The Chapter Catcher, available now (14 June), is the creation of John Bird and the founders of The Big Issue, sold by the homeless, helping them earn a wage. 

It features chapters, extracts, stories and words from books – bestsellers, new and older novels – encouraging audiences to discover and read more. 

Initially, the team targeted bookshops for its retailer base, with further copies being sent for free to libraries and prisons, but publisher Phil Ryan said he would be willing to talk to any independent retailer that was interested in stocking it. 

“I’m more than happy to speak to newsagents,” he said. “We want people to come to us. We’re big fans of independent retailers. It’s a community thing and we want to help independent retailers and high streets. I’d rather go to my newsagent and local bookshop than the superstore.”

The magazine retails at £4.99 and more details are available from info@thechaptercatcher.com.