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Study Guide: HarperCollins Publishers: History and Operations

Cheat Sheet:
HarperCollins Publishers: History and Operations Study Guide

Origins and Early History

The earliest predecessor firm contributing to HarperCollins was Harper & Brothers, established in New York in 1817.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harper & Brothers, founded in New York in 1817 by James and John Harper, is identified as the earliest predecessor firm to HarperCollins.

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Harper & Brothers was known for originating the influential magazine 'The New Yorker' in the nineteenth century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Harper & Brothers originated several influential magazines in the nineteenth century, such as Harper's Magazine and Harper's Bazaar, but 'The New Yorker' was not among them.

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William Collins, Sons, initially focused on publishing fiction and later diversified into religious and educational materials.

Answer: False

Explanation: William Collins, Sons, initially emphasized religion and education before diversifying into fiction.

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Authors like Mark Twain and the Brontë sisters originally had their works published by William Collins, Sons.

Answer: False

Explanation: Authors such as Mark Twain and the Brontë sisters originally had their works published by Harper & Brothers (or its successor Harper & Row), not William Collins, Sons.

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Which of these magazines was originated by Harper & Brothers in the nineteenth century?

Answer: Harper's Bazaar

Explanation: Harper & Brothers originated several influential magazines in the nineteenth century, including Harper's Bazaar.

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Which of the following was an early emphasis for William Collins, Sons?

Answer: Religion and education

Explanation: William Collins, Sons, initially focused on publishing materials related to religion and education.

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Which of the following authors' works were originally published by Harper & Brothers or its successor, Harper & Row?

Answer: Mark Twain and the Brontë sisters

Explanation: Authors such as Mark Twain and the Brontë sisters originally had their works published by Harper & Brothers or its successor, Harper & Row.

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Mergers and Corporate Evolution

The name HarperCollins originates solely from the Harper & Brothers publishing house founded in 1817.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name HarperCollins is derived from the merger of Harper & Row (originating from Harper & Brothers) and William Collins, Sons, indicating multiple origins rather than solely Harper & Brothers.

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Harper & Row was formed in 1962 through the merger of Harper & Brothers and Row, Peterson & Company.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1962, Harper & Brothers merged with Row, Peterson & Company, leading to the formation of Harper & Row.

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News Corporation acquired Harper & Row in 1987 and Collins in 1989, subsequently merging them to create HarperCollins.

Answer: True

Explanation: News Corporation acquired Harper & Row in 1987 and Collins in 1989, then merged these entities to form HarperCollins.

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How did the company HarperCollins derive its name?

Answer: It is a combination of Harper & Row and William Collins, Sons.

Explanation: The name HarperCollins originates from the merger of Harper & Row (itself derived from Harper & Brothers) and William Collins, Sons.

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Which entity is the parent company of HarperCollins Publishers LLC?

Answer: News Corp

Explanation: News Corp is the parent company of HarperCollins Publishers LLC.

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What significant event occurred in 1962 involving Harper & Brothers?

Answer: It merged with Row, Peterson & Company to become Harper & Row.

Explanation: In 1962, Harper & Brothers merged with Row, Peterson & Company, forming the entity known as Harper & Row.

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What acquisition was completed by News Corporation in 1987 related to the formation of HarperCollins?

Answer: Acquisition of Harper & Row.

Explanation: In 1987, News Corporation acquired Harper & Row, a key step leading to the eventual formation of HarperCollins.

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Acquisitions and Portfolio Growth

In 1990, HarperCollins sold its medical publishing division, J. B. Lippincott & Co., to Penguin Random House.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1990, HarperCollins sold its medical publishing division, J. B. Lippincott & Co., to Wolters Kluwer, not Penguin Random House.

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Pearson acquired Scott Foresman and HarperCollins College from HarperCollins in 1996.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1996, Pearson acquired Scott Foresman and HarperCollins College from HarperCollins, integrating them into its educational publishing division.

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The Hearst Book Group, including imprints like William Morrow & Company and Avon Books, was acquired by HarperCollins in 1999.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1999, News Corporation, HarperCollins' parent company, acquired the Hearst Book Group, which included the imprints William Morrow & Company and Avon Books.

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HarperCollins acquired Thomas Nelson in 2012, integrating it into its existing Christian publishing division.

Answer: False

Explanation: HarperCollins acquired Thomas Nelson in 2012, and it was subsequently organized as an imprint within the newly formed HarperCollins Christian Publishing division, alongside Zondervan.

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In 2012, HarperCollins acquired the Canadian trade operations of John Wiley & Son.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins expanded its Canadian presence in 2012 by acquiring part of the trade operations of John Wiley & Son.

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HarperCollins acquired Harlequin Enterprises, a Canadian romance publisher, for approximately $455 million USD in 2014.

Answer: False

Explanation: HarperCollins acquired Harlequin Enterprises, a Canadian romance publisher, in 2014 for C$455 million, not USD $455 million.

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The business publisher Amacom was acquired by HarperCollins in 2018.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins acquired the business publisher Amacom from the American Management Association in 2018.

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In 2020, HarperCollins expanded its children's publishing in Europe by acquiring Egmont Books UK and Egmont Germany.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins expanded its children's publishing in Europe in 2020 by acquiring Egmont Books UK and Egmont Germany (Schneiderbuch Germany), among other Egmont entities.

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The acquisition of HMH Books & Media by HarperCollins in 2021 was valued at $349 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquisition of HMH Books & Media, the trade publishing division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, by HarperCollins in 2021 was valued at $349 million.

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After the 2021 acquisition, HMH's adult books were published under the Clarion Books imprint.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the 2021 acquisition of HMH Books & Media by HarperCollins, HMH's adult books began to be published under the Mariner Books imprint, while its children's books were published under Clarion Books.

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Pavilion Books, a British publisher, was acquired by HarperCollins in 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins acquired the British publisher Pavilion Books in 2021.

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HarperCollins acquired the publishing rights to J. R. R. Tolkien's works in 1990 through the purchase of Unwin Hyman.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins secured the publishing rights to J. R. R. Tolkien's works in 1990 via its acquisition of Unwin Hyman, which had previously published Tolkien.

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William Morrow & Company and Avon Books were part of the Hearst Book Group acquired by News Corporation in 1999.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Morrow & Company and Avon Books were indeed part of the Hearst Book Group, which was acquired by News Corporation (HarperCollins' parent company) in 1999.

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The acquisition of Egmont Books UK, Poland, and Germany aimed to expand HarperCollins' presence in the adult fiction market.

Answer: False

Explanation: The acquisition of Egmont Books UK, Poland, and Germany in 2020 was primarily aimed at expanding HarperCollins' presence in the children's publishing market, not adult fiction.

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The HarperCollins Christian Publishing division was formed after the acquisition of Zondervan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The HarperCollins Christian Publishing division was formed following the acquisition of Thomas Nelson in 2012, integrating it with Zondervan.

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Which publisher acquired HarperCollins' medical publishing division, J. B. Lippincott & Co., in 1990?

Answer: Wolters Kluwer

Explanation: In 1990, HarperCollins sold its medical publishing division, J. B. Lippincott & Co., to Wolters Kluwer.

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In 1996, HarperCollins sold significant educational publishing assets to which company?

Answer: Pearson

Explanation: In 1996, Pearson acquired significant educational publishing assets, including Scott Foresman and HarperCollins College, from HarperCollins.

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Which imprints, acquired by News Corporation in 1999, are now published under the HarperCollins umbrella?

Answer: William Morrow & Company and Avon Books

Explanation: In 1999, News Corporation acquired the Hearst Book Group, which included William Morrow & Company and Avon Books, now published under HarperCollins.

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What major acquisition related to Christian publishing did HarperCollins complete in 2012?

Answer: Acquisition of Thomas Nelson

Explanation: In 2012, HarperCollins completed the acquisition of Thomas Nelson, a significant move in the Christian publishing sector.

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In 2014, HarperCollins acquired Harlequin Enterprises, a publisher specializing in what genre?

Answer: Romance

Explanation: In 2014, HarperCollins acquired Harlequin Enterprises, a publisher primarily known for its specialization in romance novels.

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What was the approximate value of the deal when HarperCollins acquired HMH Books & Media in 2021?

Answer: $349 million

Explanation: The acquisition of HMH Books & Media by HarperCollins in 2021 was valued at approximately $349 million.

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Which imprint began publishing HMH's adult books after HarperCollins acquired HMH Books & Media in 2021?

Answer: Mariner Books

Explanation: Following HarperCollins' acquisition of HMH Books & Media in 2021, HMH's adult books were published under the Mariner Books imprint.

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How did HarperCollins gain the publishing rights to J. R. R. Tolkien's works?

Answer: By acquiring the publisher Unwin Hyman in 1990.

Explanation: HarperCollins acquired the publishing rights to J. R. R. Tolkien's works by purchasing Unwin Hyman in 1990.

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Which division was formed following HarperCollins' 2012 acquisition of Thomas Nelson?

Answer: HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Explanation: Following the 2012 acquisition of Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins formed the HarperCollins Christian Publishing division.

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Key Imprints and Brands

The Collins Crime Club imprint exclusively published works by Agatha Christie during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Collins Crime Club imprint published works by Agatha Christie, it also published other authors from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, such as Rex Stout, and did not exclusively publish Christie.

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The Fount imprint was significant for publishing works by C. S. Lewis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Fount imprint is recognized for its significant role in publishing works by C. S. Lewis.

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Collins published American juvenile series like The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew exclusively for the North American market.

Answer: False

Explanation: Collins published American juvenile series such as The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, but for the British Commonwealth market, not exclusively for North America.

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Ursula Nordstrom, director of Harper's Department of Books for Boys and Girls, oversaw the publication of 'Harry Potter'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ursula Nordstrom, director of Harper's Department of Books for Boys and Girls, nurtured many significant children's authors and classics, but 'Harry Potter' was published much later and by a different imprint.

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The 'Collins Crime Club' imprint is primarily known for publishing contemporary romance novels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Collins Crime Club' imprint is primarily known for publishing mystery and detective fiction, particularly during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, not contemporary romance novels.

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The Collins Crime Club imprint is particularly noted for publishing authors from which literary period?

Answer: The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Explanation: The Collins Crime Club imprint is notably associated with authors from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.

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What significant role did Ursula Nordstrom play in HarperCollins' children's book department?

Answer: She oversaw the publication of numerous children's classics and nurtured key authors.

Explanation: Ursula Nordstrom, as director of Harper's Department of Books for Boys and Girls, played a significant role in overseeing the publication of numerous children's classics and fostering the careers of key authors.

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Business Operations and Initiatives

HarperCollins' publishing operations are limited to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Answer: False

Explanation: HarperCollins maintains publishing operations across multiple continents, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, India, and China.

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Brian Murray has been the president and CEO of HarperCollins since 2008.

Answer: True

Explanation: Brian Murray has held the position of president and chief executive officer of HarperCollins since 2008.

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HarperCollins closed its US warehouses in 2012-2013 due to the increasing popularity of print books.

Answer: False

Explanation: HarperCollins closed its US warehouses in 2012-2013 as a strategic response to the growth of e-books and the corresponding decline in print purchasing, not due to increasing print popularity.

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The HarperCollins Speakers Bureau was established in 2005 as the first lecture agency by a major publishing house.

Answer: True

Explanation: Launched in 2005, the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau (HCSB) was the first lecture agency established by a major publishing house.

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HarperStudio, an experimental unit launched in 2008, offered authors a standard industry advance and a 15% profit split.

Answer: False

Explanation: HarperStudio, an experimental unit active from 2008 to 2010, offered authors little or no advance and proposed a 50% profit split, deviating from the standard 15% industry practice.

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HarperAcademic functions as the academic marketing department for HarperCollins, assisting instructors with course adoptions.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperAcademic serves as the academic marketing department for HarperCollins, providing resources and support for instructors considering titles for course adoptions.

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In 2011, HarperCollins implemented a policy limiting ebook lending to libraries to 26 loans per copy.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2011, HarperCollins introduced a policy that limited the number of times an ebook could be lent to libraries, setting a cap of 26 loans per copy.

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HarperCollins operates three YouTube channels: HarperCollins Publishers, Harper Broadcast, and HarperCollins Children's Books.

Answer: True

Explanation: HarperCollins maintains three official YouTube channels: HarperCollins Publishers, Harper Broadcast, and HarperCollins Children's Books.

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Authonomy, operated by HarperCollins from 2008 to 2015, was a platform for authors to submit manuscripts directly to agents.

Answer: False

Explanation: Authonomy, operated by HarperCollins from 2008 to 2015, was a platform for authors to submit manuscripts for peer review and consideration by editors, not directly to agents.

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The HarperCollins Speakers Bureau arranges paid speaking engagements for authors published by the company and its sister companies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The HarperCollins Speakers Bureau facilitates paid speaking engagements for authors published by HarperCollins and its affiliated companies.

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What was the stated reason for HarperCollins closing its US warehouses in 2012-2013?

Answer: The growth of e-books and a decline in print purchasing.

Explanation: The closures of HarperCollins' US warehouses in 2012-2013 were attributed to the increasing prevalence of e-books and a corresponding decrease in print book sales.

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What was the unique characteristic of the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau?

Answer: It was the first lecture agency established by a major publishing house.

Explanation: The HarperCollins Speakers Bureau (HCSB) was unique as it was the first lecture agency established by a major publishing house.

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The experimental unit HarperStudio, active from 2008 to 2010, differed from industry standards primarily in its:

Answer: Approach to author compensation

Explanation: HarperStudio's experimental approach primarily differed from industry standards in its author compensation model, offering little or no advance and a 50% profit split.

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What criticism did HarperCollins face in 2011 regarding its ebook lending policy for libraries?

Answer: The DRM limit of 26 loans was seen as arbitrary and compared unfavorably to physical book wear.

Explanation: HarperCollins faced criticism in 2011 for its ebook lending policy, specifically the DRM limit of 26 loans per copy, which was perceived as arbitrary and likened inappropriately to physical book wear.

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The 'authonomy' platform, operated by HarperCollins from 2008 to 2015, was eventually closed because:

Answer: Authors were gaming the system.

Explanation: The 'authonomy' platform was closed by HarperCollins because authors were gaming the system, undermining its intended function.

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Industry Context and Market Position

HarperCollins Publishers LLC is recognized as one of the 'Big Five' publishers in the English-language market and is a subsidiary of News Corp.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source identifies HarperCollins as a major player among the 'Big Five' English-language publishers and notes its ownership by News Corp.

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Penguin Random House, Hachette, and Bloomsbury are among the other 'Big Five' English-language publishers alongside HarperCollins.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Penguin Random House and Hachette are among the 'Big Five', Bloomsbury Publishing is not consistently listed as one of the 'Big Five' English-language publishers alongside HarperCollins.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Big Five' English-language publishers?

Answer: Bloomsbury Publishing

Explanation: While a significant publisher, Bloomsbury Publishing is not consistently listed among the 'Big Five' English-language publishers, which typically include HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Hachette, Macmillan Publishers, and Simon & Schuster.

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