Societies, prizes and festivals

Getting your lucky break

Claire McGowan shows how entering competitions, going to writers’ events, taking short courses and networking can help you become a confident and successful writer.

In 2010 I was a year off selling my first book and becoming a soon-to-be-published writer. Of course, I had no idea this was so close. I didn’t know if I was in for another ten years of trying, or if I would ever get there at all. What I did know was that I had suddenly become very serious about my writing, after a lifetime of dreaming and longing and being fiercely jealous of anyone who managed it. I was finally giving myself the best chance possible.

Dreaming and writing

I wanted to be a writer from almost as soon as I could read. My teenage diaries are filled with long rants about what I would say in my Booker Prize acceptance speech, and I have notebooks full of characters and story ideas stretching back to my ninth birthday. I went to my first writing group when I was 17, feeling rather awkward as I was fully 50 years younger than everyone else there. At 18 I got my first copy of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook, which I pored over in my parents’ conservatory as I scribbled away, wondering if I could ever make it in this writing world that seemed so far from where I lived, in rural Ireland. I even entered, and won, a few local short story competitions and had one published in a magazine. I had made my first money from writing!

Then I went to university and largely stopped writing, as I had a lot of urgent drinking of alcopops to be getting on with. The desire always stayed with me, but I had somehow given up before ever really trying. I’d convinced myself I wouldn’t get published, even though no one had seen my work for years. So I went travelling instead, and wrote about that, and kept journals, and started novels and abandoned them, and started other ones. This went on for years. Then, when I was 25, I decided it was time to actually finish something. That was my main aim, and when I managed it – three years of hard graft later, thousands of words written and deleted – it was one of the most satisfying moments of my writing life. I finally realised I could maybe actually do this.

The value of networking

So, it was 2010. I finally had the draft of a novel and was ready to do something with it. First, I started going to writing classes, and talks, and panel events. There are many of these available, from 1-day courses to MAs lasting several years. Bookshops often hold free events with writers, and some universities (such as City University London, where I now teach the MA in crime writing) hold talks as part of their open nights. I would recommend going to as many of these as possible, because you will absorb so much information without even realizing it. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you will find any discussion of writing totally thrilling.

Meeting other people who wrote was a big step for me and brought me many new friends. I found the writing events intensely fascinating and I wanted more. I took a class on submissions, learning to write a synopsis and covering letter. This was a lot harder than I’d imagined. I signed up for a writing conference, going away for three whole days, and I did what I could to get my work noticed as part of this event, entering pitching sessions and live readings. I came second in one competition at the event and third in another, which certainly helped to get attention from the agents attending. I read all the writing blogs and forums I could find, and scrutinized every publication deal announced in the Bookseller, making note of the agents and publishers involved. I remember this as a very exciting time, when my sense of having failed somehow gave way to the realisation that actually people did get published, and actually I could, maybe, be one of them! I felt a real sense of drive and possibility.

I tell all my students not to skip this networking stage. Not only will you learn a lot about the publishing industry, but you’ll find out which agents are actively seeking new clients. You may even get to speak to them in person, and you can then follow them on Twitter and submit your work to them. You’ll find out what mistakes to avoid in your submissions, and how to stand out in a good way. Plus, you might make some new friends among the other attendees. I would highly recommend going to events like the Festival of Writing (see here) and any other gatherings that are specific to your genre, such as Crimefest (see here) or the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival (see here). You might even want to join a writing group if there’s one in your area – check out libraries and bookshops for information. You will find these to be invaluable networking opportunities. Networking doesn’t have to mean giving people the hard sell – it can be as simple as striking up a chat in the bar. I’ve found people to be extremely friendly and welcoming. Your goal at this point should be to learn all you can about the industry, not just to stick your work in front of people. You’re preparing to be a published writer.

Compete and be noticed

However, back in 2010, despite taking all these positive steps and getting some interest in my first novel, I wasn’t any closer to actually having an agent or selling a book. My ‘break’ really came when I entered a competition for unpublished novels. I found out about it an hour before it closed, but thought I’d give it a go and sent in my second novel, which I’d written quite quickly while waiting for agent responses to my first (I’m impatient and didn’t know you could make multiple submissions). To my surprise I was shortlisted, invited to a swanky awards ceremony in Swansea, and came second. What happened next amazed me even more.

When the ceremony was covered in the Bookseller, I began to receive emails from agents and editors who were interested in my book. Soon I had several offers. I signed with one of the agents within the week and had an offer on my book within a month. This shows the importance of entering competitions, but also of having an online presence. A simple website is enough, and maybe also a Twitter profile, so that people can find you easily. There are not many competitions for novel writing – the one I entered only ran for a year – but they can make all the difference, as I found. If you are also good at short stories, there are more competitions for those. Some literary agencies also run competitions from time to time, and increasingly publishers are opening up to direct submissions as well.

Get involved and stay involved

During the year when I finally got serious about writing, I learned so much and grew in confidence. I felt I understood the publishing industry, whereas it had previously seemed bewildering and closed off to me. I saw that there were in fact very simple and straightforward ways in to it, as long as you had a good enough idea and could write. There are agents and editors out there who are desperate to find good material, and this is why they give up their time to meet new authors. They’d actually like to take you on! That’s why I’m so vocal in suggesting my students go to conferences, attend talks, get online, read the Bookseller, and enter competitions. Do a course, not just for the learning but also for the friends and contacts you’ll make. Get involved as much as you can. Book reviewing is a great way into the industry too, and it may see you invited to lots of exciting events, if you get established.

I also feel it’s important not to stop all this once you’re published. Strangely, I now look back on that time, when suddenly a publishing deal seemed within sight, as one of my happiest times writing. I was learning, and developing, and meeting new people. So now I still attend classes on other topics, such as screenwriting, and I also keep up with the networking. I’m a regular at crime conventions and writing conferences, I go to publishing meet-ups, and I’ve been a member of the Crime Writers’ Association (see here) and also the Romantic Novelists’ Association (see here) ever since I started writing rom-coms under the pen name Eva Woods. The CWA runs the Debut Dagger competition for novels, and also a short story competition with an excellent prize, and the RNA has a New Writers’ Scheme which has helped lots of people to publication. There are so many great organisations, events and competitions out there that I urge you to check them out. If you’re ready to get serious, they could be the final boost you need to make your dreams of publication come true.

Claire McGowan grew up in a small village in Northern Ireland. After taking a degree in English and French from Oxford University she moved to London. Her first novel, The Fall, was published by Headline in 2012 and this was followed by a series featuring forensic psychologist Paula Maguire, and romcoms written under the name Eva Woods. Claire is a senior lecturer at City University London. Follow her on Twitter @inkstainsclaire or find out more at www.ink-stains.co.uk.

See also…

• Festivals for writers, here

• Notes from a successful crime author, here

• Notes from a successful romantic novelist, here

• Prizes and awards, here

 

Festivals for writers

Experienced festival director Judith Heneghan gives advice on what to expect from literary and writers’ festivals and how take full advantage of the opportunities they have to offer.

Festivals for writers are proliferating at an astonishing rate. Every summer, new events are launched, some in village halls or community centres, others in libraries or universities or stately homes – or maybe even in a yurt in a field. Yet, at first glance, ‘festival’ is a curious word to apply to writerly activity. It conjures up a party: celebratory, loud, full of people wearing colourful clothes and, quite possibly, wellies. Will there be music, stand-up comedy, food stalls selling over-priced burgers and dodgy toilet facilities? Where does the writing come in?

Well, in my view, the best ‘festivals of words’ have a clear sense of purpose, place or community. They may have international reach or remain small and local with individually ticketed events or week-long packages, but they understand their audiences and are committed to their goals. Such festivals offer all kinds of opportunities for writers.

The literary festival

Literary festivals, or book festivals, are primarily festivals for readers. Typically they offer readings, book signings, storytelling, author interviews, Q&A, panel discussions and debates, generally on a ‘per event’ basis. Their audiences expect to be stimulated and entertained and they are a wonderful way for writers to reach new readers, sell copies of their books, boost fragile egos, leave the shed behind for a weekend and – let’s be honest – socialise.

How do you get a gig?

If you have a publicist, let them know you’re interested and they’ll probably do the work for you. However, many writers need to do the legwork themselves.

First, research the kinds of events put on by a particular festival. Is there a theme? Do they have a track-record of inviting emerging writers as well as ‘big names’?

Then get in touch with the festival director several months before they launch their programme with a brief message of introduction. Mention your book, provide snippets of any reviews and details of any prizes, suggest an engaging title for an event and let them know if you’ve made other public appearances. Are there any video clips of you talking about your book?

If you are new to the circuit, consider whether you might be more comfortable with a joint appearance or an interview-style presentation. Novelist Claire Fuller says she prefers this ‘in conversation with…’ format as it reduces the pressure and is, she believes, more interesting for the audience.

Check the details – assume nothing!

If you are booked to do an event, great. But the research doesn’t stop there – find out about:

• Marketing. How will the event be marketed? Will your event be publicised individually or merely in the general programme? Are you expected to assist with promotion?

• Payment. Be sure to ask questions about rates and expenses, as many festivals pay a modest fee or cover travel and accommodation only, but some still expect authors or their publishers to foot the bill. And writers need to eat. In 2016 the Society of Authors published useful Minimum Practice Guidelines for author appearances. These can be found on their website.

• Technical matters. Issues with microphones and screens, or lack of them, can take writers by surprise. Find out if you can stand or walk around at your event and let them know if you need to sit down. Also, will the festival be recording your event?

• Exclusion areas. You might want to check that the festival does not require exclusivity within a period of time or geographical area.

• Sales. Ask whether the festival arranges for books to be on sale and, if not, liaise with your publisher or the festival bookseller.

This type of detail can significantly affect your festival experience. However, you too have a responsibility to your audience who have paid good money to come and listen to you. Are you confident in front of a crowd? Do you enjoy taking questions from the floor? Have you a clear reading voice and interesting anecdotes to relate and will you be comfortable with an audience of 300, or 30, or possibly just three people?

The book festival circuit can form a significant and rewarding aspect of a writer’s life, but don’t do it unless you enjoy it.

The writers’ festival

The writers’ festival, in contrast, is a festival for writers. Attendees typically consist of new, unpublished or emerging writers who are seeking fresh inspiration or who wish to hone their craft, receive constructive critical feedback, meet like-minded creative types in a supportive environment and network with industry insiders. Smaller festivals may focus on a particular genre or theme while the larger ones usually cater for all forms of writing with a broad range of workshops, panels, writing competitions, networking receptions, talks and full-day courses. Increasingly, literary and book festivals offer some of these services too, but the writers’ festival still tends to provide a more immersive experience, typically over one, two or three days.

The one-to-one appointment

As publishers close their doors to unsolicited submissions and the unappealingly named ‘slush piles’ grow ever more precipitous, writers seek new ways to circumvent such difficulties. One of the biggest festival attractions for any writer seeking publication is the opportunity to have a one-to-one meeting with a literary agent or commissioning editor. The format is usually quite simple. Your work is read beforehand by an industry professional. You get critical feedback, a commercial appraisal and the chance to establish a personal contact. Agents and editors too seem to welcome the opportunity to scout for new talent and meet potential authors face to face. Time-slots are managed by the festival team. What’s not to like?

However, writers are wise to do their homework first. If it’s publication you seek, make an appointment with someone who is looking for the kind of work you produce. Visit their website, check their entry in this Yearbook, follow them on Twitter, research the kinds of writers they represent. Usually the festival organisers will ask for a writing sample and cover letter in advance which they forward to the agent or editor or ‘book doctor’ who may be an experienced author or writing tutor. Treat this as you would any formal submission: be courteous and concise. Get their name right! Then, when the time comes for your meeting, use it as a learning experience. Listen carefully to any feedback andremember that the professional you are talking to is a human being too; their opinion is subjective and personal but you have asked them to consider your submission using their specialist knowledge and experience. If you are told that the work ‘isn’t ready’ or ‘it’s not for me’, then be sure to ask why. If they ask to see more, be sure to deliver.

Your one-to-one appointment: some dos and don’ts

•Do your research to find out what each editor, agent or book doctor is looking for and how they want it presented.

•Write down any questions you have about your work.

•Arrive on time – a typical appointment lasts 10–15 minutes and you’ll want to make the most of it.

•Listen carefully and make notes so that you can remember the details later.

•Don’t take criticism personally – view it as an opportunity to reflect on and improve your work.

The festival at Winchester

The University of Winchester Writers’ Festival is now in its 37th year and as such was one of the first of its kind to nurture emerging writers. I was appointed Director in 2013 so there’s a lot of history behind me and I’m still learning, though the purpose of the festival is as clear now as it has always been: writers need supporting in a creative and critically engaged environment.

The festival takes place over three days towards the end of June within the pleasant campus at the University of Winchester. Many attendees say it is an intense experience, with a choice of ten all-day Friday courses for more experienced writers, 28 Saturday talks and eight Sunday workshops for those at an earlier stage in their writing or embarking on a new project. These talks and workshops are delivered by literary agents and commissioning editors, experienced authors, poets and industry specialists who also participate in hundreds of 15-minute one-to-one appointments.

New last year was our Writers’ Room – a quiet space for thinking, day-dreaming or undertaking one of the guided writing exercises. However, the festival weekend is also a celebration, so we run open mics, incorporate ‘fringe’ events such as book launches, signings and impromptu readings, and invite a renowned writer such as Lemn Sissay or Sebastian Faulks to give the keynote address.

Then of course there are the writing competitions run by most writers’ festivals. This year we ran ten competitions at Winchester, ranging from ‘Poetry’ and ‘First Three Pages of a Novel’ to ‘Writing Funny Fiction for Children’, ‘Flash Fiction’ and ‘Memoir’. You don’t have to attend the festival to enter and, in keeping with our ethos, entrants can, for a small additional fee, receive a written adjudication. Prizes, similarly, include consultations with agents, writing courses and, naturally, copies of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. A win boosts a writer’s confidence and often helps attract publishing interest.

So, my job is principally that of juggler. I devise the programme and book the speakers while seeking a balance of genre, form, events for beginners and experienced writers, and an appropriate mix of traditional craft concerns and industry innovations and developments. Along with the Events Manager, I deal with marketing and social media. During the festival itself, my role is that of facilitator and introducer; thankfully we are most ably supported by a fantastic team of volunteers and campus staff. Naturally I want the speakers to have a positive and productive experience, but most of all I want the festival attendees – writers all – to feel welcomed, supported and inspired.

And the downside?

There are potential pitfalls. One is mild exhaustion. An immersive writers’ festival can feel intensive, challenging and revealing. My advice would be to take a bit of time to reflect on and digest the experience. If it has been worthwhile you probably should feel tired, so give yourself the day off afterwards if you can!

The second issue is one of cost. Festivals can be expensive. At Winchester we pay all our speakers and we pay their expenses; we pay for conference services, for rooms, for catering and bar staff. Advertising isn’t cheap and we don’t make a profit, but neither do we want to limit the opportunities we offer to the well-off or the already established. For this reason we have recently instituted a Festival Scholarship Scheme for young writers aged 18-25 who may apply to attend for free. If you want to attend a writers’ festival but are prevented by the cost, find out if the festival offers any bursaries. Sometimes attendees apply successfully for grants in their local area. It is getting harder and harder to find alternative sources of funding, but do ask the question; it would be a great shame to miss out.

Take the plunge

Whether you are a published writer looking to promote your book by appearing at a literary festival, or an emerging writer seeking support, inspiration and networking opportunities at a writers’ festival, these gatherings can help you to feel part of a creative and dynamic writing community. Attend with an open mind, ready to learn.

And a final word on the subject of those one-to-one appointments and more informal networking opportunities. Good things do happen. Each year at Winchester, a number of writers meet the agents and editors who will help their debuts take flight.

Worth celebrating, I think.

Judith Heneghan is the Director of the Winchester Writers’ Festival. She began her career as a commissioning editor for Teach Yourself at Hodder but now lectures in Creative Writing at the University of Winchester where she runs the MA Writing for Children. Her fiction includes Stonecipher (Andersen Press 2005) and The King of Kites (Evans 2009) and she has written over 50 non-fiction books for children, including the recent Plant Life series for Wayland. She was a Trustee of the inaugural Winchester Poetry Festival held in September 2014.

See also…

• Festivals and conferences for writers, artists and readers, here

• Getting your lucky break, here

 

Society of Authors

The SoA is the UK trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators at every stage of their careers.

Founded in 1884, the Society of Authors now has over 10,000 members. Members receive unlimited free advice on all aspects of the profession, including confidential clause-by-clause contract vetting, and a wide range of exclusive offers. It campaigns and lobbies on the issues that affect authors, and holds a wide range of events across the UK, offering opportunities for authors to network and learn from each other. It manages more than 50 literary estates, the income from which helps to fund their work; and it also administers a range of literary grants and prizes, awarding more than £400,000 to authors annually.

Members

SoA members include household names, such as J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman and Joanne Harris, but they also include authors right at the start of their careers. Amongst the SoA membership are academic writers, biographers, broadcasters, children’s writers, crimewriters, dramatists, educational writers, ELT writers, health writers, ghostwriters, graphic novelists, historians, illustrators, journalists, medical writers, non-fiction writers, novelists, poets, playwrights, radio writers, scriptwriters, short story writers, translators, spoken word artists, YA writers, and more.

The benefits available to all SoA members include:

• assistance with contracts, from negotiation and assessment of terms to clause-by-clause, confidential vetting;

• unlimited advice on queries, covering any aspect of the business of authorship;

• taking up complaints on behalf of members on any issue concerned with the business of authorship;

• pursuing legal actions for breach of contract, copyright infringement, and the nonpayment of royalties and fees, when the risk and cost preclude individual action by a member and issues of general concern to the profession are at stake;

• conferences, seminars, meetings and other opportunities to network and learn from other authors;

• regular communications and a comprehensive range of publications, including the SoA’s quarterly journal, the Author.

• discounts on books, exclusive rates on specialist insurance, special offers on products and services, and free membership of the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS; see here).

• Academic and Medical Writers Groups – investigating and highlighting the issues faced by these authors, including confusion and concern around Open Access requirements and Creative Commons licensing.

• Broadcasting Group – representing members working in radio, TV and film.

• Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group – a professional community of writers and illustrators who create content for the children’s publishing market.

• Educational Writers Group – protecting the interests of educational authors in professional matters, especially contracts, rates of pay, digitalisation and copyright.

• Poetry and Spoken Word Group – a new, increasingly active group to which all new member poets are subscribed on joining SoA.

• Society of Authors in Scotland – organises a varied and busy calendar of activities in Scotland through a committee of volunteers.

• Translators Association – a source of expert advice for individual literary translators and a collective voice representing the profession. See page Translators Association.

• Writers as Carers Group – a new group designed to help keep writers writing when they take on caring responsibilities for someone with an illness or disability.

The SoA also facilitates many local groups across the UK.

Membership

The Society of Authors

84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

Chief Executive Nicola Solomon

President Philip Pullman

We have two membership bands: Full and Associate membership.

Full membership is available to professional writers, poets, translators and illustrators working in any genre or medium. This includes those who have: had a full-length work traditionally published, broadcast or performed commercially; self-published or been published on a print-on-demand or ebook-only basis and who meet sales criteria; published or had broadcast or performed an equivalent body of professional work; or administrators of a deceased author’s estate.

Authors at the start of their careers are invited to join as Associates. Associate membership is available to anyone actively working to launch a career as an author. This includes: authors who are starting out in self-publishing but who are not yet making a profit; authors who have been offered a contract for publication or agent representation but who are not yet published; students engaged on a course of at least one academic year’s duration that will help them develop a career as an author, as well as other activities that mark the early stages of an author’s career. Associate members enjoy all the same services and benefits as Full members. Full eligibility details can be found at www.societyofauthors.org/join.

Membership is subject to election and payment ofsubscription fees. The subscription fee (tax deductible) starts at £4.25 per quarter, or £17.25 for those aged 35 or under. From the second year of subscription there are concessionary rates for over 65s who are no longer earning a significant amount of income from writing. Annual payment schedules are also available.

Campaigning and lobbying

The SoA is a voice for authors and works at a national and international level to improve terms and treatment of authors, negotiating with all parties including publishers, broadcasters, agents and governments. Current areas of campaigning include contract terms, copyright, freedom of expression, tax and benefits arrangements and Public Lending Right (PLR, see here) – which the SoA played a key role in establishing. It also campaigns on wider matters which affect authors, such as libraries, literacy and a fair playing field for publishing.

In the UK the SoA lobbies parliament, ministers and departments and makes submissions on relevant issues, working closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group. The SoA is a member of the British Copyright Council and was instrumental in setting up ALCS. It is recognised by the BBC in the negotiation of rates for authors’ contributions to radio drama, as well as for the broadcasting of published material.

The SoA is highly active and influential at a European level and is a member of the European Writers’ Council and applies pressure globally, working with sister organisations as part of the international Authors’ Foundation.

The SoA also works closely with other professional bodies, including the Association of Authors’ Agents, the Booksellers Association, the Publishers Association, the Independent Publishers Guild, the British Council, the National Union of Journalists and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain. (See the societies listings that start on here)

Awards and grants

The SoA supports authors through a wide range of awards and grants. Over £100,000 is given in prizes each year and more than £230,000 is distributed in grants. As of 2017, the SoA administers:

• the Authors’ Foundation and K Blundell Trust, which give grants to assist authors working on their next book;

• the Francis Head Bequest and the Authors’ Contingency Fund, which assist authors who, through physical mishap, are temporarily unable to maintain themselves or their families;

• the Bailey Women’s Prize for Fiction;

• the Sunday Times/Peters, Fraser & Dunlop Young Writer of the Year Award;

• Travelling Scholarships, which give honorary awards;

• two prizes for first novels: the Betty Trask Awards and the McKitterick Prize;

• the Somerset Maugham Awards for a full-length published work;

• two poetry awards: the Eric Gregory Awards and the Cholmondeley Awards;

• the Tom-Gallon Award for short story writers;

• two audio drama prizes: the Imison Award for a writer new to radio drama and the Tinniswood Award;

• awards for translations from Arabic, Dutch/Flemish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Swedish into English;

• the ALCS Educational Writers’ Awards.

 

Writers’ Guild of Great Britain

The WGGB is the TUC-affiliated trade union for writers.

WGGB represents writers working in film, television, radio, theatre, books, poetry, animation and videogames. Formed in 1959 as the Screenwriters’ Guild, the union gradually extended into all areas of freelance writing activity and copyright protection. In 1974, when book authors and stage dramatists became eligible for membership, substantial numbers joined. In June 1997 the Theatre Writers’ Union membership unified with that of the WGGB to create a larger, more powerful writers’ union.

Apart from necessary dealings with Government and policies on legislative matters affecting writers, the WGGB is, by constitution, non-political, has no involvement with any political party, and members pay no political levy.

WGGB employs a permanent general secretary and other permanent staff and is administered by an Executive Council of around 20 members. WGGB comprises professional writers in all media, united in common concern for one another and regulating the conditions under which they work.

Membership

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB)

First Floor, 134 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TU

tel 020-7833 0777

email admin@writersguild.org.uk

website www.writersguild.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/thewritersguild

Twitter @The WritersGuild

Acting General Secretary Ellie Peers

Full Membership: Members pay approximately 1.2% of earnings from professional writing using a banding system (min. £198, max. £2,000 p.a.) Candidate Membership: £108 p.a. (restricted to writers who have not had work published or produced at WGGB-approved rates) Affiliate Membership: £300 p.a. (for people who work professionally with writers, e.g. agents, technical advisers)

Members receive a weekly email newsletters. The WGGB website contains full details of collective agreements and WGGB activities, plus a ‘Find a Writer’ service and a dedicated Members’ area; information is also made available on Twitter and Facebook. Other benefits include: legal advice and contract vetting; free training; member events, discounts and special offers, including free entry to the British Library reading rooms.

WGGB agreements

WGGB’s core function is to negotiate minimum terms in those areas in which its members work. Those agreements form the basis of the individual contracts signed by members. Further details are given below. WGGB also gives individual advice to its members on contracts and other matters which the writer encounters in his or her professional life. It also maintains a benevolent fund to help writers in financial trouble.

Television

WGGB negotiates minimum terms agreements with the BBC, ITV, Pact (Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television, see here) and has also talked to Channel 4 about internet services. There is also a minimum terms agreement in place with TAC (representing Welsh-language television producers).

WGGB TV agreements regulate minimum fees, residuals and royalties, copyright, credits, and general conditions for television plays, series and serials, dramatisations and adaptations, soaps, sitcoms and sketch shows. One of the WGGB’s most important achievements has been the establishment of pension rights for members. The BBC, ITV and independent producers pay a pension contribution on top of the standard writer’s fee on the understanding that the WGGB member also pays a contribution.

The switch to digital television, video-on-demand and download-to-own services, mobile phone technology and the expansion of the BBC’s commercial arm have seen WGGB in constant negotiation over the past decade. WGGB now has agreements for all of the BBC’s digital channels and for its joint venture channels. In May 2012 WGGB signed ground-breaking new agreements with the BBC extending minimum terms over online services such as iPlayer. From April 2015 the first payments under the Writers Digital Payments scheme were paid out to writers whose work had been broadcast on BBC iPlayer and ITV Player (Writers Digital Payments is a not-for-profit company set up by WGGB and the Personal Managers’ Association). In 2016 WGGB negotiated a 75% fee increase for writers working under its 2003 Pact agreement, and also started work on rewriting the agreement. In 2017 it negotiated a new script agreement for television and online with the BBC.

Film

In 1985 an agreement was signed with the two producer organisations: the British Film and Television Producers’ Association and the Independent Programme Producers’ Association (now known as Pact). Since then there has been an industrial agreement covering UK film productions. Pension fund contributions have been negotiated for WGGB members in the same way as for the BBC and ITV. The Agreement was renegotiated in February 1992 and consultations on an updated arrangement, led by the WGGB Film Committee, are in progress.

Radio

WGGB has a standard agreement for Radio Drama with the BBC, establishing a fee structure that is reviewed annually. This was comprehensively renegotiated in 2005, with input from the WGGB Radio Committee, resulting in an agreement covering various new developments such as digital radio. In 1985 the BBC agreed to extend the pension scheme already established for television writers to include radio writers. WGGB has special agreements for Radio 4’s The Archers and for BBC iPlayer. A separate agreement covers the reuse of old comedy and drama material on digital BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Books

WGGB fought long, hard and successfully for the loans-based Public Lending Right (PLR, see here) to reimburse authors for books lent in libraries. The scheme is now administered by the British Library and WGGB is represented on its advisory committee.

WGGB has a Books Committee, which works on behalf of book writers and poets. Issues affecting members include self-publishing, print-on-demand services and ebooks.

Theatre

In 1979 WGGB, together with the Theatre Writers’ Union, negotiated the first industrial agreement for theatre writers. The Theatres National Committee Agreement (TNC) covers the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre Company and the English Stage Company at the Royal Court. When their agreement was renegotiated in 2007, WGGB achieved a long-standing ambition of a minimum fee of £10,000 for a new play; this has since risen to £12,308.

In June 1986, a new agreement was signed with the Theatrical Management Association (now UK Theatre), which covers 95 provincial theatres. In 1993, this agreement was comprehensively revised and included a provision for a year-on-year increase in fees in line with the Retail Price Index. The agreement was renegotiated in 2015.

After many years of negotiation, an agreement was concluded in 1991 between WGGB and the Independent Theatre Council (ITC), which represents 200 of the smaller and fringe theatres as well as educational and touring companies. This agreement was revised in 2002 and the minimum fees are reviewed annually. WGGB is currently talking to the ITC about updating the agreement again and making it more user-friendly.

The WGGB Theatre Committee holds an annual forum for Literary Managers, runs the Olwen Wymark Theatre Encouragement Award scheme and meets with Arts Council England to inform its theatre policy.

Other activities

WGGB is in touch with Government and national institutions wherever and whenever the interests of writers are in question or are being discussed. It holds cross-party Parliamentary lobbies with Equity and the Musicians’ Union to ensure that the various artforms they represent are properly cared for. Working with the Federation of Entertainment Unions, WGGB makes its views known to Government bodies on a broader basis. It keeps in touch with Arts Council England, the BBC Trust, Ofcom and other national bodies.

WGGB is an active affiliate of the British Copyright Council, Creators’ Rights Alliance and other organisations whose activities are relevant to professional writers. An Anti-Censorship Committee has intervened strongly to protect freedom of speech.

Internationally, WGGB plays a leading role in the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds, which includes the American Guilds East and West, the Canadian Guilds (French and English), and the Irish, Mexican, French, Israeli, South African and New Zealand Guilds. When it is possible to make common cause, the Guilds act accordingly. WGGB takes a leading role in the European Writers’ Council and the Fédération des Scénaristes d’Europe. On a European level, WGGB continues to represent writers on issues like copyright, and since the referendum of 2016 has been lobbying government ministers on protecting writers’ rights during the Brexit negotiations.

On a day-to-day basis, WGGB gives advice on contracts, and takes up issues that affect the lives of its members as professional writers. Other benefits include access to free and discounted training, exclusive events and discounts, and a dedicated online members’ area. Full members are entitled to submit a profile for inclusion in the WGGB online Find A Writer directory; pay no joining fee for membership to Writers Guild of America East or West; and are eligible for Cannes accreditation. Regular committee meetings are held by various specialist WGGB Craft Committees. WGGB has active branches across the UK. They organise a range of events such as panel discussions, talks and social occasions.

Each year WGGB presents the much-prized Writers’ Guild Awards, covering all the areas in which its members work. These are the only cross-media awards in which writers are honoured by their peers, and as such are highly valued by the recipients.

The writer is an isolated creator in a world in which individual voices are not always heard. WGGB brings writers together to make common cause on many important matters, making full use of its collective strength.

 

Alliance of Independent Authors

The ALLi is a professional association of self-publishing writers and advisors.

The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a global collaborative collective of self-publishing writers. It was founded in 2012 at the London Book Fair by former trade published author and literary agent, Orna Ross, in response to her personal experience of self-publishing and she has been named ‘One of the 100 most influential people in publishing’ for this work.

ALLi has an Advisory Board of world-class authors and educators, bloggers and service providers, all of whom hold self-publishing in high esteem and all with exceptional knowledge and skills. Their contribution is supplemented by ALLi’s global ambassadors, who aid writers to create vibrant self-publishing literary communities in their local areas or online.

A rapidly growing organisation, with members all over the world, ALLi invites ‘indie’ authors to come together in a spirit of mutual cooperation, empowerment and service to the reading and writing community. As well as encouraging ethics and excellence in the writing, printing, formatting and promotion of self-published books, ALLi advances, supports and advocates for the interests of independent, self-publishing authors everywhere. Its ‘Open Up To Indie Authors’ Campaign promotes the interests of indie authors within the literary and publishing industries – engaging with booksellers, festivals, prize-giving committees, libraries, book clubs and the media.

ALLi’s core mission is the democratisation of writing and publishing.

Membership

The Alliance of Independent Authors

Freeword Centre, 60 Farringdon Road,

London EC1G 2RA

email press@allianceindependentauthors.org

website http://allianceindependentauthors.org, www.SelfPublishingAdvice.org

At ALLi, ‘independent’ is an inclusive description, including trade-published, self-published and hybrid authors. There are four grades of membership:

Author Membership is open to writers or translators of books for adults who have self-published a full-length title (55,000+ words); writers of children’s/young adult books who have self-published; and previously trade-published writers or translators who are now preparing to self-publish.

Partner Membership is open to organisations or sole traders offering necessary services to self-publishing authors and bloggers (e.g. editing, design, publicity, printing, distribution, etc) or an individual who works within an organisation that offers such services. All partner members are vetted by the ALLi watchdog desk.

Professional Membership is open to full-time self-publishing authors who earn their living through book sales, though this may be in some cases combined with service to the writing and reading community. All applications for professional membership are carefully assessed.

Associate Membership is open to writing/ publishing students with an interest in self-publishing and non-published writers (or translators) preparing a book for self-publication.

Benefits include self-publishing advice and guidance; collaboration and contacts; discounts and deals; author promotion and advancement; and campaigns on behalf of indie authors. See website for full information.

 

Societies, associations and clubs

This list is divided into the following sections: Representation and publishing; Arts councils, Royal Societies and funding; Copyright and licensing; Editorial, journalism and broadcasting; Literacy; Communication, libraries and information; Literary; Art, illustration and photography; Film, theatre and television; Translation; Bibliographical/academic; Clubs; Writers’ organisations; and Music. Some also offer prizes and awards (see here).

REPRESENTATION AND PUBLISHING

Association of American Publishers

email info@publishers.org

website www.publishers.org

Twitter @AmericanPublish

President & Ceo Maria A. Pallante

AAP is the largest trade association for US books and journal publishers, providing advocacy and communications on behalf of the industry and its priorities nationally and worldwide. Founded 1970.

The Association of Authors’ Agents

c/o Watson, Little Ltd, Suite 315 ScreenWorks, 22 Highbury Grove, London N5 2ER

tel 020-7388 7529

website www.agentsassoc.co.uk

President Gordon Wise, Secretary Donald Winchester

The AAA exists to provide a forum which allows member agencies to discuss issues arising in the profession; a collective voice for UK literary agencies in public affairs and the media; and a code of conduct to which all members commit themselves. Founded 1974.

Association of Authors’ Representatives Inc.

302A West 12th Street, #122, New York, NY 10014, USA

email administrator@aaronline.org

website www.aaronline.org

A professional organisation of over 400 agents who work with book authors and playwrights. Founded 1991.

Association of Canadian Publishers

174 Spadina Avenue, Suite 306, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2C2, Canada

tel + 1 416-487-6116

email admin@canbook.org

website www.publishers.ca

Executive Director Kate Edwards

Represents approximately 120 Canadian-owned and controlled book publishers from across the country. Founded 1976.

Australian Publishers Association (APA)

60–89 Jones Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia

email office@publishers.asn.au

website www.publishers.asn.au

Twitter @AusPublish

The Australian Publishers Association is the peak industry body for Australian book, journal and electronic publishers. Founded 1948.

The Australian Society of Authors

Suite C1.06, 22–36 Mountain Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia

tel +61 (0)2 9211 1004

email asa@asauthors.org

website www.asauthors.org

Aims to be the principal advocate for the professional and artistic interests of Australian authors by: protecting basic rights to freedom of expression; working to improve income and conditions; and promoting Australian writing and literary culture.

Australian Writers’ Guild (AWG)

Level 4, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

tel +61 (0)2 9319 0339

email admin@awg.com.au

website www.awg.com.au

Facebook www.facebook.com/Australian-Writers-Guild

Twitter @awg_1

Executive Director Jacqueline Elaine

The professional association for all performance writers, including writers for film, TV, radio, theatre, video and new media. The AWG is recognised throughout the industry in Australia as being the voice of performance writers. Founded 1962.

The Booksellers Association of the United Kingdom & Ireland Ltd

6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

tel 020-7421 4640

email mail@booksellers.org.uk

website www.booksellers.org.uk

Chief Executive T.E. Godfray

A membership organisation for all booksellers in the UK and Ireland, representing over 95% of bookshops. Key services include National Book Tokens and World Book Day. Founded 1895.

Canadian Authors Association

6 West Street North, Suite 203, Orillia, Ontario L3V 5B8, Canada

tel +1 705-325-3926

email admin@canadianauthors.org

website www.canadianauthors.org

National Chair Margaret A. Hume, Executive Director Anita Purcell

Provides writers with a wide variety of programmes, services and resources to help them develop their skills in both the craft and the business of writing. A membership-based organisation for writers in all areas of the profession. Branches across Canada. Founded 1921.

Canadian Publishers’ Council

250 Merton Street, Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1B1, Canada

email dswail@pubcouncil.ca

website www.pubcouncil.ca

Executive Director David Swail

Represents the interests of Canadian publishing companies that publish books and other media for schools, colleges and universities, professional and reference markets, the retail and library sectors. Founded 1910.

CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators & Performers)

720 Bathurst Street, Suite 503, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R4, Canada

tel + 1 416-515-1559

email office@canscaip.org

website www.canscaip.org

Administrative Director Helena Aalto

Membership $85 p.a.

A non-profit support network for Canadian children’s artists. Promotes children’s literature and performances throughout Canada and internationally. Founded 1977.

Cwlwm Cyhoeddwyr Cymru

Elwyn Williams, Bryntirion Villa, Ffordd Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 2EU

tel 07866 834109

email elwyn_williams@btinternet.com

website www.bedwen.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/bedwenlyfrau

Represents and promotes Welsh-language publishers and organises Bedwen Lyfrau, the only national Welsh-language book festival, held annually in April Founded 2002.

Equality in Publishing

The Publishers Association, 29b Montague Street, London WC1B 5BW

tel 020-7691 9191

website www.equalityinpublishing.org.uk

Established to promote equality across publishing, bookselling and agenting by driving forward change and increasing access to opportunities within the industry.

Federation of European Publishers

Rue Montoyer 31 Bte 8, B–1000 Brussels, Belgium

tel +32 2-7701110

email info@fep-fee.eu

website www.fep-fee.eu

President Henrique Mota, Director Anne Bergman-Tahon

Represents the interests of European publishers on EU affairs; informs members on the development of EU policies which could affect the publishing industry. Founded 1967.

Independent Publishers Guild

PO Box 12, Llain, Login SA34 0WU

tel (01437) 563335

email info@ipg.uk.com

website www.ipg.uk.com

Chief Executive Bridget Shine

Membership Open to new and established publishers and book packagers

Provides an information and contact network for independent publishers. Also voices concerns of member companies within the book trade. Founded 1962.

International Authors Forum

1st Floor, Barnard’s Inn, 86 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1EN

tel 020-7264 5707

email luke.alcott@internationalauthors.org

website www.internationalauthors.org

Executive Administrator Luke Alcott

A forum for discussion, where authors’ organisations can share information and take action on issues affecting them worldwide. Organises events, publications and discussions and collaborates with other organisations representing authors to promote the importance of creative work financially, socially and culturally. Keeps members up to date with international developments in copyright law.

International Publishers Association

23 avenue de France, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

tel +41 22-704 1820

email info@internationalpublishers.org

website www.internationalpublishers.org

President Dr Michiel Kolman, Secretary-General José Borghino

The IPA is a federation of national, regional and international publishers associations. The IPA promotes and protects publishing worldwide, with a focus on copyright and freedom to publish. Its membership comprises 70 organisations from 60 countries worldwide. Founded 1896.

Irish Writers Centre

19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 872 1302

email info@writerscentre.ie

website www.irishwriterscentre.ie

Director Valerie Bistany, Manager Bernadette Greenan

The national resource centre for Irish writers, the Irish Writers Centre supports and promotes writers at all stages of their development. It runs workshops, seminars and events related to the art of writing which are run by established writers across a range of genres. It hosts professional development seminars for writers, and provides space for writers, writing groups and other literary organisations. It also provides information to writers, readers, international visitors and the general public.

Irish Writers’ Union/Comhar na Scríbhneoirí

Irish Writers’ Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

email iwu@ireland-writers.com

website www.ireland-writers.com

Chairperson Helen Dwyer, Treasurer Roy Hunt

The Union aims to advance the cause of writing as a profession, to achieve better remuneration and more favourable conditions for writers and to provide a means for the expression of the collective opinion of writers on matters affecting their profession. Founded 1986.

New Zealand Association of Literary Agents

PO Box 6292, Dunedin North, 9059, New Zealand

email tfs@elseware.co.nz

website www.elseware.co.nz

Set up to establish standards and guidelines for literary agents operating in New Zealand. All members subscribe to a code of ethics which includes working on commission and not charging upfront fees for promotion or manuscript reading.

The Personal Managers’ Association Ltd

30 Bristol Gardens, Brighton, BN2 5JR

tel 0845 602 7191

email info@thepma.com

website www.thepma.com

Membership organisation for agents representing talent in film, television and theatre.

Professional Publishers Association

35–38 New Bridge Street, London EC4V 6BW

tel 020-7404 4166

email info1@ppa.co.uk

website www.ppa.co.uk

Chief Executive Barry McIlheney

Represents around 250 companies, ranging from consumer and online magazine publishers to business-to-business data and information providers, customer magazine publishers and smaller independent companies.

The Publishers Association

First Floor, 50 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN

tel 020-7378 0504

email mail@publishers.org.uk

website www.publishers.org.uk

Twitter @PublishersAssoc

Ceo Stephen Lotinga, President Stephen Barr, Director of Publisher Relations Emma House, Operations Director Mark Wharton

The leading representative voice for book, journal, audio and electronic publishers in the UK. The Association has over 100 members and its role is to support publishers in their political, media and industry stakeholder communications. Founded 1896.

Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ)

PO Box 33319, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand

tel +64 (0)9 280 3212

email anne@publishers.org.nz

website www.publishers.org.nz

Association Director Anne de Lautour

PANZ represents book, educational and digital publishers in New Zealand. Members include both the largest international publishers and companies in the independent publishing community.

Publishers’ Association of South Africa (PASA)

House Vincent, Wynberg Mews, 1st Floor, Unit 104, Brodie Road, Wynberg, South Africa

tel +27 (0)21 762 9083

email pasa@publishsa.co.za

website www.publishsa.co.za

PASA is the largest publishing industry body in South Africa and is committed to creativity, literacy, the free flow of ideas and encouraging a culture of reading. It aims to promote and protect the rights and responsibilities of the publishing sector in South Africa.

Publishers Licensing Society Ltd (PLS)

Barnard’s Inn, 86 Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1EN

tel 020-7079 5930

email pls@pls.org.uk

website www.pls.org.uk

Chairman Mark Bide, Chief Executive Sarah Faulder

The Publishers Licensing Society Limited (PLS) is a not-for-profit organisation providing rights management services to the publishing industry. Its primary remit is to oversee collective licensing in the UK for book, journal, magazine and website copying, and now offers other permissions management services to the industry. PLS is owned and directed by the following publishing trade associations:

• the Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP);

• the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG);

• the Professional Publishers Association (PPA); and

• the Publishers Association (PA)

PLS’s vision is to provide efficient and effective copyright and licensing solutions to support publishers in providing access to their content. It aims to achieve this through facilitating access to the widest possible titles through the most appropriate licensing channels; representing publishers’ interests in licensing the use of their works on a collective basis, both in the UK and overseas; ensuring publishers are remunerated for the use of their publications; maintaining publishers’ rights data to the highest standards; and distributing revenue generated from collective licensing regularly, diligently and accurately. Over 3,300 publishers are signed up with PLS. PLS distributed £35.2m in collective licensing revenues is 2015/6. Founded 1981.

Publishers Publicity Circle

email publisherspublicitycircle@gmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer Madeline Toy

Enables all book publicists to meet and share information regularly. Monthly meetings provide a forum for press journalists, TV and radio researchers and producers to meet publicists collectively. Awards are presented for the best PR campaigns. Monthly newsletter includes recruitment advertising. Founded 1955.

Publishing Ireland – Foilsiu Éireann

63 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6394868

email info@publishingireland.com

website www.publishingireland.com

Manager Stephanie Lawless

Publishing Ireland enables publishers to share expertise and resources in order to benefit from opportunities and solve problems that are of common concern to all. It comprises most of the major publishing houses in Ireland with a mixture of trade, general and academic publishers as members.

Publishing Scotland

Scott House, 10 South St Andrew Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AZ

tel 0131 228 6866

email enquiries@publishingscotland.org

website www.publishingscotland.org

Chief Executive Marion Sinclair

A network for trade, training and development in the Scottish publishing industry. Founded 1973.

Society of Artists Agents

website www.saahub.com

Formed to promote professionalism in the illustration industry and to forge closer links between clients and artists through an agreed set of guidelines. The Society believes in an ethical approach through proper terms and conditions, thereby protecting the interests of the artists and clients. Founded 1992.

The Society of Authors – see here

Society of Young Publishers

The Secretary, c/o The Publishers Association, First Floor, 50 Southwark Street, London SE1 1UN

email syp.chair@gmail.com

website www.thesyp.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/thesyp

Twitter @SYP_UK

Membership Open to anyone employed in publishing or hoping to be soon, catering specifically to those in the first 10 years of their career; £30 p.a. standard; £24 student/unwaged

Organises monthly events which offer the chance to network, develop skills and hear senior figures talk on topics of key importance to the publishing industry. Organises industry mentor schemes, book clubs and two annual conferences; Provides a job database advertising the latest vacancies and internships; Publishes a quarterly print magazine InPrint and a blog, PressForward. Has branches in London, Oxford, Scotland, Ireland and Manchester/Leeds.

Theatre Writers’ Union – see here

Women in Publishing (WiP)

website www.wipub.org.uk

Promotes the status of women within publishing; encourages networking and mutual support among women; provides a forum for the discussion of ideas, trends and subjects to women in the trade; offers advice on publishing careers; supports and publicises women’s achievements and successes. Each year WiP presents two awards: the Pandora Award is given in recognition of significant personal contributions by women to publishing, and the New Venture Award is presented to a recent venture which reflects the interests and concerns of women or minority groups in the 21st century. Founded 1979.

Writers Guild of America, East Inc. (WGAE)

250 Hudson Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA

tel +1 212-767-7800

website www.wgaeast.org/

Represents writers in screen, TV and new media for collective bargaining. It provides member services including pension and health, as well as educational and professional activities. Founded 1954.

Writers Guild of America, West Inc. (WGAW)

7000 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

tel +1 323-951-4000

website www.wga.org

Union representing and servicing 12,000 writers in film, broadcast, cable and multimedia industries for purposes of collective bargaining, contract administration and other services, and functions to protect and advance the economic, professional and creative interests of writers. Bi-Monthly publication, Written By, published in January, February/March, April/May, Summer, September/October, November/ December. Available by subscription. Founded 1933.

Writers Guild of Canada

366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R9, Canada

tel +1 416-979-7907; toll free +1-800-567-9974

email info@wgc.ca

website www.wgc.ca

Executive Director Maureen Parker

Represents over 2,200 professional screenwriters. Negotiates and administers collective agreements with independent producers and broadcasters. The Guild also publishes Canadian Screenwriter magazine.

WGGB - The Writers’ Union – see here

Writers Guild of Ireland

Art House, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6709970

email info@script.ie

website http://script.ie/

Chairperson Thomas McLaughlin, Ceo David Kavanagh

Represents writers’ interests in theatre, radio and screen. Founded 1969.

The Writers’ Union of Canada

600–460 Richmond Street West, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Y1

tel +1 416-703-8982

email info@writersunion.ca

website www.writersunion.ca

National arts service organisation for professionally published book authors. Founded 1973.

ARTS COUNCILS, ROYAL SOCIETIES AND FUNDING ORGANISATIONS

Arts Council England

tel 0845 300 6200

email enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk

website www.artscouncil.org.uk

The national development agency for the arts in England, distributing public money from Government and the National Lottery. Arts Council England’s main funding programme is Grants for the Arts, which is open to individuals, arts organisations, national touring companies and other people who use the arts in their work. Founded 1946.

East

Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 8BF

tel 0845 300 6200

East Midlands

Room 005-005A, Arkwright Building, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham

NG1 4BU

tel 0845 300 6200

London

21 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3HF

tel 0845 300 6200

North East

Central Square, Forth Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 3PJ

tel 0845 300 6200

North West

The Hive, 49 Lever Street, Manchester M1 1FN

tel 0845 300 6200

South East

New England House, New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GH

tel 0845 300 6200

South West

Third Floor, St Thomas Court, Thomas Lane, Bristol

BS1 6JG

tel 0845 300 6200

West Midlands

82 Granville Street, Birmingham B1 2LH

tel 0845 300 6200

Yorkshire

1st Floor South, Marshall’s Mill, Marshall Street, Leeds LS11 9YJ

tel 0845 300 6200

Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon

70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6180200

website www.artscouncil.ie

Arts Directors Liz Meaney, Stephanie O’Callaghan, Head of Literature Sarah Bannan, Head of Visual Arts Claire Doyle

The national development agency for the arts in Ireland. Founded 1951.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

1 The Sidings, Antrim Road, Lisburn BT28 3AJ

tel 028-9262 3555

email info@artscouncil-ni.org

website www.artscouncil-ni.org

Chief Executive Roisín McDonough, Head of Drama & Literature Damian Smyth, Head of Visual Arts Suzanne Lyle

Promotes and encourages the arts throughout Northern Ireland. Artists in drama, dance, music and jazz, literature, the visual arts, traditional arts and community arts can apply for support for specific schemes and projects. The value of the grant will be set according to the aims of the programme. Artists of all disciplines and in all types of working practice, who have made a contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of one year within the last five years, are eligible.

Arts Council of Wales

Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL

tel 0845 873 4900

email info@arts.wales

website www.arts.wales

National organisation with specific responsibility for the funding and development of the arts in Wales. Arts Council of Wales receives funding from the Welsh Government and also distributes National Lottery funds for the arts in Wales. From these resources, Arts Council of Wales makes grants to support arts activities and facilities. Some of the funds are allocated in the form of annual revenue grants to full-time arts organisations such as Literature Wales. It also operates schemes which provide financial and other forms of support for individual artists or projects. Arts Council of Wales undertakes this work in both the English and Welsh languages. Wales Arts International is the unique partnership between the Arts Council of Wales and British Council Wales, which works to promote knowledge about contemporary arts and culture from Wales and encourages international exchange and collaboration.

North Wales Regional Office

Princes Park II, Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay LL29 8PL

tel (01492) 533440

Mid and West Wales Regional Office

The Mount, 18 Queen Street, Carmarthen SA31 1JT

tel 0845 873 4900

Central Office

Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL

tel 0845 873 4900

Australia Council

PO Box 788, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012, Australia located at 372 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia

tel +61 (0)2 9215 9000

website www.australiacouncil.gov.au

Ceo Tony Grybowski

Provides a broad range of support for the arts in Australia, embracing music, theatre, literature, visual arts, crafts, Aboriginal arts, community and new media arts. It has an office of the Chief Executive and five divisions.

British Academy

10–11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH

tel 020-7969 5200

email enquiries@britac.ac.uk

website www.britishacademy.ac.uk

Chief Executive Alun Evans

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – the study of peoples, cultures and societies, past, present and future. The British Academy has three principal roles: as an independent fellowship of world-leading scholars and researchers; a funding body that supports new research, nationally and internationally; and a forum for debate and engagement – a voice that champions the humanities and social sciences. The British Academy produces a wide range of publications, for academic and more general readerships. Established by Royal Charter in 1902.

The British Council

10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN

tel 020-7389 3194

email general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org

website www.britishcouncil.org

Twitter @BritishCouncil

Chief Executive Ciarán Devane, Director of Arts Graham Sheffield

The British Council connects people worldwide with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK, and builds lasting relationships between the UK and other countries. It has 6,000 staff in offices, teaching centres, libraries and information and resource centres in the UK and over 100 countries and territories worldwide.

Working in close collaboration with book trade associations, British Council offices participate in major international book fairs.

The British Council is an authority on teaching English as a second or foreign language. It also gives advice and information on curriculum, methodology, materials and testing.

The British Council Literature Department works with hundreds of writers and literature partners in the UK and collaborates with offices overseas to broker relationships and create activities which link thousands of artists and cultural institutions around the world, drawing them into a closer relationship with the UK. The Department works with writers, publishers, producers, translators and other sector professionals across literature, publishing and education. With them they develop innovative, high-quality programmes and collaborations that provide opportunities for cultural exchange with the UK.

The Visual Arts Department promotes the UK’s visual arts sector internationally. It stages and supports contemporary art projects in areas of the developing world via exhibitions, training and development, professional study visits and the management of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and an expansive collection of British art.

Comhairle nan Leabhraichean/The Gaelic Books Council

32 Mansfield Street, Glasgow G11 5QP

tel 0141 337 6211

email rosemary@gaelicbooks.org

website www.gaelicbooks.org

Director Rosemary Ward

Stimulates Scottish Gaelic publishing by awarding publication grants for new books, commissions new works from established and emerging authors and provides editorial advice and guidance to Gaelic writers and publishers. Has a bookshop in Glasgow that stocks all Gaelic and Gaelic-related books in print. All stock is listed on the website. Founded 1968.

Creative Scotland

Waverley Gate, 2–4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG

tel 0330 333 2000

email enquiries@creativescotland.com

website www.creativescotland.com

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits there. Through distributing funding from the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, Creative Scotland enables people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life.

Guernsey Arts Commission

North Esplanade, St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 2LQ

tel (01481) 709747

email info@arts.gg

The Commission’s aim is to help promote, develop and support the arts in Guernsey through exhibitions, a community arts programme and public events.

Literature Wales

Glyn Jones Centre, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL

tel 029-2047 2266

email post@literaturewales.org

North West Wales Office: Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy, Cricieth, Gwynedd LL52 0LW

tel (01766) 522811

email tynewydd@literaturewales.org

www.tynewydd.wales

Facebook www.facebook.com/LlenCymruLitWales/

Twitter @LitWales

Chief Executive Lleucu Siencyn

Literature Wales (www.literaturewales.org) is the National Company for the development of literature in Wales. Literature Wales believes that Literature belongs to everybody and can be found everywhere. Working collaboratively, bilingually, and in a wide range of communities, Literature Wales ensures that literature is a voice for all.

The organisation’s many projects and activities include Wales Book of the Year, the National Poet of Wales, Bardd Plant Cymru and Young People’s Laureate Wales, Literary Tourism initiatives, Writers on Tour funding scheme, creative writing courses at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Services for Writers (including bursaries and mentoring) and Young People’s Writing Squads. Literature Wales is a registered charity (no. 1146560) and works with the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government.

Literature Works

Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University, Roland Levinsky Building, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA

tel (01752) 585073

email info@literatureworks.org.uk

website www.literatureworks.org.uk

Literature Works is the strategic literature charity for South West England and is a national portfolio organisation of Arts Council England. Its role is to fundraise for the Grassroots Literature Fund, a grant scheme providing small awards for literature activity across the region and, where possible, to secure funding for larger regional projects with delivery partners. Also provides a central resource for literature in the South West region and supports the wider literature sector through large-scale research and evaluation.

The mission of Literature Works is to support, understand and advocate for the regional literature sector in all its contexts, for everyone.

Royal Academy of Arts

Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD

tel 020-7300 8000

website www.royalacademy.org.uk

President Christopher Le Brun, Keeper Eileen Cooper

Royal Academicians are elected from the most distinguished artists in the UK. Holds major loan exhibitions throughout the year including the Annual Summer Exhibition (June–Aug). Also runs Royal Academy Schools for 60 postgraduate students in painting and sculpture.

Royal Birmingham Society of Artists

RBSA Gallery, 4 Brook Street, St Paul’s, Birmingham B3 1SA

tel 0121 236 4353

email rbsagallery@rbsa.org.uk

website www.rbsa.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Birmingham-Society-of-Artists/143050305709122

Twitter @rbsgallery

Membership Friends £34 p.a.

The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an artist-led charity, which supports artists and promotes engagement with the visual arts through a range of exhibitions, workshops and events. The Society is one of the oldest in the UK. It owns and runs its own exhibition venue, the RBSA Gallery, which is located near Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter and the city centre. The RBSA Gallery has a changing programme of exhibitions across its two upper floors, ground floor solo show spaces, and ground floor Craft Gallery. The programme includes various yearly, two-yearly and three-yearly open exhibitions, providing opportunities for all artists working in all media. The Gallery is open seven days a week and admission is free. See website for opening times.

Royal Institute of Oil Painters

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email enquiries@theroi.org.uk

website www.theroi.org.uk

President Ian Cryer

Promotes and encourages the art of painting in oils. Open Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1.

Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email info@mallgalleries.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/RIwatercolours

Twitter @RIwatercolours

President Rosa Sepple

Membership Elected from approved candidates’ list

Promotes the appreciation of watercolour painting in its traditional and contemporary forms, primarily by means of an annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1 of members’ and non-members’ work and also by members’ exhibitions at selected venues in Britain and abroad. The Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours is one of the oldest watercolour societies in the world. In 1807 the New Society of Painters in Water Colours was created as an alternative to an existing society which had been founded in 1804. Visit the website at www.royalinstituteofpaintersinwatercolours.org. In 1883 Queen Victoria gave the Society the Royal Warrant. Today Her Majesty the Queen is Patron and HRH Prince of Wales is an Honorary Member. Founded 1831.

The Royal Musical Association

Executive Officer Dr Jeffrey Dean, 4 Chandos Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 0ST

tel 0161 861 7542

email exec@rma.ac.uk

website www.rma.ac.uk

Twitter @RoyalMusical

President Prof. Mark Everist, Treasurer Valerie James

Membership See website for details

Promotes the investigation and discussion of subjects connected with the art and science of music. Founded 1874.

The Royal Photographic Society

Fenton House, 122 Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AH

tel (01225) 325733

email reception@rps.org

website www.rps.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/royalphotographicsociety

Twitter @The_RPS

Membership UK £120; overseas £106; discounts for over 65s, under 25s, students, the disabled

The Society aims to promote photography in all its forms and to support and encourage individuals to develop their skills, which it does through exhibitions, workshops and a distinctions and qualifications programme. It also acts as an advocate for photography and photographers and speaks to the media on relevant matters. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in photography. Founded 1853.

The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture

The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL

tel 0131 225 6671

email info@royalscottishacademy.org

website www.royalscottishacademy.org

Director Colin R. Greenslade

Led by eminent artists and architects, the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) is an independent voice for cultural advocacy and one of the largest supporters of artists in Scotland. The Academy administers a number of scholarships, awards and residencies and has an historic collection of Scottish artworks and an archive, recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national significance. The Academy cherishes its independence from local or national government funding, relying instead on bequests, legacies, sponsorship and earned income. This allows the RSA the autonomy to develop and present a wide range of initiatives without restriction. For information on open submission exhibitions, artist scholarships and residencies, or to discuss making a bequest to the Academy, contact the RSA office or visit the website. Founded 1826.

The Royal Society

6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

tel 020-7451 2500

email library@royalsociety.org

website royalsociety.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/theroyalsociety

Twitter @royalsociety

President Sir Venki Ramakrishnan PRS,Treasurer Prof. Anthony Cheetham FRS,Biological Secretary Sir John Skehel FRS,Physical Secretary Prof. Alex Halliday FRS, Foreign Secretary Prof. Richard Catlow FRS, Executive Director Dr Julie Maxton

The independent scientific academy of the UK and the Commonwealth, dedicated to promoting excellence in science.

Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ

tel 020-7930 5115

email general@rsa.org.uk

website www.thersa.org

Works to remove the barriers to social progress, driving ideas, innovation and social change through an ambitious programme of projects, events and lectures. Supported by over 27,000 Fellows, an international network of influencers and innovators from every field and background across the UK and overseas. Welcomes women and men of any nationality and background who will support the organisation’s aims. Its activities are detailed in the RSA Journal. Founded 1754.

Royal Society of British Artists

email info@royalsocietyofbritishartists.org.uk

website www.royalsocietyofbritishartists.org.uk

Hon. Secretary Judith Gardner

Incorporated by Royal Charter for the purpose of encouraging the study and practice of the arts of painting, sculpture and architectural design. Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, open to artists working in any two- or three-dimensional medium.

Royal Society of Literature

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7845 4679

email info@rsliterature.org

website www.rsliterature.org

Membership £50 p.a.; £30 for those aged 18–30

Britain’s national charity for the advancement of literature by way of lectures, discussions, readings, and by publications. Administers the V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize, the RSL Ondaatje Prize and the RSL Encore Awards. Founded 1820.

Royal Society of Marine Artists

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email rmsa.contact@gmail.com

website www.rsma-web.co.uk

The aim of the society is to promote and encourage the highest standards of marine art and welcomes submissions for their Annual Open Exhibition at The Mall Galleries in London, which is usually held in October (more information at www.mallgalleries.org.uk). Membership is achieved by a consistent record of success in having work selected and hung at this event and ultimately by election by the membership.

The Royal Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers

email info@royal-miniature-society.org.uk

website www.royal-miniature-society.org.uk

Twitter @royalminiature

President Rosalind Peirson PRMS, CFA (OXON), PPHS, MAA, MSAF, Executive Secretary Claire Hucker Membership By selection and standard of work over a period of years (ARMS associate, RMS full member)

Annual Open Exhibition in Septemper at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1. Hand in 9 Septemper; schedules available from the website. Applications and enquiries to the Executive Secretary. Patron: His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Founded 1895.

Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers

Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

tel 020-7928 7521

email info@banksidegallery.com

website www.banksidegallery.com

website www.re-printmakers.com

President Mychael Barratt PRE HON RWS

Membership Open to British and overseas artists. An election of Associates is held annually; for details check the website. New members are elected by the Council of the Society based on the quality of their work alone, in a tradition reaching back over one hundred years. Friends membership is open to all those interested in artists’ original printmaking. Holds three members’ exhibitions per year. Founded 1880.

Royal Society of Portrait Painters

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email enquiries@therp.co.uk

website www.therp.co.uk

website www.mallgalleries.org.uk

President Robin Lee Hall

Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, of members’ work and work drawn from an open section. Six artists’ awards are made: the Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture (£10,000), the De Laszlo Prize (£3,000), the Prince of Wales’s Award for Portrait Drawing (£2,000), the Changing Faces Prize (£2,000), the Burke’s Peerage Foundation Award (£2,000), Smallwood Architects’ Contextual Portraiture Prize (£1,000). A commissions consultancy service to help those wishing to commission portraits runs throughout the year. Founded 1891.

Royal Watercolour Society

Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

tel 020-7928 7521

email info@banksidegallery.com

website www.royalwatercoloursociety.co.uk

Membership Open to British and overseas artists; election of Associates held annually. Friends membership is open to all those interested in watercolour painting.

Arranges lectures and courses on watercolour paintings; holds an annual open exhibition in February. Exhibitions in the spring and autumn. Founded 1804.

Royal West of England Academy

Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PX

tel 0117 973 5129

email info@rwa.org.uk

website www.rwa.org.uk

Director Alison Bevan

An art academy/gallery/museum and drawing school whose objectives are to advance the education of the public in the fine arts and in particular to promote the appreciation and practice of the fine arts and to encourage and develop talent in the fine arts. Founded 1844.

Welsh Books Council/Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

Castell Brychan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2JB

tel (01970) 624151

email castellbrychan@books.wales

website www.books.wales

website www.gwales.com

Ceo Helgard Krause

A national body funded directly by the Welsh Government which provides a focus for the publishing industry in Wales. Awards grants for publishing in Welsh and English. Provides services to the trade in the fields of editing, design, marketing and distribution. The Council is a key enabling institution in the world of books and provides services and information in this field to all who are associated with it. Founded 1961.

COPYRIGHT AND LICENSING

Australian Copyright Council

PO Box 1986, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012, Australia

tel +61 (0)2 8815 9777

email info@copyright.org.au

website www.copyright.org.au

Facebook www.facebook.com/AustralianCopyrightCouncil

Twitter @AusCopyright

Executive Director Fiona Phillips

The Australian Copyright Council provides easily accessible and affordable practical information, legal advice, education and forums on Australian copyright law for content creators and consumers. The Australian Copyright Council is an independent, non-profit organisation. It representsthe the peak bodies for professional artists and content creators working in Australia’s creative industries and Australia’s major copyright collecting societies, including the Australian Society of Authors, the Australian Writers’ Guild and the Australian Publishers Association.

The Council advocates for the contribution of creators to Australia’s culture and economy; the importance of copyright for the common good. It works to promote understanding of copyright law and its application, lobby for appropriate law reform and foster collaboration between content creators and consumers. Founded 1968.

Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society Ltd – see here

British Copyright Council

2 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG

tel 020-7582 4833

email info@britishcopyright.org

website www.britishcopyright.org

Vice-President Geoffrey Adams, President of Honour Maureen Duffy, Chairman Trevor Cook, Directors Andrew Yeates, Peter Leatham, Richard Combes, Nicola Solomon, Isabelle Doran, Ceo and Company Secretary Janet Ibbotson, Treasurer Sarah Faulder

Aims to defend and foster the true principles of copyright and its acceptance throughout the world, to bring together bodies representing all who are interested in the protection of such copyright, and to keep watch on any legal or other changes which may require an amendment of the law.

Copyright Clearance Center Inc.

222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA

tel +1 978-646-2600

email info@copyright.com

website www.copyright.com

Aims to remove the complexity from copyright issues and make it easy for businesses and academic institutions to use copyright-protected materials while compensating publishers and content creators for their work.

Copyright Council of New Zealand Inc.

PO Box 331488, Takapuna 0740, North Shore City, New Zealand

tel +64 (0)9 486 6250

email info@copyright.org.nz

website www.copyright.org.nz

The aim of the Copyright Council is to protect, preserve, develop and promote the rights of copyright creators and owners to New Zealand’s best, long-term advantage. It currently has 22 members representing a wide spectrum of organisations.

The Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd – see here

DACS (Design and Artists Copyright Society) – see here

Federation Against Copyright Theft Ltd (FACT)

Regal House, 70 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW1 3QS

tel 020-8891 1217

email contact@fact-uk.org.uk

website www.fact-uk.org.uk

Twitter @factuk

Aims to protect the interests of its members and others against infringement in the UK of copyright in cinematograph films, TV programmes and all forms of audiovisual recording. Founded 1982.

The Irish Copyright Licensing Agency

63 Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6624211

email info@icla.ie

website www.icla.ie

Executive Director Samantha Holman

Licences schools and other users of copyright material to photocopy or scan extracts of such material, and distributes the monies collected to the authors and publishers whose works have been copied. Founded 1992.

EDITORIAL, JOURNALISM AND BROADCASTING

American Society for Indexing (ASI)

1628 E. Southern Ave. 9-223, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

tel +1 480-245-6750

email info@asindexing.org

website www.asindexing.org

Executive Director Gwen Henson

Increases awareness of the value of high-quality indexes and indexing; offers members access to educational resources that enable them to strengthen their indexing performance; keeps members up to date on indexing technology; advocates for the professional interests of indexers.

Association of American Correspondents in London (AACL)

AACL, PO Box 645, Pinner HA5 9JJ

email secretary@theaacl.co.uk

website www.theaacl.co.uk

Contact Monique Jessen

An independent, not-for-profit organisation whose members represent North American media organisations with staff based in London.

Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers

Contact 1 Averill Buchanan (Chair)

tel 07875 857278

email averill@averillbuchanan.com

Contact 2 Kate Murphy (Treasurer/Secretary)

tel +353 (0)1 8135898

email kate@katemurphy-indexing.ie

website www.afepi.ie

Twitter @AFEPI_Ireland

Based in Dublin. Protects the interests of members and serves as a point of contact between publishers and members. Membership is available to experienced professional editors, proofreaders and indexers.

British Association of Journalists

website www.bajunion.org.uk

Non-political trade union for professional journalists. Aims to protect and promote the industrial and professional interests of journalists. Founded 1992.

British Guild of Agricultural Journalists

General Secretary, 444 Westwood Heath Road, Coventry CV4 8AA

tel 07584 022909

email gajsec@gmail.com

website www.gaj.org.uk

Twitter @gajinfo

President Lord Curry of Kirkharle, Chairman Ben Briggs, General Secretary Nikki Robertson Membership £68 p.a.

Membership £68 p.a.

Established in 1944, the Guild promotes high standards among journalists, photographers and communicators who specialise in agriculture, horticulture, food production and other rural affairs, and contributes towards a better understanding of agriculture.

British Society of Magazine Editors

137 Hale Lane, Edgware, Middlesex HA8 9QP

tel 020-8906 4664

email admin@bsme.com

website www.bsme.com

Twitter @bsmeinfo

The only society in the UK exclusively for magazine and digital editors. Represents the needs and views of editors and acts as a voice for the industry.

Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom

2nd Floor, Vi & Garner Smith House, 23 Orford Road, London E17 9NL

tel 07729 846146

email freepress@cpbf.org.uk

website www.cpbf.org.uk

Organisation dedicated to the promotion of diverse, democratic and accountable media. Founded 1979.

The Chartered Institute of Journalists

2 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU

tel 020-7252 1187

email memberservices@cioj.co.uk

website www.cioj.co.uk

The senior organisation of the profession, the Chartered Institute has accumulated funds for the assistance of members. A Freelance Division links editors and publishers with freelancers and a Directory is published of freelance writers, with their specialisations. There are special sections for broadcasters, motoring correspondents, public relations practitioners and overseas members. Occasional contributors to the media may qualify for election as Affiliates. Founded in 1884; incorporated by Royal Charter in 1890.

Editors’ and Proofreaders’ Alliance of Northern Ireland (EPANI)

tel 07875 857278

email info@epani.org.uk

website www.epani.org.uk

Twitter @epa_ni

Manager Averill Buchanan

Aims to establish and maintain high professional standards in editorial skills in Northern Ireland. Membership is free, but a small fee is charged for inclusion in EPANI’s online directory. Full details can be found on the website. Founded 2011.

European Broadcasting Union

Geneva Headquarters, L’Ancienne Route 17A, CH–1218 Grand-Saconnex (Geneva), Switzerland

tel +41 (0)22-717 2111

email ebu@ebu.ch

website www.ebu.ch

Twitter @EBU_HQ

Director General Ingrid Deltenre

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s foremost alliance of public service media (PSM). Its mission is to make PSM indispensable. It has 73 members in 56 countries in Europe, and an additional 34 Associates in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Members operate over 2,000 television and radio channels, broadcasting in more than 120 different languages. They reach audiences of more than one billion people around the world. EBU’s television and radio services operate under the trademarks of Eurovision and Euroradio. Eurovision is the media industry’s premier distributor and producer of top-quality live news, sport, entertainment, culture and music content. Euroradio enhances public service radio with music and news exchanges, professional networking, and by promoting digital and hybrid radio.

Foreign Press Association in London

Commonwealth House, 55–58 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JH

tel 020-3727 4319

email christopherwyld@fpalondon.org

email terrypage@fpalondon.org

website www.fpalondon.org

Director Christopher Wyld

Membership Full membership open to those working for news media organisations with headquarters overseas. Associate membership also available.

Aims to promote access for journalists from overseas. Organises the annual FPA Media Awards. Founded 1888.

Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)

Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG

email inquiries@ipso.co.uk

website www.ipso.co.uk

IPSO is the independent regulator of the newspaper and magazine industry. It exists to promote and uphold the highest professional standards of journalism in the UK and to support members of the public in seeking redress where they believe that the Editors’ Code of Practice has been breached.

Journalists’ Charity

Dickens House, 35 Wathen Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1JY

tel (01306) 887511

email enquiries@journalistscharity.org.uk

website www.journalistscharity.org.uk

Director David Ilott

For the relief of hardship amongst journalists, their widows and dependants. Financial assistance and retirement housing are provided.

Magazines Canada (Canadian Magazine Publishers Association)

425 Adelaide Street West, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C1, Canada

tel +1 416-504-0274

email info@magazinescanada.ca

website www.magazinescanada.ca

Chief Executive Officer Matthew Holmes

The national trade association representing Canadian-owned, Canadian-content consumer, cultural, speciality, professional and business media magazines.

The Media Society

Broadgate Tower, 3rd Floor, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2RS

website www.themediasociety.com

President Richard Peel Membership £60 p.a., retired members £45 p.a., students £5 p.a.

Exists to promote and encourage collective and independent research into the standards, performance, organisation and economics of the media and hold regular discussions, debates, etc on subjects of topical or special interest and concern to print and broadcast journalists and others working in or with the media.Up to 15 evening debates and events organised throughout the year. Founded 1973.

Mediawatch-UK

(formerly National Viewers’ and Listeners’ Association)

3 Willow House, Kennington Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0NR

tel (01233) 633936

email info@mediawatchuk.org

website www.mediawatchuk.org

website mediawatch-UK.blogspot.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/MediawatchUK

Twitter @mediawatch_uk

Director Helen Lewington

Membership £15 p.a.

Aims to encourage viewers and listeners to react effectively to broadcast content; to initiate and stimulate public discussion and parliamentary debate concerning the effects of broadcasting, and other mass media, on the individual, family and society; to work for effective legislation to control obscenity and pornography in the media. Founded 1965.

National Association of Press Agencies (NAPA)

c/o Cavendish Press (Manchester) Ltd, 5th Floor, The Landing, BLUE, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, Manchester M50 2ST

email enquiries@napa.org.uk

website www.napa.org.uk

Membership £250 p.a.

A network of independent, established and experienced press agencies serving newspapers, magazines, TV and radio networks. Founded 1983.

National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)

The New Granary, Station Road, Newport, Essex CB11 3PL

tel (01799) 544014

email info@nctj.com

website www.nctj.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/nctjpage

Twitter @NCTJ_news

A registered charity and awarding body which provides multimedia journalism training. Full-time accredited courses run at 40 colleges/independent providers/universities in the UK. Distance learning programmes and short courses are also available.

National Union of Journalists

Headland House, 72 Acton Street, London WC1X 9NB

tel 020-7843 3700

email info@nuj.org.uk

website www.nuj.org.uk

Trade union for journalists and photographers, including freelancers, with over 30,000 members and branches in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Paris, Brussels and the Netherlands. It covers the newspaper press, news agencies, magazines, broadcasting, periodical and book publishing, public relations departments and consultancies, information services and new media. The NUJ mediates disputes, provides training and general and legal advice. Official publications: The Journalist (bi-monthly), the online Freelance Directory and Freelance Fees Guide, The NUJ Code of Conduct and policy pamphlets.

News Media Association

292 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1AE

tel 020-7963 7480

email nma@newsmediauk.org

website www.newsmediauk.org

Serves and promotes the shared interests of national, regional and local news media publishers in the UK by working across a broad range of issues which affect the industry.

Scottish Newspaper Society

17 Polwarth Grove, Edinburgh EH11 1LY

email info@scotns.org.uk

website www.scotns.org.uk

Represents the interests of the Scottish newspaper industry.

Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP)

Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 2SH

tel 020-8785 6155

email administrator@sfep.org.uk

website www.sfep.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/EditProof

Twitter @TheSfEP

Works to promote high editorial standards and achieve recognition of its members’ professional status, through local and national meetings, an annual conference, discussion forums and a regular e-magazine. The Society publishes an online directory of ordinary and advanced members. It also runs a programme of reasonably priced open and in-house workshops/training days, which help newcomers to acquire basic editorial skills, and enable experienced editors and proofreaders to update their skills or broaden their competence. Training also covers aspects of professional practice or business for the self-employed. The Society supports moves towards recognised standards of training and accreditation for editors and proofreaders and has developed its own Accreditation in Proofreading qualification. It has close links with the Publishing Training Centre and the Society of Indexers, is represented on the BSI Technical Committee dealing with copy preparation and proof correction (BS 5261), and works to foster good relations with all relevant bodies and organisations in the UK and worldwide. Founded 1988.

Society of Editors

University Centre, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RU

tel (01223) 304080

email office@societyofeditors.org

website www.societyofeditors.org

Director Bob Satchwell

Membership up to £230 p.a. depending on category

Formed from the merger of the Guild of Editors and the Association of British Editors, the Society of Editors has members in national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, broadcasting and digital media, journalism education and media law. It campaigns for media freedom, self regulation, the public’s right to know and the maintenance of standards in journalism.

Society of Indexers – see here

Society of Women Writers & Journalists (SWWJ)

email enquiries@swwj.co.uk

website www.swwj.co.uk

Contact Barbara Field-Holmes

The Society of Women Writers & Journalists was formed to support professional women writers 123 years ago and that support is still as strong as ever.

This forward-looking Society offers a number of benefits to fully paid up members who write in many differing genres. Founded 1894.

Sports Journalists’ Association (SJA)

c/o Start2Finish Event Management, Unit 92, Capital Business Centre, 22 Carlton Road, Surrey CR2 0BS

tel 020-8916 2234

website www.sportsjournalists.co.uk

President Patrick Collins

Represents sports journalists across the country and is Britain’s voice in international sporting affairs. Offers advice to members covering major events, acts as a consultant to organisers of major sporting events on media requirements. Member of the BOA Press Advisory Committee. Founded 1948.

Voice of the Listener & Viewer Ltd (VLV)

The Old Rectory Business Centre, Springhead Road, Northfleet DA11 8HN

tel (01474) 338716

email info@vlv.org.uk

website www.vlv.org.uk

Twitter @vlvuk

Administrator Sue Washbrook

VLV’s mission is to campaign for accountability, diversity and excellence in UK broadcasting, seeking to sustain and strengthen public service broadcasting to the benefit of civil society and democracy in the UK. It holds regular conferences and seminars and publishes a Bulletin and an e-newsletter. VLV is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Founded 1983.

Yachting Journalists’ Association

email secretary@yja.co.uk

website www.yja.co.uk

President Lord Ambrose Greenway, Honorary Secretary Michael Ford

Membership £40 p.a.

Aims to further the interests of yachting, sail and power, and yachting journalism. Members vote annually for the Yachtsman of the Year and the Young Sailor of the Year Award and host several important functions annually on both the British and international maritime calendar. Founded 1969.

LITERACY

BookTrust

(formerly the National Book League, founded 1925) G8 Battersea Studios, 80 Silverthorne Road, London

SW8 3HE

tel 020-7801 8800

email query@booktrust.org.uk

website www.booktrust.org.uk

Director Diana Gerald, Chair of Board Karen Brown

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity that works to transform lives through inspiring a love of reading. Reading for pleasure has a dramatic impact on educational outcomes, well-being and social mobility, and BookTrust works to ensure that all children and families in the UK have access to books and are supported in developing a love of reading.

BookTrust is responsible for several successful national reading promotions, sponsored book prizes and creative reading projects aimed at encouraging readers to discover and enjoy books.

The Children’s Book Circle

website www.childrensbookcircle.org.uk

Membership £25 p.a.

Provides a discussion forum for anybody involved with children’s books. Monthly meetings are addressed by a panel of invited speakers and topics focus on current and controversial issues. Holds the annual Patrick Hardy lecture and administers the Eleanor Farjeon Award. Founded 1962.

Children’s Books Ireland

17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 8727475

email info@childrensbooksireland.com

website www.childrensbooksireland.ie

Director Elaina Ryan, Publications & Communications Manager Jenny Murray, Programme & Events Manager Aoife Murray, Administrator Ciara Houlihan

Children’s Books Ireland (CBI) is the national children’s books resource organisation of Ireland. Its mission is to make books part of every child’s life.

CBI champions and celebrates the importance of authors and illustrators and works in partnership with the people and organisations who enhance children’s lives through books. Core projects include: the CBI Annual Conference; the CBI Book of the Year Awards and its shadowing scheme for school groups and book clubs; the annual nationwide reading campaign which promotes books and reading and which coincides with the publication of the Inis Reading Guide, a guide to the best books of the year; nationwide Book Clinics and Inis magazine in print and online, a forum for discussion, debate and critique of Irish and international books. CBI administers the Laureate na nÓg project on behalf of the Arts Council and runs live literature events throughout the year. Founded 1996.

Free Word

Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

tel 020-7324 2570

email info@freewordcentre.com

website www.freewordcentre.com

literature and free expression. Provides a home for organisations working across literature, literacy and free expression. Current residents are: Apples & Snakes, ARTICLE 19, Arvon, English PEN, The Literary Consultancy and The Reading Agency. Free Word promotes, protects and democratises the power of words. With residents, associates and other partners, Free Word develops a year-round programme of cultural projects and events to explore important contemporary issues. Works worldwide with writers and thinkers.

Free Word Centre is a hub for work, study and discussion. The centre provides flexible meeting rooms, exhibition/event spaces, a lecture theatre, and a lively public cafe and bar.

National Literacy Trust

68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL

tel 020-7587 1842

email contact@literacytrust.org.uk

website www.literacytrust.org.uk

An independent charity that aims to help change lives through literacy. It campaigns to improve public understanding of the importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.

The Reading Agency

Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

email info@readingagency.org.uk

website www.readingagency.org.uk

Twitter @readingagency

A charity whose mission is to inspire more people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to everyone’s lives. The Reading Agency has a uniquely close partnership with public libraries because of their vital role in creating equal access to reading, and works closely with publishers to bring author events and reading promotions to every kind of community. Funded by the Arts Council.

The Reading Agency supports a wide range reading initiatives for children, young people and adults including: Quick Reads, which aims to help adults who are less confident in their reading skills; Chatterbooks, aimed at helping children develop a lifelong reading habit; and Reading Hack, which offers a unique opportunity for young people to volunteer, learn new skills and engage with libraries and reading.

Scottish Book Trust (SBT)

Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

tel 0131 524 0160

email info@scottishbooktrust.com

website www.scottishbooktrust.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/scottishbktrust

Twitter @ScottishBkTrust

Scottish Book Trust (SBT) is Scotland’s national agency for the promotion of reading, writing and literature. Programmes include: Bookbug, a free universal book-gifting programme which encourages families to read with their children from birth; an ambitious school’s programme including national tours, the virtual events programme Authors Live and the Scottish the children’s Book Awards; the Live Literature funding programme, a national initiative enabling Scottish citizens to engage with authors, playwrights, poets, storytellers and illustrators; a writer development programme, offering mentoring and professional development for emerging and established writers; and a readership development programme featuring a national writing campaign as well as Book Week Scotland during last week in November. SBT also has a website full of information for readers and writers, including writing tips, booklists, podcasts, competitions and blogs for all ages.

Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books

30 Lime Street, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon

Tyne NE1 2PQ

tel 0300 330 1095

email info@sevenstories.org.uk

website www.sevenstories.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/7stories

Twitter @7stories

Seven Stories champions the art of children’s books to ensure its place as an integral part of childhood and national cultural life. The world of children’s books is celebrated through unique exhibitions, events for all ages and a national archive. The work of over 200 British authors and illustrators, including Judith Kerr, Enid Blyton, Michael Morpurgo and David Almond is cared for in the archive collection – and it is still growing. Seven Stories is a charity – all the money earned and raised is used to save, celebrate and share children’s books so that future generations can enjoy Britain’s rich literary heritage. Seven Stories celebrates books, where books are made, the creative process and how they can be enjoyed and shared through exhibitions and innovative programming. It is housed in a specially converted Victorian warehouse. Arts Council England and Newcastle Culture Fund regularly fund Seven Stories’ work, giving children’s literature status and establishing new ways of engaging young audiences.

COMMUNICATION, LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION

Campaign for Freedom of Information

Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

tel 020-7324 2519

email admin@cfoi.demon.co.uk

website www.cfoi.org.uk

Twitter @CampaignFOI

A non-profit organisation working to improve public access to official information and to ensure that the Freedom of Information Act is implemented effectively. The Campaign is a non-profit organisation which seeks to improve and defend the Freedom of Information. Advises members of the public about their rights to information under FOI and related laws, helps people challenge unreasonable refusals to disclose information, encourages good practice by public authorities and provides FOI training.

CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals)

7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE

tel 020-7255 0500

email info@cilip.org.uk

website www.cilip.org.uk

Twitter @CILIPinfo

Membership Varies according to income

The leading professional body for librarians, information specialists and knowledge managers, with members in the UK and internationally. CILIP’s objective is to put library and information skills at the heart of a democratic, equal and prosperous information society. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014. Offices in London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

English Association

University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH

tel 0116 229 7622

email engassoc@leicester.ac.uk

website www.le.ac.uk/engassoc

Chair Martin Halliwell, Chief Executive Helen Lucas

Aims to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of English literature and the English language, by working towards a fuller recognition of English as an essential element in education and in the community at large; by encouraging the study of English literature and language by means of conferences, lectures and publications; and by fostering the discussion of methods of teaching English of all kinds.

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd

9 Hattersley Court, Burscough Road, Ormskirk L39 2AY

tel (01695) 573439

email admin@esbuk.org

website www.esbuk.org

Ceo Tim Renshaw

English Speaking Board (International) Ltd is a national awarding body and charity, with a mission to promote clear, effective communication at all levels by providing high quality educational products and training services, domestically and internationally.

ESB products are suitable for all school levels and vocational and business contexts, emphasising the value of every individual while inspiring confidence and self-esteem through acquisition of interactive speaking and listening skills. Qualifications include Graded Examinations in speech and drama, presentation skills, debating qualifications, interview and employability skills, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

ESB assessments are designed for enterprises who teach English as a second language, who want to use spoken language to raise pupil achievement or those who wish to develop their enrichment programmes to include spoken language skills.

The English-Speaking Union

Dartmouth House, 37 Charles Street, London W1J 5ED

tel 020-7529 1550

website www.esu.org

Membership Various categories

Aims to promote international understanding and human achievement through the widening use of the English language throughout the world. The ESU is an educational charity which sponsors scholarships and exchanges, educational programmes promoting the effective use of English, and a wide range of international and cultural events. Members contribute to its work across the world. Founded 1918.

Institute of Internal Communication

Suite G10, Gemini House, Sunrise Parkway, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6PW

tel (01908) 232168

email enquiries@ioic.org.uk

website www.ioic.org.uk

The UK’s leading professional membership body solely focused on internal communication, providing qualifications, training, insight and knowledge, awards, events and a powerful peer community of practice. Founded 1949.

Private Libraries Association

Hon. Secretary Jim Maslen, 29 Eden Drive,

Hull HU8 8JQ

email maslen@maslen.karoo.co.uk

website www.plabooks.org

President Giles Mandelbrote, Hon. Journal Editors David Chambers, David Butcher, James Freemantle

Membership £30 p.a.

International society of book collectors and lovers of books. Publications include The Private Library (quarterly), annual Private Press Books, and other books on book collecting. Founded 1956.

LITERARY

Alliance of Literary Societies

email ljc1049@gmail.com

website www.allianceofliterarysocieties.org.uk

President Claire Harman,Chair Linda J. Curry, Hon.

Treasurer and Membership Secretary Julie Shorland Membership Charge depends on size of society

Membership comprises around 125 affiliated literary societies. Aims to act as a valuable liaison body between member societies as a means of sharing knowledge, skills and expertise, and may also act as a pressure group when necessary. The Alliance can assist in the preservation of buildings, places and objects which have literary associations. Its publications include ALSO..., a literary magazine. Holds an annual literary weekend, hosted by a different member society each year.

Association for Scottish Literary Studies (ASLS)

c/o Dept of Scottish Literature, 7 University Gardens, University of Glasgow G12 8QH

tel 0141 330 5309

email office@asls.org.uk

website www.asls.org.uk

President Alison Lumsden, Secretary Ronnie Young, Director Duncan Jones

Membership £50 p.a. individuals; £12 UK students; £75 corporate

Promotes the study, teaching and writing of Scottish literature and furthers the study of the languages of Scotland. Publishes annually New Writing Scotland, an anthology of new Scottish writing; an edited text of Scottish literature; a series of academic journals; and a newsletter (two p.a.) Also publishes Scotnotes (comprehensive study guides to major Scottish writers), literary texts and commentary CDs designed to assist the classroom teacher, and a series of occasional papers. Organises three conferences a year. Founded 1970.

The Jane Austen Society

Membership Secretary Sharron Bassett, Sospiri, 9 George Street, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 4TQ

(01383) 727491

email memsec@jasoc.org.uk

website www.janeaustensociety.org.uk

Membership £28 from 1 January to 31 December each year; £33 joint membership for 2 people living at the same address; £12 student membership (UK), on production of tutor reference or ID; £38 overseas.

Aims to promote interest in, and enjoyment of, the life and works of Jane Austen (1775–1817). Regular publications, meetings and conferences. Eleven branchesand groups in UK. Founded 1940.

The Beckford Society

The Timber Cottage, Crockerton, Warminster BA12 8AX

tel (01985) 213195

email sidney.blackmore@btinternet.com

website www.beckfordsociety.org

Membership £20 p.a. minimum

Aims to promote an interest in the life and works of William Beckford of Fonthill (1760–1844) and his circle. Encourages Beckford studies and scholarship through exhibitions, lectures and publications, including The Beckford Journal (annual) and occasional newsletters. Founded 1995.

Arnold Bennett Society

Secretary Carol Gorton, 4 Field End Close, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8DA

email arnoldbennettscty@btinternet.com

website www.arnoldbennettsociety.org.uk

Facebook Arnold Bennett Society

Twitter @BennettSoc

Membership £15 p.a. individuals; £17.50 p.a. family. Add £2 if living outside Europe

Aims to promote the study and appreciation of the life, works and times not only of Arnold Bennett (1867–1931), but also of other provincial writers with particular relationship to north Staffordshire. Registered charity number 1140053.

The E.F. Benson Society

The Old Coach House, High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JF

tel (01797) 223114

email info@efbensonsociety.org

website www.efbensonsociety.org

Secretary Allan Downend

Membership £12 p.a. single; £15 p.a. for two people at same address; £20 overseas

Aims to promote interest in the author E.F. Benson (1867–1940) and the Benson family. Arranges annual literary evening, annual outing to Rye (July) and other places of Benson interest, talks on the Bensons and exhibitions. Archive includes the Austin Seckersen Collection, transcriptions of the Benson diaries and letters. Publishes postcards, anthologies of Benson’s works, a Mary Benson biography, books on Benson and an annual journal, The Dodo. Also sells out-of-print Bensons to members. Founded 1984.

The George Borrow Society

Membership Secretary Michael Skillman, 60 Upper Marsh Road, Warminster, Wilts. BA12 9PN

email mkskillman@blueyonder.co.uk

website http://georgeborrow.org/home.html

Membership £25 p.a.; £37.50 joint members at same address; £10 students

Promotes knowledge of the life and works of George Borrow (1803–81), traveller and author. Publishes Bulletin (bi-annual). Founded 1991.

The Brontë Society

Brontë Parsonage Museum, Haworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 8DR

tel (01535) 642323

email bronte@bronte.org.uk

website www.bronte.org.uk

Caring for and promoting the collections and literary legacy of the Brontë family; exhibitions and events; contemporary art projects; learning and engagement programmes. Publishes Brontë Studies and the Brontë Gazette three times a year. The museum is open all year round, except in January.

The Browning Society

64 Blyth Vale, London SE6 4NW

email browningsociety@hotmail.co.uk

website www.browningsociety.org

Contact Jim Smith, Hon. Secretary Membership £15 p.a.

Aims to widen the appreciation and understanding of the lives and poetry of Robert Browning (1812–89) and Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–61), as well as other Victorian writers and poets. Founded 1881; refounded 1969.

The John Buchan Society

Membership Secretary Dr Dee Dunne-Thomas, Avenbury View, Frog Lane, Bromyard, Herefordshire. HR7 4BU

tel (01885) 483908

email thomasmdrb@btinternet.com

website www.johnbuchansociety.co.uk

Membership £20 p.a. – full; overseas and other rates on application

Promotes a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875–1940). Encourages publication of Buchan’s works. Supports the John Buchan Story Museum in Peebles, EH45 8AG

(www.johnbuchanstory.co.uk). Holds regular meetings and social gatherings; produces a newsletter and a journal. Founded 1979.

Byron Society (Newstead Abbey)

Acushla, Halam Road, Southwell, Notts. NG25 0AD

website www.newsteadabbeybyronsociety.org

Chairman P.K. Purslow

Membership £25 p.a.

Aims to promote research into the life and works of Lord Byron (1788–1824) through seminars, discussions, lectures and readings. Publishes The Newstead Review (annual, £12.50 plus postage). Founded 1988.

Randolph Caldecott Society

Secretary Kenn Oultram, Blue Grass Cottage, Clatterwick Lane, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4RJ

tel (01606) 891303 (office), (01606) 781731 (evening)

website www.randolphcaldecott.org.uk

Membership £12.50 p.a. individual; £17.50 p.a. families/corporate

Aims to encourage an interest in the life and works of Randolph Caldecott (1846–86), the Victorian artist, illustrator and sculptor. Meetings held in Chester. Liaises with the American Caldecott Society. Founded 1983.

The Lewis Carroll Society

6 Chilton Street, London E2 6DZ

email membership@lewiscarrollsociety.org.uk

website www.lewiscarrollsociety.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/68678994062/

Twitter @LewisCarrollSoc

Membership £20 p.a. UK; £23 Europe; £26 elsewhere. Special rates for institutions

Aims to promote interest in the life and works of Lewis Carroll (Revd Charles Lutwidge Dodgson) (1832–98) and to encourage research. Activities include regular meetings, exhibitions, and a publishing programme that includes the first annotated, unexpurgated edition of his diaries in nine volumes, the Society’s journal The Carrollian (two p.a.), a newsletter, Bandersnatch (quarterly) and the Lewis Carroll Review (occasional). Founded 1969.

Lewis Carroll Society (Daresbury)

Secretary Kenn Oultram, Blue Grass Cottage, Clatterwick Lane, Little Leigh, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4RJ

tel (01606) 891303 (office), (01606) 781731 (evening)

Membership £7 p.a.; £10 families/corporate

Aims to encourage an interest in the life and works of Lewis Carroll (1832–98), author of Alice’s Adventures. Meetings take place at Carroll’s birth village (Daresbury, Cheshire). Founded 1970.

The John Clare Society

tel (01353) 668438

email sueholgate@hotmail.co.uk

website http://johnclaresociety.blogspot.com/

Membership £15 p.a. UK individual; other rates on application

Promotes a wider appreciation of the life and works of the poet John Clare (1793–1864). Founded 1981.

The William Cobbett Society

6 Lynch Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8BD

email information@williamcobbett.org.uk

website www.williamcobbett.org.uk

Twitter @RuralRides

Aims to make the life and work of William Cobbett (1763–1835) better known. Founded 1976.

The Wilkie Collins Society

Secretary Paul Lewis, 4 Ernest Gardens, London W4 3QU

email paul@paullewis.co.uk

website www.wilkiecollins.org

Membership £16 p.a. EU; £28 international

Aims to promote interest in the life and works of Wilkie Collins (1824–89). Publishes a newsletter, an annual scholarly journal and reprints of Collins’s lesser known works. Founded 1981.

The Joseph Conrad Society (UK)

The Honorary Secretary c/o The Polish Social and Cultural Association, 238–246 King Street, London W6 0RF

email theconradian@aol.com

website www.josephconradsociety.org

Chairman Robert Hampson, Honorary Secretary Hugh Epstein, Editor Allan Simmons

Activities include an annual international conference; publication of The Conradian and a series of pamphlets; and maintenance of a substantial reference library as part of the Polish Library at the Polish Social and Cultural Association. Administers the Juliet McLauchlan Prize, a £200 annual award for the winner of an essay competition, and travel grants for scholars wishing to attend Conrad conferences. Founded 1973.

Walter de la Mare Society

3 Hazelwood Close, New River Crescent, Palmers Green, London N13 5RE

website www.walterdelamare.co.uk

Hon. Secretary and Treasurer Frances Guthrie

Membership £15 p.a.

To promote the study and deepen the appreciation of the works of Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) through a magazine, talks, discussions and other activities. Founded 1997.

Dickens Fellowship

The Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX

tel 020-7405 2127

email postbox@dickensfellowship.org

website www.dickensfellowship.org

Joint Hon. Secretaries Mrs Lee Ault, Paul Graham

Membership £17 p.a.

Based in the house occupied by Charles Dickens (1812–70) during the period 1837–9. Publishes The Dickensian (3 p.a.). Founded 1902.

The Arthur Conan Doyle Society

PO Box 1360, Ashcroft, BC V0K 1A0, Canada

tel + 1 250-453-2045

email sirhenry@telus.net

website www.ash-tree.bc.ca/acdsocy.html

Promotes the study of the life and works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930). Publishes ACD journal (bi-annual) and occasional reprints of Conan Doyle material. Occasional conventions. Founded 1989.

The George Eliot Fellowship

Chairman John Burton, 39 Lower Road, Barnacle, Coventry CV7 9LD

tel 024-7661 9126

email jkburton@tiscali.co.uk

website www.georgeeliot.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/GeorgeEliotFellowship

Twitter @GeorgeEliotLove

President Jonathan G. Ouvry

Membership £18 p.a. (£15 concessions) individuals; £23 p.a. (£20 concessions) for couples; £15 p.a. students (under 25)

Promotes an interest in the life and work of George Eliot (1819–80) and helps to extend her influence; arranges meetings, study days and conferences; produces an annual journal ( The George Eliot Review), newsletters and other publications. Works closely with educational establishments in the Nuneaton area. Awards the annual George Eliot Fellowship Prize (£500) for an essay on Eliot’s life or work, which must be previously unpublished and not exceed 4,000 words. Hopes to open a George Eliot Visitor Centre at Griff, Nuneaton, during 2017. Founded 1930.

The Folklore Society

c/o The Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB

tel 020-7862 8564

email thefolkloresociety@gmail.com

website www.folklore-society.com

Collection, recording and study of folklore. Founded 1878.

The Gaskell Society

37 Buckingham Drive, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 8LH

tel (01565) 651761

email pamgriff54@gmail.com

website www.gaskellsociety.co.uk

Twitter @EGaskell

Secretary Mrs Pam Griffiths

Membership £23 p.a.; £28 joint annual member/ European member/institutions; £15 student in full time education; £30 non-European member

Promotes and encourages the study and appreciation of the work and life of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810–65). Holds regular meetings in Knutsford, London, Manchester and Bath, visits and residential conferences; produces an annual journal and biannual newsletters. Founded 1985.

Graham Greene Birthplace Trust

website www.grahamgreenebt.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/Graham-Greene-International-Festival-55327438605/

Twitter @GreeneFestival

Membership £12, £16 and £20 p.a. for the UK, Europe and ROW respectively; £32, £38 and £50 respectively for three years, all including the quarterly newsletter.

Exists to study the works of Graham Greene (1904–91). The Trust promotes the Annual Graham Greene Festival (21–24 September 2017) and Graham Greene trails. It publishes a quarterly newsletter, occasional papers, videos and CDs, and maintains a small library. It has a very active website and a presence on Facebook and Twitter. It administers the Graham Greene Memorial Awards. Founded 1997.

The Thomas Hardy Society

c/o Dorset County Museum, High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XA

tel (01305) 251501

email info@hardysociety.org

website www.hardysociety.org

Membership £24 p.a.; £35 overseas

Aims to promote and celebrate the work of Thomas Hardy (1840–1928). Publishes The Thomas Hardy Journal (annual) and The Hardy Society Journal (2 p.a.). Biennial conference held in Dorchester. Founded 1967.

The James Hilton Society

Chairman R. Hughes, 22 Well House, Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3AA

website www.jameshiltonsociety.co.uk

Membership £13 p.a. (£10 concessions, overseas £18)

Aims to promote interest in the life and work of novelist and scriptwriter James Hilton (1900–54). Publishes a newsletter three times a year and a biannual scholarly journal, and organises conferences. Founded 2000.

The Sherlock Holmes Society of London

General enquiries Roger Johnson, Press & Publicity Officer (shjournal@btinternet.com)

Membership Secretary David Jones

(audav@hotmail.co.uk)

website www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk

Chairman Elaine McCafferty

(appledore.towers@btinternet.com)

The Society is open to anyone with an interest in Sherlock Holmes, Dr John H. Watson and their world. A literary and social society, publishing a biannual scholarly journal and occasional papers, and holding meetings, dinners and excursions. Founded 1951.

Housman Society

Abberley Cottage, 7 Dowles Road, Bewdley DY12 2EJ

email info@housman-society.co.uk

website www.housman-society.co.uk

Membership £15 p.a. (UK), £20 p.a. (overseas)

Aims to foster interest in and promote knowledge of A.E. Housman (1859–1936) and his family. Sponsors a lecture at the Hay Festival. Publishes an annual journal and bi-annual newsletter. Founded 1973.

The Johnson Society

Johnson Birthplace Museum, Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6LG

tel (01543) 264972

email info@thejohnsonsociety.org.uk

website www.johnsonnew.wordpress.com

General Secretary Marilyn Davies

Aims to encourage the study of the life and works of Dr Samuel Johnson (1709–84); to preserve the memorials, associations, books, manuscripts and letters of Dr Johnson and his contemporaries; and to work with the local council in the preservation of his birthplace.

Johnson Society of London

Membership Secretary Christopher T.W. Ogden, 16 Laurier Road, London NW5 1SG

email memsec@johnsonsocietyoflondon.org

website www.johnsonsocietyoflondon.org

President Lord Harmsworth

Membership Single £25 p.a.; joint £30 p.a., student £20 p.a.

Aims to study the life and works of Dr Johnson (1709–84), and to perpetuate his memory in the city of his adoption. Founded 1928.

Keats-Shelley Memorial Association

website www.keats-shelley.co.uk

Owns and supports house in Rome where John Keats died, as a museum open to the public; celebrates the poets Keats (1795–1821), Shelley (1792–1822) and Leigh Hunt (1784–1859). Regular meetings; poetry competitions; annual Review; two literary awards; and progress reports. Founded 1903.

The Kipling Society

Hon. Secretary John Lambert, 31 Brookside, Billericay, Essex CM11 1DT

email john.lambert1@btinternet.com

website www.kipling.org.uk

Membership £29 p.a.; £14 under age 23

Aims to encourage discussion and study of the work and life of Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936), to assist in the study of his writings, to hold discussion meetings, to publish a quarterly journal and website, with a Readers’ Guide to Kipling’s work, and to maintain a Kipling Library in London.

The Charles Lamb Society

BM Elia, London WC1N 3XX

website www.charleslambsociety.com

Chairman Nicholas Powell, Membership Secretary Cecilia Powell

Membership Personal: £24/$45 p.a. (single), £32 (double); Corporate: £32/$60 p.a.

Publishes the academic journal The Charles Lamb Bulletin (twice a year). The Society’s extensive library of books and MSS by and about Charles Lamb (1775–1834) is housed at the Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London EC2P 2EJ. Founded 1935.

The D.H. Lawrence Society

email dhlawrencesociety@gmail.com

website www.dhlawrencesociety.com

Chairman M.J. Gray, Treasurer Sheila Bamford

Membership £20 p.a. ordinary; £22 overseas; £18 UK retired persons and students

Aims to bring together people interested in D.H. Lawrence (1885–1930), to encourage study of his work, and to provide information and guides for people visiting Eastwood. Founded 1974.

The T.E. Lawrence Society

PO Box 728, Oxford OX2 9ZJ

email telsocchair@gmail.com

website www.telsociety.org.uk

Membership £24 p.a. UK; £32 overseas (discounts available for membership benefits received via email)

Promotes the memory of T.E. Lawrence (1888–1935) and furthers education and knowledge by research into his life; publishes Journal (bi-annual) and Newsletter (three per year). Founded 1985.

The Marlowe Society

email george.metcalfe@marlowe-society.org

website www.marlowe-society.org

Chairman George Metcalfe, Secretary Peter Cherry

Membership £18 p.a.; £15 concessions; £30 joint (couple); £500 life.

Registered charity that aims to extend appreciation and widen recognition of Christopher Marlowe (1564–93) as the foremost poet and dramatist preceding Shakespeare, whose development he influenced. Holds meetings and cultural visits, and issues a bi-annual magazine and an occasional research journal. Founded 1955.

The John Masefield Society

Chairman Bob Vaughan, 40 Mill Way, Bushey, Herts. WD23 2AG

tel (01923) 246047

email robert.vaughan110@gmail.com

website www.ies.sas.ac.uk/node/496

Membership £5 p.a.; £10 overseas; £8 family/ institution

Promotes the life and works of the poet John Masefield (1878–1967). Holds an annual lecture and other, less formal, readings and gatherings; publishes an annual journal and frequent newsletters. Founded 1992.

William Morris Society

Kelmscott House, 26 Upper Mall, London W6 9TA

tel 020-8741 3735

email info@williammorrissociety.org.uk

website www.williammorrissociety.org.uk

Honorary Secretary Natalia Martynenko-Hunt

Aims to spread knowledge of the life, work and ideas of William Morris (1834–96); publishes newsletter (quarterly) and journal (two p.a.). Library and collections open to the public Thurs and Sat, 2–5pm. Founded 1955.

The Edith Nesbit Society

21 Churchfields, West Malling, Kent ME19 6RJ

email edithnesbit@googlemail.com

website www.edithnesbit.co.uk

Membership £10 p.a. (single); £12 p.a. (joint); £15 (organisations)

Aims to promote an interest in the life and works of Edith Nesbit (1858–1924) by means of talks, a regular newsletter and other publications, and visits to relevant places. Founded 1996.

Wilfred Owen Association

email woa@1914-18.co.uk

website www.wilfredowen.org.uk

Aims to commemorate the life and work of Wilfred Owen (1893–1918), and to encourage and enhance appreciation of his work through visits, public events and a bi-annual journal. Founded 1989.

The Beatrix Potter Society

c/o 9 Villiers Court, Helmsley, York YO62 5AX

tel (01439) 770617

email info@beatrixpottersociety.org.uk

website www.beatrixpottersociety.org.uk

Membership £30 p.a. UK (£36 overseas); £35/£41 commercial/institutional

Promotes the study and appreciation of the life and works of Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) as author, artist, diarist, farmer and conservationist. Regular lecture meetings, conferences and events in the UK and USA. Quarterly newsletter. Small publishing programme. Founded 1980.

The Powys Society

Hon. Secretary Chris Thomas, Flat D, 87 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AG

tel 020-7243 0168

email chris.d.thomas@hotmail.co.uk

website www.powys-society.org

Membership £22 p.a. UK (£26 overseas)

Aims to promote the greater public recognition and enjoyment of the writings, thought and contribution to the arts of the Powys family, particularly John Cowper (1872–1963), Theodore (1875–1953) and Llewelyn (1884–1939) Powys, and the many other family members and their close friends. Publishes an annual scholarly journal ( The Powys Journal) and three newsletters per year as well as books by and about the Powys family, and holds an annual weekend conference in August, as well as organising other activities throughout the year. Founded 1967.

The J.B. Priestley Society

Membership Secretary Tony Reavill, Eldwick Crag Farm, High Eldwick, Bingley, W. Yorkshire BD16 3BB

email reavill@globalnet.co.uk

website www.jbpriestleysociety.com

General Secretary Rod Slater, Information Officer Michael Nelson (m.nelson928@btinternet.com) Membership £15 p.a. single, £20 family, £10 concessions

Aims to widen the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the published works of J.B. Priestley (1894–1984) and to promote the study of his life and career. Holds lectures and discussions and shows films. Publishes a newsletter and journal. Organises walks to areas with Priestley connections, Annual Priestley Night and other social events. Founded 1997.

The Ruskin Society

email info@theruskinsociety.com

website www.theruskinsociety.com

Membership £15 p.a.

Celebrates the life, work and legacy of John Ruskin (1819–1900). Organises lectures and events exploring Ruskin’s ideas and placing them in a modern context. Awards an annual book prize for new books about Ruskin. Founded 1997.

The Malcolm Saville Society

11 Minster Court, Windsor Close, Taunton TA1 4LW

email mystery@witchend.com

website www.witchend.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/MalcolmSaville

Twitter @MSavilleSociety

Membership £15 p.a. (£17.50 Europe; £21 elsewhere)

Aims to remember and promote interest in the work of Malcolm Saville (1901–82), children’s author. Regular social activities, library, contact directory and magazine (four p.a.). Founded 1994.

The Dorothy L. Sayers Society

Gimsons, Kings Chase, Witham, Essex CM8 1AX

tel (01376) 515626

email info@sayers.org.uk

website www.sayers.org.uk

Chair Seona Ford, Secretaries Lenelle Davis, Jasmine Simeone

Membership £18 p.a. UK and worldwide for electronic version of Bulletin. Paper version (mailed): £20 UK, £23 Europe, £26 rest of world; under 25 rate £9 for electronic bulletin only.

Aims to promote and encourage the study of the works of Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957); to collect archive materials and reminiscences about her and make them available to students and biographers; to hold an annual conference and other meetings; to publish Proceedings, pamphlets and a bi-monthly Bulletin; to make grants and awards. Founded 1976.

The Shaw Society

tel 020-7435 6497

email contact@shawsociety.org.uk

website www.shawsociety.org.uk

Chairman Dr Anne Wright CBE

Membership £20/$40 p.a.

Works towards the improvement and diffusion of knowledge of the life and works of Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) and his circle. Publishes The Shavian. Meets monthly (not July, August or December) at The Actors Centre, 1a Tower Street, off Earlham Street, London WC2H 9NP for script-in-hand performances and discussion. Play-reading Group meets on the first Thursday (for details see website or telephone above).

The Robert Louis Stevenson Club

20 Beveridge Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY1 1UX

email davidalison.reid@virgin.net

website www.robert-louis-stevenson.org

Secretary and Chairman David Reid

Membership £25 p.a.; £180 for 10 years

Aims to foster interest in Robert Louis Stevenson’s life (1850–94) and works through various events and its newsletter. Founded 1920.

The Tennyson Society

Central Library, Free School Lane, Lincoln LN2 1EZ

tel (01522) 687837

email kathleen.jefferson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

website www.tennysonsociety.org.uk

Membership £14 p.a.; £16 family; £25 institutions

Promotes the study and understanding of the life and work of the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–92) and supports the Tennyson Research Centre in Lincoln. Holds lectures, visits and seminars; publishes the Tennyson Research Bulletin (annual), Monographs and Occasional Papers; tapes/recordings available. Founded 1960.

Angela Thirkell Society

Chairman Hilary Temple, 12 Ashfield Avenue, Morecambe, Lancashire LA4 6LQ

email templehilary@gmail.com

website www.angelathirkellsociety.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/angelathirkellappreciationgroup

Membership £10 p.a.

The Society aims ‘to honour the memory of Angela Thirkell (1890–1960) as a writer, and to make her works available to new generations’. Publishes an annual journal, encourages Thirkell studies and works in cooperation with its North American branch (www.angelathirkell.org). To join the Society or for membership enquiries contact Sue Jenkins at suejenkinsthame@aol.com. Founded 1980.

The Edward Thomas Fellowship

21 Verlands, Congresbury, Bristol BS49 5BL

tel (01934) 825357

email ianandbreeda@btinternet.com

website www.edward-thomas-fellowship.org.uk

Secretary Ian Morton

Membership single £10 p.a.; joint £15 p.a.

Aims to perpetuate the memory of Edward Thomas (1878–1917), poet and writer, foster an interest in his life and work, to assist in the preservation of places associated with him and to arrange events which extend fellowship amongst his admirers. Founded 1980.

Dylan Thomas Society of Great Britain

email info@dylandthomassociety.com

website thedylanthomassociety.com

Chairman Geoff Haden

Membership £10 p.a. single; £15 p.a. double; Patrons £25

Aims to promote an interest in the works of Dylan Thomas (1914–53) and other writers. Founded 1977.

The Tolkien Society

email membership@tolkiensociety.org

website www.tolkiensociety.org

Membership £30 p.a.; £10 p.a (student);£2 p.a. (Entings (under 16s))

The Trollope Society

PO Box 505, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 9RW

tel (01747) 839799

email info@trollopesociety.org

website www.trollopesociety.org

Chairman Michael Williamson JP DL

Membership UK: £26 p.a.; international: £36

Has produced the first ever complete edition of the novels of Anthony Trollope (1815–82). Founded 1987.

The Turner Society

BCM Box Turner, London WC1N 3XX

website www.turnersociety.com

Membership £30 p.a. individuals; £30 p.a. overseas surface mail; £45 p.a. overseas airmail, Life Member £600

Aims to foster a wider appreciation of all facets of the work of J.M.W. Turner RA (1775–1851); to encourage exhibitions of his paintings, drawings and engravings. Publishes Turner Society News (two p.a.). Founded 1975.

The Walmsley Society

Secretary Fred Lane, April Cottage, 1 Brand Road, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN22 9PX

website www.walmsleysoc.org

Aims to promote and encourage an appreciation of the literary and artistic heritage left to us by Leo Walmsley (1892–1966) and J. Ulric Walmsley (1860–1954). Founded 1985.

Mary Webb Society

Secretary Sue Higginbotham, Old Barn Cottage, 10 Barrow Hall Farm, Village Road, Great Barrow, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7JH

tel (01829) 740592

email suehigginbotham@yahoo.co.uk

website www.marywebbsociety.co.uk

For devotees of the literature and works of Mary Webb (1881–1927) and of the beautiful Shropshire countryside of her novels. Publishes two newsletters per year, organises summer schools and other events in various locations related to Webb’s life and works. Archives, lectures; tours arranged for individuals and groups. The year 2016 marked the centenary of Mary Webb’s first novel The Golden Arrow. A bronze bust of Mary Webb was unveiled in the grounds of Shrewsbury Library. 2017 marks the centenary of Mary’s second novel Gone to Earth and The Spring of Joy, a collection of her poetry and nature writings. Founded 1972.

The H.G. Wells Society

Brian Jukes, 153 Kenilworth Crescent, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 3RG

email secretaryhgwellssociety@hotmail.com

website www.hgwellssociety.com

Publicity Officer Dr Emelyne Godfrey (juststruckone@hotmail.com), Secretary Brian Jukes

Membership £20 p.a. UK, £24 EU, £27 p.a. rest of world; retired/student/unwaged: £13 p.a. UK, £17 EU, £20 rest of world; Institutions: £25 p.a. UK, £30 EU, £35 rest of world.

Promotes an active interest in and an appreciation of the life, work and thought of H.G. Wells (1866–1946). Publishes The Wellsian (annual) and The Newsletter (bi-annual). Founded 1960.

The Oscar Wilde Society

email secretary@oscarwildesociety.co.uk

website www.oscarwildesociety.co.uk

Membership Secretary Veronika Binoeder, Hon. Secretary Vanessa Heron

Aims to promote knowledge, appreciation and study of the life, personality and works of the writer and wit Oscar Wilde (1854–1900). Activities include meetings, lectures, readings and exhibitions, and visits to associated locations. Members receive a journal, The Wildean (two p.a.), a newsletter/journal, Intentions (four p.a.) and regular e-newsletters. Founded 1990.

The Henry Williamson Society

General Secretary Sue Cumming, 7 Monmouth Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2DE

tel (01305) 264092

email zseagull@aol.com

Membership Secretary Margaret Murphy, 16 Doran

Drive, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6AX

tel (01737) 763228

email mm@misterman.freeserve.co.uk

website www.henrywilliamson.co.uk

Chairman Will Harris

Membership £15 p.a.

Aims to encourage a wider readership and greater understanding of the literary heritage left by Henry Williamson (1895–1977). Two meetings annually; also weekend activities. Publishes an annual journal. Founded 1980.

The P.G. Wodehouse Society (UK)

Tony Ring, 34 Longfield, Great Missenden, Bucks. HP16 0EG

tel (01494) 864848

website www.pgwodehousesociety.org.uk

Membership £22 p.a.

Aims to promote enjoyment of P.G. Wodehouse (1881–1975). Publishes Wooster Sauce (quarterly) and By The Way papers (four p.a.) which cover diverse subjects of Wodehousean interest. Holds events, entertainments and meetings throughout Britain. Founded 1997.

Virginia Woolf Society of Great Britain

Fairhaven, Charnleys Lane, Banks, Southport PR9 8HJ

tel (01704) 225232

email stuart.n.clarke@btinternet.com

website www.virginiawoolfsociety.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/VWSGB

Membership Secretary Stuart N. Clarke Membership £18 p.a.; £23 Europe; £26 outside Europe

Acts as a forum for British admirers of Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) to meet, correspond and share their enjoyment of her work. Publishes the Virginia Woolf Bulletin. Founded 1998.

Francis Brett Young Society

Secretary Mrs J. Hadley, 92 Gower Road, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 9BT

tel 0121 422 8969

email michael.hall10@gmail.com

website www.fbysociety.co.uk

Chairman Dr Michael Hall

Membership Individuals: £7 p.a., £70 life; Joint: £10 p.a., £100 life; Full-time students: £5 p.a.; Societies and institutions £7 p.a.

Aims to provide opportunities for members to meet, correspond, and to share the enjoyment of the works of Francis Brett Young (1884–1954). Publishes a journal (two p.a.). Founded 1979.

ART, ILLUSTRATION AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Association of Art Historians (AAH)

70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ

tel 020-7490 3211

email admin@aah.org.uk

website www.aah.org.uk

Ceo Pontus Rosen, Deputy Chief Executive and Communications Officer Claire Davies, Membership and Engagement Officer Claire Coveney

Membership Options for individual and institutional membership

Formed to promote the professional practice and public understanding of art history and visual culture. Publishes Art History journal, Careers in Art History booklet and Artists’ Papers Register (APR) online listings. Organises events, funding, resources and an annual conference. Founded 1974.

The Association of Illustrators

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7759 1010

email info@theaoi.com

website www.theaoi.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/theaoi

Twitter @theaoi

Contact Membership Manager

Trade association which supports illustrators, promotes illustration and encourages professional standards in the industry. Publishes Varoom magazine (four p.a.); presents an annual programme of events; annual competition, exhibition and tour of the World Illustration Awards in partnership with the Directory of Illustration (www.theaoi.com/awards). Founded 1973.

The Association of Photographers (AOP)

Studio 9, Holborn Studios, 49/50 Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 7ED

tel 020-7739 6669

email info@aophoto.co.uk

website www.the-aop.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/AssociationOfPhotographers

Twitter @AssocPhoto

Membership See website for options

Exists to protect and promote the interests of fashion advertising and editorial photographers. Founded 1968.

Axisweb

email hello@axisweb.org

website www.axisweb.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/axisweb.org

Twitter @axisweb

Axisweb gives artists and art professionals a platform to showcase their work, find work opportunities, stay informed and make useful connections. The online directory of selected artists and art professionals is an essential research tool for anyone interested in keeping in touch with UK contemporary art. Axisweb also commissions features from a wide network of specialist contributors across the UK, who highlight artists, ideas and new developments.

BANA (Bath Area Network for Artists)

The Old Malthouse, Comfortable Place, Upper Bristol Road, Bath BA1 3AJ

tel 07526 428280

email enquiries@banaarts.co.uk

website www.banaarts.co.uk

An artist-led network that is committed to developing members’ professional practice through connecting their creativity. BANA aims to raise the profile of arts activity in and around the Bath area, to establish and strengthen links between artists, artists’ groups and art promoters, and advocate for increased investment in local arts activities. Founded 1998 and a company limited by guarantee since 2003.

BAPLA (British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies)

59 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0BS

tel 020-8297 1198

email enquiries@bapla.org.uk

website www.bapla.org.uk

Membership Manager Susanne Kittlinger

The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies (BAPLA) is the trade association for picture libraries in the UK, and has been a trade body since 1975. Members include the major news, stock and production agencies as well as sole traders and cultural heritage institutions.

The Blackpool Art Society

The Studio, Wilkinson Avenue, Off Woodland Grove, Blackpool FY3 9HB

tel (01253) 768297

email sec@blackpoolartsociety.co.uk

website www.blackpoolartsociety.co.uk

Various exhibitions (members’ work only). Studio meetings, demonstrations, workshops, lectures, out-of-door sketching. New members always welcome. See website for more details. Founded 1884.

British Institute of Professional Photography

The Coach House, The Firs, High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP22 4SJ

tel (01296) 642020

email info@bipp.com

website www.bipp.com

Chief Executive Chris Harper

Represents all who practise photography as a profession in any field; to improve the quality of photography; establish recognised qualifications and a high standard of conduct; to safeguard the interests of the public and the profession. Admission can be obtained by submission of work and other information to the appropriate examining board.

Fellows, Associates and Licentiates are entitled to the designation FBIPP, ABIPP or LBIPP in accordance with the qualification awarded. Organises numerous meetings and conferences in various parts of the country throughout the year; publishes The Photographer magazine (bi-monthly), plus various pamphlets and leaflets on professional photography. Founded 1901; incorporated 1921.

British Interactive Media Association (BIMA)

49 Greek Street, London W1D 4EG

tel 020-3538 6607

website www.bima.co.uk

Membership Open to any organisation or individual with an interest in multimedia

BIMA is Britain’s digital community which connects, develops and champions the industry. Membership of BIMA can lead to the extension of professional networks, attracting and developing talent, business growth and raising professional profiles. It also gives members a voice on issues affecting the industry. Founded 1985.

Bureau of Freelance Photographers

Vision House, PO Box 474, Hatfield AL10 1FY

tel (01707) 651450

email mail@thebfp.com

website www.thebfp.com

Chief Executive John Tracy

Membership £54 p.a. UK; £70 p.a. overseas

Exists to help the freelance photographer by providing information on markets, and free advisory service. Publishes Market Newsletter (monthly). Founded 1965.

Cartoonists Club of Great Britain

email secretary@thecartoonistsclub.com

email membership@thecartoonistsclub.com

website www.ccgb.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/TheCartoonistsClub/

Membership £44 p.a. or £11 per quarter

The UK’s largest cartoonists’ organisation, started by Fleet Street cartoonists in the 1960s and providing a social base for cartoonists wherever they may live/ work. It has grown to include many different types of cartoonist. In addition to events around the country, members also visit events abroad, including a regular annual convention in Malta. It has a thriving online presence with its own website with several forums, including one for non-members that helps interested budding cartoonists to raise their game. Members have their own private forum and a members portfolio so that they can promote their work. The club’s Facebook page is another lively cartoon-related news source as is the monthly magazine ‘The Jester’.

The Chartered Society of Designers

1 Cedar Court, Royal Oak Yard, Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3GA

tel 020-7357 8088

email info@csd.org.uk

website www.csd.org.uk

Works to promote and regulate standards of competence, professional conduct and integrity, including representation on government and official bodies, design education and awards. The services to members include general information, publications, guidance on copyright and other professional issues, access to professional indemnity insurance, as well as the membership magazine The Designer. Activities in the regions are included in an extensive annual programme of events and training courses.

Event & Visual Communication Association (EVCOM)

23 Golden Square, London W1F 9JP

tel 020-7287 1002

website www.evcom.org.uk

Twitter @EVCOMUK

Chairman Steve Garvey

Created from two highly successful organisations, eventia and IVCA, EVCOM is comprised of a wide variety of leading professionals, agencies, freelancers, destinations, production companies and suppliers; all working throughout the events and visual communications sector.

Federation of British Artists

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email info@mallgalleries.com

website www.mallgalleries.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/mallgalleries

Twitter @mallgalleries

Administers nine major National Art Societies as well as the Threadneedle Prize at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1.

Fine Art Trade Guild

2 Wye House, 6 Enterprise Way, London SW18 1FZ

tel 020-7381 6616

email info@fineart.co.uk

website www.fineart.co.uk

Managing Director Louise Hay

Promotes the sale of fine art prints and picture framing in the UK and overseas markets; establishes and raises standards amongst members and communicates these to the buying public. The Guild publishes Art + Framing Today, the trade’s longest established magazine, and various specialist books. Founded 1910.

FOCAL International Ltd (Federation of Commercial AudioVisual Libraries International Ltd)

79 College Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1BD

tel 020-7663 8090

email info@focalint.org

website www.focalint.org

A not-for-profit trade association for the commercial audio visual library industry, with over 300 members. Founded 1985.

Free Painters & Sculptors

Registered office 14 John Street, London WC1N 2EB

email info@freepaintersandsculptors.co.uk

website www.freepaintersandsculptors.co.uk

Promotes group shows twice a year in prestigious galleries in London. Sponsors all that is exciting in contemporary art.

The Greeting Card Association

United House, North Road, London N7 9DP

tel 020-7619 0396

email gca@max-publishing.co.uk

website www.greetingcardassociation.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/GreetingCardAssociation

Twitter @GCAUK

Chief Executive Sharon Little

The trade association for greeting card publishers. See website for information and contacts for freelance designing and writing for greeting cards. Official magazine: Progressive Greetings Worldwide. Founded 1919.

The Guild of Aviation Artists

(incorporating the Society of Aviation Artists) Studio 100, Rye House, 113 High Street, Ruislip HA4 8JN

tel (03331) 302223

email admin@gava.org.uk

website www.gava.org.uk

President Michael Turner

Membership £65 p.a. Full (by invitation); £50 Associates (by selection); £30 Friends; £15 Young Friends (aged under 25 years and in continuing education)

Formed to promote aviation art through the organisation of exhibitions and meetings. Holds annual open exhibition in July in London; £1,000 prize for ‘Aviation Painting of the Year’. Quarterly members’ newsletter. Founded 1971.

Guild of Railway Artists

website www.railart.co.uk

Aims to forge a link between artists depicting railway subjects and to give members a corporate identity; also stages railway art exhibitions and members’ meetings and produces books of members’ works. Founded 1979.

Hesketh Hubbard Art Society

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

email info@mallgalleries.com

website www.mallgalleries.org.uk

President Simon Whittle

Membership £225 p.a.

Offers both amateur and professional artists the opportunity to work from life models in untutored sessions. Membership includes 48 drawing sessions and no cover charge. Prospective members are invited to attend one session free before deciding if they wish to apply for membership.

The Hilliard Society of Miniaturists

c/o 26 St Cuthbert Avenue, Wells, BA5 2JW

email hilliardsociety@aol.com

website www.hilliardsociety.org

President Joyce Rowsell, Executive Secretary Heather Webb

Membership £60 p.a.; Friend Member £25 p.a.

Aims to increase knowledge and promote the art of miniature painting. Annual exhibition held in June at Wells; produces a newsletter. Founded 1982.

Institute of Designers in Ireland

Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Lane, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland

email info@idi-design.ie

website www.idi-design.ie

Irish design profession’s representative body, covering every field of design. Founded 1972.

International Society of Typographic Designers

ISTD Ltd, PO Box 7002, London W1A 2TY

website www.istd.org.uk

Working closely with graphic design educationalists and the professional community, the International Society of Typographic Designers establishes, maintains and promotes typographic standards through the forum of debate and design practice.

Membership is awarded to practising designers, educators and students who demonstrate, through the quality of their work, their commitment to achieving the highest possible quality of visual communication. It publishes a journal, Typographic. Students of typography and graphic design are encouraged to gain membership of the Society by entering the annual student assessment scheme. Founded 1928.

Master Photographers Association

Jubilee House, 1 Chancery Lane, Darlington, Co. Durham DL1 5QP

tel (01325) 356555

email membership@thempa.com

website www.masterphotographersassociation.co.uk

Exists to promote and protect professional photographers. Members qualify for awards of Licentiate, Associate and Fellowship.

National Acrylic Painters’ Association (NAPA)

website www.napauk.com

Director Anthony Gribbin

Promotes interest in, and encourages excellence and innovation in, the work of painters in acrylic. Holds an annual exhibition and regional shows: awards are made. Worldwide membership. Publishes a newsletter known as the International NAPA Newspages. Founded 1985 by Ken Hodgson; American Division established 1995, now known as International Society of Acrylic Painters (ISAP).

National Society for Education in Art and Design

3 Mason’s Wharf, Potley Lane, Corsham, Wilts. SN13 9FY

tel (01225) 810134

email info@nsead.org

website www.nsead.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/NSEADOnline

Twitter @LBNSEAD

General Secretary Lesley Butterworth, Assistant General Secretary Sophie Leach

The leading national authority concerned with art, craft and design across all phases of education in the UK. Offers the benefits of membership of a professional association, a learned society and a trade union. Has representatives on national and regional committees concerned with art and design education. Publishes International Journal of Art and Design Education online (three p.a.; Wiley Blackwell) and AD magazine for teachers. Founded 1888.

National Society of Painters, Sculptors and Printmakers

website www.nationalsociety.org/

Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalsocietyofpainterssculptorsandprintmakers

Membership Secretary Carolyn Stafford Membership Associate £60; full £120

Formed to communicate innovative painting, sculpture and printmaking with a wide audience. Newsletter (four p.a.) for members. An annual exhibition at the Menier Gallery, Southwark Street, London SE1. Founded 1931.

The Pastel Society

email info@mallgalleries.com

website www.thepastelsociety.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/thepastelsociety

Twitter @pastelsociety

Pastel and drawings in all dry media. Annual Exhibition open to all artists working in dry media held at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1. Members elected from approved candidates’ list. Founded 1898.

The Picture Research Association

tel 07825 788343

email chair@picture-research.org.uk

website www.picture-research.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/PictureResearchAssociation

Twitter @PRA_Association

Founded in 1977, the PRA is a professional organisation of picture researchers and picture editors specifically involved in the research, management and supply of visual material to the media industry. Its aims are:

• To promote the recognition of picture research, management, editing, picture buying and supplying as a profession requiring particular skills and knowledge.

• To bring together all those involved in the picture profession and provide a forum for information exchange and interaction.

• To encourage publishers, TV and video production organisations, internet companies, and any other users of images to use the PRA freelance register and engage a member of PRA to obtain them, thus ensuring that professional standards and copyright clearances are adhered to and maintained.

• To advise those specifically wishing to embark on a profession in the research and supply of pictures for all types of visual media information, providing guidelines and standards in so doing.

Registered members are listed on the website and can be located through the Find Researchers page, along with lots of useful information about the picture industry.

Printmakers Council

Ground Floor Unit, 23 Blue Anchor Lane, London SE16 3UL

tel 07531 883250

email printpmc@gmail.com

website www.printmakerscouncil.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/PrintmakersCouncil/

Twitter @PMCouncil

Chairman Margaret Ashman

Membership £70 p.a.; £30 students, join online

Artist-led group which aims to promote the use of both traditional and innovative printmaking techniques by:

• holding exhibitions of prints;

• providing information on prints and printmaking to both its membership and the public;

• encouraging cooperation and exchanges between members, other associations and interested individuals.

• Archives held by the V&A and Scarborough Museums Trust. Founded 1965.

Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation

email info@procartoonists.org

website www.procartoonists.org

Membership £80 p.a.

An organisation dedicated to the promotion of UK cartoon art in new media and old. Cartoons provide much-needed humour and satire to society and are a universally appreciated, effective method of communication for business. The organisation showcases UK cartoonists via its magazine, Foghorn, cartoon news blog ( Bloghorn), and public events such as the annual Big Draw and cartoon festivals. Established 2006.

SAA (Society for All Artists)

PO Box 50, Newark, Notts. NG23 5GY

tel 0800 980 1123

email info@saa.co.uk

website www.saa.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/SocietyForAllArtists

Twitter @The_SAA

Membership from £32 p.a.

Aims to encourage and inspire all artists. Members range from complete beginners to professionals. SAA is the largest art society with over 43,000 members, and welcomes new members. Membership includes paintings insurance for exhibitions and third-party public liability, exclusive discounts and offers on art materials from the society’s Home Shop catalogue and the inspirational Paint magazine (bi-monthly). Founded 1992.

The Society of Botanical Artists

Registered office:1 Knapp Cottages, Wyke, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4NQ

tel (01747) 825718

email pam@soc-botanical-artists.org

website www.soc-botanical-artists.org

President Sandra Wall Armitage, Executive Secretary Mrs Pam Henderson

Membership Through selection. £175 p.a.; £25 friend members

Aims to encourage the art of botanical painting. Annual Open Exhibition usually held in April/May at Westminster Central Hall, London SW1. Submit work in February/March. Entry details available from the website. Founded 1985.

Society of Graphic Fine Art

email enquiries@sgfa.org.uk

website www.sgfa.org.uk

President Jackie Devereux PSGFA,Hon. Secretary Dr Susan E. Poole SGFA

Membership by annual election. Dates of elections and membership fees may be obtained from the website.

The Society of Graphic Fine Art (The Drawing Society) exists to promote and exhibit works of high quality in colour or black and white, with the emphasis on good drawing and draughtsmanship, in pencil, pen, brush, charcoal or any of the forms of original printmaking. The Society holds an annual Open Exhibition with prizes and awards in many categories. The Society’s journal can be found at http://sgfajournal.wordpress.com. Founded 1919.

Society of Heraldic Arts

53 Hitchen Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6AQ

email sha.honsec@gmail.com

website www.heraldic-arts.com

Secretary John J. Tunesi of Liongam, Membership

Secretary Gwynn Ellis-Hughes

Membership Craft £35 p.a.; Associate £17.50

Aims to serve the interests of heraldic artists, craftsmen, designers and writers, to provide a ‘shop window’ for their work, to obtain commissions on their behalf and to act as a forum for the exchange of information and ideas. Also offers an information service to the public. Candidates for admission as craft members should be artists or craftsmen whose work comprises a substantial element of heraldry and is of a sufficiently high standard to satisfy the requirements of the Society’s advisory council. Founded 1987.

The Society of Limners

Contact Richard East, 16 Tudor Close, Hove, East Sussex BN3 7NR

tel (01273) 770628

email info@societyoflimners.co.uk

website http://www.societyoflimners.co.uk/

Membership £45 p.a., £25 Friends (open to non-exhibitors); £55/£35 overseas

The Society’s aims are to promote an interest in miniature painting (in any medium), calligraphy and heraldry and encourage their development to a high standard. New members are elected after the submission of four works of acceptable standard and guidelines are provided for new artists. Members receive up to three newsletters a year and an annual exhibition is arranged. At least one painting weekend is held each year and a seminar every few years. Founded 1986.

Society of Scribes and Illuminators (SSI)

Hon. Secretary 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT

email honsec@calligraphyonline.org

website www.calligraphyonline.org

Membership £46 Fellows; £37 Lay members; £30 Friends

Aims to promote and preserve the art of calligraphy, bringing the beauty of handwritten letters to the modern world, moving with the times to embrace contemporary lettering whilst upholding the traditions of the craft. Education programme includes a correspondence course, an advanced training scheme, mentorship towards fellowship, a programme of study days, a series of masterclasses and recommendations for local learning opportunities. A specialist sales shop and an archive/ library are available to members. Founded 1921.

Society of Wildlife Artists

17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD

tel 020-7930 6844

website www.swla.co.uk

President Harriet Mead

Aims to promote and encourage the art of wildlife painting and sculpture. Open Annual Exhibition at Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, for any artist whose work depicts wildlife subjects (botanical and domestic animals are not admissable).

The Society of Women Artists

Executive Secretary Rebecca Cotton, Foxcote Cottage, Foxcote, Andoversford, Cheltenham, Glos. GL54 4LP

tel 07528 477002

email rebeccacottonswa@gmail.com

website www.society-women-artists.org.uk

President Sue Jelley SPF

Membership Election by invitation, based on work submitted to the exhibition

Receiving day in May for annual open exhibition held in July at Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1. Founded in 1855, the Society continues to promote art by women.

Visiting Arts

c/o ICA, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH

tel 020-3463 4560

email information@visitingarts.org.uk

website www.visitingarts.org.uk

Director Yvette Vaughan Jones

Aims to strengthen intercultural understanding through the arts. It provides information and intelligence in order to strengthen intercultural dialogue, and creates opportunities to experience intercultural exploration. This is done through mediated performances, exhibitions, and by initiating and promoting collaborations. Visiting Arts seeks to expand the skills and knowledge of existing cultural players and develop new talent to ensure a wide, diverse and sustainable group of players.

Visiting Arts creates, produces and distributes authoritative directories and help-sheets, targeted briefings and the latest advice through print, web and word of mouth. It organises seminars, conferences and networking events to deepen intercultural understanding; establishes and fosters opportunities for ground-breaking artist exchanges; promotes cutting edge exhibitions; and contributes to some of the world’s biggest and most innovative festivals. It works with the most exciting next generation of artists and cultural players, inviting them to the UK, expanding knowledge and horizons and championing intercultural working.

Visiting Arts is an independent registered charity. It is funded by the British Council, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, the Arts Council of Wales, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Founded 1977.

FILM, THEATRE AND TELEVISION

AITA/IATA asbl International Amateur Theatre Association

Secretariat, 19 Dorset Avenue, London UB2 4HF

email secretariat@aitaiata.org

website www.aitaiata.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/aitaiata/

President Rob Van Genechten, Vice-President Tim Jebsen, English Speaking Secretary Aled Rhys-Jones, French Speaking Secretary Beatrice Cellario, Spanish Speaking Secretary vacant, Treasurer Villy Dall, Children & Youth Josef Hollos

Aims to encourage, foster and promote exchanges of community and non-professional theatre and of student, educational and adult theatre activities at international level. To organise international seminars, workshops, courses and conferences, and to collect and collate information of all types for national and international dissemination. Holds a biennial General Assembly and International Amateur Theatre Festival. Every other event is held in Monaco where the 2017 event will be held.

BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)

195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN

tel 020-7734 0022

email info@bafta.org

website www.bafta.org

Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE

The UK’s pre-eminent, independent charity supporting, developing and promoting the art forms of the moving image (film, TV and games) by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. BAFTA’s awards are awarded annually by its members to their peers in recognition of their skills and expertise. In addition, BAFTA’s year-round learning programme offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. Founded 1947.

BFI (British Film Institute)

21 Stephen Street, London W1T 1LN

tel 020-7255 1444

website www.bfi.org.uk

The BFI is the lead organisation for film in the UK with the ambition to create a flourishing film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive by:

• connecting audiences to the widest choice of British and World cinema;

• preserving and restoring the most significant film collection in the world for today and future generations;

• championing emerging and world class film-makers in the UK, investing in creative, distinctive and entertaining work;

• promoting British film talent to the world;

• growing the next generation of film makers and audiences.

The BFI is a Government arm’s-length body and distributor of Lottery funds for film. The BFI serves a public role which covers the cultural, creative and economic aspects of film in the UK. It delivers this role:

• as the UK-wide organisation for film, a charity core funded by Government;

• by providing Lottery and Government funds for film across the UK; and

• by working with partners to advance the position of film across the UK.

The BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. Founded 1933.

Broadcasting Entertainment Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU)

(a sector of Prospect)

373–377 Clapham Road, London SW9 9BT

tel 020-7346 0900

email info@bectu.org.uk

website www.bectu.org.uk

Head of BECTU G. Morrissey

Aims to defend the interests of writers in film, TV and radio. By virtue of its industrial strength, the Union is able to help its writer members to secure favourable terms and conditions. In cases of disputes with employers, the Union can intervene in order to ensure an equitable settlement. Its production agreement with PACT lays down minimum terms for writers working in the documentary area. Founded 1991.

Independent Theatre Council (ITC)

The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG

tel 020-7403 1727

email admin@itc-arts.org

website https://www.itc-arts.org/

Twitter @itc_arts

Membership Rates start at £175 + vat

The Independent Theatre Council exists to enable the creation of high quality professional performing arts by supporting, representing and developing the people who manage and produce it. It has around 500 members from a wide range of companies, venues and individuals in the fields of drama, dance, opera, musical theatre, puppetry, mixed media, mime, physical theatre and circus. Founded 1974.

Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain

Guild Secretary Caroline Chapman, Satley House, Satley, near Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham DL13 4HU

tel (01388) 730042

email admin@littletheatreguild.org

website www.littletheatreguild.org

Aims to promote closer cooperation amongst the little theatres constituting its membership; to act as a coordinating and representative body on behalf of the little theatres; to maintain and advance the highest standards in the art of theatre; and to assist in encouraging the establishment of other little theatres.

Pact (Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television)

3rd Floor, Fitzrovia House, 153–157 Cleveland Street, London W1T 6QW

tel 020-7380 8230

email info@pact.co.uk

website www.pact.co.uk

Chief Executive John McVay

The UK trade association that represents and promotes the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. Headquartered in London, it has regional representation throughout the UK, in order to support its members. An effective lobbying organisation, it has regular and constructive dialogues with government, regulators, public agencies and opinion formers on all issues affecting its members, and contributes to key public policy debates on the media industry, both in the UK and in Europe. It negotiates terms of trade with all public service broadcasters in the UK and supports members in their business dealings with cable and satellite channels. It also lobbies for a properly structured and funded UK film industry and maintains close contact with other relevant film organisations and government departments.

Player–Playwrights

Secretary Peter Thompson, 9 Hillfield Park, Muswell Hill, London N10 3QT

email publicity@playerplaywrights.co.uk

website www.playerplaywrights.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/playerplaywrights/

Membership £12 in first year and £8 thereafter (plus £2.50 per attendance)

Meets on Monday evenings upstairs in the North London Tavern, 375 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7QB; £2.50, just turn up. The society reads, performs and discusses plays and scripts submitted by members, with a view to assisting the writers in improving and marketing their work. Newcomers and new acting members are always welcome. Founded 1948.

The Society for Theatre Research

c/o Theatres Trust, 22 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0QL

email membership@str.org.uk

website www.str.org.uk

Hon. Secretary Jenny Bloodworth

Supporting and promoting theatre research since 1948. Publishes the journal Theatre Notebook along with at least one major book per year, holds public lectures, and makes annual research grants. Also awards an annual prize for best book published in English on British Theatre.

TRANSLATION

American Literary Translators Association (ALTA)

900 East 7th Street, PMB 266 Bloomington, IN 47405-3201

email bpenzer@literarytranslators.org

website www.literarytranslators.org

Managing Director Brittany Penzer

A broad-based professional association dedicated to the promotion of literary translation through services to literary translators, forums on the theory and practice of translation, collaboration with the international literary community, and advocacy on behalf of literary translators. Founded 1978.

British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT)

School of Literature, Drama & Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ

tel (01603) 592785

email bclt@uea.ac.uk

website www.bclt.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/bcltuea

Twitter @bcltuea

BCLT raises the profile of literary translation in the UK through events, publications, activities and research aimed at professional translators, the publishing industry, students and the general reader.

Activities include the annual Sebald Lecture in London, Summer School and public talks and events. It is joint sponsor of the John Dryden Translation Prize. Member of the international RECIT literary translation network. Founded 1989 by the author and UEA Professor W.G. Sebald.

Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)

Dunstan House, 14a St Cross Street, London EC1N 8XA

tel 020-7940 3100

email info@ciol.org.uk

website www.ciol.org.uk

Twitter @ciolinguists

The Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) is the foremost internationa lmembership organisation for all language professionals and is the only one offering a pathway to Chartership. Its diverse membership includes translators and interpreters, language teachers, university lecturers and linguists who use their foreign language skills in business, the professions and government.

CIOL’’s associated charity, IoL Educational Trust, is an Ofqual accredited awarding body offering professional qualifications in translation and public service interpreting. CIOL publishes a bi-monthly magazine, The Linguist, free to members and available to non-members by subscription. The Linguist offers its readers a wide range of articles that are of interest to anyone working with languages. Founded 1910.

The Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI)

Milton Keynes Business Centre, Foxhunter Drive, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6GD

tel (01908) 325250

email info@iti.org.uk

website www.iti.org.uk

The Institute of Translating & Interpreting was founded in 1986 as the only independent professional association of practising translators and interpreters in the UK. It is now one of the primary sources of information on these services to government, industry, the media and the general public. With the aim of promoting the highest standards in the profession, ITI serves as a focal point for all those who understand the importance of translation and interpreting to the economy and community. This is important in light of the growth in global communications and changes in UK and EU legislation requiring that foreign nationals have access to help through an interpreter or translator. ITI offers guidance to those entering the profession and advice to both people offering their language services and their potential customers.

Irish Translators’ and Interpreters’ Association

Irish Writers’ Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)87 673 8386

email secretary@translatorsassocation.ie

website www.translatorsassociation.ie

Chair Mary Phelan

Membership professional, associate, affiliate, institutional and student

Promotes translation in Ireland, the translation of Irish authors abroad and the practical training of translators, and promotes the interests of translators and interpreters. Maintains a detailed register of translators and interpreters. Founded 1986.

Translators Association

84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/translators-association

Specialist unit within the membership of the Society of Authors (see here), exclusively concerned with the interests of literary into English whose work is published or performed commercially in Great Britain. Members are entitled to advice on all aspects of their work, including remuneration and contractual arrangements with publishers, editors and broadcasting organisations.Members receive a free copy of the journal In Other Words. Founded 1958.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL/ACADEMIC

The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers

Chief Executive Audrey McCulloch,Egale 1, 80 St Albans Road, Watford, Herts. WD17 1DL

tel (01442) 828928

email info@.mcculloch@alpsp.org

website www.alpsp.org

Twitter @alpsp

The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP) is the international membership trade body which works to support and represent not-for-profit organisations and institutions that publish scholarly and professional content around the world. Its membership also encompasses those that partner with and provide services to not-for-profit publishers. ALPSP has over 330 members in 40 countries. Its mission is to connect, inform, develop and represent the international scholarly and professional publishing community.

Bibliographical Society

c/o Institute of English Studies, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

tel 020-7782 3279

email admin@bibsoc.org.uk

website www.bibsoc.org.uk

Acquisition and dissemination of information on subjects connected with historical bibliography. Publishes the journal The Library. Founded 1892.

Cambridge Bibliographical Society

University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR

email cbs@lib.cam.ac.uk

website www.lib.cam.ac.uk/cambibsoc

Aims to encourage the study of bibliography, including book and MS production, book collecting and the history of libraries. It publishes Transactions (annual) and a series of monographs, and arranges a programme of lectures and visits. Founded 1949.

Classical Association

email canews@classicalassociation.org

website www.classicalassociation.org

Hon. Secretary Dr E.J. Stafford

Exists to promote and sustain interest in classical studies, to maintain their rightful position in universities and schools, and to give scholars and teachers opportunities for meeting and discussing their problems.

Early English Text Society

Faculty of English, St Cross Building, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UL

website www.eets.org.uk

Twitter @EEngTextSoc

Hon. Director Prof. V. Gillespie, Executive Secretary Prof. D. Wakelin

Membership £30 p.a.

Aims to bring unprinted early English literature within the reach of students in sound texts. Founded 1864.

Edinburgh Bibliographical Society

102A Findhorn Place, Edinburgh EH9 2NZ

email derek.annetaylor@gmail.com

website www.edinburghbibliographicalsociety.org.uk

Secretary D. Taylor, Treasurer R. Betteridge Membership £18 p.a.; £25 corporate; £12 full-time students

Encourages bibliographical activity through organising talks for members, particularly on bibliographical topics relating to Scotland, and visits to libraries. See website for submission guidelines and prizes. Publishes Journal (annual, free to members) and other occasional publications. Founded 1890.

Oxford Bibliographical Society

Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG

email secretary@oxbibsoc.org.uk

website www.oxbibsoc.org.uk

Membership £20 p.a.

Exists to encourage bibliographical research. Founded 1922.

CLUBS

Arts Club

40 Dover Street, London W1S 4NP

tel 020-7499 8581

email membership@theartsclub.co.uk

website www.theartsclub.co.uk

Twitter @The_Arts_Club

A private members’ club founded in 1863 for all those connected with or interested in the arts, literature and science.

Authors’ Club

Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HE

email info@authorsclub.co.uk

website www.authorsclub.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/authorsclub1891

Twitter @AuthorsClub

President John Walsh, Chairperson Sunny Singh

A club for all those professionally engaged with literature, the Authors’ Club welcomes as members writers, publishers, critics, journalists and academics. Administers the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award, the Art Book Prize and the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year Award. Founded 1891.

New English Art Club

website www.newenglishartclub.co.uk

President Richard Pikesley, Membership Secretary Louise Balaam

The New English represents the very best of contemporary British figurative painting. Members of the public can send in work to the Annual Open Exhibition at The Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1, open to all working in painting, drawing, pastels and prints.

Scottish Arts Club

24 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BW

tel 0131 229 8157

website www.scottishartsclub.co.uk

Professional members include painters and sculptors, movie-makers and musicians, planners, playwrights and poets, novelists and journalists, architects and designers, dancers and diplomats. There are a number of lay members, all with an interest in the arts. The Scottish Arts Club has been a social hub for the arts since its founding in 1873.

WRITERS’ ORGANISATIONS

All Party Parliamentary Writers Group

tel 020-7264 5700

email barbara.hayes@alcs.co.uk

website www.allpartywritersgroup.co.uk

Chair Pete Wishart MP, Administrator Barbara Hayes

The Group has some 60 Members from both Houses and seeks to represent the interests of all writers; to safeguard their intellectual property rights and ensure they receive a fair level of recognition and reward for their contribution to the economy and society as a whole. Founded 2007.

Alliance of Independent Authors – see here

Association of British Science Writers (ABSW)

email info@absw.org.uk

website www.absw.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/Association-of-British-Science-Writers-ABSW-124733480870885/

Twitter @absw

President Martin Ince

Association of science writers, editors, and radio, film and TV producers concerned with the presentation and communication of science and technology. Aims to improve the standard of science journalism and to assist its members in their work. Runs the annual ABSW Science Writers’ Awards, the Biennial UK Conference of Science Journalists and Science Journalism Summer School. Membership details/application through website only.

Association of Christian Writers

tel 07748 131381

email admin@christianwriters.org.uk

website www.christianwriters.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/24831838019

Twitter @ACW1971

Membership £28 p.a. (£25 DD), £33 (overseas)

Registered charity that aims to see excellence in writing, either overtly Christian or shaped by a Christian perspective, in every area of the media, reaching the widest range of people across the UK and beyond; and to inspire and equip people to use their talents and skills with integrity to compose, write and market quality material which comes from a Christian world view. Founded 1971.

Authors Aloud UK

72 Castle Road, St Albans, Herts. AL1 5DG

tel (01727) 893992

email info@authorsalouduk.co.uk

website www.authorsalouduk.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/Authors-Aloud UK-497942623573822/

Twitter @AuthorsAloudUK

Directors Anne Marley, Naomi Cooper, Annie Everall

Authors Aloud UK is an author booking agency which brings together authors, illustrators, poets, storytellers and trainers with schools, libraries and festivals to promote enthusiasm for reading, both for enjoyment and information. Authors Aloud UK is happy to take on new speakers, published by mainstream children’s publishers, who meet the relevant criteria and guidelines. Keen to work with new and debut authors who wish to visit schools and libraries.

Book Aid International

39–41 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NR

tel 020-7733 3577

email info@bookaid.org

website www.bookaid.org

Book Aid Interantional is the UK’’s leading international book donation and library support charity. The group provides books, resources and training to support an environment in which reading for pleasure, study and lifelong learning can flourish.

Book Marketing Society

website www.bookmarketingsociety.co.uk

The Book Marketing Society was launched with the objective of becoming the representative body of marketing within the book industry. As such, it champions marketing professionalism with the ultimate goal of expanding the UK book market.

Anyone who works for a book publisher, book retailer or book wholesaler is eligible for membership, including those working in associated areas of the publishing and book retailing industry. Founded 2004.

The British Fantasy Society

email secretary@britishfantasysociety.org

website www.britishfantasysociety.org

Membership £35 p.a. single; £40 joint; £45 Europe; £60 rest of world

For devotees of fantasy, horror and related fields, in literature, art and the cinema. There is an annual convention, FantasyCon, and fantasy awards sponsored by the Society. Founded 1971.

British Guild of Beer Writers

Secretary Ros Shiel 44 Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2EP

tel (07841) 324314

email secretary@beerguild.co.uk

website www.beerwriters.co.uk

Twitter @Britbeerwriters

Membership £40 p.a

Aims to improve standards in beer writing and at the sametime extend public knowledge of beer and pubs. Awards are given annually towriters, broadcasters and other communicators judged to have made the most valuablecontribution to this end. Publishes a directory of members with details oftheir publications and their particular areas of interest, which is circulatedto the media. Founded 1988.

The British Guild of Travel Writers

335 Lordship Road, London N16 5HG

tel 020-8144 8713

email secretariat@bgtw.org

website www.bgtw.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/TravelBGTW

Twitter @TravWriters

Arranges meetings, discussions and visits for its 260+ members (who are all professional travel journalists) to promote and encourage the public’s interest in travel. Publishes a monthly newsletter (for members only), website and annual Yearbook, which contains details of members and lists travel industry PRs and contacts. Annual awards for journalism (members only) and the travel trade. Founded 1960.

The British Haiku Society

79 Westbury Road, Barking, Essex IG11 7PL

email membership@britishhaikusociety.org.uk

website www.britishhaikusociety.org.uk

Runs the prestigious annual British Haiku Awards, in two categories: haiku and tanka. The Society is active in promoting the teaching of haiku in schools and colleges and is able to provide readers, course/ workshop leaders and speakers for poetry groups etc. Also publishes a journal, Blithe Spirit. Founded 1990.

British Science Fiction Association Ltd

email info@bsfa.co.uk

website www.bsfa.co.uk

Chair Donna Bond

For authors, publishers, booksellers and readers of science fiction, fantasy and allied genres. Publishes Focus, an amateur writers’ magazine; Vector, a critical magazine and the Orbiter Service, a network of email/postal writers’ workshops. Trophies are awarded annually to the winner in each category of the BSFA Awards: best UK-published novel (previous winners include Christopher Priest, Adam Roberts, China Mieville), best short story, best artwork, best non-fiction. Founded 1958.

British Society of Comedy Writers

President Kenneth Rock, 61 Parry Road, Ashmore Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 2PS

tel (01902) 722729

email info@bscw.co.uk

website www.bscw.co.uk

Membership £75 p.a. full, £40 p.a. subscriber

Aims to bring together writers and industry representatives in order to develop new projects and ideas. Holds an annual international comedy conference, networking days and workshops to train new writers to professional standards. Founded 1999.

Circle of Wine Writers

tel (01753) 882320

email administrator@circleofwinewriters.org

website www.circleofwinewriters.org

Membership By election.

An association for those engaged in communicating about wines and spirits. Produces Circle Update electronic newsletter (five p.a.), organises tasting sessions as well as a programme of meetings and talks. Founded 1960.

Crime Writers’ Association

email director@thecwa.co.uk

website www.thecwa.co.uk

Secretary Dea Parkin

Membership is open to traditionally published crime writers, plus anyone whose business is concerned with publishing, bookselling or representing crime writers. Provisional membership is available for writers with a valid contract whose first book will be published within the next two years. Associate membership is open to editors, reviewers, bloggers, publishers, journalists, booksellers specialising in crime literature and literary agents.

The CWA was founded in 1953 and runs the world-renowed Dagger awards. Membership benefits include monthly magazine Red Herrings, Find an Author profile and blogging opportunities on the Crime Readers’ Association website and platforms such as Case Files and the CRA Newsletter, read by around 10,000 subscribers, plus various social media outlets.

The Critics’ Circle

Contact Rick Jones, c/o 17 Rosenthal Road, Catford, London SE6 2BX

tel 020-8698 2460

email criticscircleallsections@gmail.com

website www.criticscircle.org.uk

President Anna Smith, Hon. General Secretary Rick Jones, Hon. Treasurer Peter Cargin

Membership By invitation of the Council

Aims to promote the art of criticism, to uphold its integrity, to foster and safeguard the professional interests of its members, to provide opportunities for socialising and networking, and to support the advancement of the arts. Membership is by invitation only and granted only to persons engaged professionally, regularly and substantially in the writing or broadcasting of criticism of dance, drama, film, literature, music and the visual arts. Founded 1913.

TheFED – A Network of Writing and Community Publishers

Flat 2 Clydesdale, 5 College Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9DZ

tel 07549 862495

email fedonline1@gmail.com

website www.thefed.btck.co.uk

website http://thefed-friends.blogspot.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/TheFEDfriends

Membership Secretary/Treasurer Louise Glasscoe

Membership £25 p.a. funded groups; £15 unfunded; £10 waged/higher income individuals; £5 unwaged/ low income

TheFED is a not-for-profit organisation, run by volunteers, and continues the work started by the Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers. Details of the 2018 annual festival of writing and AGM at Syracuse University’s London campus at Faraday House, 48–51 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AE, as well as other activities associated with TheFED, will be advertised on the website. TheFED Festival of Writing and AGM includes a full day of creative writing, performance and publishing workshops, networking opportunities, AGM, celebratory reading and open mic events, information packs, lunch, refreshments, and bookstalls, all included in the ticket price. There are significant discounts on ticket prices, bought in advance, for individual members and group members of TheFED.

In addition to the annual festival of writing, TheFED runs a monthly writing challenge and hosts TheFED archive in collaboration with TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University and Syracuse University, New York; it has associations with other local and national events and encourages networking between member groups.

The Garden Media Guild

Katepwa House, Ashfield Park Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5AX

tel (01989) 567393

email admin@gardenmediaguild.co.uk

website www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/gardenmedia.guild

Twitter @gdnmediaguild

Chairman Clare Foggett

Membership £70 p.a; associate membership £105 p.a.; probationary membership £52.50 p.a. Full membership is open to those who earn a significant part of their income from communicating information on the subject of gardening and horticulture.

Aims to raise the quality of garden writing, photography and broadcasting, to help members operate efficiently and profitably, to improve communication between members and to promote liaison between members and the broader horticultural industry. The Guild administers annual awards to encourage excellence in garden writing, photography, trade and consumer press journalism, TV and radio broadcasting. Founded 1991.

Gay Authors Workshop

BM Box 5700, London WC1N 3XX

email eandk2@btinternet.com

website http:.//gayauthorsworkshop.uk/

Contact Kathryn Bell

Membership £8 p.a.; £5 unwaged

Exists to encourage writers who are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Quarterly newsletter, bi-annual magazine and monthly meetings. Founded 1978.

Guild of Food Writers

Administrator Jonathan Woods, 255 Kent House Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1JQ

tel 020-8659 0422

email guild@gfw.co.uk

website www.gfw.co.uk

Membership £85 p.a.

Aims to bring together professional food writers including journalists, broadcasters and authors, to print and issue an annual list of members, to extend the range of members’ knowledge and experience by arranging discussions, tastings and visits, and to encourage the development of new writers by every means, including competitions and awards. There are 14 awards and entry is not restricted to members of the Guild. Founded 1984.

Guild of Health Writers

Dale Lodge, 88 Wensleydale Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2LX

tel 020-8941 2977

email admin@healthwriters.com

website www.healthwriters.com

Twitter @HealthWritersUK

Membership £50 p.a.; Student £12 p.a.

The Guild of Health Writers is a national, independent membership organisation representing Britain’s leading health journalists and writers. It was founded to encourage the provision of readable and accurate health information to the public. Members write on every aspect of health and wellbeing, from innovative medical science to complementary therapies and lifestyle issues. They value the training and networking opportunities that the Guild provides. Founded 1994.

The Guild of Motoring Writers

The Guild of Motoring Writers’ Secretariat, 40 Baring Road, Bournemouth BH6 4DT

tel (01202) 422424

email generalsec@gomw.co.uk

website http://www.gomw.co.uk/

Facebook www.facebook.com/gomwuk

Twitter @gomw_uk

The Guild of Motoring Writers is the largest organisation of its kind in the world representing automotive journalists, photographers, broadcasters and artists. Based in the UK, it represents more than 400 members. It aims to raise the standard of motoring journalism, to encourage motoring, motorsport and road safety, promote professional training of journalists, works closely with the motor industry and provides a link between fellow members around the world and to safeguard the interests of members in relation to the aims of the Guild. Founded 1944.

Hakluyt Society

c/o The Map Library, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB

tel (01428) 641850

email office@hakluyt.com

website www.hakluyt.com

Publication of original narratives of voyages, travels, naval expeditions, and other geographical records. Founded 1846.

Harleian Society

College of Arms, 130 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4BT

tel 020-7236 7728

email norroy&ulster@college-of-arms.gov.uk

website http://harleian.org.uk

Chairman T. Woodcock CVO, DL, FSA,Garter King of Arms, Hon. Secretary T.H.S. Duke, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms

Instituted for transcribing, printing and publishing the heraldic visitations of Counties, Parish Registers and any manuscripts relating to genealogy, family history and heraldry. Founded 1869.

Historical Novel Society

Contact Richard Lee, Marine Cottage, The Strand, Starcross, Devon EX6 8NY

tel (01626) 891962

email richard@historicalnovelsociety.org

website http://historicalnovelsociety.org/

Facebook www.facebook.com/historicalnovelsociety

Twitter @histnovsoc

Membership £40 p.a.

Promotes the enjoyment of historical fiction. Based in the US and UK but welcomes members (who can be readers or writers) from all over the world. Publishes print magazines, organises conferences and local chapters. Founded 1997.

Horror Writers Association (HWA)

email hwa@horror.org

website www.horror.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/Horrorwritersassoc/

Twitter @horrorwriters

President Lisa Morton

Membership $69 p.a. (individual); $48 (supporting); $115 (corporate); $89 (family)

A worldwide organisation of 1,300 writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting the interests of writers of horror and dark fantasy. There are five levels of membership: for new writers, established writers, professionals, academics and non-writing horror professionals. The HWA gives the iconic Bram Stoker Awards® on an annual basis, as well as hosting horror conventions, and provides a range of services to its horror writer, editor and publisher membership base. Founded 1987.

International Association of Conscious & Creative Writers (IACCW)

PO Box 3703, Trowbridge BA14 6ZW

tel (01380) 871331

email info@iaccw.com

website www.iaccw.com

Founder/Creative Director Julia McCutchen

Membership Free, or full at £97 p.a.

Membership-based organisation for writers offering monthly teleseminar training and interviews with bestselling authors and experts from around the world. Topics include all aspects of creativity, writing and contemporary publishing options, plus marketing and building an author platform. The range of member benefits includes a complimentary audio CD set presenting the current year’s best interviews collection, a welcome pack and opportunities to share information and resources. Highlights the importance of discovering an authentic voice both on the page and in the world. Established 2010.

The Mythopoeic Society

secretary@mythsoc.org

website www.mythsoc.org

A non-profit international literary and educational organisation for the study, discussion and enjoyment of fantastic and mythic literature, especially the works of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. The word ‘mythopoeic’ (myth-oh-PAY-ik or myth-oh-PEE-ic), meaning ‘mythmaking’ or ‘productive of myth’, aptly describes much of the fictional work of the three authors who were also prominent members of an informal Oxford literary circle (1930s–1950s) known as the Inklings. Membership is open to all scholars, writers and readers of these literatures. The Society sponsors three periodicals: Mythprint (a bulletin of book reviews, articles and events), Mythlore (scholarly articles on mythic and fantastic literature), and Mythic Circle (a literary annual of original poetry and short stories). Each summer the Society holds an annual conference, Mythcon. Founded 1967.

National Association of Writers’ Groups (NAWG)

email info@nawg.co.uk

website www.nawg.co.uk

Facebook ww.facebook.com/NAWGNews/

Twitter @NAWGnews

Secretary Chris Huck

Membership £50 p.a. per group; £25 individuals

Aims ‘to advance the education of the general public throughout the UK, including the Channel Islands, by promoting the study and art of writing in all its aspects’. Publishes LNK, a bi-monthly magazine. Festival of Writing held annually in August/ September. New members always welcome. Founded 1995.

New Writers UK

PO Box 9310, Nottingham NG5 0DZ

email julie.nwuk@gmail.com

website www.newwritersuk.co.uk

Founder & President Julie Malone, Chairman Nick Thom, Social Media Coordinator and Newsletter Editor Rachel Littlewood

Membership £30 p.a. (full)

New Writers UK supports and advises independently published authors and those who do not have financial backing or marketing to promote their books. This is an organisation of authors working on a voluntary basis to assist other authors and encourage imaginative literacy in young people and adults. New members welcome. NWUK holds a number of events throughout the year, produces an online quarterly newsletter and has links with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. NWUK provided details of the work undertaken with children and older aspiring writers for the Nottingham City of

Literature UNESCO bid. NWUK has an associate membership of copy editors, proofreaders, graphic designers, reviewers and illustrators. Established 2006.

New Writing North

email office@newwritingnorth.com

website www.newwritingnorth.com

The literature development agency for the North of England. Specialises in developing writers and acts as a broker between writers, producers, publishers and broadcasters. Flagship projects include Northern Writers’ Awards, Gordon Burn Prize and Durham Book Festival.

New Writing South

9 Jew Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1UT

tel (01273) 735353

email admin@newwritingsouth.com

website www.newwritingsouth.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/New-Writing-South/63653781898

Twitter @newwritingsouth

Chief Executive Lesley Wood

Membership £45 p.a. (concessions available from £20 p.a.)

New Writing South supports and encourages writers at all stages and champions new writing in all its forms. Activities include script-reading service, workshops, mentoring, masterclasses and events.

Membership benefits comprise booking discounts, fortnightly e-news and networking opportunities. New Writing South places writers in schools, cultural venues, workplaces and community settings to inspire people to write creatively. New Writing South is open to writers in the South East of England and beyond

New Zealand Writers Guild

PO Box 47 886, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144, New Zealand

tel +64 (0)9 360 1408

email guildhq@nzwritersguild.org.nz

website www.nzwritersguild.org.nz

Aims to represent the interests of New Zealand writers (TV, film, radio and theatre); to establish and improve minimum conditions of work and rates of compensation for writers; to provide professional services for members. Founded 1975.

Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild

Highland Cottage, Gatelawbridge, Thornhill DG3 5EA

tel (01848) 331773

email secretary@owpg.org.uk

website www.owpg.org.uk

Membership £80 p.a.

Association of the leading practitioners in outdoor media; represents members’ interests to representative bodies in the outdoor industry; circulates members with news of media opportunities; provides a forum for members to meet colleagues and others in the outdoor industry.

Presents annual literary and photographic awards. Members include writers, journalists, broadcasters, illustrators, photographers, bloggers, editors and publishers. Founded 1980.

PEN International

Brownlow House, 50–51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER

tel 020-7405 0338

email info@pen-international.org.uk

website www.pen-international.org.uk

International President John Ralston Saul, International Secretary Hori Takeaki

Membership Apply to Centres

A world association of writers. PEN was founded by C.A. Dawson Scott under the presidency of John Galsworthy, to promote friendship and understanding between writers and to defend freedom of expression within and between all nations. The initials PEN stand for Poets, Playwrights, Editors, Essayists, Novelists – but membership is open to all writers of standing (including translators), whether men or women, without distinction of creed or race, who subscribe to these fundamental principles. PEN takes no part in state or party politics.

Membership of any one Centre implies membership of all Centres; at present 145 autonomous Centres exist throughout the world. Associate membership is available for writers not yet eligible for full membership and for persons connected with literature. Founded 1921.

English PEN Centre

email enquiries@englishpen.org

website www.englishpen.org

Scottish PEN Centre

email info@scottishpen.org

website www.scottishpen.org

Irish PEN Centre

email info@irishpen.com.com

website www.irishpen.com

The Poetry Book Society – see here

The Poetry Society – see here

The Romantic Novelists’ Association

email rnahonsec@romanticnovelistsassociation.org

website www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org

Chairman Nicola Cornick, Hon. Secretary Julie Vince

Aims to promote romantic fiction and encourage good writing within the genre. Represents more than 700 writers, agents, editors and other publishing professionals. See also here.

Scattered Authors’ Society

email membership@scatteredauthors.org

website www.scatteredauthors.org

Aims to provide a forum for informal discussion, contact and support for professional writers in children’s fiction. Founded 1998.

Scottish Association of Writers

16 Norval Place, Rosyth, Fife KY11 2RJ

email secretary@sawriters.org.uk

website www.sawriters.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/Sawriters

President Marc Sherland, Vice-President &Secretary Jen Butler, Treasurer Jacklin Murray

An organisation promoting writing in Scotland. Annual conference attended by writers who are members of affiliated clubs and alternating annual satellite events; Write Up North and Write Down South. Competitions organised throughout the year in a range of categories (Contact the Competition Secretary: competition@sawriters.org.uk). Website features group and writer resources. For further information about joining the Association, contact the Club Development Secretary: development@sawriters.org.uk. The Council organises outreach visits to writing clubs to promote good practice, offer workshops and advise on the current writing market. This can often be coupled with competitions and specific talks. Founded 1969.

Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers

website www.sfcw.info

Facebook www.facebook.com/Scottish-Fellowship-of-Christian-Writers-393556520670479/

Membership £10 p.a.

To encourage Christians living in Scotland to make use of their creative writing talents. Over 100 members. Founded 1980.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)

email ra@britishscbwi.org

website www.britishisles.scbwi.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/122794234418913/

Regional Adviser, SCBWI–British Isles Natascha Biebow

Membership approx. £50 p.a.

An international network for the exchange of knowledge between professional writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. Sponsors conferences on writing and illustrating children’s books and multimedia as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. Publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Bulletin, and information publications. Awards grants for: works in progress, portfolios, humour, marketing your book, excellence in non-traditional publishing and diversity in books. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite and Crystal Kite Awards for the best fiction and non-fiction books.

The SCBWI British Isles region meets regularly for speaker, networking or professional development events, including the industry insiders series, PULSE events for published members, agents’ party, masterclasses for writers and illustrators and annual fiction and picture book retreats. Also sponsors local and online critique groups and publishes Words and Pictures blog magazine (www.wordsandpics.org). Founded 1971.

The Society of Civil and Public Service Writers

email membership@scpsw.co.uk

website www.scpsw.co.uk

Membership £15 p.a.; Poetry Workshop add £7

Welcomes serving and retired members of the Civil Service, Armed Forces, Post Office and BT, the nursing profession, and other public servants.

Members can be aspiring or published writers. Holds annual competitions for short stories, articles and poetry, plus occasional competitions for longer works. Offers postal folios for short stories and articles; holds an AGM and occasional meetings; publishes The Civil Service Author (quarterly) magazine. Poetry Workshop offers magazine (Wavelengths), postal and e-folios, anthology and one-day events. Send email or sae for details. Founded 1935.

The Society of Medical Writers

Dr R. Cutler, 30 Dollis Hill Lane, London NW2 6JE

website www.somw.org.uk

Aims to recruit members from all branches of the medical profession, together with all professions allied to medicine, to foster interest in literature and in writing – not solely about medicine but also about art, history, music, theatre, etc. Members are encouraged to write fiction, poetry, plays, book reviews, non-fiction articles. Poetry, short story and biography (Roger Bacon Award) prizes, for best non-fiction and best written clinical paper. Publishes The Writer (two p.a.) and a register of members and their writing interests. Holds a bi-annual conference in which various aspects of literature and writing are explored in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Founded 1989.

South African Writers’ Circle

email southafricanwriterscircle@gmail.com

website www.sawriters.org.za

Membership R205 p.a. (single), R270 (couple); R160 (pensioner single), R210 (pensioner couple), R160 (student single)

Aims to help and encourage all writers, new and experienced, in the art of writing. Publishes a monthly newsletter, and runs competitions with prizes for the winners. Founded 1960.

Southwest Scriptwriters

email info@southwestscriptwriters.co.uk

website www.southwestscriptwriters.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/southwestscriptwriters

Twitter @swscriptwriters

Workshops members’ drama scripts for stage, screen, radio and TV with the aim of improving their chances of professional production, meeting at Watershed in Bristol. Also hosts talks by professional dramatists. Projects to present members’ work to a wider audience have included theatre and short film productions, as well as public rehearsed readings. Bimonthly e-newsletter. Founded 1994.

Spread the Word

The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG

tel 020-8692 0231 extension 249

email hello@spreadtheword.org.uk

website www.spreadtheword.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/spreadthewordwriters

Twitter @STWevents

London’s writer development agency, helping London’s writers make their mark on the page, the screen and in the world. Kick starts the careers of London’s best new writers, and energetically campaigns to ensure mainstream publishing truly reflects the diversity of the city. Supports the creative and professional development of talent, by engaging those already interested in literature and those who will be, and by advocating on behalf of both.

Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers

Stationers’ Hall, Ava Maria Lane, London EC4M 7DD

tel 020-7248 2934

email admin@stationers.org

website www.stationers.org

Master Ian Bennett, Clerk William Alden MBE DL

One of the Livery Companies of the City of London. Connected with the printing, publishing, bookselling, newspaper and allied trades. Founded 1403.

Writers Advice Centre for Children’s Books

Shakespeare House, 168 Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TG

tel 020-7801 6300

email info@writersadvice.co.uk

website www.writersadvice.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/writersadvice

Twitter @writersadvice

Managing Editor Louise Jordan

Dedicated to helping new and published children’s writers by offering both editorial advice and tips on how to get published. The Centre also runs an online children’s writing correspondence course and publishes a small list of its own under the name of Wacky Bee Books (www.wackybeebooks.com). Founded 1994.

MUSIC

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

website www.ascap.com

An organisation owned and run by its members, it is the leading performance rights organisation representing over 555,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers.

British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA)

2 St Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG

tel 020-7636 2929

website www.basca.org.uk

The Academy represents the interests of composers and songwriters across all genres, providing advice on professional and artistic matters. It administers a number of major events, including the annual Ivor Novello Awards and British Composer Awards.

The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers

Northland House, 32 Hillgarth, Castleside, Consett, Co. Durham DH8 9QD

tel (01207) 500825

email gisc@btinternet.com

website www.songwriters-guild.co.uk

Secretary Anne Eade

Membership £60

Gives advice to members on contractual and copyright matters; assists with protection of members rights; free members online copyright service; international collaboration register free to members; outlines requirements of record companies, publishers, artists. Publishes Songwriting & Composing (quarterly).

Incorporated Society of Musicians

4–5 Inverness Mews, London W2 3JQ

tel 020-7221 3499

email membership@ism.org

website www.ism.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/ISMusicians

Twitter @ISM_music

Chief Executive Deborah Annetts

Membership £171 p.a.

Professional body for musicians. Aims to promote the art of music; protect the interests and raise the standards of the musical profession; provide unrivalled services and expert advice for its members. Publishes Music Journal and a handbook annually. Founded 1882.

Music Publishers Association Ltd

8th Floor, Two Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG

tel 020-3741 3800

email info@mpagroup.com

website www.mpaonline.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/MusicPublishersAssociation

Twitter @the_MPA

Membership Details available on request

Trade organisation representing over 270 UK music publisher members: promotes and safeguards its members’ interests in copyright, trade and related matters. Sub-committees and groups deal with particular interests. Founded 1881.

PRS for Music

2 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG

tel 020-7580 5544

website www.prsformusic.com

PRS for Music represents the rights of over 125,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a membership organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced, championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.

PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10 million songs through its music licences. In an industry worth over £4 billion, PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and music creators.

 

Prizes and awards

This section has two parts: an alphabetical listing of prizes, competitions and awards; and an alphabetical list of grants, bursaries and fellowships for writers and artists, and the organisations that award them. See here for details of prizes and awards by genre.

PRIZES, COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS:

Academy of British Cover Design: annual cover design competition

website www.abcoverd.co.uk

Twitter @abcoverd

The Academy of British Cover Design’s annual competition awards covers produced for any book published between 1 January and 31 December each year, by any designer in the UK, for a UK or overseas publisher. Ebooks are eligible. Designers may enter their own work or the work of other designers. There are ten categories: children’s, young adult, sci-fi/ fantasy, mass market, literary fiction, crime/thriller, non-fiction, series design, classic/reissue and women’s fiction. A cover can only be submitted in one category unless it is entered as an individual cover and again as part of a series design. Entry is free.

The Aeon Award

Albedo One, 8 Bachelor’s Walk, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

email fraslaw@yahoo.co.uk

website www.albedo1.com

An annual contest for short fiction (up to 10,000 words) in genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror or anything in between. A grand prize of €1,000 will be awarded to the winner (2nd prize €200, 3rd €100) plus publication in Albedo One. The contest runs for four rounds throughout the year; deadlines are 31 March (1st round), 30 June (2nd round), 30 September (3rd round) and 30 November (final round). At the end of each round the best story submissions will be shortlisted for the award. Email submissions only to fraslaw@yahoo.co.uk. Entry fee: €8.50.

ALCS Educational Writers’ Award

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/education-book-prize

This is an annual award alternating each year between books in the 5–11 and 11–18 year age groups. It is given to an outstanding example of traditionally published non-fiction (with or without illustrations) that stimulates and enhances learning. The work must have been first published in the UK, in the English language, within the previous two calendar years. Deadline 30 June.

The Hans Christian Andersen Awards

International Board on Books for Young People, Nonnenweg 12, Postfach CH–4009 Basel, Switzerland

tel +41 61-272 2917

email ibby@ibby.org

website www.ibby.org

The Medals are awarded every two years to a living author and an illustrator who by the outstanding value of their work are judged to have made a lasting contribution to literature for children and young people. 2016 winners: Cao Wenxuan (author), Rotraut Susanne Berner (illustrator).

The Australian/Vogel’s Literary Award

email vogel@allenandunwin.com

website www.allenandunwin.com

An annual award of $20,000 for a chosen unpublished work of fiction, Australian history or biography. Entrants must be under 35 years of age on the closing date and must normally be residents of Australia. The MS must be between 30,000 and 100,000 words and must be an original work entirely by the entrant written in English. It cannot be under consideration by any publisher or award. See website for details. Closing date: 31 May. Founded 1980.

Authors’ Club Awards

email info@authorsclub.co.uk

website www.authorsclub.co.uk

Best First Novel Award

The Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award was inaugurated in 1954 and past winners have included Brian Moore, Alan Sillitoe, Paul Bailey, Diran Adebayo, Jackie Kay, Susan Fletcher, Nicola Monaghan, Anthony Quinn, Jonathan Kemp and Jack Wolf. The £2,500 prize is open to any debut novel written in English and published in the UK during the previous calendar year: novels first published in another country will not be considered. All imprints may submit two titles. Please send two copies of each title to Suzi Feay, The Authors’ Club, c/o The National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, SW1A 3HE. Please mark packages ‘BFNA’ and send a confirmation email to suzifeay@aol.com with details of the titles submitted.

The Art Book Prize

The Art Book Prize (formerly the Banister Fletcher Prize) is presented each year for the best book on architecture or the arts (architecture, fine art, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic art, design etc). The book needs to be published in the previous calendar year, with a preferred emphasis on works illuminating art for the intelligent lay reader. It must be in English, but may be published anywhere in the world. Please send two copies of each title to Sunny Singh, The Authors’ Club, c/o The National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, SW1A 3HE. Please mark packages ‘Art Book Prize’ and send a confirmation email to ssingh@authorsclub.co.uk with details of the titles submitted.

The Stanford-Dolman Best Travel Book Award

The award is presented annually for the best literary travel book (no guidebooks accepted) published in the previous calendar year. It is open to writers from across the globe, although submissions must be available in English. Instituted by the Reverend Dr William Dolman in 2005, the £5,000 prize is now jointly sponsored by Stanfords, the world’s largest travel bookshop. Please send two copies of each title to John Walsh, The Authors’ Club, c/o The National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, SW1A 3HE. Please mark packages ‘Stanford-Dolman Award’ and send a confirmation email to j.walshindependent@gmail.com with details of the titles submitted.

BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)

195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN

tel 020-7734 0022

email info@bafta.org

website www.bafta.org

Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE

The UK’s pre-eminent independent charity supporting, developing and promoting the art forms of the moving image (film, TV and games) by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. BAFTA’s awards are awarded annually by its members to their peers in recognition of their skills and expertise. In addition, BAFTA’s year-round learning programme offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles, New York and Asia. Founded 1947.

The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction

website www.thebailliegiffordprize.co.uk

Twitter @BGPrize

The Baillie Gifford Prize aims to reward the best of non-fiction and is open to authors of any nationality. It covers all non-fiction in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts. Formerly known as The Samuel Johnson Prize (1999––2015) it is the most prestigious non-fiction prize in the UK, worth £30,000 to the winner.

Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-Language Children’s Poet Laureate)

Welsh Books Council, Castell Brychan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2JB

tel (01970) 624151

email castellbrychan@books.wales

website www.books.wales

The main aim is to raise the profile of poetry amongst children and to encourage them to compose and enjoy poetry. During his/her term of office the bard will visit schools as well as helping children to create poetry through electronic workshops.

The scheme’s partner organisations are: S4C, the Welsh Government, the Welsh Books Council, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Literature Wales.

Verity Bargate Award

Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

email vba@sohotheatre.com

website www.sohotheatre.com/writers/verity-bargate-award

The Verity Bargate Award was established in 1982 to honour Soho Theatre’s co-founder and is presented biennially to an artist resident in the UK or Ireland with fewer than three professional productions. The winner receives £7,000 in respect of an exclusive option to produce the winning play at Soho Theatre. See website for information on workshops and events associated with the award.

The Bath Novel Award

PO Box 5223, Bath BA1 0UR

email info@bathnovelaward.co.uk

website www.bathnovelaward.co.uk

Twitter @bathnovelaward

This annual international prize is for unpublished or independently published writers of novels for adults or young adults. Submissions: first 5,000 words plus one-page synopsis. Prize: £2,000 with an additional £500 shortlist award plus introductions to literary agents. Entries open November until April. Entry fee: £25 per novel. See website for full entry and submission guidelines.

BBC National Short Story Award

email bbcnssa@bbc.co.uk

website www.bbc.co.uk/nssa

The BBC National Short Story Award, founded in 2005 and now one of the most prestigious for a single short story, aims to expand opportunities for British writers, readers and publishers of the short story, and to honour the UK’s finest exponents of the form. The Award offers £15,000 to the winner and £600 to four further shortlisted writers. Closing date: February. Shortlist announcement: September. Winner announcement: October.

The David Berry Prize

Administrative Secretary of the Royal Historical Society, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

tel 020-7387 7532

email m.ransom@royalhistsoc.org

website www.royalhistsoc.org/prizes/david-berry/

Candidates may submit an essay/article of between 6,000 and 10,000 words in length on any subject dealing with Scottish history. Essays/articles already published or selected for future publication are eligible. Value of prize: £250. Closing date: 31 December each year.

Besterman/McColvin Medals – see The K&IM Information Resources Award

The Biographers’ Club Slightly Foxed

Best First Biography Prize

tel 07985 920341

email ariane.bankes@gmail.com

website www.biographersclub.co.uk Prize Administrator Ariane Bankes

The prize is awarded to the best book written by a first-time biographer. The Prize, worth £2,500, is sponsored by Slightly Foxed, The Real Reader’s Quarterly. Only entries submitted by publishers will be accepted for consideration. Literary memoirs are also eligible but celebrity autobiographies and ghostwritten books are not.

To qualify, books must have a publication date between 1 September and 31 December (proofs are acceptable). Four copies of each book should be submitted no later than 1 November (enclose a press release to confirm publication date) along with an entry form (downloadable from the website) and entry fee of £25 per title. Delivery address: The Slightly Foxed Best First Biography Prize, c/o Jane

The Biographers’ Club Slightly Foxed

Best First Biography Prize

tel 07985 920341

email ariane.bankes@gmail.com

website www.biographersclub.co.uk Prize Administrator Ariane Bankes

The prize is awarded to the best book written by a first-time biographer. The Prize, worth £2,500, is sponsored by Slightly Foxed, The Real Reader’s Quarterly. Only entries submitted by publishers will be accepted for consideration. Literary memoirs are also eligible but celebrity autobiographies and ghostwritten books are not.

To qualify, books must have a publication date between 1 September and 31 December (proofs are acceptable). Four copies of each book should be submitted no later than 1 November (enclose a press release to confirm publication date) along with an entry form (downloadable from the website) and entry fee of £25 per title. Delivery address: The Slightly Foxed Best First Biography Prize, c/o Jane

Mays, 21 Marsden Street, London NW5 3HE.

The Biographers’ Club Tony Lothian Prize

Prize Administrator, 6 Albany, Piccadilly,

London W1J 0AR

tel 07985 920341

email ariane.bankes@gmail.com

website www.biographersclub.co.uk Prize Administrator Ariane Bankes

The £2,000 Tony Lothian Prize (sponsored by her daughter, Elizabeth, Duchess of Buccleuch) supports uncommissioned first-time writers working on a biography. Applicants should submit a proposal of no more than 20 pages including a synopsis and ten-page sample chapter (double-spaced, numbered pages), cv and a note on the market for the book and competing literature (all unbound), to the prize administrator. Entry fee: £15. For further details and mandatory entry form, see website.

Blue Peter Book Awards

BookTrust, G8 Battersea Studios, 80 Silverthorne Road, London SW8 3HE

tel 020-7801 8843

email bluepeter@booktrust.org.uk

website www.booktrust.org.uk

Awarded annually, winners are shortlisted by a panel of expert adult judges, then a group of young Blue Peter viewers judge the two categories, which are: the Best Story and the Best Book with Facts. Winning books are announced on Blue Peter in March. Established 2000.

2017 winners: Kieran Larwood for Podkin One-Ear and David Long for Survivors: Extraordinary Tales From the Wild and Beyond.

The Boardman Tasker Prize

website www.boardmantasker.com

This annual prize of £3,000 is given for a work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry, the central theme of which is concerned with the mountain environment. Authors of any nationality are eligible but the work must be published or distributed in the UK. Entries from publishers only. Founded 1983.

The Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction

Four Colman Getty, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9BF

tel 020-3697 4251

email hanna.davies@fourcolmangetty.com

email arthur.dimsdale@fourcolmangetty.com

The UK’s only prize for comic fiction. Awarded to the most original comic novel of the previous 12 months. The winner receives a case of Bollinger Special Cuvée, a jeroboam of Bollinger, a complete set of the Everyman Wodehouse collection and a rare breed pig named after the winning novel. Eligible novels are published in the UK between 1 June and 31 May. The winner is announced at the Hay Festival in late May/ early June. Closing date: February; shortlist announced in late March/early April. Launched in 2000 on the 25th anniversary of the death of P.G. Wodehouse.

The Branford Boase Award

8 Bolderwood Close, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 8PG

tel 023-8060 0439

email anne.marley@tiscali.co.uk

website www.branfordboaseaward.org.uk

An annual award of £1,000 is made to a first-time writer of a full-length children’s novel (age 7+) published in the preceding year; the editor is also recognised. Its aim is to encourage new writers for children and to recognise the role of perceptive editors in developing new talent. The Award was set up in memory of the outstanding children’s writer Henrietta Branford and the gifted editor and publisher Wendy Boase who both died in 1999. Closing date for nominations: end of December. Founded 2000.

The Bridport Prize

The Bridport Prize, PO Box 6910, Dorset DT6 9BQ

email kate@bridportprize.org.uk

website www.bridportprize.org.uk

Annual prizes are awarded for poetry and short stories (1st £5,000, 2nd £1,000, 3rd £500) in both categories, and £1,000 for flash fiction stories (under 250 words).The Peggy-Chapman Andrews First Novel Award launched in 2014. Enter first chapter(s) of novel, up to 8,000 words, plus 300-word synopsis. 1st prize £1,000 plus mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through their Chapter & Verse mentoring scheme and possible publication. Open to writers based in Britain and Republic of Ireland only. Entry fees: £8 flash fiction / £9 poems / £10 short stories / £20 novel.

Closing date 31 May each year. Enter by post or online. See website for rules and eligibility. Entries should be in English, original work, typed or clearly written, and never published or read on radio/TV/ stage. Winning stories are read by a leading London literary agent, without obligation, and an anthology of winning entries is published each autumn. Top four poems are submitted to the Forward Poetry Prizes and top 13 eligible stories are submitted to the National Short Story Award and The Sunday Times Short Story Prize. Send sae for entry form or enter online.

The British Book Awards

The Bookseller, 10th Floor, Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SP

email grace.harrison@bookseller.com

email emma.lowe@thebookseller.com

website www.thebookseller.com/british-book-industry-awards

Awards to celebrate the best in bookselling, publishing, and other aspects of the UK book industry.

British Academy Medals and Prizes

The British Academy, 10–11 Carlton House Terrace,

London SW1Y 5AH

tel 020-7969 5200

email prizes@britac.ac.uk

website www.britishacademy.ac.uk

A number of prizes and medals are awarded by the British Academy for outstanding work in various fields of the humanities and social sciences on the recommendation of specialist committees: Brian Barry Prize in Political Science; British Academy Medal; Burkitt Medal (Biblical studies); Derek Allen Prize (made annually in turn for Musicology, Numismatics and Celtic studies); Edward Ullendorff Medal (Semitic languages and Ethiopian studies); Grahame Clark Medal (Prehistoric Archaeology); Sir Israel Gollancz Prize (English studies); Kenyon Medal (Classical Studies and Archaeology); Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Transcultural Understanding; Peter Townsend Prize (Social Policy); Rose Mary Crawshay Prize (English Literature); Serena Medal (Italian studies); Leverhulme Medal and Prize (Humanities and Social Sciences); The Landscape Archaeology Medal; Wiley Prize in Economics; Wiley Prize in Psychology.

British Czech & Slovak Association Writing Competition

24 Ferndale, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3NS

tel (01892) 543206

email prize@bcsa.co.uk

website www.bcsa.co.uk

Contact BCSA Prize Administrator

Annual competition (1st prize: £300; 2nd prize: £100) for fiction or non-fiction on the theme of the links between Britain and the Czech and Slovak Republics, at any time in their history, or society in transition in those republics since the Velvet Revolution in 1989.Suggested (optional) theme for 2018: the centenary of the creation of Czechoslovakia. Winning entries published in British Czech & Slovak Review. Length: 2,000 words max. Entry is free. Closing date: 30 June each year. Established 2002.

British Fantasy Awards

tel 07557 389878

email bfsawards@britishfantasysociety.org

website www.britishfantasysociety.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/britishfantasysociety

Twitter @BritFantasySoc

Awards Administrator Katherine Fowler

The British Fantasy Awards have been awarded since 1972 in up to 14 categories including best novel, novella, short story and collection, and are presented each autumn at FantasyCon to works published the previous year. Past winners include Neil Gaiman, Angela Slatter, Lavie Tidhar and Tanith Lee.

Publishers, writers, editors and readers are able to contribute to a list of eligible works. The shortlist is

currently decided by a vote of British Fantasy Society members and FantasyCon attendees, and the winners decided by a jury.

The Caine Prize for African Writing

51 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU

tel 020-7378 6234

email info@caineprize.com

website www.caineprize.com

Twitter @caineprize

Director @Lizzy Attree

An annual award of £10,000 for a short story published in English (may be a published translation into English) by an African writer in the five years before the closing date, and not previously submitted.

Indicative length 3,000–10,000 words. Shortlisted writers will each be awarded £500. Submissions only by publishers. Closing date: 31 January each year. Founded 1999.

Carnegie Medal – see The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards

The CBI Book of the Year Awards

Children’s Books Ireland, 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 8727475

email info@childrensbooksireland.ie

website www.childrensbooksireland.ie

These awards are made annually to authors and illustrators born or resident in Ireland and are open to books written in Irish or English. The awards are: CBI Book of the Year, the Eilís Dillon Award (for a first children’s book), the Honour Award for Fiction, the Honour Award for Illustration, the Judges’ Special Award and the Children’s Choice Award. Schools and reading groups nationwide take part in a shadowing scheme: each group reads the shortlisted books and engages with them using the suggested questions and activities in the CBI shadowing packs. Each group then votes for their favourite book, the results of which form the basis for the Children’s Choice Award. Closing date: December for work published between 1 January and 31 December of an awards year.Shortlist announced in March; winners announced in May. Founded 1990.

Peggy Chapman-Andrews First Novel Award

The Bridport Prize, PO Box 6910, Dorset DT6 9BQ

email kate@bridportprize.org.uk

website www.bridportprize.org.uk/content/novel-award

The Peggy-Chapman Andrews First Novel Award was launched in 2014. Enter first chapter(s) of novel, up to 8,000 words, plus 300-word synopsis. 1st prize £1,000 plus mentoring from the Literary Consultancy, through their Chapter & Verse mentoring scheme, and possible publication. Closing date 31 May each year. Enter by post or online. See website for rules and eligibility.

Cheltenham Illustration Awards

email eevans@glos.ac.uk

website www.cheltenham-illustration-awards.com

Exhibition and Annual submissions are invited and can be freely interpreted in a narrative context. Submissions of work are free and open to all students, emerging and established illustrators and graphic novelists. A selection panel will assess entries.

The selected work will be showcased in an exhibition and published in the Cheltenham Illustration Awards Annual, which will be distributed to education institutions and publishers. Deadline for submissions: June. See website for further information.

The Children’s Book Award

10 St. Laurence Road, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1JG

email info@fcbg.org.uk

website www.fcbg.org.uk

This award, organised and run by the Federation of Children’’s Book Groups is given annually to authors and illustrators of children’s fiction published in the UK. Children participate in the judging of the award. Awards are made in the following categories: Books for Younger Children, Books for Young Readers and Books for Older Readers. Founded in 1980 by Pat Thomson of the Federation of Children’s Book Groups.

The Children’s Laureate

BookTrust, Studio G8, Battersea Studios, 80 Silverthorne Road, London SW8 3HE

tel 020-7801 8800

email childrenslaureate@booktrust.org.uk

website www.childrenslaureate.org.uk

Contact Charlotte Copping

The idea for the Children’s Laureate originated from a conversation between (the then) Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and children’s writer Michael Morpurgo. The post was established in 1999 to celebrate exceptional children’s authors and illustrators and to acknowledge their importance in creating the readers of tomorrow. Quentin Blake was the first Children’s Laureate (1999–2001), followed by Anne Fine (2001–2003), Michael Morpurgo (2003–2005), Jacqueline Wilson (2005–2007), Michael Rosen (2007–2009), Anthony Browne (2009–2011), Julia Donaldson (2011–2013), Malorie Blackman (2013–2015) and Chris Riddell (2015–17).

Cholmondeley Awards

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

These honorary awards recognise the achievement and distinction of individual poets. Submissions cannot be accepted. Total value of awards about is £8,000.

The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards

CILIP, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE

tel 020-7255 0650

email ckg@cilip.org.uk

website www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk

Recommendations for the following two awards are invited from members of CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), who are asked to submit a preliminary list of not more than two titles for each award, accompanied by a 50-word appraisal justifying the recommendation of each book. The awards are selected by the Youth Libraries Group of CILIP. From 2016, one title from each shortlist will be named the recipient of the Amnesty CILIP Honour, a new commendation for a book that most distinctinvely illuminates, upholds or celebrates freedoms.

Carnegie Medal

Awarded annually for an outstanding book for children (fiction or non-fiction) written in English and first published in the UK during the preceding year or co-published elsewhere within a three-month time lapse. From 2016, the Carnegie Medal winner will be awarded £5,000 prize money from the Colin Mears Award annually.

Kate Greenaway Medal

Awarded annually for an outstanding illustrated book for children first published in the UK during the preceding year or co-published elsewhere within a three-month time lapse. Books intended for older as well as younger children are included, and reproduction will be taken into account. The Colin Mears Award (£5,000) is awarded annually to the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Arthur C. Clarke Award

website www.clarkeaward.com

An annual prize consisting of a number of pounds sterling equal to the current year (e.g. £2,018 in 2018) plus an engraved bookend is given for the best science fiction novel with first UK publication during the previous calendar year. Titles are submitted by publishers. Founded 1985.

The David Cohen Prize for Literature

PO Box 1277, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 5BP

tel 0191-204 8850

email office@newwritingnorth.com

website www.newwritingnorth.com

The David Cohen Prize for Literature is one of the UK’s most distinguished literary prizes. It recognises writers who use the English language and are citizens of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, encompassing dramatists as well as novelists, poets and essayists. Former winners include Harold Pinter, William Trevor, Doris Lessing, Seamus Heaney, Hilary Mantel and Tony Harrison.

The biennial prize, of £40,000, is for a lifetime’s achievement and is donated by the John S. Cohen Foundation. Established in 1965 by David Cohen and his family, the trust supports education, the arts, conservation and the environment. Arts Council England funds an additional prize of £10,000 (The Clarissa Luard Award) to an independent publisher to support the development of new writing.

Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Commonwealth Foundation, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HY

email writers@commonwealth.int

website www.commonwealthwriters.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/commonwealthwriters

Twitter @cwwriters

The Short Story Prize is part of Commonwealth Writers, the cultural initiative of the Commonwealth Foundation. Commonwealth Writers develops and connects writers across the world. It believes that well-told stories can help people make sense of events, engage with others and take action to bring about change. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words) in English. The overall winner receives £5,000. Regional winners receive £2,500. Short stories translated into English from other languages are also eligible.

The Pol Roger Duff Cooper Prize

email info@theduffcooperprize.org

website www.theduffcooperprize.org

An annual prize for a literary work in the field of biography, history, politics or poetry published in English and submitted by a recognised publisher during the previous 12 months. The prize of £5,000 comes from a Trust Fund established by the friends and admirers of Duff Cooper, 1st Viscount Norwich (1890–1954) after his death.

Cordon d’Or – Gold Ribbon Culinary Academy Awards

7312 6th Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33710, USA

tel +1 727-347-2437

email ambassadornoreen@tampabay.rr.com

email nmekinney@tampabay.rr.com

website www.florida-americasculinaryparadise.com

website www.cordondorcuisine.com

website www.culinaryambassadorofireland.com

Contact Noreen Kinney, President

Awards for authors, writers, journalists, photographers, newsletters, websites, cookbooks and culinary literature. Overall winner receives $1,000. See website for details. Founded 2003.

Costa Book Awards

(formerly the Whitbread Book Awards) The Booksellers Association, 6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

tel 020-7421 4693

email naomi.gane@booksellers.org.uk

website www.costa.co.uk/costa-book-awards

Contact Naomi Gane

The awards celebrate and promote the most enjoyable contemporary British writing. There are five categories: Novel, First Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s. Each category is judged by a panel of three judges and the winner in each category receives £5,000. Nine final judges then choose the Costa Book of the Year from the five category winners. The overall winner receives £30,000. Authors of submitted books must have been resident in the UK or Ireland for over six months of each of the previous three years (although UK or Irish nationality is not essential). Books must have been first published in the UK or Ireland between 1 November of the previous year and 31 October of the current year. Books previously published elsewhere are not eligible. Submissions must be received from publishers. Closing date: end of June.

The Rose Mary Crawshay Prize

The British Academy, 10–11 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AH

tel 020-7969 5200

website www.britishacademy.ac.uk

The Rose Mary Crawshay Prize, worth £500, is awarded each year to a woman of any nationality for a historical or critical work on any subject connected with English literature. Nominations are invited from Fellows of the British Academy and, under the original terms of the prize, preference is given to a work regarding Byron, Shelley or Keats. Founded 1888.

Creative Future Literary Awards

tel (01273) 234780

email info@creativefuture.org.uk

website https://literary.creativefuture.org.uk

The Creative Future Literary Awards are the UK’s only national writing competition and high-profile awards ceremony for under-represented writers. The Awards showcase talented writers who lack opportunities due to mental health issues, disability, identity or other social circumstance. Prizes are awarded for poetry and short fiction, including £1,000 of cash prizes and writing development

support. See website for information about eligibility, rules and how to apply.

Cross Sports Book Awards

c/o Agile Marketing, Magnolia House, 172 Winsley Road, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1NY

tel (01225) 865776

email danielle@agile-ideas.com

website www.sportsbookawards.com

Twitter @SportBookAwards

Contact Danielle Bowers

The Cross Sports Book Awards is the major annual promotion for sports writing and publishing. The awards exist to highlight the most outstanding sports books of the previous calendar year, to showcase their merits and to enhance their reputation and profile .Winners are announced at an annual awards ceremony in May/June. See website for full details.

Cundill Prize in Historical Literature

3463 Peel Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1W7 Canada

email cundill.prize@mcgill.ca

website www.cundillprize.com

The Cundill Prize in Historical Literature is offered each year to an individual who has published a book in English determined to have had, or likely to have, a profound literary, social and intellectual impact. Administered by Montreal’s McGill University, the Cundill Prize recognises outstanding works of non-fiction that are grounded in scholarly research while retaining wide appeal and interest to the general public. Submissions are judged on their literary merits, their scholarship, and their contribution to historical understanding. The Prize is the largest nonfiction history prize in the world and welcomes submissions on any historical period or subject, regardless of the nationality or place of residence of the author. See website for submission guidelines.

CWA Dagger Awards

c/o CJAM, Peershaws, Berewyk Hall Court, White Colne, Colchester CO2 2QB

email director@thecwa.co.uk

website www.thecwa.co.uk

website www.cwadaggers.co.uk

CWA Awards for crime writing: the Diamond Dagger, the Goldsboro Gold Dagger, the Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, the John Creasey Dagger, the International Dagger, the Gold Dagger for Non- Fiction, the Dagger in the Library, the Short Story Dagger, the Debut Dagger, the Endeavour Historical Dagger. See websites for details. The CWA Margery Allingham Short Story Competition is open to unpublished stories of up to 3,500 words, from both published and unpublished authors. See CWA website for details.

Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize

email foundation@deutsche-boerse.com Aims to reward a living photographer, of any nationality, who has made the most significant contribution to the medium of photography during the past year (1st prize £30,000). Founded in 1996 by the Photographers’ Gallery. Visit the website at: www.deutscheboersephotographyfoundation.org.

DSC Prize for South Asian Literature

email admin@dcsprize.com

website www.dscprize.com

This Prize celebrates the rich and varied world of literature of the South Asian region. Authors can belong to the region through birth or be of any ethnicity but the writing should pertain to the South Asian region in terms of content and theme. The prize aims to bring South Asian writing to a new global audience through a celebration of the achievements of South Asian writers. Prize value: $25,000. See website for submission guidelines and eligibility. Founded 2010.

Dundee International Book Prize

email bookprize@dundee.ac.uk

website www.dundeebookprize.com

A prize (£5,000 and publication) awarded for an unpublished novel by a debut author. Founded 1996.

East Anglian Book Awards

email info@writerscentrenorwich.org.uk

website www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/theeastanglianbookawards.aspx

Awarded annually, this £1,000 prize comprises six categories: fiction; general non-fiction, poetry, children’s history and tradition and biography/ memoir. Additional categories: Book by the Cover, sponsored by East Anglian Writers, offering £100 to the best cover, and Outstanding Contribution Award given to a key figure in the world of literature, publishing, writing and editing etc. Celebrating the best writing in East Anglia, which is represented by Norfolk, Suffolk and the Fenland District. Books must be largely set in or around East Anglia, or the author of the book should be based in the area. Awards are staged in partnership with Eastern Daily Press, Jarrold, Writers’ Centre Norwich and the University of East Anglia.

Closing date for entries: July. Books must have been published within the calendar year of the previous award’s closing date and the one for the current year. Once entries are open (May), two copies of the book and a covering note explaining which category it is to be submitted to should be sent to Trevor Heaton at the Eastern Daily Press.

Edge Hill Short Story Prize

Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancs. L39 4QP

tel (01695) 584121

email ailsa.cox@edgehill.ac.uk

website www.edgehill.ac.uk/shortstory

Contact Ailsa Cox

This prize is awarded annually by Edge Hill University for excellence in a published single author short story collection. The winner will receive £10,000 and a Readers’ Choice prize of £1,000 is awarded to a writer from the shortlist. Publishers are entitled to submit collections published during the preceding year. Authors must be born or normally resident in the British Isles (including Ireland). Deadline: 1 March.

The T.S. Eliot Prize

50 Penn Road, London N7 9RE

website http://tseliot.com/foundation/prize/

An annual prize of £20,000, with £1,500 for each of the ten shortlisted poets, is awarded by the T. S. Eliot Foundation to the best collection of new poetry published in the UK or the Republic of Ireland during the year. Submissions are invited from publishers in the summer.

The Desmond Elliott Prize

Emma Manderson, Literary Director, The Desmond Elliott Charitable Trust, 84 Godolphin Road, London W12 8JW

tel 020-8222 6580

email emma.manderson@desmondelliottprize.org

website www.desmondelliottprize.org

An annual prize for a first novel written in English by an author resident in the UK or Ireland and published in the UK. Worth £10,000 to the winner, the prize is named after the literary agent and publisher, Desmond Elliott, who died in 2003. Qualities the judges will be looking for are: a debut novel of depth and breadth with a compelling narrative, original and arresting characters, vividly written and confidently realised. Founded 2007.

The European Poetry Translation Prize

Competition Organiser, The Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX

tel 020-7420 9880

email info@poetrysociety.org.uk

website www.poetrysociety.org.uk

Twitter @poetrysociety

Awarded biennially by The Poetry Society, the European Poetry Translation Prize (formerly the Popescu Prize) rewards a published collection of poetry translated from a European language into English. Previous winners include Iain Galbraith, Alice Oswald and David Constantine. Founded 2003.

European Prize for Literature

email info@euprizeliterature.eu

website www.euprizeliterature.eu

The aim of the European Prize for Literature is to celebrate creativity and diversity of contemporary literature in the field of fiction, to promote the circulation of literature within Europe and to encourage greater interest in non-national literary works. The prize is financed by the Culture Programme of the European Union and is open to the 36 countries currently involved in the EU Culture Programme. See website for full details and eligibility criteria.

The European Publishers Award

website www.europhotobookaward.eu

Annual competition for the best set of photographs suitable for publication as a book. All photographic material must be completed and unpublished in book form and be original. Projects conceived as anthologies are not acceptable. Copyright must belong to the photographer. See website for details. Founded 1994.

The Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize

An annual prize of £1,000 is awarded in alternate years for a volume of verse and for a volume of prose fiction, first published originally in the UK during the two years preceding the year in which the award is given which is, in the opinion of the judges, of the greatest literary merit. Eligible writers must be not more than 40 years old at the date of publication of the book and a citizen of the UK and Colonies, of any other Commonwealth state or of the Republic of Ireland. The three judges are reviewers of poetry or fiction who are nominated each year by the literary editors of newspapers and magazines which regularly publish such reviews. Faber and Faber invite nominations from reviewers and literary editors. No submissions for the prize are to be made. Established in 1963 by Faber and Faber Ltd, as a memorial to the founder and first Chairman of the firm.

The Alfred Fagon Award

email info@alfredfagonaward.co.uk

website www.alfredfagonaward.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/alfredfagonaward/

Twitter @AlfredFagonAwrd

An annual award of £6,000 for the Best New Play of the Year (which need not have been produced) for the theatre in English. TV and radio plays and film scripts will not be considered. Only writers of Caribbean and African descent resident in the UK are eligible. Applicants should submit two copies of their play plus sae for return of their script and a CV which includes details of the writer’s Caribbean and African connection. Closing date: end August. Founded 1997.

The Eleanor Farjeon Award

website www.childrensbookcircle.org.uk

An annual award which may be given to an individual or an organisation. Librarians, authors, publishers, teachers, reviewers and others who have given exceptional service to the children’s book industry are eligible for nomination. It was instituted in 1965 by the Children’s Book Circle (here) for distinguished services to children’s books and named after the much-loved children’s writer Eleanor Farjeon.

Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award

website www.ft.com/work-careers/business-bookaward

This award aims to identify the book that provides the most compelling and enjoyable insight into modern business issues including management, finance and economics. Submissions should be made via the publisher. The winner will receive £30,000 and each runner up £10,000. Closing date: end June.

First Novel Prize

c/o Daniel Goldsmith Associates Ltd, One Euston Square, 40 Melton Street,

London NW1 2FD

email hello@danielgoldsmith.co.uk

website www.firstnovel.co.uk

A literary contest open to previously unpublished and independently published debut novelists. Open to novels of more than 50,000 words and of an adult genre. Judges include a leading literary agent, an adult fiction editor and a literary consultant. First prize £1,000, second prize £250 and third prize £100. For full submission guidelines and entry fees, see the website.

Fish Publishing Prizes

Fish Publishing, Durrus, Bantry, Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland

email info@fishpublishing.com

website www.fishpublishing.com

International writing prizes set up to publish and encourage new writers. There are a number of prizes available including the Fish Short Story Prize, the Fish Short Memoir Prize, the Fish Flash Fiction Prize and the Fish Poetry Prize. Ten winners from each prize are published in the Annual Fish Anthology. For full details see website. Established 1994.

FOCAL International Awards

email info@focalint.org

website www.focalint.org/focal-international-awards

The FOCAL International Awards celebrate achievement in the use of footage in all variety of genres, across all media platforms plus its restoration. Producers, film-makers and other creative professionals who have used library footage in a documentary, feature film or any other form of production are encouraged to submit their work for consideration. See website for full submission guidelines and further information.

The Rathbones Folio Prize

email minna.fry@rathbonesfolioprize.com

website www.rathbonesfolioprize.com

Twitter @RathbonesFolio Executive Director Minna Fry

The Rathbones Folio Prize is the only major English language book prize to celebrate the best literature of our time, regardless of form or genre. It is open to any book (written primarily for adults) in the given year and, uniquely, is nominated exclusively by The Folio Prize Academy, an international group of writers and critics. The prize is worth £20,000.

The Rathbones Folio Prize is open to all books written in English and published in the UK. All genres and forms are eligible. The format of first publication may be print or digital. See the website for dates.

Fool for Poetry Chapbook Competition

Frank O’Connor House, 84 Douglas Street, Cork,

Republic of Ireland

email munsterlit@eircom.net

website www.munsterlit.ie

An annual poetry chapbook competition run by the Munster Literature Centre. The competition is open to new, emerging and established poets from any country but at least one of the winners will be previously be unpublished. First prize €1000 and second prize €500. Both first and second prize winners will each have their manuscript published and will receive complimentary copies of their chapbooks. See website for entry fees and submission guidelines.

Forward Prizes for Poetry

Forward Arts Foundation, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7845 4655

email info@forwardartsfoundation.org

website www.forwardartsfoundation.org

Three prizes are awarded annually:

• The Forward Prize for Best Collection published in the UK and Republic of Ireland between 1 October and 30 September (£10,000);

• The Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection published between 1 October and 30 September (£5,000); and

• The Forward Prize for Best Single Poem in memory of Michael Donaghy, published but not as part of a collection, pamphlet or anthology between 25 March and 24 March (£1,000).

All poems entered are also considered for inclusion in the Forward Book of Poetry, an annual anthology. Entries for the Best Collection and Best First Collection must be submitted by book publishers and, for Best Single Poem, by editors of newspapers, periodicals magazines or online journals, or by competition organisers, in the UK and Ireland.

Entries accepted online or via postal form. See website for details. Entries from individual poets of their unpublished or self-published work will not be accepted. Established 1992.

The Franco-British Society’s Literary Prize

Franco–British Society, 3 Dovedale Studios, 465 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 4LR

email francobritsoc@gmail.com

website www.franco-british-society.org/ Executive Secretary Isabelle Gault

This annual prize is given for a full-length work of literature which contributes most to Franco–British understanding. It must be first published in the UK between 1 January and 31 December, and written in English by a citizen of the UK, British Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland. Closing date: 31 December.

Gladstone History Book Prize

Administrative Secretary, Royal Historical Society, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

tel 020-7387 7532

email m.ransom@royalhistsoc.org

website www.royalhistsoc.org/prizes/gladstonehistory-book-prize

An annual award (value £1,000) for a history book. The book must:

• be on any historical subject which is not primarily related to British history;

• be its author’s first solely written history book;

• have been published in English during the previous calendar year;

• be an original and scholarly work of historical research.

One non-returnable copy of an eligible book should be submitted by the publisher before 31 December. Should the book be shortlisted, two further copies will be required.

The Goethe-Institut Award for New Translation

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/german-embassy-award-translators

This award is open to emerging British translators of literature who translate from German into the English language. The winner will be awarded prize money of €1,000, a place at the International Translator’s seminar including a visit to the Leipzig Book Fair and a four-week working stay at the Literarisches Colloquium Berlin following the Leipzig Bookfair. The next award will be presented in 2018.

The Goldsmiths Prize

c/o Department of English & Comparative Literature, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW

email goldsmithsprize@gold.ac.uk

website www.gold.ac.uk/goldsmiths-prize/

Twitter @GoldsmithsPrize

Literary Director Tim Parnell

The Goldsmiths Prize was established in 2013 to celebrate the qualities of creative daring associated with the University and to reward fiction that breaks the mould or extends the possibility of the novel form. The annual prize of £10,000 is awarded to a book that is deemed genuinely novel and which embodies the spirit of invention that characterises the genre at its best.

Prize open for submissions late January; closing date for submission of entry forms late March; closing date for submission of books early July; shortlist announced late September/early October; winner announced November.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

Pintor Rosales 50, 28008, Madrid, Spain

tel +34-91-541-67-68

email pilar@gourmandbooks.com

email edouard@gourmandbooks.com

website www.cookbookfair.com

President Edouard Cointreau

The annual Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were created by Edouard Cointreau in 1995. Entries are free and any book published within the year can be entered by anyone sending three copies of the book to the Gourmand Library at: Luis Velez de Guevara, 8, bajo A, 28012, Madrid, Spain. The Gourmand Library was created in 2013 to house the reference collection of cookbook and wine book titles of the awards. For further details about past winners, see the website.

The Green Carnation Prize

email savidgereads@gmail.com

website www.greencarnationprize.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/GreenCarnationPrize

Twitter @TheGCPrize

The Green Carnation Prize celebrates the best LGBT literature and is named after the green carnation historically sometimes worn as an emblem of homosexuality, a tribute to Oscar Wilde who often wore one on his lapel. See the website for submissions guidelines and previous winners.

Kate Greenaway Medal – see The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards

The Griffin Poetry Prize

The Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, 363 Parkridge Crescent, Oakville, Ontario L6M 1A8

tel + 1 905-618 0420

email info@griffinpoetryprize.com

website www.griffinpoetryprize.com

Two annual prizes of Can$65,000 will be awarded for collections of poetry published in English during the preceding year. One prize will go to a living Canadian poet, the other to a living poet from any country. Collections of poetry translated into English from other languages are also eligible and will be assessed for their literary quality in English. Submissions only from publishers. Closing dates: 30 June (books published 1 January to 30 June and 31 December (books published 1 July to 1 December). Founded 2000.

The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize

website www.theguardian.com/books/guardianchildrensfictionprize

The Guardian’s annual prize is for a work of children’s fiction published by a British or Commonwealth writer.

The Guardian First Book Award

email firstbook@guardian.co.uk

website www.theguardian.com/books/guardianfirstbookaward

The award recognises and rewards new writing by honouring an author’s first book. For full details, see website.

The Hawthornden Prize

The Administrator, International Retreat for Writers, Hawthornden Castle, Lasswade, Midlothian EH18 1EG

email office@hawthornden.org

This prize of £10,000 is awarded annually to the author of what, in the opinion of the judges, is the best work of imaginative literature published during the preceding calendar year by a British author. Books are chosen rather than received by submission.

The Hessell-Tiltman History Prize

English PEN, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

tel 020-7324 2535

email enquiries@englishpen.org

website www.englishpen.org/events/prizes/hessell-tiltman-prize

An annual prize of £2,000 awarded to a non-fiction work of high literary merit covering any historical period until the end of the 1960s. Biography and autobiography are excluded. Submissions must come through publishers. Full details can be found on the English PEN website. Founded 2002.

William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award

website www.williamhillplc.com

The world’s longest established and most valuable literary sports-writing prize. Winner receives £29,000, a free £2,000 bet, a trophy, a specially commissioned hand-bound copy of the winning title and a day at the races. Shortlisted authors receive a leather-bound copy of their book, £3,000 cash and a day at the races. See website for rules and submission guidelines.

Founded 1989.

The Calvin and Rose G. Hoffman Memorial Prize for Distinguished Publication on Christopher Marlowe

The Hoffman Administrator, The King’s School, 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2ES

tel (01227) 595544

email bursar@kings-bursary.co.uk

This annual prize is awarded to the writer of the best distinguished scholarly essay on Christopher Marlowe. Closing date: 1 September. If you wish to enter the competition, an application form and further details must be obtained from the Hoffman Administrator.

The Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry

The Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX

tel 020-7420 9886

email tedhughesaward@poetrysociety.org.uk

website www.poetrysociety.org.uk

An annual award of £5,000 for a living UK poet, working in any form, who has made the most exciting contribution to poetry over the year. Organised by the Poetry Society and funded by Carol Ann Duffy with the honorarium which the Poet Laureate traditionally receives from H.M. the Queen.

The Imison Award

Jo McCrum, The Broadcasting Committee, The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/prizes/audiodrama/imison

This annual prize of £2,000 (sponsored by the Peggy Ramsay Foundation) is awarded to any new writer of original audio drama first produced and broadcast (nationally or online) in the UK between 1 October 2016 and 31 October 2017. Founded 1994.

The Impress Prize for New Writers

Innovation Centre, Rennes Drive, University of Exeter, Devon EX4 4RN

tel (01392) 950910

email enquiries@impress-books.co.uk

website www.impress-books.co.uk

Contact Rachel Singleton

The prize was created to discover and publish new writing talent in fiction and non-fiction. Entries to and a shortlist produced from which a panel of judges chooses the winner. The winner of the prize is offered a publishing contract with Impress Books with the aim of publishing the book in the year following the award. The Impress team also looks at all entries, whether on the shortlist or not, with a view to publication by Impress Books. Previous winners of the prize include Annabel Abbs with The Joyce Girl and Magdalena McGuire with The Shape of Your Song. Entry fee: £15. Established 2006.

Independent Bookshop Week Book Awards

6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

tel 020-7421 4694

email sharon.benton@booksellers.org.uk

website www.indiebookshopweek.co.uk

Awards are given in three categories: adult, children’s and picture book, as well as a Best of the Best award. For entry guidelines and shortlist details, see the website.

International Dublin Literary Award

The International Dublin Literary Award, Dublin City Library & Archive, 138–144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6744802

email literaryaward@dublincity.ie

website www.dublinliteraryaward.ie

This award is the largest and most international prize of its kind. Administered by Dublin City Public Libraries, nominations are made by libraries in capital and major cities throughout the world. Novels are nominated solely on the basis of ‘high literary merit’. Books may be written in any language, but must be translated into English.

The prize is €100,000 which is awarded to the author if the book is written in English. If the winning book is in English translation, the author receives €75,000 and the translator €25,000. The Award, an initiative of Dublin City Council. Established 1996.

International Playwriting Festival

website www.internationalplaywritingfestival.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/WarehousePhoenix

Festival Patron Thelma Holt CBE

The International Playwriting Festival has been discovering and promoting the work of new playwrights since 1986. Over the years it consolidated the role of the Warehouse Theatre Company as a powerhouse of new writing. Warehouse Phoenix has now taken over this role which it will continue to enhance. The IPF is held in two parts: the first is a competition with entries from all over the world accepted between April–November which is judged by a panel of distinguished theatre practitioners; the second is a showcase of the selected plays (with a view to a later full scale production) which is held the following May. The IPF’s international partners, Premio Candoni in Italy and Theatro Ena in Cyprus enable the work of selected writers to be presented across Europe. See rules and entry details on the website.

The Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards

137 Hillside, Dalkley, County Dublin, Republic of Ireland

+353 (0)85 1449574

email bert@agile-ideas.com

website www.irishbookawards.irish/

IBA Executive Director Alastair Giles, IBA Project Administrator Bert Wright

The Irish Book Awards began life as The Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year and slowly developed into a multi-category awards project for Irish publishing as a whole. Each year 400 books are submitted for consideration in ten categories, each separately sponsored. Over 40,000 readers vote to select the winners in each category. Libraries and bookshops showcase the best books of the year in the critical sales period of the fourth quarter. Bord Gáls Energy is the headline sponsor.

The Lifetime Achievement Award has been awarded to literary greats such as John McGahern, William Trevor, Edna O’Brien, Maeve Binchy and Seamus Heaney. Exclusively Irish, inclusive in every other sense, the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards brings together the entire literary community, including readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians, like no other awards.

Books must have been published within the current awards year, i.e. between 1 November and 31 October the following year. Authors must be Irish by birth, citizenship or long-term residence. Books must be original and not reprints or translations/ adaptations of previously-published books. Submissions open: 31 March; shortlist announced: late October; Awards ceremony: late November.

Jewish Quarterly – Wingate Literary Prizes

website www.jewishquarterly.org

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2017, an annual prize of £4,000 is awarded for a work of fiction or non-fiction which best stimulates an interest in and awareness of themes of Jewish concern among a wider reading public. Founded 1977.

The K&IM Information Resources Award

CILIP, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE

tel 020-7255 0500

email isgrefawards@cilip.org.uk

email jdburntoak@virginmedia.com

website www.cilip.org.uk/isg

Information Resources Award

Awarded annually for outstanding information resources that are available and relevant to the library and information sector in the UK within the preceding year. There are two categories, one for electronic formats and one for printed works. Recommendations are invited from Members of CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals), publishers and others, who are asked to submit a preliminary list via email. Winners receive a certificate.

The Walford Award

Awarded annually to an individual for outstanding contribution to the world of reference and information services in the UK. Recommendations may be made for the work of a living person or persons, or for an organisation. The winner receives a certificate and a cheque for £100.

Kent and Sussex Poetry Society Open Poetry Competition

The Competition Organiser, 26 Courtlands, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5AS

email kentandsussexpoetry@gmail.com

website www.kentandsussexpoetry.com

This competition is open to all unpublished poems, no longer than 40 lines. Prizes: 1st £1,000, 2nd £300, 3rd £100, 4th, four at £50. Closing date: 31 January. Entry fee £5 per poem (£4 per poem if submitting 3+ poems). Founded 1985.

Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award

Listowel Writers’ Week, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)68 21074

email info@writersweek.ie

website www.writersweek.ie

Facebook www.facebook.com/writersweek

Twitter @ListowelWW18

Contacts Maire Logue, Eilish Wren

An annual award of €15,000 for a published novel by an Irish author; must be published between 1 February 2017 and 1 February 2018. No entry fee. Submit six copies. Closing date 2 February 2018. Listowel Writers’ Week is an acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. Events include workshops, readings, seminars, lectures, book launches, art exhibitions and a comprehensive children’s and teenagers’ programme. Founded 1971.

The Kitschies

c/o Glen Mehn, Nesta, Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS

email submissions@thekitschies.com

website www.thekitschies.com

Twitter @thekitschies

Director Glen Mehn

The Kitschies reward the year’s most progressive, intelligent and entertaining works that contain elements of the speculative or fantastic. Open for submissions in late spring/early summer and closed in late autumn/early winter, with awards presented in late winter each year. Prizes total £2,500 thanks to sponsor Blackwell’s, and there is no fee to enter. Founded 2009.

Kraszna-Krausz Awards

email info@kraszna-krausz.org.uk

website www.kraszna-krausz.org.uk

Awards totalling over £10,000 are made each year for the best photography book and best moving image book published in English. Entries to be submitted by publishers only. The Foundation also presents the Outstanding Contribution to Publishing Award and supports the First Book Award. Instituted in 1985.

Listowel Writers’ Week Poetry Competitions

Listowel Writers’ Week, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)68 21074

email info@writersweek.ie

website www.writersweek.ie

Facebook www.facebook.com/writersweek

Twitter @ListowelWW18

Contacts Maire Logue, Eilish Wren

Holds four poetry competitions (poetry book: €5,000; poetry single: €700; poetry collection: €1,500; short poem: €250). Contact as above for full details and submission guidelines. No entry form required. Closing date for poetry book 2 February 2018, submit three copies, no entry fee. Closing date for other poetry competitions, 1 March 2018. Enter online: www.writersweek.ie. Founded 1971.

The London Hellenic Prize

The Hellenic Centre, 16–18 Paddington Street, London W1U 5AS

email enquiries@londonhellenicprize.org

website www.londonhellenicprize.org

Established in 1996 by the London Hellenic Society, the Prize is worth £10,000 and runs annually with a submission deadline of 31 January for books published in the preceding calendar year. It is awarded to authors of original works written in (or translated into) English and inspired by Greece or Greek exploits, culture or history at any time from the ancient past to the present day. Although the Prize will always strive to recognise works of excellence, any winner must be accessible to a broad readership. Individual applicants or their publishers may submit any number of titles (two copies of each). Further details are available on the website or by contacting the email address above.

London Magazine Short Story Competition

website www.thelondonmagazine.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/thelondonmagazine1732

Twitter @TheLondonMag

Annual short story competition. Open to submissions 1 September to 31 October. First Prize: £500, Second prize: £300, Third Prize £200. £10 per entry.

London Press Club Awards

c/o London & Partners, 6th Floor, 2 More Riverside, London SE1 2RR

tel 020-7520 9082

email info@londonpressclub.co.uk

website www.londonpressclub.co.uk

The London Press Club is a membership organisation for journalists and other media professionals. It organises debates, Q&As and social events at exclusive venues across the capital, as well as the annual Press Ball. The London Press Club Awards take place each spring, honouring the following categories: Daily Newspaper of the Year, Sunday Newspaper of the Year, Business Journalist of the Year, Scoop of the Year, Blog of the Year, Reviewer of the Year, Broadcast Journalist of the Year, the Edgar Wallace Award and Londoner of the Year.

The Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

A prize of £5,000 is awarded annually for a historical biography published in the year preceding the prize. Established in 2003 in affectionate memory of Elizabeth Longford, the acclaimed biographer, and sponsored by Flora Fraser and Peter Soros. Submissions cannot be accepted.

Longman-History Today Awards

email admin@historytoday.com

website www.historytoday.com/longman-historytoday-awards

The Longman-History Today awards are made jointly by the publishers Longman and History Today magazine to foster a wider understanding of, and enthusiasm for, history. There are two main awards: Book of the Year, awarded for an author’s first or second book; and the Historical Picture Researcher of the Year. Founded 1997.

The Sir William Lyons Award

The Guild of Motoring Writers’ Secretariat, 40 Baring Road, Bournemouth BH6 4DT

tel (01202) 422424

email generalsec@gomw.co.uk

website www.gomw.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/gomwuk

Twitter @gomw_uk

Sponsored by Jaguar Cars in memory of Sir William Lyons, founder and president of Jaguar Cars, this annual award was set up to encourage young people to foster interest in motoring and the motor industry through automotive journalism. Open to any person of British nationality resident in the UK aged 17–23 years at the closing date of 1 October. Full details are available on the website.

The McKitterick Prize

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/mckitterick

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

This annual award of £4,000 is open to first published novels (excluding works for children) and unpublished submissions by authors over the age of 40. Closing date: 31 October. Download or send sae for entry form.

Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award

Listowel Writers’ Week, 24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)68 21074

email info@writersweek.ie

website www.writersweek.ie

Facebook www.facebook.com/writersweek

Twitter @ListowelWW18

Contacts Maire Logue, Eilish Wren

An annual award for the best short story (up to 3,000 words) on any subject. Prize: €2,000. Entry fee: €10. No entry form required, enter online at www.writersweek.ie. Closing date: 1 March 2018. There is a subsidiary award, Writers’ Week Originals Short Story, for stories of up to 1,500 words. Listowel Writers’ Week is an acclaimed literary festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the intimate and historic surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. Events include workshops, readings, seminars, lectures, book launches, art exhibitions and a comprehensive children’s and teenagers’ programme. Founded 1971.

The Macmillan Prize for Children’s Picture Book Illustration

Macmillan Children’s Books, 20 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RR

email macmillanprize@macmillan.co.uk

website www.panmacmillan.com/macmillanprize

Three prizes are awarded annually for unpublished children’s book illustrations by art students in higher education establishments in the UK. Prizes: £1,000 (1st), £500 (2nd) and £250 (3rd).

The Man Booker International Prize

Four Colman Getty, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9BF

tel 020-3697 4256

email marion.evans@fourcolmangetty.com

website www.themanbookerprize.com

The Man Booker International Prize evolved in 2016, having joined forces with the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. The prize is awarded annually for a single work of fiction, translated into English and published in the UK. Both novels and collections of short stories will be eligible.

As a further acknowledgement of the importance of translation, the £50,000 prize will be divided equally between the author and the translator. Each shortlisted author and translator will receive £1,000. Entries only from UK publishers. For 2018 the eligible period of publication will be 1 May 2017 to 30 April 2018.

The Man Booker Prize

Four Colman Getty, 20 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9BF

tel 020-3697 4256

email marion.evans@fourcolmangetty.com

website www.themanbookerprize.com

This annual prize for fiction of £50,000, plus £2,500 to each of six shortlisted authors, is awarded by the Booker Prize Foundation to the author of the best (in the opinion of the judges) eligible novel. Any novel in print or electronic format, written originally in English and published in the UK by an imprint formally established in the UK is eligible. Entries only from UK publishers who may each submit novels based on their previous longlisting with scheduled publication dates between 1 October of the previous year and 30 September of the current year, but the judges may also ask for other eligible novels to be submitted to them. In addition, publishers may submit eligible titles by authors who have either won or been shortlisted in the past. Sponsored by Man Group plc.

The Manchester Fiction Prize

The Manchester Writing School, Manchester Metropolitan University, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5NH

tel 0161 247 1787

email writingschool@mmu.ac.uk

website www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk

Twitter @McrWritingSchl

Contact James Draper, Manager

The Manchester Writing School, the home of creative writing within the Department of English at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), hosts this competition which is designed to attract and celebrate the best new writing from around the world. Entrants are asked to submit a short story of up to 2,500 words in length. An award of £10,000 will be made each year to the overall winner, or winners. The deadline for entries for the 2017 competition is 29 September and the award ceremony will be held in December. See website for further information.

The Manchester Poetry Prize

The Manchester Writing School, Manchester Metropolitan University, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5NH

tel 0161 247 1787

email writingschool@mmu.ac.uk

website www.manchesterwritingcompetition.co.uk

Twitter @McrWritingSchl

Contact James Draper, Manager

The Manchester Writing School, the home of creative writing within the Department of English at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), hosts this competition which is designed to attract and celebrate the best new writing from around the world. Entrants are asked to submit a portfolio of three to five poems totalling up to 120 lines. An award of £10,000 will be made to the overall winner, or winners. The deadline for entries for the 2017 competition is 29 September and the award ceremony will be held in December. See website for further information.

The Michael Marks Awards for Poetry Pamphlets

Wordsworth Trust, Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9SH

tel (01539) 435544

email michaelmarksawards@wordsworth.org.uk

website www.wordsworth.org.uk

Inaugurated by the British Library in 2009 to raise the profile of poetry pamphlets and also recognise and reward the enormous contribution that poets and their pamphlet publishers make to the poetry world in the UK. There are three awards:

• The Michael Marks Poetry Award to recognise a single outstanding work of poetry published in pamphlet form in the UK during the eligible period. This award is open to self-published work.

• The Michael Marks Publishers’ Award to recognise an outstanding UK publisher of poetry in pamphlet form, based on their publishing programme during the eligible period.

See website for full details and submission guidelines. Supported by the Michael Marks Charitable Trust. Deadline: August.

The Somerset Maugham Awards

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/somerset-maugham

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

These annual awards are for writers under the age of 35. Candidates must be ordinarily resident in the UK or Northern Ireland. Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, belles-lettres or philosophy, but not dramatic works, are eligible. Entries should be submitted by the publisher. Total prize money of £10,000 which should be used for foreign travel. Closing date: 30 November.

McIlvanney Prize for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year

email info@bloodyscotland.com

website www.bloodyscotland.com/crime-book/

Novels, collections of short stories and non-fiction crime titles are eligible for submission. A Scottish crime book is eligible if it is written by a writer born in Scotland or a writer domiciled in Scotland, or the book submitted for the award is largely set in Scotland. See website for full submission guidelines.

The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature

email awards@mythsoc.org

website www.mythsoc.org

Given to the fantasy novel, multi-volume novel or single-author story collection for adults published during the previous year that best exemplifies the spirit of the Inklings.

The Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Myth and Fantasy Studies

email awards@mythsoc.org

website www.mythsoc.org

Given to scholarly books on specific authors in the Inklings tradition, or to more general works on the genres of myth and fantasy.

The Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Inklings Studies

email awards@mythsoc.org

website www.mythsoc.org

Given to books on J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and/or Charles Williams that make significant contributions to Inklings scholarship.

National Poetry Competition

Competition Organiser, The Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX

tel 020-7420 9880

email info@poetrysociety.org.uk

website www.poetrysociety.org.uk

One of the UK’s major annual open poetry competitions. Accepts poems up to 40 lines long on any theme (previously unpublished and written in English). Prizes: 1st £5,000, 2nd £2,000, 3rd £1,000, plus seven commendations of £200. Judged by a panel of three leading poets. For rules and an entry form send a sae or visit the website. Closing date: 31 October each year. Founded 1978.

New Angle Prize for East Anglian Literature

Ipswich Institute, Reading Room & Library, 15 Tavern Street, Ipswich IP1 3AA

tel (01473) 253992

email library@ipswichinstitute.org.uk

website www.ipswichinstitute.org.uk/NAP.html

Twitter @PrizeNewAngle

Prize Coordinator Hugh Pierce

The New Angle Prize is a biennial award, first awarded in 2009, for a recently published book of literary merit, associated with or influenced by the UK region of East Anglia (defined here as Norfolk, Suffolk, north Essex, Cambridgeshire and the Fens).

The 2019 award will be open to works of fiction or poetry, first published between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Past winners have been Mark Cocker (Crow Country, Jonathan Cape, 2007), Jim Kelly (Death Watch, Penguin, 2010), Jules Pretty ( This Luminous Coast, Full Circle Editions, 2011) and Kate Worsley (She Rises, Bloomsbury, 2014). Previous judges have included Ronald Blythe, D.J. Taylor, Nicci Gerrard and Esther Freud. Current sponsors of the £2,000 single category first prize (£500 for runner-up) are Suffolk-based Goetlee Solicitors.

The New Poets Prize

The Poetry Business, Bank Street Arts, 32–40 Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS

tel 0114-346 3037

email office@poetrybusiness.co.uk

website www.poetrybusiness.co.uk

Directors Peter Sansom, Ann Sansom

A pamphlet competition for writers between the ages of 16 and 22 (inclusive). Entrants are invited to submit short collections of 12 pages of poems. Four outstanding collections are selected to receive a year of support and mentoring led by Peter and Ann Sansom of the Poetry Business. The four winners will receive guidance on submitting to magazines and other competitions, and advice on moving their writing to the next level and publication.

One first prize winner’s collection will be published by smith|doorstop books following a year of mentoring and editorial support. Poets between the ages of 16 and 22 writing in English from anywhere in the world are eligible. Entry £8. Entries can be submitted by post (with a cheque and completed entry form) or online via the Poetry Business website.

New Venture Award

website www.womeninpublishing.org.uk

Twitter @WIPublishingUK

The New Venture Award is given for pioneering work on behalf of under-represented groups in society. Run by Women in Publishing.

The Nobel Prize in Literature

website www.nobelprize.org

This is one of the awards stipulated in the will of the late Alfred Nobel, the Swedish scientist who invented dynamite. No direct application for a prize will be taken into consideration. For a full list of literature Laureates, visit www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/index.html.

The Observer/Jonathan Cape/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize

website www.comicafestival.com

An annual graphic short story competition offering a £1,000 cash prize and the chance to see your story printed in the Observer. Founded 2007.

Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

c/o Auckland Writers Festival, Suite 3, Level 2, 58 Surrey Crescent, Auckland 1021, New Zealand

tel +64 (0)9 376 8074

email awards@nzbookawards.org.nz

website www.nzbookawards.nz

Annual awards to celebrate excellence in, and provide recognition for, the best books published annually in New Zealand. Awards are presented in four categories: fiction, poetry, illustrated non-fiction and general non-fiction. The winner of the fiction category, the Acorn Foundation Literary Award, wins $50,000. The winners of the other three categories each win $10,000. Special awards include a Maori Language Award and four Best First Book Awards. Eligible books must have been published in New Zealand in the year preceding the submissions closing date.

OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature

email info@bocaslitfest.com

website www.bocaslitfest.com

An annual prize for literary books by Caribbean writers (writers must have been born in the Caribbean or hold Caribbean citizenship). Books published in the calendar year 2017 will be eligible for the 2018 prize. There are two deadline dates for entries: books published before November 2017 (which should be received by the prize administrators by mid-November) and books published between 1 November and 31 December 2017 (which should be received by the prize administrators by the first week of January 2018). Books are judged in three categories: poetry; fiction (including novels and short stories); and literary non-fiction (including books of essays, biography, autobiography, history, current affairs, travel and other genres which demonstrate literary qualities and use literary techniques, regardless of subject matter). Textbooks, technical books, coffee-table books, specialist publications and reference works are not eligible. There is an entry fee of US$35.00. The overall winner will receive an award of US$10,000. Prize guidelines and entry forms can be accessed via the website.

The Frank O’Connor International Short Story Fellowship

The Munster Literature Centre, Frank O’ Connor House, 84 Douglas Street, Cork, Ireland

tel +353 (0)21 431 2955

email info@munsterlit.ie

website www.munsterlit.ie

website www.corkshortstory.net

For a non-Irish writer, not resident in Ireland to take up residency in Cork City for three months. The fellow will have plenty of time to concentrate on his/ her own work but will be expected to contribute a four-morning masterclass and reading to the Cork International Short Story Festival, and to offer six contact hours per week over eight weeks, mentoring local fiction authors. A stipend of €9,000, accommodation and flights to Ireland are on offer. Annual deadline for applications 30 August (for residency one year later).

The Orwell Prize

The Institure of Advanced Studies, UCL, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

tel 020-3108 1618

email stephanie.lelievre@theorwellprize.co.uk

website www.theorwellprize.co.uk

Contact Stephanie Le Lievre

The Orwell Prize is awarded annually for books and journalism that come closest to George Orwell’s ambition to ‘make political writing into art’. Three prizes are awarded annually: the Orwell Prize for Books, the Orwell Prize for Journalism and the Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils. Deadline for entry is mid-January. Work with a British or Irish connection first published in the calendar year before the date of the prize is eligible. Please see website for further details. Founded 1994.

Pandora Award

website www.womeninpublishing.org.uk

Twitter @WIPublishingUK

The Pandora Award is made for significant and sustained contributions to the publishing industry. Run by Women in Publishing.

PEN Ackerley Prize for Autobiography and Memoir

English PEN, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

tel 020-7324 2535

email enquiries@englishpen.org

website www.englishpen.org

An annual prize of £2,000 is given for an outstanding work of literary autobiography/memoir written in English and published during the previous year by an author of British nationality. No submissions: books are nominated by the judges only. Founded 1982.

The People’s Book Prize

23 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6HE

tel 020-7665 6605

email thepeoplesbkpr@aol.com

website www.peoplesbookprize.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/The-Peoples-Book-Prize/108823565880728

Twitter @PeoplesBkPrize

Founder and Prize Administrator Tatiana Wilson, Patron Frederick Forsyth CBE,Founding Patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE

The People’s Book Prize awards prizes in six categories: fiction, non-fiction, children’s, first time author (the Beryl Bainbridge First Time Author Award),TPBP Best Achievement Award and TPBP Best Publisher Award. Titles must be submitted by publishers, with a limit of one title per category. For entry rules and submission guidelines, see the website.Winners are announced at an awards ceremony at the end of May at Stationers’’ Hall Livery Company.

The Samuel Pepys Award

Paul Gray, Haremoor House, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 8PN

tel 07802 301297

email plgray@btinternet.com

website www.pepys-club.org.uk

A biennial prize is given to a book published in English making the greatest contribution to the understanding of Samuel Pepys, his times, or his contemporaries. The winner receives £2,000 and the Robert Latham Medal. Founded by the Samuel Pepys Award Trust in 2003 on the tercentenary of the death of Pepys. Closing date: 30 June 2019 (for books published between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2019).

The Plough Prize

The Plough Arts Centre, 9–11 Fore Street, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8HQ

tel (01805) 624624

website www.theploughprize.co.uk

Poetry competition; poems should contain no more than 40 lines.The top three prizes are £1,000, £750 and £250. Visit website for full entry criteria and submission guidelines.

The Poetry Business Book & Pamphlet Competition

Competition Administrator The Poetry Business, Bank Street Arts, 32–40 Bank Street, Sheffield S1 2DS

tel 0114 346 3037

email office@poetrybusiness.co.uk

website www.poetrybusiness.co.uk

Directors Peter Sansom, Ann Sansom

An annual award is made for a poetry collection. The judges select up to five short collections for publication as pamphlets; on further submission of more poems, one of these will be selected for a full-length collection. To be published under the Poetry Business’s smith|doorstop imprint. All winners share a cash prize of £2,000. Poets over the age of 18 writing in English from anywhere in the world are eligible. Founded 1986.

The Portico Prize

Portico Library, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HY

tel 0161 236 6785

email librarian@theportico.org.uk

website www.theportico.org.uk

This biennial prize is awarded for a published work of fiction or non-fiction, of general interest and literary merit set wholly or mainly in the North of England with prizes for fiction and non-fiction totalling up to £20,000. Founded 1985.

Prequel to Cannes Feature Film Script Competition

Creative Thoughts Productions Ltd

tel 07763 988662

email rosiecreativethoughts@btinternet.com

website http://rosiejones.weebly.com

Twitter @Prequel2Cannes

Contact Rosie Jones

This prize gives writers the opportunity to receive industry feedback on their script. All entries which meet the terms and conditions of entry will have the chance to win one of the two cash prizes; have their script (max. 90 pages) read by a film production company; receive a three-page feedback document on the merits and opportunities of their script from a professional film industry script reader. Full submission details are available on the website. Entry fee. Previous winners include Dom Carver, Faith (now optioned for a feature film) and Lisa Barass (Dyer), Since you’ve been gone (published as a novel by Crooked Cat Publishers in 2013). In 2013, Rosie Jones was appointed by the National Trust as its first Writer in Residence based at Kingston Lacy in Dorset.

Prequel to Cannes Short Film Script Competition

Creative Thoughts Productions Ltd

tel (01202) 691994, 07763 988662

email rosiecreativethoughts@btinternet.com

Twitter @Prequel2Cannes

Contact Rosie Jones

Competition for film scripts. Cash prizes will be awarded to writers of the top three scripts by a prestigious film industry judging panel. Scripts will be read by a professional script reader and selected production companies, and a one-page script summary on the strengths and opportunities of the script will be supplied. Entry fee. Previous winners: Alice D. Cooper, Rob Greens, Tracy Jane Murrey, James Dwyer, Barry Staff, Martin Adams. In 2013 Rosie Jones was appointed by the National Trust as their first Writer in Residence, see http://rosiejones.weebly.com. Founded 2009.

The Press Awards

Society of Editors, University Centre, Granta Place, Cambridge CB2 1RU

tel (01223) 304080

email office@societyofeditors.org

website www.pressawards.org.uk

Annual awards for British journalism judged by a number of influential judges as well as representatives from all the national newspaper groups.

The V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize

The Royal Society of Literature, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7845 4679

email info@rsliterature.org

website www.rsliterature.org

An annual prize of £1,000 is awarded for a previously unpublished short story of up to 5,000 words. Entry fee: £5 per story. Closing date for entries: June. See website for full details and submission guidelines. Founded 1999.

The Radio Academy Awards

website www.radioacademy.org

Twitter @RadAcadAwards

The Radio Academy Awards (the ARIAS) recognise the best in the UK radio industry and celebrate outstanding achievement. The Awards offer stations, presenters and production companies an annual opportunity to enter work in a range of categories reflecting today’s UK radio landscape. See website for further information. Founded 1982.

Trevor Reese Memorial Prize

Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London, Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

tel 020-7862 8853

email ics@sas.ac.uk

website http://commonwealth.sas.ac.uk/publications/trevor-reese-memorial-prize

The Trevor Reese Memorial Prize was established by the Institute of Commonwealth Studies in 1979. It is in the name of Dr Trevor Reese, a distinguished scholar of Australian and Commonwealth history, who was Reader in Imperial Studies at the Institute until his death in 1976. He was the author of several leading works in his field, and was both founder and first editor of the Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History. The prize was established with the proceeds of contributions to a memorial fund by friends and colleagues of Trevor Reese throughout the Commonwealth and United States.

The prize of £1,000 is awarded every three years to the author of a work which has made a wide-ranging, innovative and scholarly contribution in the broadly-defined field of Imperial and Commonwealth History. The next award of the prize will be in 2019, for books in the relevant field published in 2016, 2017 or 2018. Queries regarding this prize should be sent by email.

The Romantic Novel of the Year Awards

website www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org

RoNA Awards Organiser Celia Anderson

The Romantic Novelists’ Association gives annual awards for the very best romantic fiction. These awards, presented in early March, consist of seven categories: Contemporary, Epic, Historical, Paranormal, Romantic Comedy, Young Adult, and the RoNA Rose (for shorter/category) romantic novels. The winners go forward to a panel of judges that selects an overall winner for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award, presented at the same event. The awards are open to both members and non-members of the RNA. Novels must be first published between 1 January and 31 December of the year of entry. Four copies of each novel are required and there is a small entry fee. The entry form can be found on the website or obtained from the organiser. For further information, go to the RNA website.

The Joan Hessayon Award is only open to members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme who submit a MS from January until the end of August. All will receive a critique. Any MSS subsequently accepted for publication become eligible for the Award.

The Royal Society of Literature Awards for Non-Fiction

The Royal Society of Literature Giles St Aubyn Awards for Non-Fiction

tel 020-7845 4678

email info@rsliterature.org

website www.rsliterature.org

Awards offering financial assistance to authors engaged in writing their first major commissioned works of non-fiction. The awards are open to UK and Irish writers and writers who have been resident in the UK for at least three years. See website for further details.

The Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize

The Royal Society of Literature, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7845 4679

email info@rsliterature.org

website www.rsliterature.org

This annual £10,000 award, administered by the Royal Society of Literature and endowed by Sir Christopher Ondaatje, is awarded to a book of literary merit, fiction, poetry or non-fiction, best evoking the spirit of a place. See website for full details and submission guidelines. The writer must be a citizen of the UK, Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland or have been a resident of the UK for three years. See website for further details.

The Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize

The Royal Society, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

tel 020-7451 2513

email sciencebooks@royalsociety.org

website https://royalsociety.org/awards/science-books

Facebook www.facebook.com/theroyalsociety

Twitter @royalsociety

Public Engagement Officer Jamie Upton

This prestigious prize is open to authors of science books written for a non-specialist audience. The winner will receive £25,000 and each shortlisted author will receive £2,500. Eligible books should be written in English and their first publication in the UK must have been between 1 October and 30 September the following year.

Publishers may submit any number of books for the Prize. Entries may cover any aspect of science and technology but educational textbooks published for professional or specialist audiences are not eligible. Founded 1988.

The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

The Royal Society, 6–9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

tel 020-7451 2242

email sciencebooks@royalsociety.org

website https://royalsociety.org/awards/science-books

Facebook www.facebook.com/theroyalsociety

Twitter @royalsociety

Public Engagement Officer Emma Slater

This prize is open to books for under- 14s that have science as a substantial part of their content, narrative or theme. An expert adult panel choose the shortlist, but the winner is chosen by groups of young people in judging panels across the UK. The winning entry receives £10,000 and shortlisted entries receive £2,500.

Entries open in December each year. Pure reference works including encyclopedias, educational textbooks and descriptive books are not eligible. The Prize is offered thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Founded 1988.

RSL Encore Award

Royal Society of Literature, Somerset House,London WC2R 1LA

info@rsliterature.org

website www.rsliterature.org/award/rsl-encore-award

The £10,000 Encore Award for the best second novel of the year was first awarded in 1990 and is sponsored by Lucy Astor. The award fills a niche in the catalogue of literary prizes by celebrating the achievement of outstanding second novels. See the website for full submission guidelines. The RSL has administrated of the award since 2016.

RSPCA Young Photographer Awards

Brand Marketing and Content Department Department, RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS

email ypa@rspca.org.uk

website www.rspca.org.uk/ypa

Annual awards open to anyone aged 18 or under. The aim of the competition is to encourage young people’s interest in photography and to show their appreciation and understanding of the animals around them. See website for a full list of categories and submission guidelines. Founded 1990.

RTÉ Radio 1 Francis MacManus Short Story Competition

RTÉ Radio Centre, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland

website www.rte.ie/radio1/francis-macmanus-short-story

An annual competition for short stories of 1,800–2,000 words, open to writers born or living in Ireland. First prize €3,000. Entries, in Irish or English, should not have been previously published or broadcast. See website for details. Winning entries are broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1.

RTÉ Radio Drama P.J. O’Connor Drama Awards

RTÉ Radio Drama, Radio Centre, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland

email radiodrama@rte.ie

website www.rte.ie/dramaonone

Rubery Book Award

PO Box 15821, Birmingham, B31 9EA

email enquiries@ruberybookaward.com

website www.ruberybookaward.com

An annual award for published books on any subject, including children’s books, with prizes totalling £2,000 (Book of the Year receives £1,500, and category winners £150 each). Books published by independent presses and self-published books are eligible. See website for entry fees and submission guidelines. Deadline (book award) end March.

Runciman Award

The Administrator, The Runciman Award, Rectory House, Brandon Road, Hilborough, Thetford, Norfolk IP26 5BW

tel (01760) 756086

email rcarden2@btinternet.com

website www.runcimanaward.org

An annual award of £9,000, given by the Anglo-Hellenic League, to promote Anglo-Greek understanding and friendship. Named after Sir Steven Runciman, former chairman of the Anglo-Hellenic League, and first awarded in 1986. Sponsored for the past ten years by the National Bank of Greece, but for the next five years by Elias Paraskevas Attorneys 1933. Works must be wholly or mainly about some aspect of Greece or the world of Hellenism, and must have been published in English, though in any country of the world, in a first edition during (with the imprint of) the preceding year. No category of writing will be excluded from consideration: history, literary studies, biography, travel/topography, the arts, architecture, archaeology, the environment, social and political sciences or current affairs, fiction, poetry or drama. Works in translation, with the exception of translations from Greek literature, will not be considered.

There are four judges, three nominated by the League and one by the sponsor. The judges normally announce a short list in April, and the prize is awarded to the winner at a ceremony in June, held at the Hellenic Centre, 16–18 Paddington Street, London W1U 5AS. A list of past winners is on the above website. More information about the Anglo-Hellenic League is at www.anglohellenicleague.org.

The Saltire Society Awards

The Saltire Society, 9 Fountain Close, 22 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TF

tel 0131 556 1836

email saltire@saltiresociety.org.uk

website www.saltiresociety.org.uk

Twitter @Saltire_Society

Books published between 1 September and 31 August are eligible for awards. The Scottish Book of the Year is an annual award selected from the Saltire Society Book Award categories. The categories are as follows:

Scottish First Book of the Year

Annual award open to any author who has not previously published a book. Authors of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation are eligible.

Scottish Fiction Book of the Year

Annual award for all fiction by an author of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or for any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation.

Scottish Non-Fiction Book of the Year

Annual award for non-fiction books such as biography, travel and political writing. Authors of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation are eligible.

Scottish History Book of the Year

Annual award for a work of Scottish historical research from authors of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or for any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation. Editions of texts are not eligible. Nominations are invited from professors of Scottish history and editors of historical reviews.

Scottish Poetry Book of the Year

Annual award for a collection of new poetry from authors of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or for any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation. Collections which include previously published are not eligible (excludes magazine/pamphlet publication).

Scottish Research Book of the Year

Annual award for a books representing a significant body of research by authors of Scottish descent or living in Scotland, or for any book which deals with the work or life of a Scot or with a Scottish problem, event or situation. Research books must offer insight or dimension to the subject and add to the knowledge and understanding of Scotland and the Scots.

Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction

c/o StonehillSalt PR, 10 Brewery Park Business Centre, Haddington, East Lothian EH41 3HA

tel (01620) 829800

email rebecca@stonehillsalt.co.uk

website www.walterscottprize.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/walterscottprize

Twitter @waltscottprize

Administration, Publicity & Marketing Rebecca Salt

The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction was founded in 2010 by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Alistair Moffat, the Chair of Judges. Awarded annually, it rewards fiction of exceptional quality which is set in the past (according to Walter Scott’s subtitle for Waverley, at least ‘sixty years since’). The Prize is among the richest UK book prizes, with a total value of £30,000. The winner receives £25,000, and shortlisted authors receive £1,000 each. The Prize is awarded at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose each June, with a longlist announced in February and a shortlist announced in March or April. Previous winners of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction include Hilary Mantel, Andrea Levy, Sebastian Barry, Tan Twan Eng, Robert Harris, John Spurling and Simon Mawer.

The rules governing submission can be found in full on the website. Books must be written in English and have been published in the UK, Eire or the Commonwealth during the previous calendar year. Books written in English by authors of British nationality first published outside the UK, Eire or the Commonwealth are also eligible provided they are also published in the UK in that calendar year, and books published in the Commonwealth the year before the UK publication are also eligible. Books must be submitted by publishers, and self-published authors are not eligible.

The Kim Scott Walwyn Prize

email information@kimscottwalwyn.org

website https://kimscottwalwyn.org

Founded in 2003, the Kim Scott Walwyn Prize honours the life and career of Kim Scott Walwyn (who was Publishing Director at Oxford University Press and who died in 2002) and celebrates exceptional women in publishing. It has now been awarded ten times, with the 2015 Prize going to Rebecca Lewis-Oakes, now Managing Editor at Egmont. The Prize is open to any woman who has worked in publishing in the UK for up to seven years and recognises the professional achievements and promise of women in the industry.

Scottish Book of the Year – see The Saltire Society Awards

Scottish Children’s Book Awards

Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

tel 0131 524 0160

email info@scottishbooktrust.com

website www.scottishbooktrust.com/scottishchildrens-books-awards

Scotland’s largest book awards for children and young people. Awards are given to new and established authors of published books in recognition of high standards of writing for children. Visit the Scottish Book Trust website for more details.

Scottish First Book of the Year – see The Saltire Society Awards

Scottish Research Book Award – see The Saltire Society Awards

Segora International Writing Competitions

email simms.gordon@orange.fr

website www.poetryandplays.com Organisers Gordon and Jocelyn Simms

Segora International Writing Competitions are held annually for poetry, short story, vignette (short prose) and one-act play. Deadline for all competitions 15th June each year. Full details available on the website.

The André Simon Memorial Fund Book Awards

1 Westbourne Gardens, Glasgow G12 9XE

tel 07801 310973

email katie@andresimon.co.uk

website www.andresimon.co.uk

Secretary Kate Lander

Celebrating excellent new writing in the fields of food and drink. Two awards of £2,000 are given annually, one each for the best new books on food and on drink. There is also a Special Commendation of £1,000 in either category. All works first published in the calendar year of the award are eligible (publisher entry only). Closing date: November each year. Awards are given in the spring of the following year. Founded 1978.

The Jill Smythies Award

The Linnean Society of London, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BF

tel 020-7434 4479

email info@linnean.org

website www.linnean.org

A prize of £1,000 for a botanical artist for outstanding illustrations. Established in honour of Jill Smythies whose career as a botanical artist was cut short by an accident to her right hand. The rubric states that ‘the Award, to be made by Council usually annually consisting of a silver medal and a purse … is for published illustrations, such as drawings and paintings, in aid of plant identification, with the emphasis on botanical accuracy and the accurate portrayal of diagnostic characteristics. Illustrations of cultivars of garden origin are not eligible.’ Closing date for nominations: 30 November. Founded 1988.

Specsavers Bestseller Awards

website www.specsaversbestsellerawards.com

The Nielsen Book Gold and Platinum Awards were originally launched in September 2001, and were presented to publishers and authors of books that achieved outstanding sales through the UK retail book trade. Any one title, in all its print editions, that had sold more than 500,000 copies (Gold) or

1,000,000 copies (Platinum) over a period of five consecutive years qualified for a Nielsen Book Gold & Platinum Award.

In 2017, the Awards were re-launched with new criteria and a three-year sponsorship from Specsavers. For the first time, both print and e-book sales will be counted and all sales from publication (or from when Nielsen BookScan UK TCM records began: 1998 for print books and January 2014 for ebooks), will be included. In addition, a new Award has been added to the roster, Silver, for sales of over 250,000 copies in all editions over the same time period, and the former Nielsen Book Gold and Platinum Awards will now be called the Specsavers Bestseller Awards, powered by Nielsen Book.

The Sunday Times/Peters Fraser Dunlop Young Writer of the Year Award

email info@societyofauthors.org

website http://www.societyofauthors.org/sundaytimes-pfd

website www.petersfraserdunlop.com/prize

A prize of £5,000 is awarded for a full-length published or self-published (in book or ebook format) work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry, by a British or Irish author aged 35 years or under. There are three prizes of £500 each for runners up. The winning book will be a work of outstanding literary merit. For submission information, see the website. The prize is administered by the Society of Authors.

The Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London, SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email STEFGqueries@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org.uk

website www.shortstoryaward.co.uk

Launched in 2009 by Lord Matthew Evans, former chairman of EFG Private Bank and Cathy Galvin from The Sunday Times, The Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award is the richest prize for a single short story in the English language open to any novelist or short story writer from around the world who is published in the UK. Worth £30,000 to the winner, and £1,000 to each of the shortlisted authors, the annual award aims to promote and celebrate the excellence of the modern short story, and has attracted entries from some of the world’s finest writers. Winners of the competition, which is open to stories of up to 6,000 words written in English, have come from all over the world, and have included the Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer Junot Diaz, C.K. Stead from New Zealand and Kevin Barry from Ireland.The 2016 winner was Jonathan Tel for his short story, The Human Phonograph. The 2017 winner was Bret Anthony Johnston for Half of What Atlee Rouse Knows About Horses.

The James Tait Black Memorial Prizes

English Literature, School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, The University of Edinburgh, 50 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LH

tel 0131 650 3619

website www.ed.ac.uk/events/james-tait-black

The James Tait Black Fiction and Biography Prizes

Two prizes of £10,000 are awarded annually: one for the best biography or work of that nature, the other for the best work of fiction, published during the calendar year 1 January to 31 December. The adjudicators are Professors of English Literature at the University of Edinburgh, with the assistance of teams of postgraduate readers. Eligible novels and biographies are those written in English and first published or co-published in Britain in the year of the award. Both prizes may go to the same author, but neither to the same author a second time.

Publishers should submit a copy of any appropriate biography, or work of fiction, as early as possible with a note of the date of publication, marked ‘James Tait Black Prize’. Closing date for submissions: 1 December. Founded in memory of a partner in the publishing house of A&C Black, these prizes were instituted in 1918.

The James Tait Black Prize for Drama: University of Edinburgh in association with Playwrights Studio Scotland

A prize of £10,000 for a professionally produced play which displays an original voice in theatre and one that they feel has made a significant and unique contribution to the art form. The prize is open to any new work originally written in English, Scots or Gaelic, by playwrights from any country and at any stage in their career. The judges will be students and staff of the University’s School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures and representatives from the wider European theatre industry.

Plays must be formally commissioned and have had a full professional production. Eligible plays will have been produced between 1 January and 31 December in the year preceding the year of the award, and run for a minimum of six performances. A typed copy of the script and a digital copy must be sent with details of the first production, which should include venue, company and date, and proof of production if possible. The submissions must come from the producing company or the agent of the playwright, and should be submitted to the Department of English Literature by the date specified on the website. Please complete the submission form which can be downloaded from the website and enclose it with your hard copy.

Applications which do not have the submission form complete will be considered ineligible. For full criteria visit: www.ed.ac.uk/events/james-tait-black or contact nicola.mccartney@ed.ac.uk.

Reginald Taylor and Lord Fletcher Essay Competition

John McNeill, Hon. Secretary, British Archaeological Association, 18 Stanley Road, Oxford OX4 1QZ

email jsmcneill@btinternet.com

A prize of a medal and £500 is awarded biennially for the best unpublished essay of high scholarly standard, which shows original research on a subject of archaeological, art-historical or antiquarian interest within the period from the Roman era to AD 1830. The successful competitor will be invited to read the essay before the Association and the essay may be published in the Association’s Journal. Competitors should notify the Hon. Editor in advance of the intended subject of their work. Next award: Spring 2018. The essay should be submitted not later than 1 November 2017 to the Honorary Editor, Dr Zoe Opacic, Department of History of Art, Birkbeck College, 43–46 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PD. Founded in memory of E. Reginald Taylor FSA and Lord Fletcher FSA.

International Dylan Thomas Prize

tel (01792) 606245

website www.swansea.ac.uk/dylan-thomas-prize/

The £30,000 Swansea University International Dylan Thomas Prize is awarded to the best published or produced literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under. Launched in 2006.

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition

Chicken House, 2 Palmer Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1DS

tel (01373) 454488

email hello@chickenhousebooks.com

website www.chickenhousebooks.com

Twitter @chickenhsebooks

Contact Kesia Lupo

This annual competition is open to unpublished writers of a full-length children’s novel (age 7–18). Entrants must be over 18 and novels must not exceed 80,000 words in length. The winner will be announced in The Times and will receive a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a royalty advance of £10,000. The winner is selected by a panel of judges which includes children’s authors, journalists, publishers, librarians and other key figures from the world of children’s literature.

Submissions are invited between July and December, with a shortlist announced the following April and the winner chosen in June. See website for further details.

The Tinniswood Award

Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens,

London SW10 9SB

email jmccrum@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/tinniswood-award

The Tinniswood Award is presented annually for the best original audio drama script of the year. The Society of Authors perpetuate the memory of radio and TV comedy scriptwriter, Peter Tinniswood through the Award, which aims to celebrate and encourage high standards in radio drama. Prize: £2,000. Submissions will be accepted from any party (producer, broadcasting organisation, writer, agent etc). For entry guidelines and details of the application procedure, see the website.

Tir na n-Og Awards

Welsh Books Council, Castell Brychan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 2JB

email wbc.children@wbc.org.uk

website www.wbc.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/LlyfrDaFabBooks

The Tir na n-Og Awards were established with the intention of promoting and raising the standard of children’s and young people’s books in Wales. Three awards are presented annually by the Welsh Books Council and are sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Cymru/Wales and Cymdeithas Lyfrau Ceredigion:

• The best English-language book of the year with an authentic Welsh background. Fiction and factual books originally in English are eligible; translations from Welsh or any other language are not eligible. Prize: £1,000.

• The best original Welsh-language book aimed at the primary school sector. Prize: £1,000.

• The best original Welsh-language book aimed at the secondary school sector. Prize: £1,000. Founded 1976.

The Tom-Gallon Trust Award

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/tom-gallon

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

An annual award of £1,000 with £500 for a runner-up is made on the basis of a submitted short story to fiction writers who have had at least one short story accepted for publication and are ordinarily resident in the UK or Northern Ireland. Send a sae or download entry forms from the website. Closing date: 31 October.

The Translation Prizes

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/grants-and-prizes

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

The Society of Authors offers a number of prizes for published translations into English from the Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. Closing date 28 February and 30 March for Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize (Arabic).

The Betty Trask Awards

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/betty-trask

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

An annual prize for first novels (published or unpublished), of a traditional or romantic nature, by authors under the age of 35. Total prize money from £20,000. Download an entry form from the website. Closing date: 30 November.

The V&A Illustration Awards

Victoria & Albert Museum, London SW7 2RL

email villa@vam.ac.uk

website www.vam.ac.uk/illustrationawards

These annual awards are open to illustrators living or publishing in the UK market and students who have attended a course in the UK over the last two years. Awards are made in the following categories: best illustrated book, book cover, editorial illustration and student illustrator.

Ver Poets Open Competition

Competition Secretary Gill Knibbs, 181 Sandridge Road, St Albans, Herts. AL1 4AH

tel (01727) 762601

email gillknibbs@yahoo.co.uk

website www.verpoets.co.uk

A competition open to all for poems of up to 30 lines of any genre or subject matter, which must be unpublished work in English. Prizes: £600 (1st), £300 (2nd), £100 (3rd). Send two copies of each poem with no name or address; either put address on separate sheet or send sae or email for entry form. Closing date: 30 April. Anthology of winning and selected poems with Adjudicator’s Report usually available from mid-June, free to those included. See website for details.

The Wainwright Prize

email alastair@agile-ideas.com

website www.wainwrightprize.com

Twitter @wainwrightprize

The Wainwright Prize seeks to reward the best writing on the outdoors, nature and UK-based travel writing and is sponsored by Wainwright Golden Beer. The prize will be awarded to the work which best reflects Wainwright’s core values of Great British writing and culture and a celebration of the outdoors. See website for submission guidelines and key dates.

Wales Book of the Year Award

Literature Wales, 4th Floor, Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FL

tel 029-2047 2266

email post@literaturewales.org

website www.literaturewales.org/our-projects/walesbook-year

website www.literaturewales.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/LlenCymruLitWales

Twitter @litwales

Literature Wales Chief Executive Lleucu Siencyn

Wales Book of the Year, administered by Literature Wales, is an annual award which is presented to the best Welsh and English-language works first published in the year preceding the ceremony in the fields of creative writing and literary criticism in three categories: Poetry, Fiction and Creative Non-fiction.

Warwick Prize for Writing

Warwick Prize for Writing, Communications Office, University House, University of Warwick CV4 8UW

tel 024-7615 0708

email prizeforwriting@warwick.ac.uk

website www.warwick.ac.uk/go/prizeforwriting/

Twitter @warwickprize

An international cross-disciplinary biennial prize, founded in 2009, awarded for an excellent and substantial piece of writing in the English language, in any genre or form. Nominations are invited from University of Warwick and Monash University staff, students, honorary and emeritus professors, and honorary graduates. See website for full details.

Wasafiri New Writing Prize

email wasafiriprize@open.ac.uk

website www.wasafiri.org/new-writing-prize

Facebook www.facebook.com/wasafiri.magazine/

Twitter @Wasafiri1

The Wasafiri New Writing Prize is awarded in three categories (Poetry, Fiction and Life Writing) and is open to anyone worldwide who has not published a complete book in the category they wish to enter. Entries should be no longer than 3,000 words or five poems (maximum), and should be submitted with an entry form and payment. See website for submission guidelines and entry fees. Founded 2009.

The Wellcome Book Prize

tel 020-7611 8612

email bookprize@wellcome.ac.uk

website www.wellcomebookprize.org

Celebrates the best of medicine in literature by awarding £30,000 each year for the finest fiction or non-fiction book centred around medicine. This prize aims to stimulate interest, excitement and debate about medicine and literature, reaching audiences not normally engaged with medical science. Founded 2009.

The White Review Short Story Prize

website http://www.thewhitereview.org/prizes/white-review-short-story-prize

An annual short story competition for emerging writers, established with support from a Jerwood Charitable Foundation Small Grant in 2013. The prize awards £2,500 to the best piece of short fiction by a writer resident in the UK/Ireland who has yet to secure a publishing deal. For the first time in 2017, the Prize was run concurrently on both sides of the Atlantic, with the usual competition running in Britain and Ireland, and a separate contest taking place simultaneously in the US and Canada. For submission guidelines and entry terms and conditions, see the website.

The Whitfield Prize

Administrative Secretary, Royal Historical Society, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT

tel 020-7387 7532

email m.ransom@royalhistsoc.org

website http://royalhistsoc.org/prizes/

The Prize (value £1,000) is announced in July each year for the best work on a subject within a field of British or Irish history. It must be its author’s first solely written history book, an original and scholarly work of historical research and have been published in the UK or Republic of Ireland in the preceding calendar year. One non-returnable copy of an eligible book should be submitted by the publisher before 31 December to the Administrative Secretary. Should the book be shortlisted, two further copies will be required.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

tel 020-7942 5015

website www.nhm.ac.uk/take-part/wildlifephotographer-of-the-year-competition.html

This annual award is given to the photographer whose individual image is judged to be the most striking and memorable. Open to all ages. Entry fee £30; free for under 17s.

Winchester Writers’ Festival Competitions and Scholarships

University of Winchester, Winchester, Hants SO22 4NR

tel (01962) 827238

email judith.heneghan@winchester.ac.uk

website www.writersfestival.co.uk

Festival Director Judith Heneghan

Ten writing competitions are attached to this major international festival of writing, which takes place in June. Entrants do not have to attend the Festival and can opt to receive a written adjudication (with the exception of the three writing for children competitions).

Categories are First Three Pages of a Novel, Poetry,Short Stories, Flash Fiction, Children’s Picture Book,Children’s Funny Fiction, Memoir, Writing Can Be Murder, Young Writers’ Competition and Skylark Soaring Stories. Deadline for entries: mid-May. Fee £6 without written adjudication; £16 with written adjudication. Prizes include editorial consultations, subscriptions, cash prizes and books. First place winning entries and their adjudications are published in the Festival anthology. The Festival also offers ten full weekend scholarships for young writers aged 18–25 to attend the Festival for free and a number of £50 bursaries for writers of all ages. Apply to the Festival Director.

The Wolfson History Prize

The Prize Administrator, The Wolfson Foundation, 8 Queen Anne Street, London W1G 9LD

tel 020-7323 5730

website www.wolfson.org.uk/history-prize

Facebook www.facebook.com/WolfsonFoundation

Twitter @wolfsonfdn

Awarded annually to promote and recognise outstanding history written for a general audience. Books are judged on the extent to which they are both scholarly and accessible to the lay reader. Books must be published in the UK in the calendar year preceding the year of the award. The author must be normally resident in the UK during the year of publication and not be a previous winner of the Prize. The winning author will receive a prize of £40,000. The five remaining shortlisted authors will be awarded a prize of £4,000 each. All submissions must come via the publisher. Full details on the process are available online. Founded 1972.

Women’s Prize for Fiction

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London, SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

website www.womensprizeforfiction.co.uk

The Women’s Prize for Fiction celebrates excellence, originality and accessibility in writing by women in English from throughout the world. It is the UK’s most prestigious annual book award for fiction written by a woman and also provides a range of educational, literacy or research initiatives to support reading and writing.

The Women’s Prize for Fiction is awarded annually for the best full novel of the year written by a woman and published in the UK. Any woman writing in English – whatever her nationality, country of residence, age or subject matter – is eligible. The winner receives £30,000 and a limited edition bronze figurine known as a Bessie, created and donated by the artist Grizel Niven. The 2016 winner was Lisa McInerney for her novel The Glorious Heresies (John Murray). The Prize will have a new sponsor in 2018.

World Illustration Awards

Association of Illustrators, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

tel 020-7759 1012

email awards@theaoi.com

website www.theaoi.com/awards/

Facebook www.facebook.com/theaoi

Twitter @theaoi

Awards Manager Sabine Reimer

The World Illustration Awards, in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, is an awards programme that sets out to celebrate contemporary illustration across the globe. A panel of international judges create a shortlist, which is displayed at an exhibition in Somerset House and subsequently tours the UK and internationally.

An accompanying publication of a selection of shortlisted work is distributed to commissioners worldwide. Entries can be submitted by practising illustrators or students from around the world, created in any medium into one of eight categories. Two awards are given for Best in each category and to one overall winner of Professional and New Talent respectively. Call for entries: November to February; shortlist announced May; exhibition and publication August; UK tour for one year thereafter.

Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2018 Short Story Competition

website www.writersandartists.co.uk

See information panel on page viii of this edition or visit our website for details.

YouWriteOn.com Book Awards

tel 07948 392634

email edward@youwriteon.com

website www.youwriteon.com

Arts Council-funded site publishing awards for new fiction writers. Random House and Orion, the publishers of authors such as Dan Brown and Terry Pratchett, provide free professional critiques for the highest rated new writers’ opening chapters and short stories on YouWriteOn.com each month. The highest rated writers of the year are then published, three in each of the adult and children’s categories, through YouWriteOn’s free paperback publishing service for writers. The novel publishing awards total £1,000. Writers can enter at any time throughout the year: closing date is 31 December each year. Join YouWriteOn.com to participate. Previous YouWriteOn.com winners have been published by mainstream publishers such as Random House, Orion, Penguin and Hodder including Channel 4 TV Book Club winner and bestseller The Legacy by

Katherine Webb. Founded 2005.

Zooker Award

Arkbound, Backfields House, Upper York Street,

Bristol BS2 8QJ

email editorial@arkbound.com

website http://arkbound.com/zooker-award/

The Zooker Award aims to encourage first-time authors from disadvantaged backgrounds and to

reward works of social value; principally those that touch upon the themes of environmental sustainability and social inclusion, encouraging positive changes in behaviour or attitude for readers. Submitted work must have been published (not self-published) in the last two years. Entry fee £4.50. The prize is £500 and in the event that there is insufficient sponsorship or entry fees, the Award will be carried over to the next year. For full details, visit the website.

GRANTS, BURSARIES AND FELLOWSHIPS

Arts Council England

Arts Council England, 21 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3HF

tel 0845 300 6200

email enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk

website www.artscouncil.org.uk

Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts in England, providing funding for a range of arts and cultural activities. It supports creative writing including poetry, fiction, storytelling, spoken word, digital work, writing for children and literary translation. It funds a range of publishers and magazines as well as providing grants to individual writers. Contact the enquiries team for more information on funding support and advice.

The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon

70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 6180200

website www.artscouncil.ie

Outlines all of its funding opportunities for individuals, groups and organisations on website. Also publishes an email newsletter that provides monthly updates on grants and awards, news and events, and arts policy.

The Authors’ Contingency Fund

Sarah Baxter, The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email sbaxter@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

This fund makes modest grants to established, published authors who find themselves in sudden financial difficulty. Apply for guidelines and application form.

The Authors’ Foundation

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/grants-works/progress

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

Founded in 1984 and marking the centenary of the Society of Authors, the Authors’ Foundation provides grants to writers to assist them while writing books. There are two rounds of grants each year (deadlines 30 April and 30 September). The Authors’ Foundations aims to provide funding (in addition to a proper advance) for research, travel or other necessary expenditure.

Applicants are welcome who have been commissioned by a commercial British publisher to write a full-length work of fiction, poetry or non-fiction, or those without a contractual commitment by a publisher who have had at least one book published commercially, and where there is a strong likelihood that a further book will be published in the UK. Closing dates: 30 April and 30 September.

The K. Blundell Trust

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/grants-works-progress

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

Grants are given to published writers under the age of 40 to assist them with their next book. This work must ‘contribute to the greater understanding of existing social and economic organisation’ and may be fiction or non-fiction. Closing dates: 30 April and 30 September. Download from the website or send sae for an information sheet.

Alfred Bradley Bursary Award

website www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom

This biennial development opportunity is awarded to a writer or writers resident in the North of England. This scheme allows the winning writer to devote a period of time to writing and to develop an idea for a radio drama commission. Founded 1992.

Creative Scotland

tel 0330 333 2000

email enquiries@creativescotland.com

website www.creativescotland.com

Support is offered to writers, playwrights and publishers through Open Project Funding. See www.creativescotland.com for details. See also Scottish Children’s Book Awards (here).

The Julia Darling Travel Fellowship

email office@newwritingnorth.com

website www.newwritingnorth/projects/the-juliadarling-travel-fellowship

website www.juliadarling.co.uk

New Writing North, in conjunction with the family and friends of the late writer, Julia Darling, have established a travel fellowship for creative writers in her name. Julia’s work covered a variety of forms, from plays and novels to poetry and performance. The fellowship is worth £2,000, to be used to fund travel and accommodation both in the UK and internationally. It will also support group applications from writers who would like to undertake joint residential retreats.

Open to novelists, poets and playwrights over the age of 18 who live and work in the north of England and who have at least one professionally produced or published work to their name. Entry is by online submission only. See the website for full details.

E.M. Forster Award

American Academy of Arts and Letters, 633 West 155th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA

tel +1 212-368-5900

email academy@artsandletters.org

website www.artsandletters.org

The distinguished English author, E.M. Forster, bequeathed the American publication rights and royalties of his posthumous novel Maurice to Christopher Isherwood, who transferred them to the American Academy of Arts and Letters, for the establishment of an E.M. Forster Award, currently $20,000, to be given annually to a British or Irish writer for a stay in the USA. Applications for this award are not accepted.

The Eric Gregory Trust Fund

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/eric-gregory

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

These awards are for poets under the age of 30, made annually for the encouragement of young poets who can show that they are likely to benefit from an opportunity to give more time to writing. Candidates must be ordinarily resident in the UK or Northern Ireland. Candidates must be under the age of 30 on 31 March in the year of the Award (i.e. the year following submission). The work submitted may be a published or unpublished volume of poetry, drama-poems or belles-lettres, and no more than 30 poems should be submitted. Closing date: 31 October.

Hawthornden Fellowships

The Administrator, International Retreat for Writers, Hawthornden Castle, Lasswade, Midlothian EH18 1EG

tel 0131 440 2180

email office@hawthornden.org

Applications are invited from novelists, poets, dramatists and other creative writers whose work has already been published. The Retreat provides four-week fellowships in a peaceful setting. Application forms are available from January for Fellowships awarded in the following year. Deadline for applications 30 June.

Francis Head Bequest

Sarah Baxter, The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email sbaxter@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

This fund provides grants to published British authors over the age of 35 who need financial help during a period of illness, disablement or temporary financial crisis. Apply for guidelines and application form.

In Other Words

BookTrust, G8 Battersea Studios,

80 Silverthorne Road, London SW8 3HE

tel 020-7801 8800

email translation@booktrust.org.uk

website www.booktrust.org.uk/in-other-words

An annual initiative to promote the translation and UK publication of outstanding children’s literature from around the world, run by BookTrust and funded by Arts Council England. International publishers are invited to submit stories from their acclaimed authors that have not yet been translated into English for potential promotion to UK publishers. In 2017, eight titles (from over 400 entries) were chosen to be partially translated for UK publishers to review and English language rights made available to buy with a marking bursary of £1,500 to support UK publication. Check the BookTrust website for further details of the project.

The P.D. James Memorial Fund

Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/grants/P-D-Jamesmemorial-fund

This fund offers regular payments to a small number of Society of Authors members who find themselves in financial hardship. Awards are given by committee to long-term members who are either aged 60 or over or who are completely incapacitated for work. The fund currently distributes £2,000 per annum to each recipient. For more information, see the website.

Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships

Jerwood Space, 171 Union Street, Bankside,

London SE1 0LN

email info@jerwood.org

website www.jerwoodcharitablefoundation.org Funded by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation and Arts Council England, the Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships offer a significant new development opportunity for poets. Running between 2017 and 2022 and supporting a total of nine artists, successful artists will receive £15,000 to support their Fellowship, during which time they will be matched with a mentor and given access to a range of advisers to support their work. For further details, see the website.

Leverhulme Research Fellowships

The Leverhulme Trust, 1 Pemberton Row, London EC4A 3BG

tel 020-7042 9861

email agrundy@leverhulme.ac.uk

website www.leverhulme.ac.uk

Twitter @LeverhulmeTrust

The Leverhulme Trust Board offer annually approximately 100 fellowships to experienced researchers in aid of original research. These awards are not available as replacement for past support from other sources. Applications in all subject areas are considered, with the exception of clinical medical or pharmaceutical research. Applications must be completed online by early November 2017 for 2018 awards. Refer to the website for further details. Founded 1933.

The John Masefield Memorial Trust

Sarah Baxter, The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email sbaxter@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org

This trust makes occasional grants to professional poets who find themselves with sudden financial problems. Apply for guidelines and application form.

Northern Writers’ Awards

New Writing North, PO Box 1277, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 5BP

email office@newwritingnorth.com

website www.northernwritersawards.com

Awards (£1,000–£5,000) are aimed at developing writers at different stages in their careers. A panel of professional writers shortlists and makes awards once a year. Awards are open to residents of the greater North: North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humberside. See website for details. Deadline for applications: end January/early February.

Charles Pick South Asia Fellowship

School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

tel (01603) 593564

email charlespickfellowship@uea.ac.uk

website www.uea.ac.uk/literature/fellowships

The Charles Pick Fellowship is dedicated to the memory of the distinguished publisher and literary agent, Charles Pick, whose career began in 1933 and continued until shortly before his death in January 2000. He encouraged young writers at the start of their careers with introductions to other writers and offered practical and financial help. The Charles Pick Fellowship seeks to continue this spirit of encouragement by giving support to the work of a new and, as yet, unpublished writer of fictional or non-fictional prose based in South Asia. The writer must be from South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Burma/Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) but does not need to be domiciled there. Preference will be given to mature students, and candidates who have completed their education and who have embarked on a career path. The 2016/17 Charles Pick Fellow: Syed Haider Shahbaz.

The Peggy Ramsay Foundation

Hanover House, 14 Hanover Square, London W1S 1HP

email prf@harbottle.com

website www.peggyramsayfoundation.org

Grants are made to writers of stage plays in accordance with the criteria on the Foundation’s website. Awards are made at intervals during each year. A total of approx. £200,000 is expended annually. Founded 1992.

The Royal Literary Fund

3 Johnson’s Court, off Fleet Street, London EC4A 3EA

tel 020-7353 7150

website www.rlf.org.uk

The RLF is a benevolent fund for writers in financial difficulties. It does not offer grants to writers who can earn their living in other ways, nor does it provide financial support for writing projects, but it helps authors who have fallen on hard times due to personal or professional setbacks. Applicants must have published several works of approved literary merit. Applicants are requested to send copies of their books with their completed application forms. Founded 1790.

TLC/Arts Council England Free Reads Scheme

The Literary Consultancy Ltd, Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

tel 020-7324 2563

email info@literaryconsultancy.co.uk

website www.literaryconsultancy.co.uk/editorial/acefree-reads-scheme/

Director Aki Schilz

In 2001, TLC received funding from Arts Council England to enable the provision of bursaried manuscript assessments for writers from low-income households. The scheme is known as the Free Reads Scheme and offers access to TLC’s core services to writers who might not be able to afford them. Free Reads are selected by a range of literature development bodies from across the UK, and there are currently thirteen organisations benefitting from the Free Reads Scheme. For detailed submission guidelines and eligibility information, see the website.

The Travelling Scholarships

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB

tel 020-7373 6642

email info@societyofauthors.org

website www.societyofauthors.org/travelling-scholarships

Twitter @Soc_of_Authors

These honorary awards were established in 1944 by an anonymous benefactor. Submissions cannot be accepted.

David T.K. Wong Fellowship

School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

tel (01603) 592713

email davidtkwongfellowship@uea.ac.uk

website www.uea.ac.uk/literature/fellowships

The David T.K. Wong Fellowship is a unique and generous annual award of £26,000 to enable a fiction writer who wants to write in English about the Far East to spend a year in the UK, at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. The Fellowship is named for its sponsor Mr David T.K. Wong, a retired Hong Kong businessman, who has also been a teacher, journalist and senior civil servant, and is a writer of short stories himself. The Fellowship will be awarded to a writer planning to produce a work of prose fiction in English which deals seriously with some aspect of life in the Far East (Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam). The 2016/17 David T. K. Wong Fellow: Meng Jin.

PRIZE WINNERS

This is a selection of high-profile literary prize winners from 2016–17 presented chronologically. Entries for many of these prizes are included in the Yearbook, starting on page 562.

May 2016

Man Booker International Prize

The Vegetarian by Han Kang (translated from Korean by Deborah Smith)

June

Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction

The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney

The CILIP Carnegie Medal

One by Sarah Crossan

The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal

The Sleeper and the Spindle illustrated by Chris Riddell

September

Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Cow and Company by Parashar Kulkarni

October

BBC National Short Story Award

Disappearances by KJ Orr

The Nobel Prize in Literature Bob Dylan

The Man Booker Prize

The Sellout by Paul Beatty The Bridport Prize

Spitting Distance by Mark Pajak (Poetry); Cut Loose by Wendy Brandmark (Short Story); Drought by David Swann (Flash Fiction)

November

National Book Awards (USA)

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (Fiction); Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi (Non-fiction); March: Book Three by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell (Young People’s Literature); Voyage of the Sable Venus by Robin Coste Lewis (Poetry)

Waterstones Book of the Year

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry

January 2017

T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry

Jackself by Jacob Polley

Costa Book of the Year

Days Without End by Sebastian Barry

Bookbug Picture Book Award

Shark in the Park on a Windy Day by Nick Sharratt

March

Scottish Teenage Book Prize

Black Cairn Point by Claire McFall

Blue Peter Book Awards

Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood (Best Story); Survivors by David Long (Best Book with Facts)

April

Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

>The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Best Younger Fiction and Overall Winner); There’s a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart (Best Illustrated Book); Orangeboy by Patrice Lawrence (Best Older Fiction)

The Pulitzer Prize (USA)

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (Fiction); Olio by Tyehimba Jess (Poetry); Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson (History); Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond (General Non-fiction); The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between by Hisham Matar (Biography or Autobiography); Sweat by Lynn Nottage (Drama); Angel’s Bone by Du Yun (Music)

The Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award

Half of What Atlee Rouse Knows About Horses by Bret Anthony Johnston

 

Festivals and conferences for writers, artists and readers

There are hundreds of arts festivals and conferences held in the UK each year – too many to mention in this Yearbook. We give here a selection of literature, writing and general arts festivals which include literature events. Space constraints and the nature of an annual publication together determine that only brief details are given; contact festival organisers for a full programme of events.

Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival

87 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wilts. SP1 2PU

tel (01722) 332241

email info@salisburyfestival.co.uk

website www.salisburyfestival.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/SalisburyArtsFestival

Twitter @AgeasSalisFest

Takes place May–June

A thriving, annual multi-arts festival that delivers over 150 arts events each year, including concerts, comedy, poetry, dance, exhibitions, outdoor spectacles and commissioned works.

Aldeburgh Poetry Festival

website www.poetryinaldeburgh.org

Takes place across venues in Aldeburgh and at Snape Maltings. Annual festival of contemporary poetry with readings, workshops, talks, discussions, public masterclass and children’s event. Founded 1989.

Appledore Book Festival

Festival Office, Docton Court Gallery, 2 Myrtle Street, Appledore, Bideford, Devon EX39 1PH

email info@appledorebookfestival.co.uk

website www.appledorebookfestival.co.uk

Takes place 22 September–30 September 2017

Founded by children’s author Nick Arnold this annual festival includes a schools programme covering north Devon and public events for all ages; also book fairs and a bookshop. Founded 2007.

Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival

Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP

tel 020-7307 5454

email enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk

website www.asiahouse.org

Takes place May

The Festival remains the only festival in the UK dedicated exclusively to pan-Asian literature. It has earned a reputation as the Festival for people with an interest in Asia and its rich literary heritage. It hosts remarkable, witty, sensitive and inspiring guest speakers, from Nobel laureates and Man Booker prize winners to local language writers and debut novelists.

Aspects Irish Literature Festival

website www.aspectsfestival.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/aspectsfestival/

An annual celebration of contemporary Irish writing with novelists, poets and playwrights. Includes readings, discussion, workshops, comedy, music and an Aspects showcase day for young writers.

Autumn International Literary Festival

University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

tel (01603) 456161

email literaryevents@uea.ac.uk

website www.uea.ac.uk/litfest

Twitter @UEALitFest

Festival Administrator Molly Taylor

Takes place Late September–early December

An annual festival of events bringing established writers of fiction, biography and poetry to a public audience in the Eastern region.

The Bath Festival

Bath Festivals, Abbey Chambers, Kingston Buildings, Bath BA1 1NT

tel (01225) 462231 Box Office (01225) 463362

email info@bathfestivals.org.uk

website http://bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival/Takes place May

Takes place May

An annual festival with leading guest writers. Includes readings, debates, discussions and workshops, and events for children and young people.

Birmingham Literature Festival

Unit 204, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA

tel 0121 246 2770

email abigail@writingwestmidlands.org

website www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org

Twitter @BhamLitFest

Programmes Director Abigail Campbell

Takes place April and October

The annual Birmingham Literature Festival is firmly established in the cultural calendar as the region’s brightest literary event. It gathers household names and rising stars to celebrate the power of words. The Festival is always a varied, ambitious programme that has won a loyal and growing audience over the years.A project of Writing West Midlands.

Borders Book Festival

Harmony House, St Mary’s Road, Melrose TD6 9LJ

tel (01896) 822644

email info@bordersbookfestival.org

website www.bordersbookfestival.org

Takes place June

An annual festival with a programme of events featuring high-profile and bestselling writers. Winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction is announced during the festival. Founded 2004.

Bread and Roses

c/o Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, Nottingham NG1 2DH

email bookshop@fiveleaves.co.uk

website www.fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk

An annual weekend of radical politics, music and literature held at various venues in Nottingham. The only book festival supported by trade unions.

Bridlington Poetry Festival

email lama.admin@eastriding.gov.uk

website www.litup.org.uk/bridlington-poetry-festival/

Twitter @BridPoetryFest

Takes place June

One of the UK’s leading poetry festivals held in the beautiful coastal surroundings of Sewerby Hall and Gardens. A residential poetry school runs alongside the festival. Founded 2010.

Brighton Festival

tel (01273) 700747

email info@brightonfestival.org

website www.brightonfestival.org

Takes place May

An annual arts festival with an extensive national and international programme featuring theatre, dance, music, opera, literature, outdoor and family events.

Bristol Poetry Festival

Poetry Can, 12 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RH

tel 0117 933 0900

email info@poetrycan.co.uk

website www.poetrycan.co.uk

Takes place September/October

A celebration of language, imagination and life. Features award-winning poets and performers from all over the UK and abroad. Venues include Arnolfini and various Bristol locations.

Buxton Festival

3 The Square, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6AZ

tel (01298) 70395

email info@buxtonfestival.co.uk

website www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

Artistic Director Stephen Barlow, Chief Executive Randall Shannon

Takes place July

The incredible opera and music programme is complemented by a much envied Literary Series, featuring distinguished authors, which takes place every morning and afternoon.

Cambridge Literary Festival

Festival Office, 7 Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3EL

email admin@cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

website www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

Takes place April and November

The Cambridge Literary Festival welcomes writers and readers from around the world and provides a space for debate and diversity, and showcases creativity. It encourages children and young people to be enthused by reading and writing, and provides a forum for authors and readers to mingle, converse and develop their craft.

Canterbury Festival

8 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JA

tel (01227) 452853

email info@canterburyfestival.co.uk

website www.canterburyfestival.co.uk Takes place 14 October–4 November 2017

Kent’s international arts festival, one of the most important cultural events in the south east. As an independent charity, the Festival brings a rich mixture of performing arts from around the world to surprise and delight audiences. The Festival inspires artists to create and perform. It commissions new work, champions emerging talent and supports those seeking careers in the cultural industries.

In 2016 the Festival drew audiences of more than 65,000, of all ages, to over 200 free and ticketed events. It engaged with 2,800 artists across the Festival programme with an offering of music, theatre, dance, comedy, circus, science and exhibitions along with a popular Talks Series featuring a wealth of writers.

The Festival works year-round in the community. Activities include a Poet of the Year competition for adults. The winning entries are published in an anthology. A shortlist is chosen and the poets are invited to read their work at an awards evening, when the Poet of the Year is announced. Winner receives £200, second place receives £100 and third place receives £50. Entry forms can be downloaded from the website.

Charleston Festival

The Charleston Trust, Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL

email festivals@charleston.org.uk

website www.charleston.org.uk

Twitter @charlestontrust

Takes place May

Charleston, country home of Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, hosts an annual literary festival involving writers, performers, politicians and thinkers – both high profile and up and coming, national and international. It also holds a dedicated short story festival – Small Wonder – for a long weekend in late September/early October. The artistic director normally issues invitations for both festivals and is rarely able to accept unsolicited requests to take part.

The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival

109–111 Bath Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 7LS

tel (01242) 511211

website www.cheltenhamfestivals.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/cheltenhamfestivals

Twitter @cheltfestivals

Takes place 6–15 October 2017

This annual festival is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Events include debates, talks and lectures, poetry readings, novelists in conversation, exhibitions, discussions, workshops and more. The children’s festival runs alongside the main programme with an extensive programme of events for babies, children and teenagers. Brochures are available in August. Founded 1949.

Cork International Short Story Festival

Frank O’Connor House, 84 Douglas Street, Cork, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)21 4312955

email info@munsterlit.ie

website www.munsterlit.ie

website www.corkshortstory.net

Takes place September

Run by the Munster Literature Centre, this festival includes readings, seminars and public interviews, and is host to several short story awards, including the Frank O’Connor Short Story Award. The Centre also hosts the annual Cork International Poetry Festival.

CrimeFest

email info@crimefest.com

website www.crimefest.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/crimefest.bristol

Twitter @CrimeFest

CrimeFest is an annual, Bristol-based convention (held in May) for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. Drawing top crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world, it gives all delegates the opportunity to celebrate the genre in a friendly, informal and inclusive atmosphere. The CrimeFest programme consists of interviews with its featured and highlighted guest authors; over 60 panels with more than 150 participating authors; a gala awards dinner; and one or two surprises!

Cúirt International Festival of Literature

Galway Arts Centre, 47 Dominick Street, Galway, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)91 565886

email info@galwayartscentre.ie

website www.cuirt.ie

Twitter @CuirtFestival

Takes place April

An annual week-long festival to celebrate writing, bringing together national and international writers to promote literary discussion. Events include readings, performances, workshops, seminars, lectures, poetry slams, music and talks. The festival is renowned for its convivial atmosphere. (‘Cúirt’ means a ‘bardic court or gathering’.) Founded 1985.

Dalkey Creates

Seafield Road, Killiney, Co. Dublin A96 RW01

tel +353 (0)87 3335124

email dalkeycreates@gmail.com

website www.dalkeycreates.com

Festival Director Anna Fox

Held annually in mid-October in the picturesque seaside town of Dalkey in Dublin, Ireland, Dalkey Creates aims to encourage and inspire writers with an excellent range of workshops and writer-focused events. It also features an annual Short Story Competition with a winning prize of ¤1,000. All details at www.dalkeycreates.com.

The Daunt Books Festival

83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW

tel 020-7224 2295

email oeders@dauntbooks.co.uk

website www.dauntbooks.co.uk

Twitter @dauntbooks

Festival Organiser Samantha Meeson

The Daunt Books Festival takes place in a beautiful Edwardian premises in Marylebone. This annual celebration of literature goes to show that a bookshop is not just a place to buy books but a space to bring readers together, to foster a literary community and to have a great deal of fun in the process. Key speakers have included Michael Palin, Antonia Fraser, Colin Thubron, Owen Jones, Tracy Chevalier, Sebastian Barry, William Fiennes, Robert Muchamore and Michael Morpurgo.

Dublin Book Festival

email info@dublinbookfestival.com

website www.dublinbookfestival.com

Dublin Book Festival brings together the best of Irish publishing, offering a chance for the voices of both established and up and coming authors to be heard. Mostly held in Smock Alley Theatre, the festival’s events include book launches, interviews, workshops, a children’s and schools programme and lots more.

Durham Book Festival

New Writing North, PO Box 1277, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 5PB

email office@newwritingnorth.com

website www.durhambookfestival.com

Takes place 7–15 October 2017

A book festival for new and established writers, taking place in the historic city of Durham.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR

tel 0131 718 5666

email admin@edbookfest.co.uk

website www.edbookfest.co.uk

Twitter @edbookfest

Takes place August

The largest celebration of books and reading in the world. In addition to a unique independent bookselling operation, more than 800 UK and international writers appear in over 750 events for adults and children. Programme details available in June.

Ennis Book Club Festival

36 Willsgrove, Cahercalla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)87 9723647

email info@ennisbookclubfestival.com

website www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

Takes place First weekend in March

An annual literary weekend which brings together book club members, book lovers, writers and other artists. Includes lectures, readings, discussions, theatre, music and more.

Essex Poetry Festival

Flat 3, 1 Clifton Terrace, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1DT

email adrian@essex-poetry-festival.co.uk

website www.essex-poetry-festival.co.uk

Contact Adrian Green

Takes place October

A poetry festival across Essex. Also includes the Young Essex Poet of the Year Competition.

Festival at the Edge

39 Fawdry Street, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton WV1 4PA

tel 07544 044126

email info@festivalattheedge.org

website www.festivalattheedge.org

Takes place July

A storytelling festival with a mix of stories, music and performance, held Dearnford Lake, Whitchurch, Shropshire.

The Festival of Writing

The Writers’ Workshop,Prama House, 267 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7HT

tel 0345 459 9560

email info@writersworkshop.co.uk

website www.writersworkshop.co.uk

Event Director Laura Wilkins

Takes place in York 8–10 September 2017

A festival for aspiring writers providing the opportunity to meet literary agents, publishers, professional authors and book doctors. Keynote speakers from across the industry. Also workshops, competitions, networking events, Q&A panels and the chance to pitch work directly to literary agents.

Folkestone Book Festival

tel (01303) 760740

email info@folkestonebookfest.com

website www.folkestonebookfest.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/FolkestoneBookFestival

Twitter @FstoneBookFest

Takes place 17–26 November 2017

An annual festival with many events, including a Children’s Day.

Free the Word!

PEN International, Unit A, Koops Mill Mews, 162–164 Abbey Street, London SE1 2AN

tel 020-7405 0338

email info@pen-international.org

website http://www.pen-international.org/eventsfestivals/free-the-word/

Free the Word! is PEN International’s roaming event series of contemporary literature from around the world. The Free the Word! team works with PEN Centres, festivals and book fairs to develop an international network of literary events. “Free the Word! is PEN International in spirit and actions – events for authors and readers to make sparks across the divide between national literatures” – Sir Tom Stoppard.

Guildford Book Festival

c/o Tourist Information Office, 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ

tel (01483) 444334

email director@guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

website www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk

Twitter @gfordbookfest

Co-directors Jane Beaton, Alex Andrews

Takes place 8–15 October 2017

An annual festival. Diverse, provocative and entertaining, held throughout the historic town and drawing audiences from throughout London and the south-east. Author events, workshops and schools programme. Its aim is to further an interest and love of literature by involvement and entertainment. Founded 1989.

The Hay Festival

The Drill Hall, 25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD

tel (01497) 822620 (admin)

email admin@hayfestival.org

website www.hayfestival.org

Takes place May/June

This annual festival of literature and the arts in Hay-on-Wye, Wales, brings together writers, musicians, film-makers, historians, politicians, environmentalists and scientists from around the world to communicate challenging ideas. More than 700 events over ten days. Within the annual festival is a festival for families and children, HAYDAYS, which introduces children, from toddlers to teenagers, to their favourite authors and holds workshops to entertain and educate. Programme published April. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the festival.

Huddersfield Literature Festival

email huddlitfest@gmail.com

website www.litfest.org.uk

Festival Director Michelle Hodgson

The festival programmes events to support and showcase new, emerging and established writers/ artists, including author talks, writing and performance workshops, multi-arts performances, innovative spoken word events and the Huddersfield Manga Con, Majikkon. Includes many free and lowcost events, and several events with subtitling by Stagetext. Founded 2006.

Ilkley Literature Festival

9 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9LW

tel (01943) 601210

email info@ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

website www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/ilkleyliteraturefestival/

Twitter @ilkleylitfest

Festival Director Rachel Feldberg, Programme

Coordinator Laura Beddows

Takes place 29 September–15 October 2017

The north of England’s oldest, largest and most prestigious literature festival with over 250 events, from author discussions to workshops, readings, literary walks, children’s events and a festival fringe.

Founded 1973.

Independent Bookshop Week

email sharon.benton@booksellers.org.uk

website www.indiebookshopweek.co.uk

Twitter @IndieBound_UK

Takes place June

Independent Bookshop Week is an annual celebration of independent bookshops and is part of the IndieBound campaign to promote independent bookshops, strong reading communities and the idea of shopping locally and sustainably. Independent Bookshop Week brings together bookshops, publishers and consumers through events such as National Reading Group Day, author visits and storytime sessions, and offers from publishers.

International Literature Festival Dublin

c/o Dublin City Council Arts Office, The Lab, Foley Street, Dublin 1, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)1 2225455

email info@ilfdublin.com

website www.ilfdublin.com

Twitter @ILFDublin

Takes place May

The International Literature Festival Dublin (formerly the Dublin Writers Festival) is Ireland’s premier literary event and gathers the finest writers in the world to debate, provoke, delight and enthral. The Festival continues to champion Dublin’s position as a UNESCO City of Literature, celebrating the local alongside the global and the power of words to change the world. With readings, discussions, debates, workshops, performances and screenings, the Festival creates a hotbed of ideas for all ages to enjoy. Founded 1998.

Jewish Book Week

Jewish Book Council, ORT House, 126 Albert Street, London NW1 7NE

tel 020-7446 8771

email info@jewishbookweek.com

website www.jewishbookweek.com

Production Manager Sarah Fairbairn

Takes place Feb/March

A ten-day festival of writing, arts and culture, with contributors from around the world and sessions in London and nationwide. Includes events for children and teenagers.

King’s Lynn Festival

Bishops Lynn House, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JW

tel (01553) 767557

email info@kingslynnfestival.org.uk

website www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk

Administrator Ema Holman

Takes place July

An annual arts festival with a music focus, including literature events featuring leading guest writers. Founded 1951.

King’s Lynn Literature Festivals

email enquiries@lynnlitfests.com

website www.lynnlitfests.com

Chairman Tony Ellis

Takes place September/March

Poetry Festival (22–24 September 2017): An annual festival which brings 12 published poets to King’s Lynn for the weekend for readings and discussions.

Fiction Festival (March 2018): An annual festival which brings ten published novelists to King’s Lynn for the weekend for readings and discussions.

Knutsford Literature Festival

website www.knutsfordlitfest.org

Takes place October

An annual festival to celebrate writing and performance, with distinguished national, international and local authors. Events include readings and discussions, a literary lunch and theatrical performances.

Laureate na nÓgg/Ireland’s Children’s Laureate

Children’s Books Ireland, 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1, Ireland

tel +353 (0)18 727475

email info@childrenslaureate.ie

email info@childrensbooksireland.ie

website www.childrenslaureate.ie

This is a project recognising the role and importance of literature for children in Ireland. This unique honour was awarded for the first time in 2010. The position is held for a period of two years. The laureate participates in selected events and activities around Ireland and internationally during their term.

The laureate is chosen in recognition of their widely recognised high-quality children’s writing or illustration and the considerably positive impact they have had on readers as well as other writers and illustrators. Laureate na nÓg 2010–2012, Siobhán Parkinson; 2012–2014, Niamh Sharkey; 2014–2016, Eoin Colfer. The 2016–2018 Laureate na nÓgis PJ Lynch.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Master’s House, St Katherines, Bye Street, Ledbury HR8 1EA

tel (01531) 634156

email manager@poetry-festival.co.uk

website www.poetry-festival.co.uk

Twitter @ledburyfest

Festival Manager Phillippa Slinger

Takes place July

An annual festival featuring nationally and internationally renowned poets, together with a poet-in-residence programme, slams, competitions (see rules and download form from website), workshops, community events and exhibitions.

Listowel Writers’ Week

24 The Square, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Republic of Ireland

tel +353 (0)68 21074

email info@writersweek.ie

website www.writersweek.ie

Facebook www.facebook.com/writersweek

Twitter @ListowelWW18

Festival Managers Eilish Wren, Maire Logue

Takes place 30 May–3 June 2018

festival devoted to bringing together writers and audiences at unique and innovative events in the historic and intimate surroundings of Listowel, County Kerry. At the heart of the annual celebration is a commitment to developing and promoting writing talent, underpinned by an organisation that works to the values of partnership, inclusivity and civic responsibility. Events include workshops, readings, seminars, lectures, book launches, art exhibitions and a comprehensive children’s and teenagers’ programme. Founded 1971.

Lit Up Festival (formerly Beverley Literature Festival and Bridlington Poetry Festival)

Libraries and Information, Council Offices, Skirlaugh, East Riding of Yorkshire HU11 5HN

email lama.admin@eastriding.gov.uk

website www.litup.org.uk

Twitter @BevLitFest

Takes place October 2017

Established in 2000, this is one of the UK’s leading literature festivals. The festival includes authors’ events, readings, panel events, workshops, children’s activities and performances.

Litfest

The Storey, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster LA1 1TH

tel (01524) 62166

email marketing@litfest.org

website www.litfest.org

Takes place March

Annual literature festival featuring local, national and international writers, poets and performers. Litfest is the literature development agency for Lancashire with a year-round programme of readings, performances and workshops.

London Literature Festival and Poetry International

Literature Department, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

website www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Contact Ted Hodgkinson

Takes place October

The Literature + Spoken Word department at Southbank Centre runs a year-round programme of readings, talks and debates. Highlights include the annual London Literature Festival and bi-annual Poetry International; the biggest poetry festival in the British Isles, bringing together a wide range of poets from around the world.

Manchester Children’s Book Festival

Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Manchester Metropolitan University, Rosamond Street West, Off Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6LL

tel 0161 247 2424

email mcbf@mmu.ac.uk

website www.mcbf.org.uk

Festival Directors Carol Ann Duffy and Kaye Tew Takes place June/July

A festival of year-round activities celebrating the very best writing for children, inspiring young people to engage with literature and creativity across the curriculum, and offering extended projects and training to ensure the event has an impact and legacy in classrooms.

Manchester Literature Festival

The Department Store, 5 Oak Street, Manchester M4 5JD

tel 0161 832 5502

email office@manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

website www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk

Twitter @McrLitFest

Directors Cathy Bolton and Sarah-Jane Roberts

An annual two-week festival in October celebrating the best new literature from around the world.

May Festival

Events Team, University of Aberdeen, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX

tel (01224) 273233

email festival@abdn.ac.uk

website www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival

Takes place May

The May Festival programme aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, providing a culturally-enriching experience of the North East, Scotland and beyond. It aims to build on the success of research projects and past and present activities such as Word, Director’s Cut, the British Science Festival and the music concert series. Events include debates, lectures, readings, workshops and concerts spanning areas such as literature, science, music, film, Gaelic, food and nutrition.

National Eisteddfod of Wales

40 Parc Tŷ Glas, Llanisien, Cardiff CF14 5DU

tel 0845 409 0300

email gwyb@eisteddfod.org.uk

website www.eisteddfod.org.uk

Twitter @eisteddfod

Chief Executive Elfed Roberts

Takes place August

Wales’s largest cultural festival. Activities include competitions in all aspects of the arts, fringe performances and majestic ceremonies. In addition to activities held in the main pavilion, it houses over 250 trade stands along with a literary pavilion, a music studio, a movement and dance theatre, an outdoor performance stage and a purpose-built theatre. The event is set in a different location each year; Anglesey in 2017 and Cardiff 2018.

National Short Story Week

email ian@shortstoryweek.org.uk

website www.nationalshortstoryweek.org.uk

Director Ian Skillicorn

Takes place 13–19 November 2017

An annual awareness week aimed at encouraging more people to write, read and listen to short stories. Events held around the UK with involvement from publishers, writers, libraries, universities, writing organisations and readers. See website for details of the Annual Young Writers’ competition. Founded 2010.

Noirwich Crime Writing Festival

tel (01603) 593412

email literaryevents@uea.ac.uk

website www.noirwich.co.uk

Takes place 14 September–17 September 2017

Noirwich Crime Writing Festival celebrates the sharpest noir and crime writing over four days of author events, film screenings and writing masterclasses in Norwich, UNESCO City of Literature. A collaboration between Dead Good Books, University of East Anglia and Writers’ Centre Norwich.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival

Augustine Steward House, 14 Tombland, Norwich NR3 1HF

tel (01603) 877750

email info@nnfestival.org.uk

website www.nnfestival.org.uk

Takes place annually in May

Off the Shelf Festival of Words Sheffield

Cathedral Court, 46 Church Street, Sheffield S1 2GN

tel 0114 222 3895

email offtheshelf@sheffield.ac.uk

website www.offtheshelf.org.uk

Takes place 7–28 October 2017

Meet great writers, historians, artists, scientists, journalists and musicians at this diverse and innovative festival. Events city-wide for all ages. Listen, question, be part of the story.

Oundle Festival of Literature

email oundlelitfestival@hotmail.co.uk

website www.oundlelitfest.org.uk

Festival Manager Helen Shair

Takes place throughout the year

The Festival runs a programme of all year round events aimed at exciting, informing, entertaining and educating a wide variety of people through talks, discussions and workshops by award winning and local authors and poets. Uses a variety of venues in the beautiful market town of Oundle.

FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival

Registered office, Greyfriars Court, Paradise Square, Oxford OX1 1BE

email info@oxfordliteraryfestival.org

website www.oxfordliteraryfestival.org

Festival Director Sally Dunsmore

Takes place March/April

An annual festival for both adults and children. Presents topical debates, fiction and non-fiction discussion panels, and adult and children’s authors who have recently published books. Topics range from contemporary fiction to discussions on politics, history, science, gardening, food, poetry, philosophy, art and crime fiction.

Port Eliot Festival

Port Eliot Estate Office, St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 5ND

tel (01503) 232783

email info@porteliotfestival.com

website www.porteliotfestival.com

The idyllic Port Eliot estate in Cornwall plays host to the UK’s most imaginative arts festival; over 100 performances on ten different stages, presenting a wealth of creative talent from the worlds of books, music, fashion, food and film. Port Eliot aims to raise the spirits of and inspire its audience, and the festival prides itself on offering something a little bit different.

Raworths Harrogate Literatue Festival

32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1DB

tel (01423) 562303

email info@harrogate-festival.org.uk

website www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

Twitter@RaworthsHGLit

Takes place 19–22 October 2017

Four days of literary events designed to inspire and stimulate.

Readathon

26 Nailsworth Mills, Avening Road, Nailsworth, Glos. GL6 0BS

tel (01453) 839005

email reading@readathon.org

website www.readathon.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/ReadathonUK

Twitter @ReadathonUK

Readathon encourages children to read for fun through its sponsored read in schools and uses the money raised to give books and stories to children in hospital. Readathon gives schools free resources with everything needed to run a successful sponsored read, and provides children’s hospitals with regular storyteller visits, plus a mobile bookcase packed full of brand new books which are replenished every six weeks.

Richmond upon Thames Literature Festival

Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DJ

tel 020-8831 6494

email artsinfo@richmond.gov.uk

website www.richmondliterature.com

Twitter @richmondlitfest

Takes place Throughout November

An annual literature festival featuring a diverse programme of authors, commentators and leading figures from sport, television, politics and journalism in a range of interesting and unique venues across the borough. The festival includes something for everyone, with an exciting programme for all ages and interests.

Rye Arts Festival

tel (01797) 224442

email secretary@ryeartsfestival.co.uk

website www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk

Chairman Michael Eve, Secretary Ann Ullman

Takes place Last 2 weeks of September (15 days)

Annual festival of literary events featuring biographers, novelists, political and environmental writers with book signings and discussions. Runs concurrently with festival of music and visual arts.

The Self-Publishing Conference

tel 0116 279 2299

email books@troubador.co.uk

website www.selfpublishingconference.org.uk

Twitter @Selfpubconf

The UKșs ony dedicated self-publishing event. Now in its fifth year, this annual conference covers all aspects of self-publishing from production through marketing and distribution. The conference offers plenty of networking opportunities and access to over 16 presentations. Founded 2013.

Small Wonder: The Short Story Festival

The Charleston Trust, Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL

tel (01323) 811626

email festivals@charleston.org.uk

website www.charleston.org.uk/smallwonder

Twitter @charlestontrust

Takes place 27 September – 1 October 2017

Charleston, home of Bloomsbury artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, hosts this respected annual short story jamboree. Small Wonder celebrates the most innovative short fiction in a variety of forms from top practitioners of the art, and also incorporates a fringe programme of participatory events for all ages.

Spring Literary Festival

University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ

tel (01603) 592286

email literaryevents@uea.ac.uk

website www.uea.ac.uk/litfest

Twitter @UEALitfest

Contact Festival Administrator

An annual festival of events bringing established writers of fiction, biography and poetry to a public audience in the Eastern region.

StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival

tel (01334) 475000 (box office), (01334) 474610 (programmes)

email stanza@stanzapoetry.org

website www.stanzapoetry.org

Facebook www.facebook.com/stanzapoetry

Twitter @StAnzaPoetry

Festival Director Eleanor Livingstone

Takes place March

The festival engages with all forms of poetry: read and spoken verse, poetry in exhibition, performance poetry, cross-media collaboration, schools work, book launches and poetry workshops, with numerous UK and international guests and weekend children’s events. Founded 1997.

States of Independence

email info@fiveleaves.co.uk

website www.statesofindependence.co.uk

Takes place March

An annual one-day festival celebrating independent publishing. Held in mid-March at De Montfort University in Leicester. Involves independent publishers from the region and elsewhere in the country. A free event with a varied programme of sessions and a book fair.

Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival

Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW

tel (01789) 204016

email info@shakespeare.org.uk

website www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/stratford-upon-avon-poetry-festival-2017

Takes place June/July

An annual festival to celebrate poetry past and present with special reference to the works of Shakespeare. Events include: evenings of children’s verse, a Poetry Mass and a local poets’ evening. Sponsored by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival

email info@stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

website www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk Takes place April

Celebrating its 10th year in 2017, the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival is annual feast of workshops, panel discussions and celebrity author events. In addition there is a programme of education events in

Stratford and local schools aimed at entertaining and inspiring children.

Swindon Festival of Literature

Lower Shaw Farm, Shaw, Swindon, Wilts. SN5 5PJ

tel (01793) 771080

email swindonlitfest@lowershawfarm.co.uk

website www.swindonfestivalofliterature.co.uk

Festival Director Matt Holland

Takes place May

An annual celebration of live literature through prose, poetry, drama and storytelling, with readings, discussions, performances and talks in theatres, arts centres, parks and pubs. A festival of ideas with leading authors, speakers and performers.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1DB

tel (01423) 562303

email crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk

website www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

Twitter @TheakstonsCrime

Takes place July

Europe’s largest celebration of crime fiction, featuring over 90 authors.

The Dylan Thomas Exhibition

The Dylan Thomas Centre, Somerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR

tel (01792) 463980

email dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk

website www.dylanthomas.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/dylanthomascentre

Twitter @DTCSwansea

Events Manager Jo Furber

Takes place throughout the year

A year round resource celebrating the life and work of Swansea’s most famous son: performances, family friendly events, poetry, and workshops. Dylan Thomas talks and tours by arrangement.

Warwick Words History Festival

The Court House, Jury Street, Warwick CV34 4EW

tel (07944) 768607

email info@warwickwords.co.uk

website www.warwickwords.co.uk

Takes place beginning of October Founded 1999.

Ways With Words Festivals of Words and Ideas

Droridge Farm, Dartington, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6JG

tel (01803) 867373

email admin@wayswithwords.co.uk

website www.wayswithwords.co.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/wayswithwords/

Twitter @Ways_With_Words

Leading writers give talks, interviews and discussions. Events: Words by the Water Festival of Words and Ideas (Cumbria, March); Ways With Words Festival of Words and Ideas (Devon, July); the Southwold Literature Festival (Suffolk, November); and writing, reading and art holiday courses in Italy and Devon (every May at Fingals Hotel in Dittisham, Devon; September at Villa Pia, Lippiano, Umbria).

Wells Festival of Literature

email admin@wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

website www.wellsfestivalofliterature.org.uk

Facebook www.facebook.com/Wellslitfest/

Twitter @wellslitfest

Takes place 13–21 October 2017

Celebrates its 25th year in 2017. An eight-day festival, featuring leading writers of fiction and non-fiction, poets and performers. Programme includes talks, discussions, workshops, bookclub and competitions. Events in local schools and the community throughout the year. Founded 1992.

Wigtown Book Festival

Wigtown Festival Company, 11 North Main Street, Wigtown, DG8 9HN

tel (01988) 402036

email mail@wigtownbookfestival.com

website www.wigtownbookfestival.com

Facebook www.facebook.com/WigtownBookFestival

Twitter @wigtownbookfest

Operational Director Anne Barclay

Takes place 22 September–1 October 2017

An annual celebration of literature and the arts in Scotland’s National Book Town. Over 180 events including author events, theatre, music, film and children’s and young people’s programmes.

Winchester Poetry Festival

41 Nuns Road, Hyde, Winchester, SO23 7EF

email hello@winchesterpoetryfestival.org

website www.winchesterpoetryfestival.org

Twitter @WinPoetryFest

Contact Madelaine Smith

Winchester Poetry Festival is a biennial festival dedicated to poetry. It is intended to celebrate poetry within a civic environment in order to ensure the widest possible degree of public awareness and enjoyment. The next full festival is planned for October 2018. In 2017, a one day event, Winchester Poetry Day, will take place on Saturday 14 October.

The Winchester Writers’ Festival

University of Winchester, Winchester, Hants SO22 4NR

tel (01962) 827238

email judith.heneghan@winchester.ac.uk

email sara.gangai@winchester.ac.uk

website www.writersfestival.co.uk

Twitter @WinWritersFest

Festival Director Judith Heneghan, Events Manager Sara Gangai

Takes place University of Winchester, third weekend in June

This major festival of writing, celebrating its 37th year in 2017, attracts emerging writers from the UK and around the world who come for day-long courses, talks, workshops and over 750 one-to-one appointments from a roster of 70 literary agents, commissioning editors and established novelists, poets and screenwriters to help them harness their creativity, develop their writing and editing skills and pitch their work to industry professionals. Recent keynote speakers include Sebastian Faulks, Meg Rosoff, Michael Morpurgo, Joanne Harris and Lemn Sissay. Open mics and festival readings. Ten writing competitions are open to all with prizes including editorial consultations. All first place winners are published in the annual Festival anthology. Ten free weekend Scholarship places available to writers aged 18–25. For information and registration, visit the website.

World Book Day

6 Bell Yard, London WC2A 2JR

email wbd@education.co.uk

website www.worldbookday.com

Takes place first Thursday in March

An annual celebration of books and reading aimed at promoting their value and creating the readers of the future. Every schoolchild in full-time education receives a £1 (€1.50) book token and events take place all over the UK and Ireland in schools, bookshops and libraries. World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading and is marked in over 100 countries.

Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC)

email yalc@showmastersevents.com

website www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com/index.php/yalc

Twitter @yalc_uk Takes place July

YALC is a celebration of the best young adult books and authors. It is an interactive event where YA fans can meet their favourite authors, listen to panel discussions and take part in workshops. YALC is run by Showmasters, which runs the London Film and Comic Con.