The Most Popular Publisher, Ranked

Choose the publisher you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:47
The landscape of publishing is as diverse as the stories and information it brings to life, creating a unique challenge for readers searching for top-quality content. By compiling favorite publishers into a ranked list, it's easier to identify which ones consistently delight and inform their audiences. This method proves invaluable for discussing preferences and trends across various readerships. Through this communal voting approach, our site offers real-time insights into public opinion, updating rank with each new vote to reflect current preferences. This continuous feedback loop not only empowers readers to influence the standings but also ensures that the list stays relevant and reflective of the ever-changing literary landscape. Engaging in this process allows readers to contribute to a broader conversation about quality and impact in publishing.

What Is the Most Popular Publisher?

  1. 1
    62
    votes

    Penguin Random House

    Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
    With over 15,000 titles published annually, Penguin Random House is the largest English-language trade book publisher in the world.
    Penguin Random House is one of the largest and most popular publishing companies in the world. It was created through the merger of Penguin Group and Random House in 2013. With a rich history and extensive catalog, Penguin Random House is known for publishing a wide range of books across various genres and formats.
    • Date of Merger: 2013
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Number of Imprints: 275+
    • Worldwide Offices: 20+ countries
    • Formats: Print, eBooks, audiobooks
  2. 2
    37
    votes
    HarperCollins is one of the world's largest publishing companies and its titles span genres and formats.
    HarperCollins is one of the world's largest English-language book publishers, operating in over 17 countries. It was founded by brothers James and John Harper in 1817 in New York City. Throughout its history, HarperCollins has published many bestselling books across various genres.
    • Founded: 1817
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Number of Countries operating in: 17
    • Language: English
    • Publication Genres: Multiple Genres
  3. 3
    19
    votes

    Hachette Livre

    Hachette Group
    Hachette Livre is the second-largest publisher in the world, with a wide range of imprints and titles across the globe.
    Hachette Livre is one of the largest publishing groups in the world, recognized for its wide range of books across various genres and languages. The company operates as a subsidiary of Hachette Group, a French media conglomerate.
    • Founded: 1826
    • Headquarters: Paris, France
    • CEO: Arnaud Nourry
    • Number of Imprints: over 50
    • Annual Revenue: €2.4 billion (2019)
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Simon & Schuster
    David Shankbone at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 2.5

    Simon & Schuster

    Richard L. Simon, Max Schuster
    Simon & Schuster is a global leader in the publishing industry, with a reputation for publishing high-quality books across all genres.
    Simon & Schuster is a well-known publishing company that was founded in 1924. It is one of the 'Big Five' English-language publishing companies in the United States. Simon & Schuster is recognized for publishing a wide range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, children's literature, and academic books. They have a strong presence in both print and digital publishing.
    • Founded: 1924
    • Headquarters: New York City, United States
    • Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction, Children's literature, Academic
    • Publication Formats: Print and Digital
    • Parent Company: ViacomCBS
  5. 5
    13
    votes

    Macmillan Publishers

    Daniel and Alexander Macmillan
    Macmillan Publishers is a global publishing company with a wide range of imprints and genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.
    Macmillan Publishers is a global publishing company that specializes in academic publishing, trade publishing, and educational content. It was founded by Daniel and Alexander Macmillan in 1843, with its headquarters in London, UK. Macmillan Publishers operates in over 120 countries and has numerous imprints that cater to various genres and audiences.
    • Founded: 1843
    • Headquarters: London, UK
    • Operating countries: Over 120
    • Specialization: Academic publishing, trade publishing, educational content
    • Imprints: Multiple imprints catering to various genres and audiences
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Scholastic Corporation
    MBisanz talk · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Scholastic Corporation

    Maurice R. Robinson
    Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, and has a strong presence in the educational market.
    The Scholastic Corporation is a leading global children's publishing, education, and media company. It specializes in creating educational materials and literacy programs for children and young adults. With a rich history spanning over 100 years, Scholastic has become a trusted name among parents, teachers, and students alike.
    • Founded: 1920
    • Headquarters: New York City, USA
    • Products: Books, educational materials, magazines
    • Employees: Around 10,000
    • Imprints: Scholastic Press, Graphix, Klutz, Scholastic Reference, and more
  7. 7
    11
    votes

    Bloomsbury Publishing

    Nigel Newton
    Bloomsbury is a leading independent publisher with a strong presence in the UK and US, and a focus on literary fiction, non-fiction, and children's books.
    Bloomsbury Publishing is a renowned independent publishing house established in 1986. It is based in London, United Kingdom, and has a global presence. The publisher is widely known for its significant contributions to the literary world, specializing in fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and academic works.
    • Founded: 1986
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
    • Genre: Fiction, Non-fiction, Children's books, Academic works
    • Global Presence: Yes
    • Imprints: Bloomsbury Academic, Bloomsbury Children's Books, Bloomsbury Continuum, Bloomsbury Publishing India, and more
  8. 8
    4
    votes

    Oxford University Press

    University of Oxford
    Oxford University Press is one of the oldest and most respected academic publishers in the world, with a focus on scholarly and educational books.
    Oxford University Press (OUP) is a department of the University of Oxford in England, and it is the largest university press in the world. Established in 1478, it has a rich history of academic publishing, with a wide range of educational and scholarly materials.
    • Founded: 1478
    • Location: Oxford, England
    • Type: University press
    • Size: Largest university press in the world
    • Areas of publication: Academic, educational, and scholarly materials
  9. 9
    13
    votes

    Cambridge University Press

    University of Cambridge
    Cambridge University Press is another prestigious academic publisher, with a focus on research and educational books across a wide range of subjects.
    Cambridge University Press is a leading academic publisher known for its high-quality scholarly publications. It is a department of the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The press was established in 1534 and has since played a significant role in disseminating knowledge and promoting academic excellence.
    • Founded: 1534
    • Headquarters: Cambridge, UK
    • Publications: Books, journals, and digital resources
    • Subject Areas: Humanities, social sciences, sciences, and professional fields
    • Global Reach: Publishes in over 50 languages
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Penguin Classics
    Thepublicskye · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Penguin Classics

    Allen Lane
    Penguin Classics is a division of Penguin Random House, and is dedicated to publishing classic literature from around the world.
    Penguin Classics is a well-known publishing imprint that specializes in publishing classic literature and non-fiction works. It focuses on making important literary works accessible to a broad audience.
    • Founded: 1946
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
    • Language: English
    • Number of Titles: over 1,200
    • Specialization: Classic literature and non-fiction works

Missing your favorite publisher?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular publisher

  1. Sales figures
    The number of books or copies sold is a strong indicator of a publisher's popularity. Higher sales figures often reflect a publisher's success in marketing, distributing, and promoting its titles.
  2. Market share
    The percentage of the overall book market controlled by a publisher can demonstrate its reach and influence within the industry. A higher market share often indicates greater popularity.
  3. Reputation
    A publisher's standing in the industry, as well as the acclaim and respect it has garnered from authors, readers, and booksellers, can be a significant factor in its popularity.
  4. Awards and critical recognition
    Publishers that consistently produce award-winning books and receive positive reviews from critics are more likely to be popular among readers and other industry professionals.
  5. Author roster
    Publishers with an extensive list of well-known, respected, or bestselling authors are likely to be more popular. The more successful the authors, the higher the popularity of the publisher.
  6. Range and diversity of titles
    A publisher that offers a wide variety of genres, subjects, and formats may have broader appeal to readers and thus greater popularity.
  7. Quality of production
    The design, presentation, and overall quality of the books released by a publisher can contribute to its perception among readers and industry professionals. A high standard in production values may lead to greater popularity.
  8. Marketing and promotional strategies
    The effectiveness of a publisher's marketing and promotional efforts can have a significant impact on its popularity. Publishers that invest heavily in advertising, publicity, and social media marketing are often more visible and successful.
  9. Distribution networks
    Effective distribution strategies ensure that a publisher's books are available to a wide audience, and this accessibility can contribute to its overall popularity.
  10. Innovation and adaptability
    Publishers that embrace new technologies, formats, and business models, and that are willing to change and adapt to market trends and reader demands, are often more popular than those that don't.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular publisher. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or publisher is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1838 views
  • 190 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each publisher once every 24 hours. The rank of each publisher is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular publisher

When it comes to publishing, there are countless options available, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some publishers specialize in certain genres or formats, while others focus on specific audiences or markets. With so much variety, it can be difficult to determine which publisher reigns supreme in terms of popularity. However, by analyzing data from thousands of polls and rankings on StrawPoll, we can confidently say that there are a few publishers that consistently rise to the top. These include industry giants like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, as well as popular imprints like Scholastic and Simon & Schuster. Of course, popularity is subjective and can vary depending on the audience and the type of content being published. Nonetheless, these publishers have earned their place as some of the most recognized and respected names in the industry. With their extensive catalogs and impressive reputations, they continue to shape the literary landscape and inspire readers around the world.

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