About - How To Be

About How To Be

Hi, I’m Suswati Basu, editor, journalist, writer and your timid host, taking you on a path of key life skills by seeing what the experts say through important books. Discovering what makes us human, exploring important life hacks, and “how to be”, whilst reading all the works so you can make an informed decision about what’s next on your TBR pile.

Have you ever thought why is it that my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances can do so much more than me? Or why don’t I understand the world around me? Well if you have, you’re not alone. From confidence, persistence, motivation, to resilience and climate change – these life skills and subjects can help us go a long way in understanding what is happening to ourselves and each other.

In a world that is constantly evolving, we’re taking time to look at some of the pressing matters affecting society today, including the advent of AI, the cost of living crisis, diversity and free speech, as well as sustainability in the sphere of books.

Listen

Authors from across the field of nonfiction will join us to speak about important subjects including identity, social politics and self-development.

Read

This would not be a books website without the amazing works presented! From book recommendations and reviews to latest events and news in the world of literature.

Learn

Each episode and article will present ideas about the world that make us think and begin challenging conversations with one another.

Editorial Policy

Mission Statement:
Our mission at How To Be Books is to provide our readers with fair, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of the most pressing issues and events that shape our world and its connection to literatures and books. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, promoting open discourse, and fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.

Editorial Independence:
We maintain complete editorial independence, free from any undue influence or bias. Our editorial decisions are driven solely by the pursuit of truth, free speech and the public interest.

Accuracy and Verification:
We are dedicated to presenting factual information that has been thoroughly researched and verified. As an experienced journalist, I follow a rigorous fact-checking process to ensure the accuracy of every piece of content published.

Fairness and Objectivity:
We strive to present multiple viewpoints and perspectives on complex issues. Our reporting is guided by a commitment to fairness and objectivity, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions.

Editorial Diversity:
We recognise the importance of diversity and intersectionality of our content. As a result, I aim to hear from multiple views, ensuring that our reporting reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Opinion and Analysis:
In addition to our news reporting, we provide a platform for informed opinions and thoughtful analysis from a variety of voices. These pieces are clearly labelled as opinion through topic tags.

Corrections and Accountability:
We take responsibility for any errors in our reporting. If a mistake is identified, we promptly correct it and provide transparent explanations for our readers. We value open dialogue and encourage readers to bring any concerns to our attention.

Editorial Integrity and Conflicts of Interest:
We maintain a strict policy to avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise our editorial integrity.

Privacy and Sensitivity:
Respecting the privacy and dignity of individuals is paramount in our reporting. We avoid unnecessary intrusion into private matters and exercise sensitivity when covering sensitive topics.

Community Engagement:
We are committed to engaging with our readers and the communities we serve. We actively seek feedback and encourage open discussions to better understand the needs and perspectives of our audience.

Political Neutrality:
While we do not endorse any political party or ideology, we engage critically with the policies and actions of all relevant stakeholders. Our coverage aims to hold authority to account.

Ethical Guidelines:
We adhere to a strict code of ethics that includes principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability. We follow established guidelines to ensure that our reporting is fair, respectful, and in the best interest of the public.

At How To Be Books, our commitment to journalistic excellence is unwavering. We believe in the power of quality journalism to inform, educate, and inspire positive change through books. Our readers can trust that we will continue to uphold these values in every story we tell.

ABOUT ME

Suswati Basu is a multilingual disabled journalist and editor, former senior intelligence expert, and award-winning activist. She has won the Emma Humphreys Memorial Prize for raising awareness on domestic violence, as well as being shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. She has worked as an editor and journalist for the BBC, the Guardian, Channel 4 News, ITV News and NationalWorld.