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Societies & organisations
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- Academi
- is the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society for Writers. Supports literature in both English and Welsh, runs literary events, lectures, festivals, Writers on Tour and competitions including Wales Book of the Year and the Academi Cardiff International Poetry competition, publishes three literary magazines as well as the Academi Encyclopedia of Wales, offers bursaries for writing projects and provides financial assistance for creative mentoring and other literary-based ventures in Wales.
- 3rd Floor, Mount Stuart House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FQ ◊ 029 2047 2266 ◊ www.academi.org
- Apples & Snakes
- is a promotional organisation for poetry and poets. It presents events and workshops that are popular, relevant, cross-cultural and accessible. London-based, but expanding regionally.
- Apples & Snakes, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN ◊ www.applesandsnakes.org
- Arts Council of England
- is the national development agency for the arts in England. It distributes public money from government and from the National Lottery to artists and arts organisations. There are also nine regional arts offices. Schemes include support for translation, writers’ residencies in prisons, author tours and the promotion of literature in libraries and education.
- 14 Great Peter St, London SWIP 3NQ ◊ 0845 300 6200 (central contact phone number for regional offices) ◊ www.artscouncil.org.uk
- Arts Council of the Republic of Ireland
- is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. It works in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life.
- 70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland ◊ +353 1 618 0200 ◊ www.artscouncil.ie
- Arts Council of Northern Ireland
- is the main support for artists and arts organisations throughout the region, offering funding opportunities through Treasury and National Lottery funds. Projects include Creative Youth Partnership, Arts & Disability Forum, Audience Development, and Arts in the Irish Language.
- 77 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6AQ ◊ 028 9038 5200 ◊ www.artscouncil-ni.org
- Arts Council of Scotland
- fosters the arts through funding, development, research and advocacy. It supports national literary festivals, the Writers’ Factory, a live literature programme, Scottish Publishers’ Association, and work on translation.
- 12 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7DD ◊ 0131 226 6051. Help desk, 0845 603 6000 ◊ www.scottisharts.org.uk
- Arts Council of Wales
- is responsible for funding and developing the arts in Wales. It works towards creating the climate and conditions that sustain and develop the artistic talents of the nation; that enable new ventures and new artists to flourish; and that produce a diverse range of artistic experiences that stimulate, provoke and inspire audiences and participants at home and abroad.
- 9 Museum Place, Cardiff CF10 3NX ◊ 029 2037 6500 ◊ www.artswales.org.uk
- Authors Licensing and Collecting Society
- is the UK rights management society for all writers. Its principal business is to collect and distribute fees to writers whose works have been copied, broadcast or recorded.
- Marlborough Court, 14-18 Holborn, London EC1N 2LE ◊ 020 7395 0600 ◊ www.alcs.co.uk
- Booktrust
- seeks to bring the world of books to people of all ages and cultures. It runs the Book Information Service, and administers a number of literary prizes (Orange, Man Booker etc), plus the www.booktrusted.com website, dedicated to children’s books.
- Book House, 45 East Hill, London SW18 2QZ ◊ 020 8516 2977 ◊ www.booktrust.org.uk
- British Centre for Literary Translation (BCLT)
- works to raise the profile of literary translation through a varied programme of events, publications and research. It runs translator-in-residence and doctoral research programmes, and is developing an archive of literary translation. Publishes the journal In Other Words.
- BCLT, School of English and American Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ ◊ 01603 592 785 ◊ www.literarytranslation.com
- The British Council
- promotes British literature overseas through writers’ tours, academic visits, seminars and exhibitions. It also produces many publications (details online) and works closely with book trade associations.
- 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN ◊ 020 7930 8466 ◊ www.britishcouncil.org
- The British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW)
- provides independent information on who does what in the travel industry. The association consists of over 230 writers, editors, photographers, producers, radio and television presenters involved in the world of travel.
- BGTW Secretariat, 51b Askew Crescent, London W12 9DN ◊ 020 8749 1128 ◊ www.bgtw.org
- British Science Fiction Association (BSFA)
- is for those interested in sf and fantasy. Publishes 14 magazines and presents the BSFA awards. Also runs a network of postal workshops.
- www.bsfa.co.uk
- Children's poetry bookshelf
- is an online book club featuring enjoyable and inspiring poetry books written for children aged 7-11 years. Lots of fun stuff on poetry for children including quizzes and puzzles, book reviews and more
- www.childrenspoetrybookshelf.co.uk
- City University London
- offers a range of courses for emerging and established writers – including short 10-week evening courses in creative writing, the Certificate in Novel Writing, and full MA Creative Writing programmes. All courses are taught by practising professionals and are fully accredited.
- City University London, School of Arts, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB ◊ www.city.ac.uk/arts/creative_writing
- Crime Writers’ Association
- is a group of professional crime writers. It organises events, and helps writing groups, festivals and events with specialist teams of writers. Also stages the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Awards.
- www.thecwa.co.uk
D E F »
G H I »
- Guild of Food Writers
- provides members with regular workshops, annual awards, and occasional professional and social events. Its aim is to contribute to the growth of public interest in, and knowledge of, food, and to campaign for improvements in the quality of food produced and consumed in the UK.
- 9 Colman House, High Street, London SE20 7EX ◊ 020 8659 0422 ◊ www.gfw.co.uk
- Historical Novel Society
- promotes all aspects of historical fiction, provides support and opportunities for new writers, and information for students, booksellers, and librarians.
- www.historicalnovelsociety.org
- Independent Publishers’ Guild (IPG)
- is the membership organisation for independent publishing companies, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.
- IPG, PO Box 93, Royston, SG8 5GH ◊ 01763 247 014 ◊ www.ipg.uk.com
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- Lapidus
- promotes the use of the literary arts for personal development. Members include writers, teachers, librarians, medical and healthcare professionals. It holds an annual conference on practice and research in this area. Publishes Lapidus magazine.
- Lapidus, London WC1N 3XX ◊ www.lapidus.org.uk
M N O »
- National Association of Writers’ Groups (NAWG)
- aims to bring cohesion and fellowship to isolated writers’ groups and individuals. Free-entry competitions. Festival of Writing in Durham (North East) in the autumn and publishes Link magazine.
- The Arts Centre, Biddick Lane, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE38 2AB ◊ 01262 609 228 ◊ www.nawg.co.uk
- National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE)
- supports the development of creative writing in education throughout the UK. It seeks to open up a dialogue between teachers, writers and organisers in order to develop the educational ideals of writers and bring their work to a wider cross-section of students. Publishes Writing in Education magazine and runs a database of writers available to work in schools, colleges and the community.
- NAWE, PO Box 1, Sheriff Hutton, York YO60 7YU ◊ 01653 618 429 ◊ www.nawe.co.uk
- National Union of Journalists
- is the trade union for working journalists. Publishes The Journalist, Freelance Directory, Freelance Fees Guide and policy pamphlets. Headland House, 308-312 Gray’s Inn Rd, London WC1X 8DP. 020 7278 7916. info@nuj.org.uk; www.nuj.org.ukNational Union of Journalists is the trade union for working journalists. Publishes The Journalist, Freelance Directory, Freelance Fees Guide and policy pamphlets.
- Headland House, 308-312 Gray’s Inn Rd, London WC1X 8DP ◊ 020 7278 7916 ◊ www.nuj.org.uk
- Northern Poetry Library
- hosts an archive of poetry from the area and collects contemporary poetry from all around Britain. A postal lending service is available for members.
- County Library, The Willows, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 1TA ◊ 01670 534 524
- Outdoor Writers’ Guild
- is an association of professional writers, illustrators, broadcasters and photographers who specialise in ‘outdoor’ topics from adventure sports and equipment to general travel. Members provide a ready source of expertise and informed comment.
- PO Box 118, Twickenham TW1 2XB ◊ 020 8538 9468 ◊ www.owg.org.uk
P Q R »
- PEN
- is an international association that promotes friendship and intellectual co-operation between writers, and defends the freedom of expression within and between nations, working on behalf of writers under threat. It also promotes women’s writing and publishing in developing countries.
- International PEN HQ, 9-10 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Rd, London EC1M 7AT ◊ 020 7253 4308 ◊ www.internationalpen.org.uk
- Poetry Archive
- is a website that hosts a collection of contemporary and historic recordings of poets reciting their poetry, the result of a collaboration between Poet Laureate Andrew Motion and record producer Richard Carrington. Engaging and informative, with resources for teachers, children and those new to poetry
- www.poetryarchive.org
- Poetry Book Society
- is a specialist contemporary poetry bookseller and book club, providing information, advice and discounts on poetry books. It publishes Bulletin and runs the TS Eliot Prize.
- 020 8870 8403 ◊ info@poetrybooks.co.uk ◊ www.poetrybooks.co.uk
- Poetry Kit
- is a poetry resource website listing publishers, competitions, courses, funding, events, festivals, magazines plus poets. It holds a 'Who's Who in Poetry' and is home of the online Poetry Kit Magazine
- www.poetrykit.org
- The Poetry House
- is a website in which you can explore the many rooms of a poetry house, some devoted to the poetry of a particular era, others to geographical areas. Includes articles discussing contemporary poets and their works. Based at St Andrew's University
- www.thepoetryhouse.org
- The Poetry Library
- holds the most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1912 in Britain. Events include readings and workshops.
- Level 5, Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 ◊ 020 7921 0943/0664 ◊ info@poetrylibrary.org.uk ◊ www.poetrylibrary.org.uk
- The Poetry Society
- exists to help poets and poetry thrive in Britain today. It publishes Poetry Review and Poetry News, runs the National Poetry Competition, courses, projects, London’s Poetry Café, and promotes National Poetry Day.
- 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX ◊ 020 7420 9880 ◊ info@poetrysociety.org.uk ◊ www.poetrysociety.org.uk
- The Poetry Trust
- runs the UK’s leading annual festival of contemporary poetry at Aldeburgh as well as delivering a year-round programme of events that includes schools tours, teachers’ workshops, poetry residencies, community outreach and live performances.
- The Cut, 9 New Cut, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BY ◊ 01986 835 950 ◊ www.thepoetrytrust.org
- The Romantic Novelists’ Association
- promotes romantic and historical fiction, and encourages good writing. Published and unpublished writers, agents and editors all welcome. Several annual awards, including a New Writers’ Award.
- Hon. Membership Secretary, 38 Stanhope Rd, Reading RG2 7HN ◊ www.rna-uk.org
- The Royal Society of Literature
- was founded in 1820 to reward literary merit and excite literary talent. It holds lectures, discussions and readings, and administers literary prizes
- Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA ◊ 020 7845 4676 ◊ www.rslit.org
S T U »
- Scottish Book Trust
- administers the Writers in Scotland scheme, organizes readings and literary prizes, and operates a children’s reference library.
- Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunks Close, 55 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR ◊ 0131 524 0160 ◊ www.scottishbooktrust.com
- Society of Authors
- is an independent trade union that helps members with any query relating to the business of writing. It also administers awards and financial relief for authors or dependents in difficulties. Also regional groups + Society of Authors in Scotland.
- 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10 9SB ◊ 020 7373 6642 ◊ www.societyofauthors.org
- Society of Indexers
- promotes indexing, the quality of indexes and the profession of indexing. Provides advice, runs workshops and conferences, produces a bi-annual journal and administers several awards.
- Blades Enterprise Centre, John Street, Sheffield S2 4SU ◊ 0114 292 2350 ◊ www.indexers.org.uk
- Survivors' Poetry
- is a national organisation with local branches, concerned with creative writing in the context of mental distress. Workshops, performances, newsletters by and for survivors of mental illness, abuse and trauma. Volunteers welcome.
- Studio 11, Bickerton House, 25-27 Bickerton Road, London N19 5JT◊ 020 7281 4654 ◊ www.survivorspoetry.com
V W »
- Writers’ Guild of Great Britain
- is the trade union for writers in TV, film, radio, theatre, animation and books. Members have access to specialist advice and information, legal services, events and publications. Also hosts a weblog, writersguild.blogspot.com
- 15 Britannia St, London WC1X 9JN ◊ 020 7833 0777 ◊ www.writersguild.org.uk
