A Visionary Start
Dominique Raccah, a former marketing executive, started Sourcebooks with a vision to combine innovative marketing strategies with a commitment to delivering high-quality books. Operating from her home, she turned her passion for books into a thriving business that has consistently challenged the status quo of traditional publishing. Today, Sourcebooks is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, with a growing team and a catalog that includes thousands of titles.
From Humble Beginnings to a Leading Force in Publishing
Sourcebooks has established itself as one of the largest and most influential independent publishing houses in the United States, currently ranked as the 7th largest book publisher in the country. Founded in 1987 by Dominique Raccah, the company began with a single financial planning title. Over the past three decades, it has evolved into a multi-faceted powerhouse, publishing a diverse array of books across genres including fiction, non-fiction, romance, children’s literature, and more.
By January 2024, Sourcebooks had cemented its status as a dynamic leader in the U.S. publishing industry. This growth and influence are reflected in its impressive rankings across various categories, underscoring the company’s versatility and dedication to serving a broad and diverse readership.
7th Largest Book Publisher in the U.S.
Sourcebooks is recognized as a key player among the nation’s top publishing houses, a remarkable feat for an independent publisher.
Leading Publisher of Romance
5th Largest Publisher of Adult Fiction
7th Largest Publisher of Children’s Books
7th Largest Publisher of Young Adult Books
Remarkable Growth in 2023
Sourcebooks achieved extraordinary milestones in 2023, further solidifying its reputation as an industry leader. Its impressive performance is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking strategies, dedication to quality, and ability to meet the evolving demands of readers across genres.
Overall Growth of 59%
In a highly competitive market, Sourcebooks demonstrated exceptional growth, nearly doubling its impact and reach. This significant expansion reflects the company’s adaptability and its focus on delivering diverse and engaging content to a wide audience.
Adult Fiction Growth of 155%
Young Adult Growth of 57%
Top Trade Paperback Publisher
Romance and YA Bestseller Success
This exceptional growth showcases Sourcebooks’ ability to innovate, connect with readers, and thrive in an ever-evolving publishing landscape. It highlights the company’s dedication to fostering success across genres and delivering books that inspire, entertain, and engage audiences worldwide.
A Diverse and Inclusive Catalog
Sourcebooks is known for its wide-ranging catalog, which encompasses bestsellers, award-winning books, and works by emerging voices. The company’s commitment to diversity is evident in its titles, which include stories from underrepresented voices and topics that resonate with readers from all walks of life. Popular imprints like Sourcebooks Landmark (fiction) and Sourcebooks Fire (young adult) demonstrate the publisher’s ability to excel across multiple genres.
Some of the publisher’s standout successes include the romance phenomenon The Book Lover’s Series by Mary Alice Monroe and the heartwarming I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Their children’s imprint, Sourcebooks Kids, has also gained recognition for creating engaging and educational books for young readers.
Innovation in the Publishing Industry
Sourcebooks is not just a publisher but an innovator in the literary world. The company has been at the forefront of integrating technology into publishing, including early adoption of ebooks and enhanced digital content. It also pioneered reader-driven initiatives like Put Me In The Story, a personalized children’s book platform that allows readers to customize stories with their names and details.
The publisher has also embraced data-driven marketing strategies to better understand and connect with readers. This forward-thinking approach has allowed Sourcebooks to compete with larger publishing houses while maintaining its independent spirit.
Expanding Through Imprints and Partnerships
Sourcebooks’ growth has been fueled by strategic acquisitions and partnerships. Imprints like Poisoned Pen Press, a leader in mystery and thriller publishing, and Simple Truths, which specializes in personal and professional development, have broadened Sourcebooks’ reach and strengthened its portfolio.
Its partnership with Hachette Livre, one of the world’s largest publishers, further bolstered its global presence while allowing Sourcebooks to retain its independence. This collaboration has helped expand distribution and bring Sourcebooks titles to an even wider audience.
Imprints
Sourcebooks: The flagship imprint focusing on adult nonfiction across various subjects.
Sourcebooks Landmark: Dedicated to fiction, including historical and contemporary novels.
Sourcebooks Casablanca: Specializes in romance novels, offering a wide array of love stories.
Sourcebooks Fire: Targets young adult readers with engaging and diverse YA fiction.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Focuses on children's literature, including picture books and early readers.
Sourcebooks Young Readers: Caters to middle-grade audiences with captivating stories for pre-teens.
Sourcebooks eXplore: Publishes juvenile nonfiction, aiming to educate and inspire young minds.
Sourcebooks Wonderland: Offers customized, proprietary, and regional books, often tailored for specific markets.
Simple Truths: Provides business, leadership, motivation, and inspirational content.
Poisoned Pen Press: Acquired by Sourcebooks, this imprint focuses on mystery and crime fiction.
Bloom Books: An imprint dedicated to romance and fiction, empowering popular brand authors through individualized publishing partnerships.
Hear Your Story: A newly launched imprint featuring guided journals for families to share their memories and life lessons, in partnership with author Jeffrey Mason.
Partnerships
Championing Authors and Readers Alike
At its core, Sourcebooks is a publisher dedicated to championing both authors and readers. The company prioritizes close relationships with its writers, offering the support and resources needed to thrive in a competitive publishing landscape. Through its various imprints, such as Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks has created new opportunities for authors like Freida McFadden, helping self-published and hybrid authors reach broader audiences and achieve new levels of success.
This commitment to nurturing talent is reflected in the diverse range of authors Sourcebooks has published in recent years. From emerging voices to established bestsellers, the company’s roster showcases the breadth and depth of its offerings, demonstrating its ability to connect with readers across genres and interests. Here are ten notable authors who have partnered with Sourcebooks:
Marieke Nijkamp
Known for young adult fiction, including This Is Where It Ends and Before I Let Go.
Carolyn Brown
Zoraida Córdova
Freida McFadden
Mia Sheridan
Katee Robert
Julie Clark
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
Sara Cate
Nana Malone
These authors exemplify the wide array of genres and voices that Sourcebooks brings to readers, reflecting the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in publishing. From compelling thrillers to heartfelt romances and thought-provoking non-fiction, Sourcebooks’ catalog offers something for every kind of reader.
In addition to supporting authors, Sourcebooks prioritizes the reader experience. The company consistently produces books that inspire, entertain, and educate, creating meaningful connections between stories and their audiences. This dedication to quality has earned Sourcebooks a loyal following among readers of all ages and genres, cementing its reputation as a publisher that truly understands and delivers on the needs of its audience.
Looking Ahead
As Sourcebooks continues to grow, its commitment to innovation, diversity, and quality remains at the forefront of its mission. With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking vision, Sourcebooks is poised to shape the future of publishing while staying true to its roots as an independent publisher.
Whether you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, heartfelt romance, or educational children’s books, Sourcebooks offers something for every reader. Its success story is a testament to the enduring power of books to connect people and transform lives.
Explore Career Opportunities at Sourcebooks by visiting their website to see current openings.
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