Top Book Brands: A Literary Shopper's Dream

In the world of literature, a few publishing brands consistently stand out for their commitment to quality and diversity. Penguin Random House is celebrated for its wide array of genres and innovative publishing approaches, ensuring every reader finds a book that resonates with them. HarperCollins, another titan in the industry, offers a rich collection of both classic and contemporary works, catering to a broad audience. If exploring more about the top book brands intrigues you, check out the article below for a comprehensive list and insights.

Illustration of books

Best brands of books in 2025

Penguin Random House

Penguin Random House, the world's largest trade publishing group, generates over $4.7 billion in annual revenue and accounts for 15.7% of global publishing revenue as of 2021. The company publishes 85,000 titles annually, with 15,000 in print and 70,000 in digital format, selling over 600 million copies across all formats each year. Since its 2013 merger, Penguin Random House has experienced a 51.9% increase in revenue, with a 5.7% average annual growth rate. With 39% of the Big Five publishers' revenue and employing over 11,900 people globally, its portfolio includes best-selling titles like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, exceeding 3.5 million copies sold. For more details, visit their official website.

HarperCollins

HarperCollins is one of the leading book publishers globally, with an annual revenue of $2.19 billion as of June 2022, marking a 10.4% increase from the 2021 fiscal year. The company has a vast catalog of over 200,000 titles and releases more than 10,000 new titles annually. In 2022, HarperCollins had 229 titles on the New York Times bestsellers list, and its digital sales grew by 15% driven by strong audiobook performance. The company accounts for 6.7% of the global book publishing revenue and operates in 17 countries. HarperCollins' revenue growth has exceeded the global publishing revenue growth, with a notable 19.15% increase in 2021. For more insights on their sales statistics, visit their comprehensive resource.

Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster is a leading global publisher, generating over $993 million in revenue from book sales in 2021, confirming its position as the fifth largest publishing house worldwide. The company experienced a significant 10% increase in revenue from 2020 to 2021 and a remarkable 52% increase in operating income, reaching $213 million during the same period. Notably, Simon & Schuster's international sales rose by 25% in 2021, while their adult and children's book sales increased by 4% and 7%, respectively. Although there was a 9% decline in ebook sales, audiobook sales showed a robust growth of 11% in 2021. Consistently demonstrating growth, the company's revenue has been increasing at an average annual rate of 4.5% since 2015. For more detailed insights, visit Simon & Schuster's official site.

Hachette Book Group

Hachette Book Group is one of the leading book publishers globally, accounting for 10.5% of total global book sales as of 2021. It generated an annual revenue of EUR2,598 million ($3,066 million) in 2021, marking the first year its revenue exceeded $3 billion. The company publishes over 1,400 adult books, 300 young reader books, and 450 audiobook titles annually. In 2021, print books constituted 88.5% of its revenue, while ebooks and audiobooks accounted for 7.7% and 3.8%, respectively. Hachette Book Group is part of the "big five" publishing companies, alongside Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and others. For more information, visit their official website.

Macmillan Publishers

Macmillan Publishers is a leading force in the global book publishing industry, standing as the fourth largest publishing house worldwide. As of 2021, it controls over 4.7% of the global book publishing revenue and generates annual revenues exceeding $1.05 billion, with a significant 92.3% of its book sales revenue coming from the North American market. The company has seen steady growth, with an average annual revenue increase of 3.1% since 2016, and in 2024, its sales are up more than 18% over the same period in 2023. Macmillan's diverse portfolio and strong market presence have solidified its position, and it continues to innovate with initiatives like its recent launch of Fabelistik, a "collectables" business. The company's commitment to quality content and innovation is reflected in its financial stability and wide-ranging market footprint.

Scholastic Corporation

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, connecting educators and families through accessibility, engagement, and expertise. As of FY 2022, Scholastic achieved revenues of $1.64 billion, with 54.75% of its revenue coming from children's book publishing and distribution. The company publishes over 750 new books every year and operates in more than 135 locations globally. Scholastic's market share in the publishing industry stands at 22.37% as of Q3 2024. It reaches 3.8 million educators, 54 million students, and 78 million parents/caregivers domestically. For more information, visit the Scholastic Corporation's website.

Bloomsbury Publishing

Bloomsbury Publishing, a leading publisher, is renowned for its exceptional performance in both general and academic publishing. The company has seen a significant 32% increase in first-half revenue for the fiscal year 2024-2025, driven largely by the success of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which contributed to a 47% growth in the consumer division. This marks the fifth consecutive period of double-digit growth, attributed to Bloomsbury's "2030 Vision" strategy. The company's market cap has increased by 49.51% in one year, reaching 556.84 million as of December 19, 2024. Bloomsbury's strong financial performance is also reflected in its projected annual revenues of PS319.3 million and pre-tax profits of PS37.5 million for the year ending February 28, 2025. For more information, visit Bloomsbury's official website.

Harlequin Enterprises

Harlequin Enterprises is a global leader in the publishing industry, particularly renowned for its dominance in romance fiction. With over 800 titles released monthly across 19 countries, Harlequin sells 131 million books worldwide each year, or approximately 4.1 books per second. The company operates in 107 international markets, publishing in 29 languages, and its books are sold in over 250,000 retail outlets globally. Harlequin is home to more than 1,200 authors and has expanded its portfolio to include various genres through imprints like MIRA Books, HQN Books, and Harlequin TEEN. As a division of HarperCollins, Harlequin continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024 as a premier destination for romance novels. For more about their global success story, visit their official page.

Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is renowned as the world's largest university press, specializing in research, education, and English language teaching. In the fiscal year 2023/24, OUP achieved a turnover of PS833 million, a 2% increase from the previous year, with digital content and services accounting for 70% of its turnover. The press publishes around 2,000 new titles annually and has published over 35,000 academic books in digital formats. Its Academic Division has expanded its global reach, selling in 184 countries and regions, and has seen significant growth in digital-only sales, such as a 10.7% increase in the 2022/23 fiscal year. OUP continues to innovate, launching new digital products and services, including the Oxford English Hub and the EduZone integrated learning hub. For more detailed information, visit the Oxford Reference website.

Wiley

Wiley, a renowned publisher, has established itself as a leading producer of books, particularly in the educational sector. As of 2022, Wiley generated an annual revenue of $2.08 billion, highlighting its significant presence in the market. The company is one of the top publishers globally, with a market share that places it among the major players in the industry. Wiley's publications span across various formats, including ebooks and audiobooks, catering to the growing demand for digital content. Despite facing financial challenges, such as a net income loss of around $200 million in the last fiscal year, Wiley remains a key player in the publishing industry. For more detailed information about their wide range of publications, visit their official website.