Diagnosis and Industry Support

Rob Waddington, a seasoned author and respected figure at Penguin Random House (PRH), has opened up about his recent diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. This announcement came shortly after his attendance at the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Waddington, who has served as group sales director and head of audio at PRH for nearly two decades, described his interaction with PRH CEO Tom Weldon upon sharing his diagnosis. “Late in the day I called my boss, Tom. I’ve worked with him almost every day for the past 10 years. His response told me he was my friend, not my boss. His care and compassion could not have been more generous. We ended the call when neither of us could speak further,” he conveyed in his reflective piece for The Bookseller.

A Wave of Compassion

In the wake of his diagnosis, Waddington received overwhelming support from both colleagues and the broader publishing community. “That afternoon, I was inundated with messages of support and love. From my own colleagues, and from across the publishing world – agents, authors, and retailers… That afternoon and in the days following, I felt the incredible warmth of our industry,” he shared.

Readers have also reached out to express their best wishes after Waddington acknowledged his diagnosis in the acknowledgements of his latest novel, Nine Hidden Lives, released under the pseudonym Robert Gold. “While loving readers’ generous reviews of my new book touched me, what was more meaningful was how many connected with me over my illness,” he emphasized.

Current Treatment and Future Outlook

Waddington is currently pursuing treatment that involves bi-weekly chemotherapy sessions and an array of steroids. He commented on his ongoing health journey: “Six months into my treatment at the Royal Marsden, my oncologist is very pleased with my response to the chemotherapy. So much so, other treatment options may open up, but that is for the future. He and his team never share an ongoing prognosis, and I never ask for one. I’ve learned cancer doesn’t let you plan.”

Professional Journey

Having joined Random House in 2003, Waddington made significant contributions as sales director at Cornerstone, collaborating with notable authors like Katie Fforde, Kathy Reichs, and James Patterson. Over his career, he garnered several promotions, becoming deputy international sales director in 2012 and later the international sales director in 2016.

His debut novel, acquired by Sphere, marks his transition into authorship, with Nine Hidden Lives being his fourth thriller publication.

Leadership Transition at PRH

Following his diagnosis, Waddington took a leave from his role at PRH, leading to Sarah Roscoe stepping in as the acting group sales director. Philipp Bartscher has taken over the management of audio strategy during this time.