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Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster delivers a vast catalog of high-quality fiction, nonfiction, and children's content through a network of iconic imprints, connecting authors with readers across print, digital, and audio formats worldwide.

New York, New York, United StatesFounded 1924Parent: KKR

Last updated May 11, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated May 11, 2026

Industry
Publishing / Media
Business Model
B2C and B2B Publishing
Target Market
Consumer and Trade
Employee Count
1001-5000
Revenue Range
$800M–$1B
Parent Company
KKR
API Available
No
Market Position

One of the 'Big Five' global trade book publishers with a broad catalog of imprints and a strong backlist of bestselling titles

Overview

Simon & Schuster is one of the 'Big Five' traditional book publishers in the United States, founded in 1924 by Richard Simon and M. Lincoln Schuster. The company publishes thousands of titles annually across a broad range of genres and formats, including adult fiction and nonfiction, children's and young adult books, and digital and audio content. Its portfolio of imprints includes Scribner, Atria Books, Pocket Books, Gallery Books, and many others, representing some of the most recognized names in American and global literature. After nearly five decades as part of larger media conglomerates — most recently Paramount Global and its predecessors ViacomCBS and CBS — Simon & Schuster was sold to private equity firm KKR in a deal that closed on October 30, 2023, for approximately $1.62 billion. A prior proposed sale to Penguin Random House was blocked by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2022 on antitrust grounds. Under KKR ownership, Simon & Schuster continues to operate as an independent publishing entity with its own leadership and brand identity. While Simon & Schuster is not a traditional AdTech company, it is relevant to the broader media and advertising ecosystem as a major content producer and rights holder. The company's digital publishing, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer initiatives intersect with digital advertising and audience monetization strategies. Its scale, brand recognition, and deep catalog of intellectual property make it a significant player in the media landscape that AdTech platforms and publishers frequently engage with.

Products & Features

Trade Publishing

Adult fiction and nonfiction titles published under imprints such as Scribner, Atria, and Free Press

Children's Publishing

Children's and young adult books published under imprints including Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Aladdin

Audio Publishing

Audiobook production and distribution for titles across the Simon & Schuster catalog

eBook Publishing

Digital editions of titles distributed through major retail platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play

International Publishing

Global rights management and co-publishing arrangements with international partners

Simon & Schuster Speaker Bureau

Talent representation and booking service connecting authors and public figures with speaking engagements

Key Features
Portfolio of dozens of well-known publishing imprintsDeep backlist of classic and bestselling titlesIntegrated print, digital, and audio publishing capabilitiesStrong author relationships and acquisition pipelineGlobal distribution networkDirect-to-consumer digital storefront
Use Cases
Consumer book retail across print, digital, and audio formatsLibrary and institutional content licensingEducational and academic content distributionAuthor brand building and marketingInternational rights licensing and co-publishing
Customer Segments
General consumers and book readersLibraries and educational institutionsRetailers (bookstores, mass market, online)International publishers and licenseesCorporate and event clients (via Speaker Bureau)
Corporate history
  • 1924Founded
Connections

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