Custom content in magazines is on the rise, and HOMES Publishing Group is not missing out on the opportunity.

HOMES Publishing Group (HPG) president and publisher Michael Rosset has announced that "an all-star lineup of acclaimed home specialists, media personalities, and entrepreneurs" has been assembled to contribute to HOMES's Reno & Decor magazine.

The lineup includes Glen Peloso (design industry expert), Jim Caruk (master contractor), Mark Cullen (professional gardener and author), Jackie Glass (design and decor expert), Vicky Sanderson (DIY specialist), and Samantha Sannella (architect and designer) who will "share design and renovation expertise, hot industry insights,  project reviews, and more."

The "dream team" edition hits newsstands on Nov. 19, and the new contributors have been locked in for all of 2013. The content from each will be branded to their respective businesses. "The passion and personality of each will connect with readers across a multitude of disciplines, creating some truly unique opportunities for brand engagement," said Rosset. 

The issue dropping Nov. 19 will also feature a new cover and a "soft redesign" produced by newly-appointed art director Emilie Desrochers and editor Glen Peloso.

Reno & Decor is home delivered with the Toronto Star to selected high renovation areas of the GTA, at all RONA Home Centres in Southern Ontario, at Chapters/Indigo newsstands, to customers of RenoMark quality contractors, to home buyers at sales centres, and to visitors of leading home shows. 

Custom content (also referred to as branded journalism) appears as an article and doesn't typically carry a "selling" angle — it is a real story or experience told from the perspective of the brand, that offers value to the reader.

Publishers are increasingly turning to custom content to engage consumers, as an alternative to ads. Digital Journal, which began as a print magazine in 2001, recently launched its /newsrooms division offering custom content opportunities and social media strategies for clients.