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As demand for books skyrocketed, the publishing industry morphed to satisfy it. Companies that participated in this industry, often called publishing “houses,” were initially small and focused on offering the works of quality authors. Over time, these companies were snapped up by major corporations with ties to international media conglomerates. However, regardless of what subject matter they focus on or who owns them, publishing houses are structured in similar ways to carry out the process of attracting authors, developing manuscripts, and marketing published books.