Simon & Schuster

Founded in 1924 by Richard L. Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster, Simon & Schuster began as a publisher of crossword puzzles and swiftly morphed into a heavyweight in the book world, proving that even puzzles can be the start of something monumental. Known for churning out bestsellers faster than you can say “page-turner,” the company has been behind literary hits like “The Da Vinci Code” and “The Joy of Cooking,” maintaining a reputation for savvy marketing and blockbuster deals. Defining moments include the acquisition by Viacom in 1994 and its spin-off as part of Paramount Global in 2021—who then sold the company to KKR in 2023—making it a fixture of media conglomerate shuffle. Despite its impressive catalog and a valuation that still impresses, Simon & Schuster is no stranger to controversy; its forays into political and scandalous biographies have sparked more than a few public debates. The publishing titan has weathered criticism over editorial choices and high-profile author disputes, with notable figures like CEO Jonathan Karp steering the ship through both acclaim and backlash. With a track record that balances high-stakes deals with its fair share of literary controversies, Simon & Schuster continues to be a defining force in the world of publishing.