Today's Read Team Good Housekeeping UK Launches Good Books Endorsement Scheme
Good Housekeeping UK, a leading women’s magazine under Hearst UK, has introduced a new initiative called Good Books. This program aims to spotlight eight carefully curated titles in a seasonal selection published quarterly throughout the year.
Launch of the Inaugural Spring Collection
Scheduled for announcement on 8th April, the inaugural Spring Collection will showcase a total of eight titles, including one overall winner alongside seven additional selections. A panel of 100 readers, working alongside Jo Finney, the magazine’s books director, will play a vital role in the selection process. Members of this panel were sourced from the magazine’s exclusive book club, accessible to VIP subscribers. The titles eligible for this collection must have been published between January and April 2025.
Selection Criteria for Good Books
In a recent interview with The Bookseller, Jo Finney elaborated on the selection criteria, emphasizing the importance of “really good writing” and “readability.” She stated, “Would you recommend it to a friend? Would you pass it on?” capturing the essence of what constitutes a worthy selection. The goal is to create a list of titles that would resonate with a wide audience, recommending books appealing to various demographics.
Intergenerational Approach to Book Selections
Addressing the challenges of traditional women’s media, Liz Moseley, managing director of Good Housekeeping, noted, “Women’s media has traditionally enjoyed putting women in boxes,” highlighting the intent to reach the “broadest appeal possible.” The current reader panel encompasses a diverse age range, from 20 to 80 years old, providing varied perspectives on what constitutes engaging literature.
Good Books in Context
Good Books operates alongside the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI), which is renowned for its product testing. Moseley explained that Good Books aims to provide recommendations through a subjective lens without sacrificing the trust and reliability associated with the GHI endorsement. Titles included in Good Books will receive a distinctive cover sticker, symbolizing this endorsement.
Impact Expectations and Publisher Collaboration
Recent research from Hearst UK indicates that products endorsed by the GHI are 82% more likely to be purchased. When discussing the anticipated impact of Good Books, Moseley remarked, “It’s the same but different,” reinforcing the brand’s commitment to ensure that selections resonate with their audience. The curation process has involved collaborative efforts with publishers, where recommendations align closely with what the Good Housekeeping readership enjoys.
Curation Process and Future Prospects
A total of 30 titles were submitted for the Spring Collection, each evaluated and ranked by the reader panel. Feedback concerning characters and settings contributed to the final selections, with Finney ultimately deciding the overall winner, which achieved a perfect score.
While the current focus is on adult fiction, both Moseley and Finney are exploring potential expansions. “We’re treating all of 2025 as effectively a pilot year,” noted Moseley, implying that future adaptations are likely. Furthermore, considerations for a monthly selection starting in 2026 are being discussed.
Next Steps for Publishers
Publishers interested in participating in the upcoming Summer Collection have a submission deadline of 21st March. Submissions should be directed to go*******@go**************.uk.
