Simon & Schuster Launched Simon Stream Digital Imprint
The new fiction imprint targets self-published authors with monthly royalties and digital-first publication models.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Books
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Simon & Schuster UK and International has introduced Simon Stream, a new digital-focused fiction imprint designed for self-published authors. Headed by Victoria Pepe, the imprint aims to bridge the gap for independent writers seeking a transition to traditional publishing.
Why it matters
The launch marks a significant shift in how legacy publishers engage with the self-publishing market by focusing on digital growth and international reach. By providing authors with a platform for simultaneous e-book, print-on-demand, and audio formats, the company intends to capture independent talent.
Authors published under Simon Stream receive 50% net royalties on e-books paid on a monthly basis, with no upfront advance payments. Titles are released simultaneously across e-book, print-on-demand, and audio formats.
The players
Simon & Schuster
This major global publishing house is currently expanding its digital footprint and international presence under new leadership.
Greg Greeley
He was appointed as the CEO of Simon & Schuster in March 2026 and oversees the company's broader digital and international strategies.
Victoria Pepe
She serves as the head of the newly created Simon Stream imprint.
The details
The imprint leverages a Readers Club comprised of social media influencers to test and validate titles before full publication. Simon Stream requires authors to grant at minimum world English-language rights as part of their publishing agreement.
Timeline
March 2026: Greg Greeley was appointed as CEO of Simon & Schuster.
July 2026: Simon & Schuster relaunched Pocket Books and announced Simon Stream.
October 2026: Simon Stream is scheduled to launch its inaugural titles on a global scale.
Industry Dynamics
This move mirrors the ongoing efforts by legacy publishers to integrate independent creators into their ecosystems to compete with rising digital platforms. The expansion of Simon Stream follows the strategic model established by the Simon Maverick audiobook imprint.
Readers can expect to see new fiction titles available simultaneously in e-book, print-on-demand, and audio formats starting in October 2026. This streamlined distribution model ensures that content from independent authors is accessible across multiple digital channels.
The takeaway
The Simon Stream imprint highlights a move toward flexible, royalty-based compensation for authors in exchange for digital rights. This shift potentially changes the acquisition landscape for independent writers by offering a path to traditional distribution without standard advance-based contracts.
What happens next
Simon Stream plans to scale its operations significantly over the next two years and is currently preparing to roll out the Simon Maverick audiobook imprint in the U.K. market.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving publishing market, visit our Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PublishersWeekly.
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