Publishers Weekly: A History of the Book Industry's Leading Trade Journal
For over 150 years, Publishers Weekly (often referred to as PW) has served as the primary record and resource for the professional book trade. From its humble beginnings as a compilation of new releases for booksellers to its current status as a multimedia news source, the publication has mirrored the evolution of the global publishing landscape.
Key Facts
- Founded: Late 1860s by bibliographer Frederick Leypoldt.
- First Bestseller List: Created in 1895 by Harry Thurston Peck in The Bookman, later adopted by PW in 1912.
- Key Figures: Richard Rogers Bowker and Frederic Gershom Melcher.
- Major Awards: Established the Carey–Thomas Award for creative publishing in 1943.
- Current Ownership: Owned by PWxyz, LLC since 2010.
The Nineteenth Century: Foundations of the Trade
The magazine was established in the late 1860s by Frederick Leypoldt, a bibliographer who sought to provide booksellers with a centralized source of information regarding newly published titles. After experimenting with several titles, Leypoldt settled on The Publishers' Weekly in 1872. The publication's utility was immediate; by 1876, it was read by approximately 90% of the country's booksellers.
In 1878, Leypoldt sold the venture to Richard Rogers Bowker to focus on other bibliographic projects, though his wife, Augusta Garrigue Leypoldt, remained with the publication for three decades. Under new leadership, the magazine expanded beyond simple lists to include full-length features and articles.
The late 19th century also saw the birth of the bestseller list. In 1895, Harry Thurston Peck, the first editor-in-chief of The Bookman, created the world's first bestseller list, a concept that would eventually become a cornerstone of the publishing industry.
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The Twentieth Century: Growth and Specialization
Following the trend set by The Bookman, Publishers Weekly began publishing its own bestseller lists in 1912. Initially, these lists were unified, but in 1917, the publication began separating fiction from non-fiction to accommodate the public's increased interest in factual texts during World War I.
The Melcher Era
For over forty years, the magazine was shaped by Frederic Gershom Melcher. Joining the staff in 1918 after applying to Richard Rogers Bowker, Melcher brought a lifelong passion for children's literature to the role. He dedicated significant space to children's books and collaborated with Anne Carroll Moore of the New York Public Library and Franklin K. Mathiews of the Boy Scouts of America to establish Children's Book Week in 1919.
Melcher's influence extended to the corporate level; he became president of the company in 1933 following Bowker's death and later served as chairman of the board until 1959.
Corporate Transitions and Awards
In 1943, the publication introduced the Carey–Thomas Award, named after Mathew Carey and Isaiah Thomas, to recognize excellence in creative publishing.
Ownership of the magazine shifted significantly in the latter half of the century. After being owned by R. R. Bowker for most of its history, the company was purchased by Reed Publishing from Xerox in 1985. This led to its management by the Cahners Publishing Company. A 1993 merger between Reed and Elsevier resulted in organizational cutbacks, during which Nora Rawlinson served as editor-in-chief from 1992 to 2005.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Key Figure/Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1872 | Official name "The Publishers' Weekly" adopted | Frederick Leypoldt |
| 1912 | Introduction of bestseller lists | Publishers Weekly |
| 1919 | Creation of Children's Book Week | Frederic Gershom Melcher |
| 1943 | Establishment of Carey–Thomas Award | Publishers Weekly |
| 1985 | Acquisition by Reed Publishing | Reed Publishing / Xerox |
| 2010 | Purchase by PWxyz, LLC | George W. Slowik Jr. |
The Twenty-First Century: Modernization and Digital Shift
In 2005, Sara Nelson took over as editor-in-chief, initiating a modernization effort. This included a visual overhaul by designer Jean-Claude Suares and the adoption of the abbreviated logo PW. Nelson also launched the Quill Awards, which allowed the reading public to vote for winners via online platforms and Borders store kiosks, though the awards were discontinued in 2008.
The magazine also evolved its cover strategy. While front covers had historically been reserved for advertisements, PW began introducing editorial covers featuring author photographs and illustrations, placed immediately after the primary advertisement.
The digital age brought both opportunity and instability. The rise of internet sites and e-mail newsletters ended PW's near-monopoly on industry news. In January 2009, following a decline in advertising revenue, Sara Nelson and executive editor Daisy Maryles were dismissed, and Brian Kenney was appointed editorial director.
In April 2010, George W. Slowik Jr. purchased the magazine under the company PWxyz, LLC. Since then, the publication has expanded its digital footprint, launching a weekly podcast, "Beyond the Book: PW's Week Ahead," in 2011 and acquiring the site The Millions in 2019. PW also maintains a comprehensive online archive of book reviews dating back to January 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Publishers Weekly?
The magazine was founded in the late 1860s by Frederick Leypoldt, a bibliographer who initially created it as a resource for booksellers.
When did Publishers Weekly start publishing bestseller lists?
Publishers Weekly began publishing its own bestseller lists in 1912, modeling them after lists previously seen in The Bookman.
What is the Carey–Thomas Award?
Established in 1943, the Carey–Thomas Award is an honor given for creative publishing, named in memory of Mathew Carey and Isaiah Thomas.
Who currently owns Publishers Weekly?
The magazine is owned by PWxyz, LLC, which purchased the publication from Reed Business Information in April 2010.
How has the magazine's branding changed recently?
Under the leadership of Sara Nelson, the magazine modernized its look and adopted the abbreviated name "PW," which had long been the common shorthand used within the book industry.