Waterstones Unveils New Book of the Month Categories

As part of its continuous effort to engage more readers, Waterstones is set to introduce two new categories to its acclaimed Book of the Month campaign starting 1st May 2025. This expansion aims to focus on Young Adult (YA) literature and non-fiction, building on the success of its current offerings.

Expansion Details

In conjunction with established categories such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction & Fantasy (SFF), and Children’s Books of the Month, the new YA and additional non-fiction slots reflect Waterstones’ commitment to capitalizing on the increasing growth potential within these segments. This initiative comes with full support from Waterstones’ bookshops across the UK and Ireland, ensuring wide visibility and promotion.

Insights from Leadership

James Daunt, CEO of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, announced the news during a panel discussion on Day 2 of the London Book Fair on 11th March, where he spoke alongside David Shelley, CEO of Hachette UK and Hachette Book Group. The initiative highlights Waterstones’ strategic focus on enhancing its Book of the Month promotions, which have consistently produced bestsellers and attracted a broader audience.

Growth in Literature Segments

Bea Carvalho, head of books at Waterstones, expressed enthusiasm about the planned additions. She stated, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of two new Books of the Month in May – a second slot for non-fiction and one for YA.” This expansion follows last year’s successful introduction of a dedicated science fiction and fantasy category, which has become one of the organization’s most effective segments.

Success Metrics

Last year, Waterstones noted a significant increase in sales across existing categories, with non-fiction and children’s literature each seeing year-on-year growth exceeding 30%. Carvalho remarked on the commercial potential of these genres and the need for passionate recommendations from booksellers to further enhance their reach.

• New YA offerings: Aimed at teens with a focus on younger readers.
• Non-fiction emphasis: Concentrates on personal development titles.

Conclusion

Waterstones’ expansion of its Book of the Month campaign not only represents a strategic move to boost sales but also reflects a commitment to showcasing a diverse array of voices in literature. The company aims to retain its position as a vital resource for readers while providing booksellers with exciting new recommendations to share.