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Hay House
Hay House
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Key Information

Hay House is a publisher founded in 1984 by author Louise Hay, who is known for her books on New Thought. The New York Times dubbed Hay "The Queen of the New Age," noting that she became "one of the bestselling authors in history."[3][4] Hay House describes itself as a "mind–body–spirit and transformational enterprise". Their target audience is readers interested in self-help, personal growth, and alternative medicine. Hay House was acquired by Penguin Random House in 2023.

History

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Hay House was founded in 1984 and incorporated in 1987,[1] to market Louise Hay's self-help books, including, Heal Your Body and You Can Heal Your Life. Soon after, Hay House began publishing for other authors who fall into the category of mind–body–spirit such as Wayne Dyer, Suze Orman, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Esther Hicks, Iyanla Vanzant, Kris Carr, Colette Baron-Reid, Jim Kwik, Brendon Burchard, Gabrielle Bernstein, and Elizabeth Hamilton Guarino.[2][5]

Reid Tracy joined Hay House as an accountant in 1988.[2] He went on to take over as the CEO in 1990 at the age of 25.[6] It is headquartered in Carlsbad, California,[2] with auxiliary offices in New York City, London, Sydney, Johannesburg, and Mumbai.[7]

According to The New York Times Magazine, the publisher sold more than 6 million books and other products in 2007, bringing in US$100 million in revenues.[2] As of 2018, Hay House reports that they publish books by more than 130 authors and sell their products and services in over 35 countries and that they employ over 100 full-time staff members.[1]

In 2018, Hay House created a dedicated business imprint, Hay House Business.[8] In 2023, Hay House was acquired by Penguin Random House.[9]

In his statement on the news of the acquisition, Penguin Random House CEO Nihar Malaviya said, "As we deepen our relationship with Hay House, we're thrilled to support the company's growth and explore the areas of opportunity in their publishing services. Hay House is one of the most recognized health, wellness, and self-help brands in the world, and we look forward to working with Reid and his team on expanding upon their innovative and diverse product offerings."[5]

Mission and practice

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Hay House publishes authors who write on such topics as psychic reading, energy healing, meditation, tarot cards, alternative medicine, numerology, astrology, and holistic health. Hay House hosts group events where fans can pay for admission to seminars by the authors who can then make presentations. They also publish CDs, DVDs, calendars and card decks.[2][1]

The publisher also offers a radio station, Hay House Radio, which provides live radio shows by Hay House authors.[2] They also have spin off websites such as Hay House Online Learning, a place to take online classes by their authors, and Heal Your Life, an online self-help and personal growth program. These services are available as applications for phones and tablets. They also have a division called Balboa Press, a self publishing company, which was created in partnership with Author Solutions in 2010.[1][10]

Hay House promotes the idea that "traditional Western learning, as codified by universities that bestow fancy degrees, is woefully incomplete, sometimes harmful, and must be supplemented by other ways of knowing". Hay House founder, Louise Hay, explains that Hay House does not actually endorse everything their authors write. They also do turn away some authors and work hard to stay on trend with the latest fashions in self-help.[2]

In a 2008 article, Oppenheimer quoted CEO Reid Tracy as saying: "As of right now we've sold over 40 million products in the U.S., and we think a lot of those people have been helped." Hay House does not test the claims made by their authors. The authors gain merit with the publisher based on the testimonials they receive as opposed to the credibility or accuracy of their claims.[2]

Notable authors

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hay House is an American publishing company founded in 1984 by author , specializing in , inspirational, and transformational books, audio programs, and related products focused on personal growth in mind, body, and spirit. The company originated from Hay's own self-published bestsellers, Heal Your Body (1976) and (1984), which emphasized principles for healing and positive affirmation; it was formally incorporated in 1987 to expand the publication of such works. Hay House has grown into one of the largest publishers in the mind-body-spirit genre, releasing approximately 1,500 books and 1,300 audio programs by more than 1,000 authors, including prominent figures like , , and Dr. Joe Dispenza. In December 2023, acquired Hay House, which continues to operate as a distinct imprint with . Its mission centers on supporting positive change and helping individuals achieve holistic well-being through accessible, empowering content. Beyond traditional publishing, Hay House offers a diverse range of products and services, including card decks, calendars, journals, online courses, virtual events, podcasts, and the Empower You Unlimited streaming audio app, alongside self-publishing options through its imprint Balboa Press. The company maintains a global presence with offices in ; ; the ; ; and , distributing to over 35 countries and employing more than 100 full-time staff. In 1986, Louise Hay established the Hay Foundation to further promote her vision of healing and positivity, underscoring the company's commitment to social impact. Today, Hay House emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainable practices in its operations.

Overview

Founding and Headquarters

Hay House was founded in 1984 by in as a venture, initially to distribute her earlier work Heal Your Body, which she had in 1976 as a outlining mental causes for physical ailments and their healing affirmations. The company was formally incorporated in 1987 as Hay House, Inc., marking its transition from a personal endeavor in Hay's living room to a structured entity focused on sharing her philosophy with a wider audience. Hay House maintains its headquarters in , with additional offices in and international divisions in (), Alexandria (near , ), and (). From its inception, Hay House centered on principles, emphasizing the power of positive affirmations and mindset shifts drawn from Louise Hay's personal experiences with healing through thought. Under the subsequent leadership of Reid Tracy as CEO, the company expanded its publishing scope while retaining this foundational approach. In December 2023, Hay House was acquired by , with Reid Tracy continuing as CEO and the company retaining its focus and brand identity.

Mission and Core Principles

Hay House's mission is to support positive change in the world by helping individuals grow in mind, body, and spirit through resources focused on affirmations, , and holistic approaches. This purpose drives the company's offerings, which aim to empower personal transformation and well-being. The core principles of Hay House are rooted in the movement, which emphasizes positive thinking, self-healing, and as pathways to personal and spiritual growth. These principles reflect founder Louise Hay's foundational belief that "every thought we think is creating our future," promoting empowerment, education, and inspiration to foster self-transformation. As of 2025, Hay House demonstrates a commitment to by elevating voices from , Indigenous, and people of color communities, ensuring diverse representation among authors and staff. This aligns with Louise Hay's historical for the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS . Additionally, the company prioritizes sustainable sourcing, including responsibly sourced paper and practices to minimize environmental impact. The Hay Foundation, established in 1986, plays a key role in upholding these principles by funding quality-of-life initiatives that enhance well-being and . Examples include grants supporting counseling and prevention education programs through featured charities.

History

Early Years and Establishment

Hay House was established in 1984 by as a means to self-publish her transformative works on principles, with formal incorporation following in 1987. The company's flagship publication, , self-published in 1984, quickly became a cornerstone of its success, selling over 50 million copies worldwide and establishing a model centered on empowering readers through affirmations, shifts, and holistic . This book not only drew from Hay's personal experience overcoming cancer but also resonated deeply in the emerging landscape, generating substantial early interest and laying the foundation for Hay House's focus on inspirational content. In its initial phase, Hay House operated on a modest scale, evolving from Hay's solo efforts—conducted largely from her living room in New York—to a small team handling and distribution. Early revenue stemmed primarily from sales of Hay's , such as Heal Your Body (1976, revised 1988) and , alongside income from her workshops and lectures, where she shared practical tools for personal growth. By 1988, the company had expanded to three and five audio tapes, achieving approximately $1 million in annual revenue, which supported gradual staff additions and operational stabilization in . In 1986, Hay established the Hay Foundation to promote healing and positivity initiatives. The early years presented notable hurdles, including constrained distribution channels typical for independent self-publishers and widespread skepticism in mainstream circles toward topics, which were often dismissed as fringe or pseudoscientific. Hay, lacking prior experience, navigated these obstacles by leveraging personal networks and promotion through her counseling and support groups, such as the 1985 "Hayride" sessions for those with AIDS that grew to hundreds of attendees. These efforts helped build a dedicated audience despite resistance from established industry gatekeepers. A pivotal shift occurred in 1990 when Reid Tracy, initially hired in 1988 as a to manage finances, assumed the role of president and CEO, introducing professional oversight to streamline operations and foster sustainable growth. Tracy's involvement marked a transition from Hay's visionary, hands-on approach to a more structured , enabling the company to professionalize while preserving its core mission of inspirational publishing.

Growth and International Expansion

During the , Hay House scaled its operations significantly, achieving annual revenues of $100 million by through expanded distribution of books, audio programs, and related products. This growth reflected the rising popularity of the mind-body-spirit genre, with the company employing around 100 staff in its Carlsbad headquarters at the time. To extend its global footprint, Hay House established international divisions starting with the in 2003, followed by in 1999—initially as a distribution arm that evolved into full operations—and in 2005. A South African agency was later developed to handle regional sales. Key expansions included the launch of Hay House Radio in 2005, an online platform featuring live shows by authors that attracted hundreds of thousands of monthly listeners by the early , and the introduction of Balboa Press in 2010 as a imprint in partnership with Author Solutions. Following the death of founder in 2017, Hay House underwent adjustments to maintain stability, retaining a of over 100 employees while serving more than 35 countries worldwide through its various divisions and digital platforms. This period solidified its position as a leading independent publisher in the transformational space, with revenues continuing to support diverse media formats ahead of its 2023 acquisition by .

Acquisition and Recent Developments

In December 2023, acquired Hay House, integrating it as an imprint while allowing the publisher to maintain its editorial and operational autonomy. The deal, announced on December 12, preserved Hay House's leadership structure, with CEO Reid Tracy continuing in his role, and no alterations planned for its offices in ; New York; or . Following the acquisition, Hay House benefited from Penguin Random House's global distribution network and advanced digital infrastructure, enabling expanded reach for its authors and content in the and wellness sectors. No major layoffs were reported at Hay House, aligning with the initial commitment to staff stability. As of 2025, Hay House continued to publish over 100 new titles annually, sustaining its focus on mind-body-spirit and transformational works amid a broader industry shift toward digital formats. The publisher emphasized expansion in podcasts, such as the Hay House Live! series featuring expert lectures, and its Empower You app, which provides unlimited access to audiobooks, , and on-demand content to support user self-growth.

Operations

Publishing and Imprints

Hay House specializes in the publication of , audiobooks, and related products focused on , personal transformation, and mind-body-spirit topics. As of 2025, the company has published approximately 1,500 and 1,300 audio programs by more than 1,000 authors. Its catalog covers areas such as affirmations, , meditation, alternative health, energy healing, , emotional , personal growth, and angels and spirit guides. Hay House releases over 100 new titles annually, emphasizing inspirational and practical content designed to support readers' holistic development. The publisher operates through several imprints to diversify its offerings. Balboa Press, launched in 2010 as a division in partnership with Author Solutions, enables aspiring authors to produce and distribute books aligned with Hay House's mission, particularly in genres, without the constraints of traditional submission processes. In 2018, Hay House introduced the Hay House Business imprint, dedicated to and business-oriented self-improvement titles, with its inaugural release in January 2019 under the oversight of publisher Patricia Gift. Hay House's distribution model encompasses print editions, e-books, and audiobooks, ensuring accessibility across formats. Following its acquisition by in December 2023, the company benefits from enhanced global distribution capabilities, reaching audiences in over 35 countries while maintaining . This partnership amplifies its reach through Penguin Random House's established networks, supporting international offices in the UK, , and .

Media Ventures and Events

Hay House has expanded beyond traditional into a diverse array of platforms, offering interactive and on-demand content to engage audiences in personal growth and wellness. Central to these ventures is the Hay House Podcasts network, which includes series such as Hay House Radio Podcast, Hay House Live!® Podcast, , and Hay House Meditations, providing guided sessions, author discussions, and inspirational talks accessible via platforms like and the company's app. Complementing the podcasts is the Empower You Unlimited Audio App, launched to deliver on-demand access to a vast library of audiobooks, , lectures, and exclusive events, allowing subscribers to stream content anytime for personalized spiritual and experiences. This app integrates seamlessly with Hay House's broader digital ecosystem, fostering community through in-app challenges and live audio sessions. Hay House Radio, originally broadcast as "Radio for Your ™" with its first episode airing in 2006, transitioned to a fully digital format as a network following its 2005 launch, featuring live interviews, guided , and wellness discussions that reach global listeners. In addition to audio media, Hay House organizes virtual and in-person events to facilitate direct interaction with thought leaders. The annual Hay House World Summit, a flagship online event, gathers over 100 experts for free and premium sessions on , , and relationships, attracting a global audience. Workshops, such as those on and mystical healing, occur both virtually and in locations like for in-person training. Certification programs, including the Coaching Success Certified Training and Quantum Life Coaching Certification, provide structured online courses for aspiring coaches, emphasizing practical tools in and . Hay House's media expansion extends to dedicated apps and online courses via Hay House U, offering immersive learning on topics like angel guidance and moonology, often tying into book launches for enhanced audience engagement. In 2025, the company has emphasized AI-enhanced tools, incorporating AI-generated narration for meditation audiobooks such as Meditations to Heal Your Life and , enabling scalable, accessible wellness content.

Notable Figures

Leadership and Founders

Louise Hay (October 8, 1926 – August 30, 2017) founded Hay House in 1984, establishing it as a publishing company dedicated to and principles. Born in to a challenging upbringing marked by and abuse, Hay discovered the movement in the 1970s through attendance at a Church of Religious Science in New York, where she embraced teachings on and affirmations to influence health and life outcomes. Hay's personal transformation became central to her work when she was diagnosed with in the early 1980s. Rejecting conventional medical interventions like , , and , she instead employed daily affirmations, forgiveness practices, and nutritional therapy, claiming full recovery within months—an experience she attributed to the mind-body connection central to philosophy. This story inspired her foundational books, such as (1984), and positioned her as a pivotal figure in popularizing affirmations for healing. Reid Tracy joined Hay House in 1988 as its financial director and ascended to the role of president and CEO in 1990, where he played a key role in professionalizing the company's operations. With a background in , Tracy implemented structured practices that expanded Hay House's reach, fostering relationships and diversifying into audio, video, and digital formats while driving substantial growth from modest beginnings to over $100 million annually by the 2000s. Following Penguin Random House's acquisition of Hay House in December 2023, Reid Tracy continued as CEO, ensuring the company's editorial and publishing independence within the larger organization. The executive team, including key members like Patty Gift as and publisher, has focused on seamless integration of resources to enhance global distribution and digital offerings while preserving Hay House's mission-driven culture. Early collaborators, such as Joan in event development, supported the company's initial expansion into live workshops and seminars during its formative years.

Prominent Authors

Hay House has been associated with numerous influential authors in the and spiritual genres, contributing significantly to its reputation as a leading publisher in personal transformation literature. Among its most prominent figures is (1940–2015), whose career spanned over 40 books, many published under Hay House imprints, such as The Essential Wayne Dyer Collection (2013); his earlier bestseller (1976) sold an estimated 35 million copies worldwide. Dyer's works emphasized self-development and spiritual growth, influencing millions through his integration of and metaphysics. Deepak Chopra, a pioneer in mind-body medicine, has published several titles with Hay House, such as Raid on the Inarticulate (2022) and On My Way to a Happy Life (2021), building on his foundational book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (1994). His contributions bridge with Western , promoting holistic practices that have shaped contemporary wellness discourse. Marianne Williamson and Iyanla Vanzant represent key voices in spiritual guidance and personal transformation within Hay House's catalog. Williamson, with New York Times bestsellers like (1992), offers teachings on and drawn from . Vanzant, author of works such as Peace from Broken Pieces (2012) and Forgive Everyone for Everything (2025), focuses on healing through self-empowerment and emotional recovery. Both authors deliver practical spiritual tools for overcoming adversity. Contemporary authors like Dr. Joe Dispenza further exemplify Hay House's emphasis on science-informed healing, with books such as Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself (2012) and Becoming Supernatural (2017) exploring and for personal change. Dispenza's research-backed methods on rewiring the for and abundance have gained widespread acclaim. As of 2025, Hay House affiliates with over 130 notable authors in these fields, alongside a broader roster exceeding 1,000 contributors.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Self-Help Genre

Hay House has played a pivotal role in popularizing affirmations and holistic within the genre since the , largely through founder Louise Hay's seminal work , self-published in 1984 and later distributed by the company. The book, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, introduced the concept that positive affirmations and mindset shifts could address physical ailments, influencing mainstream wellness culture by integrating principles into accessible self-improvement practices. Hay House expanded this by publishing related titles and resources, such as affirmation cards and audio programs, that emphasize emotional and mind-body connections, thereby shaping therapeutic approaches in . The Hay Foundation, established by in 1986, has further extended this influence by providing grants to non-profits focused on global wellness initiatives, particularly in and . Notable recipients include AIDS Project Los Angeles, which offers mental counseling, HIV treatment , and prevention programs serving over 10,000 individuals annually; Mama’s Kitchen, delivering daily meals to support nutritional for those with HIV/AIDS in San Diego County; and Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, providing youth and wellness programs to more than 6,775 members. These grants have supported counseling, care, and efforts, enhancing for underserved communities worldwide. Hay House has contributed significantly to the $12 billion U.S. self-improvement market as of 2025, with numerous titles achieving New York Times bestseller status and driving industry growth through inspirational content. Examples include Mel Robbins's The Let Them Theory and Gabrielle Bernstein's Self Help, which have topped advice and bestseller lists, reflecting the company's role in disseminating transformative ideas to millions. This presence on bestseller lists underscores Hay House's , helping to expand the genre's reach amid rising demand for personal growth resources. Following Louise Hay's passing in 2017, the company's legacy has endured through digital adaptations and strategic partnerships, adapting content for modern audiences as of 2025. Offerings like the Empower You Unlimited Audio App, online courses, and podcasts provide on-demand access to affirmations and healing meditations, while the 2023 acquisition by has broadened global distribution and publishing capabilities. These developments ensure the continued dissemination of Hay House's foundational principles in wellness and personal empowerment.

Criticisms and Controversies

Hay House has faced accusations of promoting pseudoscience through its publication of books on alternative medicine, particularly those making unverified claims about healing through affirmations, energy work, and thought patterns. Critics argue that works like Louise Hay's You Can Heal Your Life, which posits that diseases stem from negative thinking and can be cured by changing beliefs, lack scientific backing and have potentially harmed vulnerable individuals, such as those with AIDS during the 1980s epidemic by encouraging victim-blaming instead of medical treatment. Similar concerns extend to other titles on topics like crystal healing and intuitive therapies, which skeptics classify as pseudoscientific due to reliance on anecdotal evidence over empirical research. A notable controversy involved author , a prominent Hay House figure known for her angel oracle cards and spirituality books, who in late 2017 publicly converted to and renounced her previous work as incompatible with biblical teachings. Virtue announced she was ceasing production of divination tools and urged followers to burn her cards, leading to backlash from the community and questions about Hay House's oversight of author ideologies. Hay House subsequently discontinued her products and handled related customer refunds, but the episode highlighted tensions between commercial interests and evolving personal beliefs among its authors. Broader critiques have targeted Hay House for the of , with detractors pointing to high pricing for events, workshops, and digital apps that package spiritual guidance as premium content. For instance, Hay House's writer's workshops and online courses often cost between $249 and $349 per attendee, while membership apps like Heal Your Life+ charge recurring fees for access to and lectures, raising concerns about and profit motives over genuine enlightenment. These practices are seen by some as transforming sacred or personal growth experiences into a lucrative industry, potentially exploiting ' vulnerabilities. In response to such criticisms, Hay House has emphasized the value of personal anecdotes and user testimonials as evidence of efficacy, positioning its offerings as complementary to conventional approaches rather than replacements. The company maintains that its content fosters and positive transformation, supported by millions of satisfied customers worldwide, and has faced no major legal challenges related to its publications or practices as of 2025.

References

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