What is It?

According to its creators, Pottermore by J.K. Rowling is "a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books." You can find it at Pottermore.com.

Why Did It Take So Long For Pottermore.com to Be Open to All?

Although the development of the Pottermore site was announced in 2011, its use was limited to the million people who completed a special Harry Potter challenge and were admitted to the Beta version so developers could get all the bugs out before finalizing the site and opening it to the public.

That took more time than expected.

Harry Potter eBooks Now Available

The Pottermore Shop is open and Harry Potter eBooks, as well as digital audio books, are now available. They can be downloaded to all of the major eReaders, as well as tablets, smart phones and MP3 players. The eBooks are available exclusively at the Pottermore Shop.

What's So Special About Pottermore by J.K. Rowling?

There are several things that make the Pottermore by J.K. Rowling site special. They include:

• Additional material about Harry Potter and his world from his creator, J.K. Rowling
• The opportunity for Pottermore participants to help to create and shape the story
• The chance to enroll in Hogwarts and move around and participate in Harry's world
• Special Harry Potter items, including eBooks, available for purchase at the online Pottermore Shop.

In addition, "At a press conference at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Rowling revealed some key features of the website. In an announcement which will thrill fans, she described how she has brought to life both the Sorting Hat and Ollivanders experiences from her books for the first time on Pottermore, by revealing the questions asked by the Sorting Hat - which places newcomers into their Hogwarts houses according to their characteristics - and the magic behind the Wand Chooser – which finds the right wand for each user from over 33,000 possible combinations.

She also revealed glimpses of the new information she has provided on some of the best-loved characters." (Source: June 23, 2011 Pottermore media release)
Read on for details.

What Will I Find on Pottermore.com?

According to the press release, you will find the following:

• "J.K. Rowling has written extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories, which will inform, inspire and entertain readers as they journey through the storylines of the books."
• "In the new website, the storyline will be brought to life with sumptuous newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive ‘Moments’ through which you can navigate, starting with the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone."
• When you begin to participate in Pottermore by J.K. Rowling, you will get to select your own magic name.
• "As you move through the chapters, you can read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup."
• Pottermore will be available in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish. Additional languages will be added later.

Will There Be More Harry Potter Books?

While J.K. Rowling has not indicated plans for any more Harry Potter books, she has said she'll be sharing additional information she's written about Harry and his world on Pottermore.com. In addition, digital audiobooks and eBook versions of the Harry Potter series, beginning with the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, are available for purchase through the Pottermore.com site.

J.K. Rowling on Pottermore

Incorporated in the June 23, 2011 press release was the following statement from JK Rowling:

• “I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation. I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

The Owners of Pottermore

Pottermore is owned by Pottermore Limited. This company is incorporated in England and Wales. Its registered office is in Devonshire House in London. Every page of Pottermore.com contains the following statement: "Harry Potter and Pottermore Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling."
Pottermore by J.K. Rowling is being created in partnership with Sony.
(Sources: Pottermore.com, June 23, 2011 Pottermore by J.K. Rowling Press Release, Pottermore Video Announcement by J.K. Rowling)