HarperCollins

HarperCollins Publishers operates as a British-American multinational conglomerate and stands as the second-largest consumer book publisher globally by revenue. The company traces its lineage to two distinct 19th-century firms: the American house founded by James Harper in New York City in 1817 and the Scottish firm William Collins, Sons & Co. These entities merged into their modern form in 1987 after News Corp acquired both Harper & Row and William Collins, creating a powerhouse that now maintains major offices in London and operates across 15 countries including significant markets in Australia and India.

Brian Murray has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2008, steering the firm through the digital transition while expanding its portfolio with specialized imprints like HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Under his leadership, the company manages renowned brands such as Thomas Nelson and Zondervan while navigating a complex landscape of fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and religious texts. Recent financial reports for Fiscal 2026 show sales rising by 6%, though profits declined due to rising operational costs and market shifts.

The publisher continues to adapt through strategic innovations, including a major push into AI-generated audiobooks announced in August 2026 and the launch of a new U.S. manga imprint during Manga Week that same month. In April 2026, they partnered with Toonstar to develop animated series based on popular titles like Friendship List, while Harper Catholic was introduced as a dedicated imprint for Catholic literature. Despite facing public relations challenges regarding workplace dynamics in March 2026, labor relations improved significantly when the union ratified a new contract featuring the highest starting pay rates in the industry. [edit]