Knowing the right publishers can make all the difference if you’re diving into the world of ebook writing and publishing. Whether you’re an aspiring author crafting your first manuscript or a reader curious about where your favorite ebooks come from, this guide highlights 17 popular publishers for books you need to know in 2025. These companies range from industry titans to specialized presses, each bringing something unique to the table. Let’s explore who they are, what they offer, and why they matter in today’s publishing landscape.
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Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House is a global powerhouse, formed in 2013 from the merger of Penguin Group and Random House. With over 300 imprints, they publish everything from literary fiction to blockbuster thrillers. In 2023, they reported revenues exceeding €4.53 billion, a testament to their dominance. For ebook authors, their digital catalog is vast, featuring bestsellers like The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. They don’t typically accept unsolicited manuscripts, so you’ll need an agent to pitch here, but their prestige makes them a top name to know.
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HarperCollins
HarperCollins has been captivating readers since 1817, operating in 17 countries with a catalog of about 10,000 new titles annually. They’re known for imprints like William Morrow (thrillers) and Avon (romance), making them a versatile choice for ebook writers. Their embrace of digital formats has kept them relevant, with ebooks like American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins gaining traction. While they rarely take unsolicited submissions, their global reach and diverse genres make them a standout.
Hachette Livre
Based in France, Hachette Livre is a major player with imprints like Little, Brown and Company, and Orbit. They publish across genres, from mysteries to sci-fi, and have a strong digital presence. In 2025, their focus on ebooks continues to grow, with titles like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern still popular. Hachette’s international scope offers ebook authors a chance to reach a broad audience, though you’ll need an agent to get in the door.
Simon & Schuster
Founded in 1924, Simon & Schuster is a U.S.-based giant with a knack for bestsellers. Imprints like Atria Books and Scribner cover everything from memoirs to crime novels. Their ebook offerings include hits like It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Acquired by Penguin Random House in 2021 for $2.175 billion, they remain a key name in 2025. Submissions require an agent, but their track record makes them worth watching.
Macmillan Publishers
Macmillan, established in 1843, operates globally with imprints like St. Martin’s Press and Tor Books. They’re big on genre fiction. Think fantasy and romance which translates well to ebooks. Macmillan’s innovative approach to publishing makes them a favorite for ebook authors, though they typically work through agents.
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Scholastic Corporation
Scholastic is a household name for children’s books, famous for series like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. With annual revenues of around $1.7 billion, they’ve expanded into ebooks, making reading accessible for young audiences digitally. For ebook writers targeting kids or YA readers, Scholastic’s focus on education and entertainment is unmatched. Submissions usually go through agents, but their influence is huge.
Bloomsbury Publishing
London-based Bloomsbury shot to fame with Harry Potter and hasn’t slowed down since. They publish fiction, nonfiction, and academic works, with a growing ebook portfolio. Bloomsbury welcomes unsolicited submissions in some cases, making it a viable option for ebook authors looking to break in.
Penguin Books
An imprint of Penguin Random House, Penguin Books specializes in trade paperbacks and classics. Their Penguin Classics series is a goldmine for ebook readers, offering timeless works alongside modern hits. With a legacy dating back to 1935, they’re a go-to for authors wanting a prestigious digital presence. Like their parent company, they require agent submissions but are a cornerstone of publishing.
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O’Reilly Media
O’Reilly Media is the tech world’s publishing darling, focusing on programming and technology books. Their ebooks, like Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes, are must-haves for developers. They accept proposals directly, making them accessible for ebook writers in tech niches.
Chronicle Books
Based in San Francisco, Chronicle Books is known for beautifully designed titles in lifestyle, art, and children’s genres. Their ebooks, such as The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, blend style with substance. For ebook authors with a visual flair, Chronicle is a gem.
Baen
Baen Books is a sci-fi and fantasy specialist, beloved by genre fans since 1983. Their ebook strategy is legendary. They were early adopters, offering free downloads to hook readers. Titles like 1632 by Eric Flint thrive digitally in 2025. Baen accepts unsolicited manuscripts, making it a rare open door for ebook writers in speculative fiction.
Skyhorse Publishing
Skyhorse, founded in 2006, has grown fast, publishing over 10,000 titles across genres like history, sports, and fiction. Their ebooks, including The Plot to Destroy Democracy by Malcolm Nance, appeal to diverse readers.
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Free Spirit Publishing
Free Spirit focuses on educational and social-emotional learning books for kids and teens. Their ebooks, like The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, are practical and impactful. Based in Minneapolis, they’re a niche leader in 2025 and accept proposals directly, ideal for ebook writers in education.
Five Star
Five Star, an imprint of Gale, specializes in Westerns and mysteries. Their ebooks cater to genre enthusiasts, with titles like The Guns of Frank Eaton by David Althouse gaining traction.
Oneworld Publishing
Oneworld, based in London, is known for award-winning fiction and nonfiction. Their ebooks, like The History of Bees by Maja Lunde, resonate globally. Founded in 1986, they’re open to unsolicited submissions in 2025, making them a promising option for ebook writers seeking literary prestige.
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Black & White Publishing
This Scottish publisher excels in commercial fiction and nonfiction, with ebooks like The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris standing out. In 2025, they’re growing their digital catalog and accepting submissions directly. For ebook authors aiming for a UK audience, they’re a solid choice.
Turner Publishing
Based in Nashville, Turner Publishing offers a mix of fiction and nonfiction, with over 5,000 titles in print. Their ebooks, such as Lush Life by Valerie Rice, shine in 2025. They’re open to submissions without agents, providing ebook writers an indie route with global reach.
Conclusion
These 17 popular publishers for books represent the best of traditional publishing, each offering unique opportunities for ebook writers and readers. From the massive reach of Penguin Random House to the niche focus of Baen or Free Spirit, there’s a fit for every story. Years ago, I submitted my first manuscript to a smaller press like Skyhorse. It didn’t get picked up, but the process taught me how to refine my pitch. Whether you’re chasing a big name or a specialized house, research their submission guidelines and tailor your approach. Your ebook could find its home with one of these industry leaders!
