Pre-order ≠ published: Penguin responds to controversy over MM Naravane’s memoir

New Delhi: Penguin Random House India (PRHI) on February 10 issued a clarification amid controversy surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravane’s memoir ‘Four Stars of Destiny’. The publisher stated that an announced book, a book listed for pre-order, and a published book are not the same.

The clarification followed remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who cited a 2023 social media post by General Naravane stating that his book was “available now”. Gandhi questioned how the publisher could claim the memoir had not been published if the former Army chief had publicly said it was available.

In a statement titled “A quick guide to how book publishing works at Penguin Random House India”, PRHI explained that announcing a book only means the publisher has shared plans to publish it in the future. It does not indicate that the title is available for sale.

The publisher further said that listing a book for pre-order is a standard industry practice that allows readers and retailers to place advance orders before the official release. Such listings do not mean that the book has been published or is available in retail channels.

PRHI also clarified that a scheduled publication date represents a planned timeline and does not mean the book is already in the market. According to the publisher, a book is considered published only when it is available for purchase through retail channels.

Earlier, PRHI had stated that no copies of Four Stars of Destiny — in print or digital form — had been published, distributed, or sold. It also asserted that it holds exclusive publishing rights to the memoir.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Rahul Gandhi read out General Naravane’s 2023 post on X, which said, “Hello friends. My book is available now. Just follow the link. Happy reading. Jai Hind.” Gandhi said that either the former Army chief or the publisher must be incorrect, adding that he believed General Naravane.

The controversy intensified after Gandhi was seen holding a purported copy of the memoir in the Parliament complex last week. He has reportedly been prevented from citing excerpts from the book in the Lok Sabha since February 2 on the grounds that it has not been officially published.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered an FIR regarding the alleged illegal circulation of the manuscript in digital and other formats. The matter remains under investigation.
(With PTI inputs)