Methods for amplifying RNA from genomic DNA are provided. In the subject methods, a promoter-primer having a primer domain linked to an RNA polymerase promoter domain is first annealed to genomic DNA. The primer domain of the resultant annealed promoter-primer/genomic DNA complex is then extended to produce a double-stranded DNA molecule that has an RNA polymerase promoter domain. The resultant double-stranded DNA molecule is then transcribed into RNA product, e.g., labeled RNA product, using an RNA polymerase that is able to transcribe through the gap between the 5′ terminus of the promoter domain and the 3′ side of the genomic template. The subject methods find use a variety of different applications in which the preparation of amplified amounts of RNA from a genomic template is desired, where the amplification may be linear or geometric and may amplify the entire genome or only a select portion thereof. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.