Includes bibliographical references (pages 233-250) and index.

1. The organization of American book publishing: Differentiation : a highly segmented industry. Expansion and modernization. Changes in the labor process. Transformation or transition? Major sectors of the industry -- 2. The setting: A short history of the two firms. Domain. The structure of the two houses. Interdepartmental relations and conflicts. Summary -- 3. The nature of editorial work: The formal process of contracting for a book. The process of deciding what to decide upon. The acquisition of manuscripts. Analysis of search behavior. Evaluating manuscripts and the use of outside reviewers. Saying no gracefully. The publishing of journals. Relations with authors. Summary -- 4. Discretionary power and unobtrusive controls: The case for editorial autonomy. Control over uncertain aspects of the work process. Craft and occupational control. The power of informal controls. Summary -- 5. Decision-making as a means for organizing obligations: Access and waiting : differential chances of being published. Other factors in the decision to publish : inventory considerations. The status of authors. Commercial concerns. Summary -- 6. Implications: The shortcomings of orthodoxy. The organization of environments. Access and networks -- Appendix. Manuscript acquisition code.