10 Best Book Publishing Companies in the World
Publishing a book is not an easy task at all. There are companies known for their dominant presence in the book publishing industry especially for those who want to publish traditionally. This article provides a list of the best book publishing companies in the world. These companies have history and pedigree as the dominant forces in the global book publishing industry.
Here is a list of the 10 best book publishing companies in the world:
1. Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House was founded in 2013 from the merger of two of the biggest names in the industry – Penguin Group and Random House. This company is known for some of the most celebrated books of our time, this duo has published over 100,000 e-books. Penguin Random House is based in New York and has a global presence with operations spanning 20 countries. Genres: Literary fiction, non-fiction, commercial fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, classic literature, memoir, history, and politics
2. Harper Collins
Harper Collins is one of the dominant publishing firms in the world and has been captivating readers since 1989. The company operates in 17 countries worldwide and has its headquarters in New York. Harper Collins isn’t just any publishing house—it’s an amalgamation of various imprints, each with its own unique style and genre. From William Morrow’s bestselling thrillers to Avon’s swoon-worthy romances, Harper Collins has mastered the art of creating best-sellers across genres.
Genres: Fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, young adult, commercial fiction, memoir, history, and politics
3. Simon and Schuster
Simon and Schuster is a prominent figure in the publishing industry and has over 35 imprints and more than 2,000 books published annually. The company boasts 57 Pulitzer Prizes, among other prominent awards. In the year 2021, they had a total of 219 New York Times bestsellers, with 29 #1 bestsellers. It has the pedigree as one of the dominant publishing houses in the world.
Genres: Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult, memoir, biography, history, politics, and self-help.
4. Macmillan Publishers
Macmillan Publishers was founded in 1843 and has since become one of the best book publishing companies in the world. This publishing company now has over 10 imprints spanning across the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Australia, and India. The company has over 6,000 bestselling books, and has grown to become a major player in the publishing industry. From W. B. Yeats to Toni Morrison and every other notable writer in between, Macmillan has published for them all.
Genres: Literary fiction, commercial fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, young adult, memoir, biography, history, and politics
5. Hachette Book Group
The Hatchette Book Group is one of the leading book publishing companies in the United States. The company has an incredible catalog of over 2,100 adult books, 500 children’s books, and 750 audiobook titles. The Hatchette Book Group is also the receiver of various prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Booker Prize, and the Nobel Peace Prize.
Genres: Literary fiction, commercial fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, young adult, memoir, biography, history, and politics.
6. John Wiley and Sons
John Wiley and Sons is one of the leading publishing companies in the world for educational books and journals. It was founded in 1807. The company is also the publisher of famous literary figures such as James Fenimore Cooper, Washington Irving, Herman Melville, and even Edgar Allan Poe. John Wiley and Sons offers opportunities to new writers by accepting unsolicited manuscripts for publication by the company.
Genres: Academic journals, professional and reference materials
7. Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster was founded in 1831 two brothers – George and Charles Merriam. The company has grown to be one of the leading publishers of reference books all over the world. It is located in Springfield, Massachusetts. Merriam-Webster has been the subsidiary of Encyclooedia Britannica, Inc. since 1964. Their dedication to creating authoritative, up-to-date reference works has earned them a place at the forefront of the publishing industry. This is one of the leading book publishing companies in the world.
Genres: Reference books and dictionaries
8. Scholastic
Scholastic book publishing company was founded in 1920. This is an American publishing company that creates children’s books, comics, and educational materials. Scholastic has become one of the leading publishers of children’s books all over the world by publishing books in over 40 languages. The company also inspires and educates children by creating engaging content that encourages exploration and growth and also by holding book fairs all over the world.
Genres: Children’s educational material, books, and comics
9. Pearson
Pearson has more than 160 million users across the world. The company has a long history of producing innovative and effective educational materials. Authors have the option of collaborating with Pearson to create content for students and instructors alike. Pearson has established itself as a major player in the book publishing industry. Their books are designed to meet the needs of learners at all levels, from elementary school to college and beyond.
Genres: Education, learning material
10. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
This is another very prominent educational publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The company has its headquarters located in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the years, the company has established itself as a leader in the field of educational materials, providing innovative resources to enhance learning experiences. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt produces a wide range of learning materials, including textbooks and educational resources for teachers and students alike.
Genres: Education, learning material
