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Fossil Free Books
@fossilfreebooks.org
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Book workers organising in solidarity with Palestine, and against fossil fuels ✊📖🍉

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Mohamed Tonsy is is an Egyptian writer and bookseller based in Edinburgh. His debut novel was developed through Maslaha’s MFest Short Story Competition. He has been active in literary networks, including the Scottish BPOC Writers Network.
A pink background with a black and white picture of Mohamed Tonsy. White text on a black background reads, “As a member of the SoA board, I will push for making the book world more accessible to people of colour, fight for more equitable pay, and strategise to connect all our members”
September 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
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Polly Atkin is a poet, nonfiction writer, editor, and bookseller based in Cumbria. Her writing includes biography, memoirs, and nature writing, and she has been active in the literary and academic worlds for more than two decades. She also co-owns a long-established independent bookshop.
A pink background with a black and white picture of Polly Atkin. White text on a black background reads, “The industry needs a culture shift to make it more accessible to disabled, D\deaf and neurodivergent people… together, we can make thriving in this industry possible for everyone.”
September 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
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Matt Abbott is a poet, lyricist, and educator whose work combines literature with social engagement. He began performing poetry in 2006 and has been a full-time poet since 2013, publishing collections, contributing to anthologies, and writing commissioned work for organisations and campaigns.
A pink background with a black and white picture of Matt Abbott. White text on a black background reads, “I’m also passionate about campaigning for both vocal and practical expressions of Palestinian solidarity… I intend to use my experience to grow the membership of your union and, in the process, build the power to change the publishing industry for the better”
September 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
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Jen Calleja is is an author, translator, and publisher. She has published seven books of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, and has translated around 20 books from German into English for both large and small publishers.
A pink background with a black and white picture of Jen Calleja. White text on a black background reads, “For as long as I have been writing and translating, I have spoken and written about the largely invisible workloads and payment structures of authors and literary translators… I’ve learnt that writers and translators must work together to shape our industry.”
September 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
fossilfreebooks.org
Voting for the Society of Authors Management Committee elections is NOW OPEN until Wednesday 22 October! 🗳️ Here's some more info on the four amazing candidates Fossil Free Books organisers have decided to collectively endorse 👉
A pink background with a holographic sticker-style text reading Voting Is Open. Black and white text on corresponding backgrounds reads, for the SoA management committee elections. Fossil Free Books collectively endorses these four BRILLIANT candidates…Jen Calleja Matt Abbot Polly Atkin Mohamed Tonsy. Is the SoA the union you need? It will not change by itself. Your vote matters. The Fossil Free Books logo sits in the bottom left corner of the slide.
September 11, 2025 at 6:24 PM
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If you decide to withdraw from a festival, contact us - we'll make sure you have access to our mutual aid fund.

If you decide to continue with a planned event but would like to take an action at the festival, email us for support.

Join us to build the books industry we all deserve!
If you decide to withdraw from a festival, contact us at fossilfreebooksuk@gmail.com - we'll make sure you have access to our mutual aid fund to soften any financial ramifications of withdrawing. If you decide to continue with a planned event but would like to take an action at the festival, email us for support - we can put you in touch with other attendees and help you navigate how best to express solidarity at your event. Build the books industry you need and deserve! Fossil Free Books meets regularly on a Monday afternoon at 12:30pm. We invite you to reach out to fossilfreebooksuk@gmail.com to request a meeting invite where you can join us in transforming the books industry.
July 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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We encourage solidarity between the many communities that make up the books industry.

Full text in images and alt text.
We encourage solidarity between the many communities that make up the books industry. Many of the battles we are fighting are not just interconnected, but viciously entangled and need to be fought with a united front. This means: • Solidarity with the trans community. • Solidarity with Palestine. • Solidarity with disabled book workers. • Solidarity with people working against human rights abuses. • Solidarity with people working for a liveable future. Build solidarity with Palestinian book workers by: • Writing to festivals and encouraging them to endorse BDS and PACBI (The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel). • If a festival has programmed writers who have denied genocide, write to the organisers to question the purpose of this harmful choice and to tell them how it affects you. You may wish to draw attention to how this supports the 'normalisation' of Israeli apartheid and occupation. Advocate for the safety of trans and non-binary authors and book workers at festivals by: • Asking festivals to affirm that trans writers and audience members will be able to access facilities which align with their gender. • If a festival has programmed 'gender critical' writers who've advocated for the removal of rights for trans people, contact the festival expressing concern about why this is harmful and dangerous, especially when disguised under the spirit of debate and dialogue. Centre the voices of disabled book workers at festivals by: • Following the ADCI guide on working with disabled authors and asking about remote access to events, while ensuring that streaming with captions and/or BSL interpretation is prioritised at the events of disabled authors who rely on this accessibility. • If a festival has programmed a writer who has perpetuated harmful ableist ideology such as promoting removal of access to welfare, support or diagnoses, write to the festival to question the purpose of this choice and share how it affects you.
July 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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Fossil Free Books affirms our solidarity with Palestinian poet Fady Joudah and Palestinian novelist Randa Jarrar who have pulled out of their events at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival due to the programming of two Israeli writers, Anshel Pfeffer and genocide denier Etgar Keret.
Fossil Free Books affirms our solidarity with Palestinian poet Fady Joudah and Palestinian novelist Randa Jarrar who have pulled out of their events at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival due to the programming of two Israeli writers, Anshel Pfeffer and genocide denier Etgar Keret. Ahead of the summer book festival season, and in response to rapidly changing situations, we are sharing guidance and updates on engaging with these literary spaces and the wider books industry. A spokesperson for EIBF said, "At this critical and distressing time, we respect and acknowledge the right of authors to choose which festival programmes to participate in and work with all of our authors to support them to take part." By holding tight to the flawed notion that debating both sides can lead to meaningful, reparative change, the festival has put the onus on its Palestinian attendees to decide whether or not to appear. As of July 14th, Etgar Keret's event was subsequently cancelled. Fossil Free Books' primary aim as a collective is to build worker power across the books industry. By organising as workers last year, we were able to pressure literary festivals into re-evaluating their sponsorship models. We welcome this change and reiterate our invitation for a collaboration between festivals and Fossil Free Books to further explore ethical funding models that are aligned with the values of the book workers that make these festivals possible. Fossil Free Books is not calling for any collective action relating to EIBF or any other literary festival this year. However, we encourage all festival participants and attendees to consider how you can best assert your solidarity with Palestine and the ongoing fight for trans and disability justice.
July 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
If you’re an LGBTQ+ bookworker - organise with us.

By building our collective power as workers, we can transfer power away from those in charge and into the hands of those working to make our industry better and safer for all.

DM or email us at fossilfreebooksuk@gmail.com to get involved.
Black text on white background: If you’re an LGBTQ+ bookworker - organise with us. We may not be able to convince those in power to change. But by building our collective power as workers, we can transfer power away from those in charge and into the hands of those working to make our industry better and safer for all. DM or email us at fossilfreebooksuk@gmail.com to get involved.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
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Our response to fascist policies which seek to erode our rights and divide society needs to be one of collective solidarity and action.
Black text on white and pink background: The clear purpose of the Supreme Court ruling and EHRC interim guidance is to segregate and ostracise trans women. The policing of public spaces such as toilets and venues is harmful to all women, also impacting trans men, non-binary people, disabled people and people of colour. Our response to fascist policies which seek to erode our rights and divide society needs to be one of collective solidarity and action.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
Attending literary festivals this year? Then write to them asking they affirm the safety and dignity of trans guests and audiences.

If you’re a member of the SoA, demand that they release both a statement of solidarity and practical guidance to support trans authors, translators and illustrators.
Black text on white background with elements highlighted: If you’re attending literary festivals this year, write to them asking that they affirm the safety and dignity of trans guests and audiences. A sample letter is in our bio. If you’re a member of the Society of Authors, contact them and demand that they release a statement of solidarity and practical guidance to support trans authors, translators and illustrators when attending festivals or participating in book events.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
Write to your union representatives and leaders, asking that they support their trans workers and publicly oppose the implementation of the EHRC’s interim guidance.
Black text on both white and blue background: Trade unionists: your trans and non-binary members need leadership to denounce the Supreme Court’s ruling and issue guidance for members who may now face discrimination in their places of work. Write to your union representatives and leaders, asking that they support their trans workers and publicly oppose the implementation of the EHRC’s interim guidance.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
So what can we do to be unequivocal in our support for trans people?

Bookshops, publishers, festivals, venues and other literary spaces can make a clear public statement that you will prioritise the safety & dignity of trans writers, readers and workers, and won't adhere to the interim guidance.
Black text on white background: So what can we do to be unequivocal in our support for trans people? Bookshops, publishers, festivals, venues and all other literary spaces: you can make a clear public statement that you will prioritise the safety and dignity of trans writers, readers and workers, and will not adhere to the interim guidance. You can also sign the collective letter to the EHRC from cultural organisations, taking a stand against trans segregation: https://tinyurl.com/EHRCletter
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
The EHRC interim update for organisations is not legally binding.

This means there’s currently no legal obligation for businesses and organisations to implement trans segregation policies.

It also means we can – and must – fight for a more just interpretation of the law.
Black text on background of Trans Solidarity Flag: The EHRC interim update for organisations is not legally binding. An updated code of practice is due to be submitted for ministerial approval in June, following a two-week consultation period. This means there’s currently no legal obligation for businesses and organisations to implement trans segregation policies. It also means we can – and must – fight for a more just interpretation of the law.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
We stand in solidarity with our trans siblings and are united in our anger at the Supreme Court ruling & EHRC update.

Trans, non-binary and intersex people are facing exclusion from basic aspects of public life.

Please read this thread that contains recommendations and calls to action.
Black text on background of Trans Solidarity Flag: Fossil Free Books stands in solidarity with our trans siblings. We are united in our anger at the Supreme Court ruling and EHRC update. Rather than providing “clarity”, this ruling and the EHRC interim update are causing confusion, uncertainty and fear. They have also given strength to the authoritarian, sexist campaign for the persecution and ostracism of trans women. Trans, non-binary and intersex people – including bookworkers – are facing exclusion from basic aspects of public life.
May 28, 2025 at 7:36 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
Join the Society of Authors by Wednesday 30th April so you can vote in this year’s Management Committee elections.

Need help with union fees? Request a £50 grant via our Open Collective fund.

Links for eligibility + help with fees: linktr.ee/fossilfreebo...

✊️ I belong in my union and so do you.
A bright purple background has text reading 'I belong in my union and so do you' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
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📢 Every author who left the SoA belongs in their union!

🚪 You and hundreds of other authors have left the Society of Authors over the past year.

🚫 It has consistently worked to alienate you for your divestment actions.

🇵🇸 It has demonised you for demanding union solidarity with Palestine. [1]
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every author who left the SoA belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 30, 2025 at 6:08 PM
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🗣️ Every woman writer belongs in their union!

🤦🏻‍♀️ With a gender pay gap between male and female authors of 41.4%, women writers experienced a 21% drop in their income between 2017 and 2020.
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every woman writer belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 30, 2025 at 8:54 AM
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📣 Every queer writer belongs in their union!
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every queer writer belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing in colours of the rainbow and trans pride flags. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 30, 2025 at 8:48 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
Need help with union fees? Request £50 via the Fossil Free Books Open Collective fund.

Links for eligibility + help with fees: linktr.ee/fossilfreebo...

✊️ I belong in my union and so do you.
A bright purple background has text reading 'I belong in my union and so do you' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
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📢 Every disabled writer belongs in their union!

📈 Disabled people in the UK face a higher cost of living. With author pay at an all-time low, the industry has never felt more excluding.

‼️ From cuts to state support, lack of accommodations and inaccessible events, disabled writers deserve better.
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every disabled writer belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
fossilfreebooks.org
Join the Society of Authors by Wednesday 30th April so you can vote in this year’s Management Committee elections. [4]

Need help with union fees? Request a £50 grant via the Fossil Free Books Open Collective fund: opencollective.com/fossil-free-...

✊️ I belong in my union and so do you.
A bright purple background has text reading 'I belong in my union and so do you' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
fossilfreebooks.org
📢 Every poet belongs in their union!

💸 2024 was a record-breaking year for poetry book sales. Despite this giving poets more power in the market, so few make money from sales.

💪 Being a poet today remains precarious, and you deserve a trade union that will better serve you as a worker. [1]
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every poet belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
fossilfreebooks.org
Join the Society of Authors by Wednesday 30th April so you can vote in this year’s Management Committee elections. [4]

Need help with union fees? Request a £50 grant via the Fossil Free Books Open Collective fund: opencollective.com/fossil-free-...

✊️ I belong in my union and so do you.
A bright purple background has text reading 'I belong in my union and so do you' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 27, 2025 at 6:52 AM
fossilfreebooks.org
📢 Every illustrator belongs in their union!

✏️ Illustrators across the UK are already losing work to AI. With the government increasingly prioritising the interests of AI companies, important voices of opposition aren’t being heard. [1]
A bright purple background has text reading 'Every illustrator belongs in their union' in shiny holographic sticker style writing. Below it sits the Fossil Free Books logo and smaller text that reads 'Join the Society of Authors as a Full Member by Wed 30th Apr to vote in this year's Management Committee elections'
April 27, 2025 at 6:52 AM