What aspects of the running of the Society does my £50 subscription fee contribute to?
The income from our members’ and Fellows’ subscriptions is vital to the running of the Society. Subscriptions and the Gift Aid we are able to claim from them enable us to maintain our seasonal programme of lectures and debates; run our Masterclass series in collaboration with the Arvon Foundation; administer the Society’s awards designed to encourage writers at all stages of their careers; and continue to campaign on on important matters such as the teaching of English in schools, the preservation of public libraries, and authors’ rights.

What social events for members do you hold during the year?
Our monthly lectures are social events where you can meet the RSL staff, the speakers and other RSL members at the post-events drinks reception. In addition to the talks programme, our members are invited to attend the AGM and summer party each year.

I would like to buy RSL membership as a gift. How can I go about this?
If you would like to buy membership as a gift you can simply fill out the membership form and post it and the subscription fee to our office. If you would like your membership pack to be sent to a different address, please note that on the membership form.

I live abroad and do not have a UK bank account. How can I pay my subscription fee?
If you do not have a UK bank account, the simplest way of paying your subscription is by bank transfer. Please contact our office for our bank name, address, IBAN and SWIFTBIC.

I do not have email. Will I miss out on membership benefits or Society news because I will not receive the e-newsletter?
No. We also update our Fellows and members on new benefits and Society news in our regular mailings.

How many Fellows does the Society currently have?
The Royal Society of Literature has some 500 Fellows. They include novelists, short-story writers, poets, playwrights, biographers, historians, travel writers, literary critics and scriptwriters. All write in the English language and most are British, but overseas authors are also well represented. Among our current Fellows are Tom Stoppard, Seamus Heaney, Beryl Bainbridge, Philip Pullman, Margaret Drabble, Ben Okri, Carol Ann Duffy, Vikram Seth, Michael Frayn, Doris Lessing, Zadie Smith and Wole Soyinka.

What is the criteria for electing a Fellow?
The requirements for Fellowship are that candidates should have published at least two books and been nominated by two or more existing Fellows. In addition, Council may award Honorary Fellowships in recognition of outstanding service to literature or the Society.

How often are Fellows elected?
Elections, in which the Society’s President, Vice Presidents and Council vote, take place twice a year. On average fifteen new Fellows are chosen each year, from over 70 nominees.

How can I contact a Fellow?
We cannot give out Fellows’ personal details, but if you have a questions for a Fellow, you can either email it to us or you write to them c/o the Royal Society of Literature, and we will forward on your enquiry.

Where can I buy the Review?
At branches of Waterstone's, Borders and Blackwell's, as well as some independent bookshops and selected newsagents; or directly from the RSL.

How often is the Review published?
Once a year, at the end of January.
 
Can I subscribe to the RSL Review without becoming a member?
Yes, you can buy the current Review and past editions, or you can subscribe online. If you become a member you will receive the Review for free as part of your membership package.

Can I submit an article to the Review?
We do not generally publish unsolicited articles; nor do we review books. However, you are welcome to contact the editor with a proposal via this website info@rslit.org.

Does the RSL run an internship programme?
We have a rolling programme of interships, with interns assigned to tasks dealing with publicity, marketing, and administration. Internships usually last for three months. We will cover travel expenses. To apply for a voluntary internship, please send a CV and cover letter to Alexandra Kritchevsky – alexandra@rslit.org.