Fifty Shades of Grey publisher awards $5K bonus to staff

Random House also had hits with The Passage of Power, Gone Girl

The Associated Press

Posted: Dec 11, 2012 10:41 AM ET

Last Updated: Dec 11, 2012 10:40 AM ET

E.L. James was the publishing phenomenon of 2012 with her erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey. (Jeffrey M. Boan/Associated Press)

Thanks to Fifty Shades of Grey, employees at Random House Inc. are seeing green.

Every worker, from sales to editorial to distribution, will receive a $5,000 US bonus, prorated for those who joined Random House during the year.

In a companywide letter to US employees sent Monday, CEO Markus Dohle noted the publisher's "unprecedented success" in 2012.

EL James' erotic trilogy has sold more than 35 million copies in the U.S. alone. Random House also released such bestsellers as Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Robert Caro's The Passage of Power.

Random House spokesman Stuart Applebaum said Monday that while some employees have existing bonus plans, the across-the-board payment was "unique" for the company.

Stay Connected with CBC News

Big Box Advertisement

Jedward on the MMVA red carpet by Laura Thompson Jun. 17, 2013 12:48 PM Cheerful pop duo Jedward had much to say to CBC News on the red carpet Sunday night at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto. A lot of their excitement came from seeing Avril Lavigne, complete with spiky hairband. Check out the Irish twins in this video clip.

Top News Headlines

Obesity now recognized as a disease: The American Medical Association has voted to recognize obesity as a disease, while doctors in Canada say they also treat it as such. more »

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy: James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. more »
B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison: A First Nation band is reviving the age-old practice of controlled burning in order to improve the health of forests and restore the population of the wood bison in a corner of northeastern B.C. more »
Canada buys rare War of 1812 collection for $573K: The government of Canada was the winning bidder for a large collection of letters, maps and other papers that once belonged to Sir John Sherbrooke, the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia who conquered Maine for the British during the War of 1812. The collection sold for $573,000 at auction in London. more »
Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision: Bob Rae, who has represented the Toronto Centre riding for the Liberals since 2008, is stepping down as a Member of Parliament to devote more time to his work as a negotiator for First Nations in Northern Ontario. more »

Must Watch

Latest Arts & Entertainment News Headlines

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy

Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy: James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series and turned the mobster stereotype on its head, died Wednesday in Italy. He was 51. more »

Monsters University's Billy Crystal, Dave Foley: Pixar returns to the story of animated duo Mike and Sulley in this summer's Monsters University, with Billy Crystal and Dave Foley among the notable cast of actors lending their voices to the kids' film. more »
Guillermo del Toro calls Pacific Rim a family movie: Director Guillermo del Toro' monsters vs. machines movie Pacific Rim is a summer spectacle that sets out to be different from other movies of its kind. more »
Laval's corrupt image scares off choral festival sponsors: The founder and driving force behind Laval, Que.'s annual international choral festival says allegations of corruption at Laval city hall have driven away some of the festival's sponsors. more »
Dolce and Gabbana convicted of tax evasion: A Milan court has convicted fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of tax evasion, finding the pair guilty of failing to declare €1 billion ($1.37 billion Cdn) in income to authorities. more »

More Headlines »

Q Blog

Guillermo Del Toro's Monsters Jun. 19, 2013 1:47 PM The award winning director stops by Studio Q to chat about his upcoming blockbuster Pacific Rim.

CBC Books

This summer's must-read mysteries Jun. 19, 2013 6:02 PM If you like a good thriller or whodunit to read while basking in the sun, then this roundup of books is for you!