book publishers in education

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12 Largest Publishers of Academic Books

Table of contents, introduction, 1. springer nature, 2. elsevier, 3. taylor & francis, 5. oxford university press (oup), 6. cambridge university press, 7. sage publishing, 8. macmillan education.

• 9. Pearson 

10. Bloomsbury Academic

11. emerald.

Academic publishing is essential to the global intellectual landscape, facilitating the spread of knowledge, research, and education across disciplines. Academic books serve as foundational texts in various fields, providing scholars, students, and professionals with rigorous content to deepen their understanding of specialized topics. The write-up discusses 12 largest publishers of academic books on the global scene. 

As universities and research institutions grow, the demand for comprehensive and reliable academic resources continues to increase. Academic publishers , therefore, play a pivotal role in meeting this demand, ensuring that the latest research is available in high-quality formats.

In addition to supporting academic research, academic publishers contribute significantly to developing educational curricula. Their textbooks, research monographs, and reference works are widely used in classrooms worldwide, from primary education to higher education and professional settings. 

With the advent of digital publishing , academic publishers are expanding their platforms, offering physical books, ebooks, online databases, and digital tools that enhance learning experiences. This shift has further solidified their importance in a digitally connected global academic community.

A few academic publishers that operate today stand out due to their extensive catalogs, global reach, and influence across multiple fields. These companies publish thousands of academic books annually and are trusted in education and research. Let’s discuss the list. 

Springer Nature is a giant in the academic publishing world, resulting from the 2015 merger of Springer Science+Business Media, Nature Publishing Group, and Palgrave Macmillan. These entities brought a wealth of expertise in their respective fields, making the combined entity one of the most comprehensive publishers of scientific, technical, and medical (STM) content. 

Springer Nature is known for its rigorous peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and, importantly, its academic books covering various disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

Springer Nature publishes thousands of academic titles annually, making it a critical resource for scholars, professionals, and researchers. The publisher’s vast catalog ranges from cutting-edge research monographs to universities’ textbooks. In addition to books, Springer Nature publishes thousands of academic journals, such as the prestigious Nature , one of the world’s most cited scientific journals. With its wide-reaching influence, Springer Nature has become a go-to publisher for academics looking to disseminate their work.

Springer Nature has also embraced digital publishing and open-access models in recent years, making research more accessible. The company’s digital platform, SpringerLink, offers access to millions of research papers and academic books, ensuring that students and researchers have the resources they need at their fingertips. Springer Nature’s commitment to innovation in publishing ensures its continued relevance in the academic landscape.

Established in 1880 in the Netherlands, Elsevier is one of the most renowned academic publishers, especially known for its contributions to science, technology, and medicine. Elsevier is the publisher behind several highly cited scientific journals, including The Lancet and Cell , and it also publishes a vast number of academic books used by researchers, medical professionals, and educators worldwide. Its reputation for producing cutting-edge research and reliable scientific texts makes Elsevier a leader in academic publishing.

The company’s portfolio spans various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, chemistry, and environmental sciences. Elsevier’s focus on publishing high-quality scientific research has made it an indispensable resource for universities, hospitals, and research institutions. In addition to books and journals, Elsevier is known for its digital offerings, most notably the ScienceDirect platform, which provides access to millions of scientific articles and book chapters.

Elsevier has also been at the forefront of promoting open-access models in academic publishing, making research more widely accessible. The company has a hybrid publishing model allows authors to make their work freely available, increasing its impact and visibility in the academic community. With its continued commitment to innovation and quality, Elsevier remains a cornerstone in academic publishing.

Founded in 1798, Taylor & Francis is one of the oldest academic publishers, with over two centuries of experience in producing scholarly content. The company expanded significantly in 1998 after merging with Routledge, another historic academic publisher. Taylor & Francis and Routledge have created a powerhouse in academic publishing, particularly in social sciences, humanities, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Taylor & Francis is known for its vast collection of academic journals and books, many of which are used in higher education and research institutions worldwide. As an imprint, Routledge is particularly strong in philosophy, political science, and sociology, while Taylor & Francis excels in engineering, environmental science, and education. The publisher releases thousands of academic titles yearly, significantly advancing knowledge in these fields.

The company also offers a robust digital platform, Taylor & Francis Online, where users can access academic content. Additionally, Taylor & Francis has embraced open access publishing , allowing researchers to publish their work freely and enhancing the dissemination of academic research globally. Their commitment to innovation and wide-reaching influence make Taylor & Francis a key player in academic publishing.

John Wiley & Sons, commonly known as Wiley, has been a prominent name in academic publishing since its founding in 1807. Wiley specializes in publishing academic and professional books across various disciplines, including life sciences, medicine, social sciences, and engineering. The company is known for its rigorously peer-reviewed content, trusted by professionals and researchers worldwide.

Wiley’s publications include textbooks, reference works, and research monographs, many of which are staples in academic institutions. The company’s focus on STEM disciplines has made it a leader in scientific publishing, but Wiley also has a strong presence in business and management, psychology, and education. Some of the most widely used textbooks in these fields are published by Wiley, ensuring that the company’s influence extends beyond just research and into the classroom.

The Wiley Online Library is a major digital platform that offers access to thousands of journals, ebooks, and research articles. Wiley’s commitment to embracing new technologies and digital platforms has kept it at the forefront of academic publishing. With its wide range of offerings and global reach, Wiley continues to be a leader in disseminating academic knowledge.

Oxford University Press (OUP) is one of the world’s oldest and most respected academic publishers, dating back to 1586. As a department of the University of Oxford, OUP has a long-standing tradition of publishing high-quality academic texts across various disciplines. The press is especially well-known for its contributions to the humanities, social sciences, law, and medicine, and its books are used by scholars and students around the globe.

OUP publishes thousands of academic books annually, from textbooks and reference works to monographs and research volumes. Its catalog covers many subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, theology, and political science. OUP’s rigorous editorial standards ensure its content is of the highest academic quality, making its books trusted resources in the academic community.

In addition to print publications, OUP has embraced digital publishing, offering a wide range of ebooks and online resources. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is available in a digital format, making it accessible to a global audience. OUP’s continued innovation in both print and digital formats ensures that it remains one of the most important academic publishers in the world.

Cambridge University Press (CUP), founded in 1534, is the oldest publisher in the world . As part of the University of Cambridge, CUP is renowned for its commitment to producing scholarly and educational content of the highest quality. The press publishes thousands of academic books annually across various disciplines, including science, mathematics, law, humanities, and education.

CUP’s reputation for excellence is well-earned, as it consistently publishes groundbreaking research and authoritative texts. The publisher is particularly strong in history, philosophy, and linguistics, but it also excels in publishing textbooks and research materials in STEM subjects. CUP’s academic books are widely used in universities and research institutions, making it one of the most influential publishers in the world.

In addition to its print offerings, CUP has embraced digital publishing and open-access models, ensuring that its content is accessible to a global audience. The press has developed numerous online platforms that provide access to ebooks, journals, and educational resources. CUP’s commitment to innovation and rich history make it a cornerstone of academic publishing.

SAGE Publishing was founded in 1965, focusing on producing high-quality content in the social sciences, education, and humanities. Over the years, SAGE has grown into one of the largest independent academic publishers, known for its wide range of books and journals that support research and education. SAGE’s commitment to advancing knowledge in the social sciences has made it a leader in these fields.

SAGE is particularly well-known for its research methods books, which are widely used by students and researchers alike. These books provide valuable guidance on qualitative and quantitative research techniques, making them essential resources in the social sciences. In addition to its books, SAGE publishes hundreds of academic journals, many of which are highly regarded in their respective fields.

SAGE has also embraced digital publishing and open-access models, allowing researchers to publish their work freely and making academic research more accessible. The publisher’s commitment to innovation and its focus on producing content that meets the needs of the academic community ensure that SAGE remains a key player in the world of academic publishing.

Macmillan Education is globally recognized in the academic and educational publishing industry. Part of the Springer Nature group, Macmillan specializes in publishing textbooks, research materials, and digital resources for primary, secondary, and higher education. The publisher’s reach extends to multiple disciplines, particularly in English Language Teaching (ELT), STEM education, and social sciences.

Macmillan Education is known for its high-quality textbooks that are used in classrooms around the world. These books cover a wide range of subjects and are designed to meet the needs of both students and educators. In addition to traditional print textbooks, Macmillan has developed several digital platforms that enhance learning experiences, such as ebooks and interactive learning tools.

Today, Macmillan remains a key player in the academic world. Macmillan’s focus on digital learning platforms and its dedication to producing high-quality educational content have made it a trusted resource for educators and students.

Pearson is the largest educational publisher in the world, focusing on producing high-quality academic and instructional content. The company is best known for its educational textbooks used in primary, secondary, and higher education settings worldwide. Pearson’s catalog covers various disciplines, including business, economics, education, and the sciences.

In addition to textbooks, Pearson offers several digital learning tools that enhance the educational experience. Its MyLab platform, for example, provides interactive learning resources that help students develop their skills in various subjects. Pearson’s focus on integrating technology into education has made it a leader in digital learning, and its products are used by millions of students worldwide.

Pearson also produces research-based academic books that are widely used in higher education and professional settings. With its global reach and focus on educational innovation, Pearson remains one of the most influential academic publishers in the world.

Bloomsbury Academic, a division of Bloomsbury Publishing, is a major player in the academic publishing industry, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. Known for its high-quality scholarship, Bloomsbury Academic publishes various academic books, including research monographs, textbooks, and reference works. The publisher’s catalog covers subjects such as philosophy, history, and literary studies, and its books are widely used by researchers and students alike.

Bloomsbury Academic is also a leader in digital publishing, offering online resources that provide access to academic content. For example, the Bloomsbury Digital Resources platform offers many ebooks and online reference materials, making academic research more accessible globally.

In addition to its print and digital offerings, Bloomsbury Academic is committed to producing open-access content, ensuring that its research is available to a wider audience. This commitment to accessibility and quality makes Bloomsbury Academic a key player in academic publishing.

Emerald Group Publishing, founded in 1967, is known for its focus on applied research in business, management, and the social sciences. Emerald’s publications are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, making them valuable resources for scholars and practitioners. The publisher’s catalog includes academic books, journals, and case studies that support research and education in these fields.

Emerald publishes hundreds of academic books each year, many of which universities and research institutions use worldwide. The publisher’s focus on applied research ensures its content is relevant to real-world issues, making it an important resource for business professionals and educators.

In addition to its print offerings, Emerald has embraced digital publishing, providing access to its content through online platforms. Emerald’s commitment to producing high-quality, accessible research has made it a trusted name in academic publishing, particularly in business and management.

Brill, established in 1683, is one of the oldest academic publishers in the world. It has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality scholarly content. The publisher is particularly known for its contributions to the humanities, social sciences, and international law, with a focus on subjects such as religious studies, history, and philosophy. Brill’s books are widely used by researchers and students in universities and research institutions worldwide.

In addition to its print publications, Brill has embraced digital publishing, offering online resources that provide access to academic content. The Brill Open platform, for example, allows researchers to publish their work freely, making academic research more accessible to a global audience. The company produces high-quality, specialized content and remains a leading publisher in the academic world. 

Academic publishers are the backbone of scholarly research, making new ideas and discoveries accessible to the global academic community. These largest publishers of academic books discussed have solidified their reputations by consistently producing high-quality, peer-reviewed content across multiple disciplines. They serve not only as distributors of knowledge but also as facilitators of academic progress, ensuring that cutting-edge research reaches those who can build on it.

Moreover, academic publishers are evolving alongside technological advancements. The shift toward digital publishing, open-access platforms, and e-learning tools signifies a new era in academic dissemination. Publishers like Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, and Pearson Education are at the forefront of this transformation, offering comprehensive online platforms that provide students and researchers with the resources they need anytime and anywhere.

As the demand for reliable academic content grows, the role of these publishers becomes even more critical. They support the spread of knowledge and foster innovation and collaboration across borders. With their continued focus on quality and accessibility, the largest academic publishers will remain instrumental in shaping the future of education and research worldwide.

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What do book publishers do?

Sure, a book publisher prints and sells your book. But what they do behind the scenes encompasses much more than that. Publishers handle the entire publishing process for books, including: 

• Editing the book, i.e. developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading; 
• Designing the book, i.e. book cover design and any necessary interior book design;
• Promotion and marketing, i.e. writing the book’s blurb, email marketing , setting up media interviews, etc.; and
• Production and distribution, i.e. formatting and distributing hardback, paperback, and ebook versions of the book to stores, both online and brick-and-mortar. 

Note that the structure of publishing companies may differ, depending on their size. Bigger book publishers may be made up of publishing houses which may, in turn, be made up of imprints — each of which will have its own brand identity in terms of the type of books it publishes. 

However, regardless of a publisher’s size, the scope of their work shouldn’t change. Once you sign with a publisher, they will do everything that it takes to bring your book to market. 

What are the most prominent book publishing companies?

If we define success by sheer sales volume, then we might point towards the "Big 5" presses and educational publishers (who rake in a LOT of money). Over the past few decades, these giant publishing companies have merged with and acquired most of the mid-sized publishers in the industry. However, a few still remain. Here are today's biggest book publishing companies:

• Penguin Random House (Big 5)
• Hachette Book Group (Big 5)
• HarperCollins (Big 5)
• Macmillan Publishers (Big 5)
• Simon & Schuster (Big 5)
• Scholastic Corporation
• Pearson Education
• McGraw-Hill Education
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Cengage Learning

Together, these largest publishers dominate the publishing landscape. Countless beloved books come from their imprints, many of which you’ll find in our directory. 

The rest of the publishing landscape is largely made up of small publishers, or independent publishers. Most big publishers don’t directly accept unsolicited submissions without a literary agent — but smaller publishers do, making them a realistic and worthwhile route to publication. 

I have a long list of publishers. What next?

Congratulations! Now take a moment to thoroughly vet every publisher on your longlist. Scams are a dime a dozen in the publishing industry, and you want to make 100% sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate publishing company. Again, we strongly recommend reading this post and Writer Beware to know what red flags to watch out for.

When you’re confident in all of the publishers on your longlist, it’s time for the most nerve-wracking step: submitting your manuscript to them. 

Check out our free resources if you’re feeling daunted by what comes next. Whether you’re learning how to research publishers or how to personalize a submission, we've got you covered.

Free online materials

• How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher In 5 Simple Steps. Read it here . 
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• How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Steps. Read it here .
• How to Personalize Your Query Letters. Check it out . 
• How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal. Learn more here .
• How to Write a Nonfiction Query Letter. Read it here .

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