Cosmopolitan to launch Real Life sister magazine

The National Magazine Company’s Cosmopolitan is expected to launch a spin-off publication in early July, called Cosmopolitan Real Life.

The spin-off will be the same size as Cosmopolitan, and will be sold separately with a cover price of about 2. It is understood the title will contain stories with a triumph-over-tragedy theme, while maintaining the glamorous, sexy spirit of its parent.

Cosmopolitan is also understood to be working on a second, similar-sized spin-off which will focus on hair. No working title has yet been chosen for this publication.

The initiatives are the first work of Mandi Norwood, who was appointed editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan in January, after it emerged that rival publisher IPC had tried to poach her.

Cosmopolitan is one of the most successful women’s glossies in the UK, with a circulation of 476,288, up 3.3 per cent on last year. Its product extensions include Cosmopolitan food, clothing, cafés and The Cosmopolitan Show, which opens this week at Earls Court.

The Hearst Corporation, parent of the National Magazine Company, is hoping to open up a new market for the title with the launch of a teen version of Cosmopolitan in the US.