HarperCollins

HarperCollins, birthed in 1989 from the merger of Harper & Row and William Collins, is the literary titan known for its impressive roster of bestsellers and a catalog that reads like a who's who of the literary world. With roots tracing back to 1817, it’s seen more literary stars rise and fall than the average bookstore. This publishing powerhouse boasts classics like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and Stephen King’s endless parade of page-turners. Its history is marred by a few missteps, including high-profile author spats and allegations of unfair practices—because who doesn’t love a scandal in the book world? Valued in the billions, it remains a force to be reckoned with, largely due to the helm of CEO Brian Murray, who must juggle modern digital demands with the weight of literary tradition. Despite its grand pedigree, HarperCollins’ flirtations with controversy—like the occasional celebrity memoir and the odd botched book deal—prove that even the most prestigious of publishers can stumble over a wayward manuscript. If publishing were a high-stakes poker game, HarperCollins would be the bluffing tycoon with an occasional tell.