Pre-Order and Published Book Are Not the Same: Penguin Issues Second Clarification in 24 Hours
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: February 11, 2026
New Delhi | The Vagabond News
Publishing house Penguin Random House India on Tuesday issued its second clarification within 24 hours regarding the status of a proposed book by former Indian Army chief Manoj Naravane, stating that a book being available for pre-order should not be confused with it being formally published.
The clarification follows growing public debate after online retail platforms displayed pre-order listings for the book, even as both the author and the publisher stated that it had not been officially released. Penguin said the distinction between pre-order availability and publication needed to be clearly understood.
Publisher Explains Pre-Order Listings
In its latest statement, Penguin Random House India said that pre-order listings can be generated before a manuscript completes the full publishing process. The publisher stressed that such listings do not indicate that a book has passed final editorial approval, legal review, or production stages.
The company did not clarify when the pre-order listings were created, who authorised them, or whether they remain active. It also did not disclose whether the manuscript is currently under review or has been paused.
Background to the Second Clarification
The clarification came a day after General Naravane said publicly that Penguin had informed him his book “was not published.” His remarks were made in response to media queries and online discussion surrounding the apparent contradiction between the pre-order listings and the publisher’s position.
General Naravane has not issued any further statement following Penguin’s second clarification. He has also not commented on whether discussions with the publisher are ongoing or whether the manuscript could be released at a later date.
There has been no indication from either side that the book reached the printing stage or that copies were distributed in any format.
No Official Reason for Non-Publication
Penguin Random House India has not provided an official explanation for why the book was not published. The publisher has not cited content-related concerns, legal objections, or regulatory issues.
Neither the Indian Army nor the Ministry of Defence has issued a statement on the matter. There is also no official confirmation that the manuscript contains classified information or commentary on sensitive operations.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
It is confirmed that Penguin Random House India issued two clarifications within a 24-hour period asserting that the book has not been formally published. It is also confirmed that the publisher maintains a clear distinction between pre-order listings and publication status.
What remains unconfirmed is why pre-order listings appeared on retail platforms, whether the manuscript is still under consideration, or if the book may be published in the future. No timeline or final decision has been publicly announced.
Until further clarification from the publisher or the author, the matter remains a question of publishing process rather than content.
Sources:
Penguin Random House India official statements; Public remarks by Gen Manoj Naravane
Tags: Penguin Random House India, Manoj Naravane, book publishing, pre-order listings, Indian Army
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