The Society of Authors
@societyofauthors.bsky.social
The largest UK union for writers, illustrators and literary translators. Fighting for a nicer industry since 1884. #societyofauthors
Protect authors’ livelihoods from the unlicensed use of their work in AI training https://linktr.ee/societyofauthors
Protect authors’ livelihoods from the unlicensed use of their work in AI training https://linktr.ee/societyofauthors
Pinned
authr.uk
‘Inspiring, intimidating and inviting in equal measure’ – SoA Awards 2025 judges announced. Read the breadth of our prizes & scholarships here -
Do you have questions about the action brought by a number of authors in the U.S. against Anthropic?
What does the settlement mean for UK authors?
What are the implications of the settlement for the other actions being brought in the U.S. against AI companies?
#AnthropicSettlement
What does the settlement mean for UK authors?
What are the implications of the settlement for the other actions being brought in the U.S. against AI companies?
#AnthropicSettlement
November 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Do you have questions about the action brought by a number of authors in the U.S. against Anthropic?
What does the settlement mean for UK authors?
What are the implications of the settlement for the other actions being brought in the U.S. against AI companies?
#AnthropicSettlement
What does the settlement mean for UK authors?
What are the implications of the settlement for the other actions being brought in the U.S. against AI companies?
#AnthropicSettlement
Don't miss The Big Conversation, on 17 November, 11am to Noon.
Join us for a week of activities focused on Author Care. We kick off with our #SoAatHome Big Conversation, chaired by SoA’s Chief Executive, Anna Ganley.
Join us for a week of activities focused on Author Care. We kick off with our #SoAatHome Big Conversation, chaired by SoA’s Chief Executive, Anna Ganley.
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Don't miss The Big Conversation, on 17 November, 11am to Noon.
Join us for a week of activities focused on Author Care. We kick off with our #SoAatHome Big Conversation, chaired by SoA’s Chief Executive, Anna Ganley.
Join us for a week of activities focused on Author Care. We kick off with our #SoAatHome Big Conversation, chaired by SoA’s Chief Executive, Anna Ganley.
We are delighted to announce the judging panel for the 2025 Translation Prizes.
Literary and translation experts from a wide variety of fields and, with a huge number of accolades between them, gather to judge works by translators.
Literary and translation experts from a wide variety of fields and, with a huge number of accolades between them, gather to judge works by translators.
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 AM
We are delighted to announce the judging panel for the 2025 Translation Prizes.
Literary and translation experts from a wide variety of fields and, with a huge number of accolades between them, gather to judge works by translators.
Literary and translation experts from a wide variety of fields and, with a huge number of accolades between them, gather to judge works by translators.
Members of the Society of Authors have newly elected four of their peers to represent authors’ views on the Management Committee (the Board).
SoA members
@ajwestauthor.bsky.social, @iangiles.bsky.social, @pollyrowena.bsky.social, and @lucindahawksley.bsky.social
now join the committee.
SoA members
@ajwestauthor.bsky.social, @iangiles.bsky.social, @pollyrowena.bsky.social, and @lucindahawksley.bsky.social
now join the committee.
November 4, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Members of the Society of Authors have newly elected four of their peers to represent authors’ views on the Management Committee (the Board).
SoA members
@ajwestauthor.bsky.social, @iangiles.bsky.social, @pollyrowena.bsky.social, and @lucindahawksley.bsky.social
now join the committee.
SoA members
@ajwestauthor.bsky.social, @iangiles.bsky.social, @pollyrowena.bsky.social, and @lucindahawksley.bsky.social
now join the committee.
DATE FOR THE DIARY
We're taking our Podcast on the road for a live recording at the offices of top accountancy firm HW Fisher, in this special collaboration dedicated to the financial issues of being an author.
We're taking our Podcast on the road for a live recording at the offices of top accountancy firm HW Fisher, in this special collaboration dedicated to the financial issues of being an author.
November 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM
DATE FOR THE DIARY
We're taking our Podcast on the road for a live recording at the offices of top accountancy firm HW Fisher, in this special collaboration dedicated to the financial issues of being an author.
We're taking our Podcast on the road for a live recording at the offices of top accountancy firm HW Fisher, in this special collaboration dedicated to the financial issues of being an author.
If you have your heart set on glory, don't miss the deadline for our 2026 SoA Awards. The deadline is 31 October
The annual Society of Authors’ Awards recognises the best and most promising literary voices of the year. Over £100,000 awarded annually for poetry, fiction, non-fiction and illustration
The annual Society of Authors’ Awards recognises the best and most promising literary voices of the year. Over £100,000 awarded annually for poetry, fiction, non-fiction and illustration
October 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM
If you have your heart set on glory, don't miss the deadline for our 2026 SoA Awards. The deadline is 31 October
The annual Society of Authors’ Awards recognises the best and most promising literary voices of the year. Over £100,000 awarded annually for poetry, fiction, non-fiction and illustration
The annual Society of Authors’ Awards recognises the best and most promising literary voices of the year. Over £100,000 awarded annually for poetry, fiction, non-fiction and illustration
We are delighted to welcome Tracy Chevalier to our Bedford Row building as host of our Winter Coffee & Chat.
Hot drinks and cakes will be served, and places are strictly limited, so make sure you book early.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
#SoAInPerson
Hot drinks and cakes will be served, and places are strictly limited, so make sure you book early.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
#SoAInPerson
October 27, 2025 at 11:36 AM
We are delighted to welcome Tracy Chevalier to our Bedford Row building as host of our Winter Coffee & Chat.
Hot drinks and cakes will be served, and places are strictly limited, so make sure you book early.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
#SoAInPerson
Hot drinks and cakes will be served, and places are strictly limited, so make sure you book early.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
#SoAInPerson
Halloween is nearly upon us, and we are standing up for ghosts, a better recognition of the contribution and role of ghostwriters in celebrity-authored children’s fiction.
We have published new Guidelines to ensure the role of the ghostwriter is more visible and recognised.
We have published new Guidelines to ensure the role of the ghostwriter is more visible and recognised.
October 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Halloween is nearly upon us, and we are standing up for ghosts, a better recognition of the contribution and role of ghostwriters in celebrity-authored children’s fiction.
We have published new Guidelines to ensure the role of the ghostwriter is more visible and recognised.
We have published new Guidelines to ensure the role of the ghostwriter is more visible and recognised.
Available now! If you are a poet or spoken word artist, check out these brand-new resources.
Designed by the SoA’s Poetry and Spoken Word Group (PSWG), these free digital resources aim to help poets and spoken word artists at all stages of their careers.
Designed by the SoA’s Poetry and Spoken Word Group (PSWG), these free digital resources aim to help poets and spoken word artists at all stages of their careers.
October 23, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Available now! If you are a poet or spoken word artist, check out these brand-new resources.
Designed by the SoA’s Poetry and Spoken Word Group (PSWG), these free digital resources aim to help poets and spoken word artists at all stages of their careers.
Designed by the SoA’s Poetry and Spoken Word Group (PSWG), these free digital resources aim to help poets and spoken word artists at all stages of their careers.
Our AGM week 2025 is dedicated to Author Care.
With discussions around transparency, support and inclusion, communication and self-care, we ask how authors and publishing professionals can work better together and how authors can find support if needed.
With discussions around transparency, support and inclusion, communication and self-care, we ask how authors and publishing professionals can work better together and how authors can find support if needed.
October 22, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Our AGM week 2025 is dedicated to Author Care.
With discussions around transparency, support and inclusion, communication and self-care, we ask how authors and publishing professionals can work better together and how authors can find support if needed.
With discussions around transparency, support and inclusion, communication and self-care, we ask how authors and publishing professionals can work better together and how authors can find support if needed.
CALLING ALL YOUNG POETS
The deadline for entries to the Eric Gregory Awards is 31 October.
It is awarded for a collection by poets under the age of 30.
Winners of the Eric Gregory Awards are invited to a free solo week residency at Thomas Cottage.
The deadline for entries to the Eric Gregory Awards is 31 October.
It is awarded for a collection by poets under the age of 30.
Winners of the Eric Gregory Awards are invited to a free solo week residency at Thomas Cottage.
October 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
CALLING ALL YOUNG POETS
The deadline for entries to the Eric Gregory Awards is 31 October.
It is awarded for a collection by poets under the age of 30.
Winners of the Eric Gregory Awards are invited to a free solo week residency at Thomas Cottage.
The deadline for entries to the Eric Gregory Awards is 31 October.
It is awarded for a collection by poets under the age of 30.
Winners of the Eric Gregory Awards are invited to a free solo week residency at Thomas Cottage.
We are receiving a lot of queries about emails claiming to offer tickets to the SoA AGM for a large fee.
Our online AGM is free to attend for all members. There is no fee to attend and booking can be made on our website.
We have not been hacked, nor has there been a data protection leak.
Our online AGM is free to attend for all members. There is no fee to attend and booking can be made on our website.
We have not been hacked, nor has there been a data protection leak.
October 20, 2025 at 7:56 PM
We are receiving a lot of queries about emails claiming to offer tickets to the SoA AGM for a large fee.
Our online AGM is free to attend for all members. There is no fee to attend and booking can be made on our website.
We have not been hacked, nor has there been a data protection leak.
Our online AGM is free to attend for all members. There is no fee to attend and booking can be made on our website.
We have not been hacked, nor has there been a data protection leak.
LAST CHANCE
Once you have written your story, you need to sell it.
We're delighted to present these two Professional Development Sessions from expert marketeer, Olivia Chapman.
TOMORROW (21 October) - Pitching Workshop
4 November - Writing a synopsis
Once you have written your story, you need to sell it.
We're delighted to present these two Professional Development Sessions from expert marketeer, Olivia Chapman.
TOMORROW (21 October) - Pitching Workshop
4 November - Writing a synopsis
October 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM
LAST CHANCE
Once you have written your story, you need to sell it.
We're delighted to present these two Professional Development Sessions from expert marketeer, Olivia Chapman.
TOMORROW (21 October) - Pitching Workshop
4 November - Writing a synopsis
Once you have written your story, you need to sell it.
We're delighted to present these two Professional Development Sessions from expert marketeer, Olivia Chapman.
TOMORROW (21 October) - Pitching Workshop
4 November - Writing a synopsis
We are delighted to reveal that @onewomanwalks is the winner of the inaugural #TheIlseSchwepckePrize for her book, ONE WOMAN WALKS EUROPE.
A huge congratulations to Ursula, and to all shortlisted authors
@theilseschwepckeprize #literaryprize #womentravellers #travelwriting #bookstagram
A huge congratulations to Ursula, and to all shortlisted authors
@theilseschwepckeprize #literaryprize #womentravellers #travelwriting #bookstagram
October 17, 2025 at 3:24 PM
We are delighted to reveal that @onewomanwalks is the winner of the inaugural #TheIlseSchwepckePrize for her book, ONE WOMAN WALKS EUROPE.
A huge congratulations to Ursula, and to all shortlisted authors
@theilseschwepckeprize #literaryprize #womentravellers #travelwriting #bookstagram
A huge congratulations to Ursula, and to all shortlisted authors
@theilseschwepckeprize #literaryprize #womentravellers #travelwriting #bookstagram
Wherever your nearest post box may be, make sure you don't forget to vote.
Only a few days left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post.
Only a few days left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post.
October 15, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Wherever your nearest post box may be, make sure you don't forget to vote.
Only a few days left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post.
Only a few days left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post.
LAST CHANCE
Our How I Write series continues this Thursday with crime writer @vaseemkhanuk.bsky.social, in conversation with @radiomukhers.bsky.social.
They'll be delving into Vaseem's work and career, and offer a glimpse into his creative routine.
Our How I Write series continues this Thursday with crime writer @vaseemkhanuk.bsky.social, in conversation with @radiomukhers.bsky.social.
They'll be delving into Vaseem's work and career, and offer a glimpse into his creative routine.
October 15, 2025 at 7:30 AM
LAST CHANCE
Our How I Write series continues this Thursday with crime writer @vaseemkhanuk.bsky.social, in conversation with @radiomukhers.bsky.social.
They'll be delving into Vaseem's work and career, and offer a glimpse into his creative routine.
Our How I Write series continues this Thursday with crime writer @vaseemkhanuk.bsky.social, in conversation with @radiomukhers.bsky.social.
They'll be delving into Vaseem's work and career, and offer a glimpse into his creative routine.
What a wonderful day on Saturday at our Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group Conference.
A full day of speakers, panel discussions and networking with our fabulous CWIG members. And a quiz!
A full day of speakers, panel discussions and networking with our fabulous CWIG members. And a quiz!
October 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
What a wonderful day on Saturday at our Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group Conference.
A full day of speakers, panel discussions and networking with our fabulous CWIG members. And a quiz!
A full day of speakers, panel discussions and networking with our fabulous CWIG members. And a quiz!
Today is Bookshop Day, a day to celebrate ALL bookshops on our high streets.
Bookshops are an integral part of an author's livelihood, and we celebrate all the talented booksellers who share their guidance and expertise.
Visit your local bookshop today and show them your support.
#bookshopday
Bookshops are an integral part of an author's livelihood, and we celebrate all the talented booksellers who share their guidance and expertise.
Visit your local bookshop today and show them your support.
#bookshopday
October 11, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Today is Bookshop Day, a day to celebrate ALL bookshops on our high streets.
Bookshops are an integral part of an author's livelihood, and we celebrate all the talented booksellers who share their guidance and expertise.
Visit your local bookshop today and show them your support.
#bookshopday
Bookshops are an integral part of an author's livelihood, and we celebrate all the talented booksellers who share their guidance and expertise.
Visit your local bookshop today and show them your support.
#bookshopday
Let's do lunch.
Come along to our Bedford Row building on Wednesday (15) for our Autumn Members’ Lunch.
It's your chance to meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members.
Places are limited and subject to availability, so book your place.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
Come along to our Bedford Row building on Wednesday (15) for our Autumn Members’ Lunch.
It's your chance to meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members.
Places are limited and subject to availability, so book your place.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
October 9, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Let's do lunch.
Come along to our Bedford Row building on Wednesday (15) for our Autumn Members’ Lunch.
It's your chance to meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members.
Places are limited and subject to availability, so book your place.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
Come along to our Bedford Row building on Wednesday (15) for our Autumn Members’ Lunch.
It's your chance to meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members.
Places are limited and subject to availability, so book your place.
societyofauthors.org/event/soa-in...
You have just over a week left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post. Please post your completed ballot paper by Friday, 17 October, or earlier if you live abroad.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post. Please post your completed ballot paper by Friday, 17 October, or earlier if you live abroad.
October 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM
You have just over a week left to return your ballot paper for the four places available on the SoA Management Committee.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post. Please post your completed ballot paper by Friday, 17 October, or earlier if you live abroad.
Voting closes on 22 October, and you can only vote by post. Please post your completed ballot paper by Friday, 17 October, or earlier if you live abroad.
Our board member @venusbushfires is here to remind you to post your SoA ballot papers, if you haven't already.
Ballots must be returned by 22 October, so make sure you've posted them by Friday 17.
There are 4 places available, so 4 votes to cast.
Ballots must be returned by 22 October, so make sure you've posted them by Friday 17.
There are 4 places available, so 4 votes to cast.
October 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Our board member @venusbushfires is here to remind you to post your SoA ballot papers, if you haven't already.
Ballots must be returned by 22 October, so make sure you've posted them by Friday 17.
There are 4 places available, so 4 votes to cast.
Ballots must be returned by 22 October, so make sure you've posted them by Friday 17.
There are 4 places available, so 4 votes to cast.
Everyone at the SoA was saddened to learn of the death of Dame Jilly Cooper.
She brought joy through her work and earned a special place in our hearts with her unique voice.
She certainly succeeded in her aim.
We send our best wishes to her family.
She brought joy through her work and earned a special place in our hearts with her unique voice.
She certainly succeeded in her aim.
We send our best wishes to her family.
October 6, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Everyone at the SoA was saddened to learn of the death of Dame Jilly Cooper.
She brought joy through her work and earned a special place in our hearts with her unique voice.
She certainly succeeded in her aim.
We send our best wishes to her family.
She brought joy through her work and earned a special place in our hearts with her unique voice.
She certainly succeeded in her aim.
We send our best wishes to her family.
A searchable works list has been released to identify the authors’ works that were stolen by US Corporation Anthropic, to train its AI models. It includes UK authors whose works were copied without their permission or payment.
October 2, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A searchable works list has been released to identify the authors’ works that were stolen by US Corporation Anthropic, to train its AI models. It includes UK authors whose works were copied without their permission or payment.
Happy National Poetry Day. This year's theme is Play.
We are proud to hold the Literary Estates for many wonderful poets including Walter De La Mare. Here is one of our favourites.
This edition of The Ride-By-Nights is published by Faber with beautiful illustrations from Carolina Rabei
We are proud to hold the Literary Estates for many wonderful poets including Walter De La Mare. Here is one of our favourites.
This edition of The Ride-By-Nights is published by Faber with beautiful illustrations from Carolina Rabei
October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Happy National Poetry Day. This year's theme is Play.
We are proud to hold the Literary Estates for many wonderful poets including Walter De La Mare. Here is one of our favourites.
This edition of The Ride-By-Nights is published by Faber with beautiful illustrations from Carolina Rabei
We are proud to hold the Literary Estates for many wonderful poets including Walter De La Mare. Here is one of our favourites.
This edition of The Ride-By-Nights is published by Faber with beautiful illustrations from Carolina Rabei
A love of reading in childhood can last a lifetime. Teacher resource site Twinkl has published this insightful blog on how to encourage kids to read.
Abie Longstaff, Chair of The SofA’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group shares her top tips.
www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-...
Abie Longstaff, Chair of The SofA’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group shares her top tips.
www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-...
How to Encourage Kids to Read Stories (And Why You Should)
Reading, for kids, is a good habit to encourage, and literature is no exception to this. Read on to learn about encouraging kids to read.
www.twinkl.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A love of reading in childhood can last a lifetime. Teacher resource site Twinkl has published this insightful blog on how to encourage kids to read.
Abie Longstaff, Chair of The SofA’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group shares her top tips.
www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-...
Abie Longstaff, Chair of The SofA’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group shares her top tips.
www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/how-to-...