Hearst UK has announced the shortlist of Big Book, a new awards and accreditation initiative aimed at discovering the best new fiction and non-fiction titles in UK publishing.
Hearst received book submissions from publishers including Pan Macmillan, HarperCollins and Hachette. After being reviewed by selected members of Hearst’s Reader Panel, an online engagement platform consisting of 10,000 Hearst consumers, the top scoring books were then judged by the Editors of the nine participating Hearst brands: Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Prima, Red, Esquire, Men’s Health, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar.
The final shortlist consists of 36 books in categories ranging from Crime to Women Writers, Biography and Wellbeing.
As part of the initiative, Hearst has secured a retail partnership with WH Smith which will see a selection of shortlisted titles on sale in over 400 UK stores with clearly identifiable, prestigious Big Book point-of-sale materials and in-store promotions.
Judith Secombe, Managing Director of Hearst Brand Services said: “The response to Hearst’s very first Big Book has been overwhelming, and the shortlist is testament to the calibre of entries we have received. Books have always been a passion point for both our audience and Editors, and Big Book will celebrate the brilliant work of authors across the country whilst offering publishers the Hearst stamp of approval.
One in three UK adults who purchased a book over the last 12 months were Hearst consumers, so our partnership with WH Smith is a natural fit. I am confident that the recognition awarded by Big Book will amplify awareness and drive sales for the titles shortlisted, and I can’t wait to announce the winners later this year.”
Alex Call, Head of Books Marketing at WH Smith, said: “WH Smith prides itself on being the home of reassurance and recommendation, and by partnering with Hearst UK on the Big Book initiative we can offer our consumers a range of books we know they will love.”