles is your house buzzing about?
Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall. This is coming out August 2025 and it’s early elementary that teaches civics through a magical adventure story. There are lesson plans and a glossary. The author is a former teacher who is passionate about helping people feel empowered to participate in their government.
Which of your frontlist titles would be great for a school or public library?
Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall by Nancy Pearson. This title would also be great for classroom use, and we would love to see it get more attention from the bookstores.
Name a few of your favorite backlist titles that people should check out.
Truffle by David McPhail.
What else would you like to tell us about your house and the amazing work you all do?
We educate our authors about the book business, and we ask for their support with marketing, which I think is different from trade publishers. I am uniquely skilled in reworking rhyming text, as I am a poet and an award-winning songwriter. I like matching illustrators with authors, too.
Thank you, Peter E. Randall!
