Founded: Sourcebooks was founded in 1987 by Dominique Raccah in her spare bedroom in Naperville, Illinois, starting with just one book and a $17,000 investment.
Mission and Approach: The company operates on the belief that “books change lives” and employs an entrepreneurial and data-driven approach to publishing, aiming to connect authors with readers through innovative marketing strategies.
Specialization: Initially focused on professional finance and business titles, Sourcebooks expanded into a wide range of commercial fiction and nonfiction genres, including children’s books (Jabberwocky imprint), young adult fiction (Sourcebooks Fire), romance (Sourcebooks Casablanca), mystery (Poisoned Pen Press), and more.
Growth and Structure: It is currently the sixth-largest trade publisher in North America.
Ownership: Penguin Random House acquired a minority stake in 2019 and became the majority owner in 2023/2024 (75%). Sourcebooks retains its independent operational management and entrepreneurial culture.
Innovation: Sourcebooks is highly recognized for its innovative workplace culture and use of technology in publishing, earning accolades like inclusion on Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” list.