Baen Books & RBmedia Announce
Audiobook Publishing Partnership
Over 170 titles from Baen Books to be published as audiobooks over the next three years
August 27, 2019—Wake Forest, North Carolina: Baen Books, one of the top independent publishers of science fiction and fantasy, and RBmedia, a global leader in spoken audio content, today announced an agreement to publish more than 170 audiobooks over the next three years. The partnership brings together Baen’s bestselling, award-winning content and RBmedia’s market-leading position as a publisher of sci-fi and fantasy audiobooks.
This agreement means publication of both frontlist titles—with a primary focus on alternate history and science fiction—as well as many titles from Baen’s extensive backlist, including classics from Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Masters and long-time fan favorites that have not previously been released in audio format. RBmedia will publish Baen Books titles across its family of imprints, including Recorded Books and Tantor.
“Audiobooks are an ideal format for busy consumers, turning your daily commute, exercise, or that rare free time into a journey to distant galaxies or worlds where dragons still roam,” said Brian Sweany, Director of Acquisitions for Recorded Books. “As the world’s largest independent publisher of audiobooks, RBmedia’s long-time goal has been to grow its presence in the science fiction and fantasy markets. With Baen Books, we’ve found the perfect partner for this popular segment.”
Notable recent and upcoming RBmedia exclusive audiobook productions include:
• In Fury Born by David Weber
• The Council Wars series by John Ringo
• The Belisarius series by David Drake & Eric Flint
• The General series by David Drake, Eric Flint, S.M. Stirling, & Tony Daniel
• The Domination (Draka) series by S.M. Stirling
• SERRAted Edge: The Doubled Edge series by Mercedes Lackey & Roberta Gellis
• The Witchy War trilogy by D.J. Butler
• The Chronicles of Kencyrath by P.C. Hodgell
• The entire Technic History series by Poul Anderson
“Given the soaring demand for audiobooks, especially in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, Baen is thrilled to be entering into this partnership with RBmedia to make sure our rousing tales of adventure are available in all formats,” said James Minz, Director of Subsidiary Rights for Baen Books. “With this deal, Baen Books will have licensed as an audiobook virtually every available title on our extensive list.”
The first titles published under the agreement will be available starting this month on Audible, iTunes, Google Play, Audiobooks.com, public libraries via RBdigital, and many other sites that provide digital audio. The remainder will be released over the next three years.
###
About RBmedia
RBmedia is a global leader in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology that reaches millions of consumers—at home, in the car, and wherever their mobile devices go. RBmedia produces exclusive titles and delivers the finest digital content—including audiobooks, streaming video, educational courses, entertainment titles, and much more. Headquartered in Landover, Maryland, RBmedia comprises an ever-expanding group of the best brands in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology. RBmedia is owned by KKR, a leading global investment firm. Find out more at rbmediaglobal.com.
About Baen Books
Through its distribution with Simon & Schuster, Baen Books (www.baen.com) has been one of the top independent publishers of science fiction and fantasy for more than thirty-five years. They have also been at the forefront of the electronic book business for more nearly two decades.
CONTACT:
Baen Books
Christopher Ruocchio, 919-540-1670
christopher@baen.com
* * * * * *
www.baen.com