Hurst launches Friends of Hurst subscription scheme

Hurst Publishers has launched a subscription service so that readers can support the company through the coronavirus pandemic.

The firm, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, is offering four levels of subscription through its Friends of Hurst scheme, ranging from a £40 “Gold” package to a £5 student offer.

Readers will have a recently published book delivered every month or quarter, depending on the level chosen, and will receive discounts on Hurst's entire list.

Publicity assistant Rhianna Louise, who came up with the idea, said: “It seemed important to find a way to connect more closely with our growing readership and reach out to them for support—particularly at a time when independent publishers are struggling. Through Friends of Hurst we can get to know the interests of each subscriber and send them books they will love, while also offering them a significant discount on the rest of our list.”

Publisher and m.d. Michael Dwyer said the programme would allow Hurst to keep publishing through not only this crisis, but any future one too.

He said: “Our Friends of Hurst subscriber scheme enables us to build on the loyal readership we have as an independent publisher of influential books. Covid-19 led us to think more widely about how we can connect with and strengthen that supporter base, especially after our US distributor was shut.

“However, this is much more than simply a response to a particular set of circumstances; it will be a long-term feature of our unique approach to publishing. We have been touched by the response to date, with support flooding in from readers and authors.”