Am I eligible?

Our membership covers all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators at every stage of their careers. From journalists to webcomic artists, scriptwriters to bloggers, novelists to games writers, and translators to performance poets, our members work in a wide range of disciplines.

Career hasn’t yet taken off? Think you might benefit from our events, training and resources? Emerging writers who are serious about building a career can join as Associates for all the same benefits!

When we say ‘author’, we mean anyone who creates work for publication, broadcast or performance. We advise, support and campaign for all types of creators, from novelists to translators, playwrights to children’s book illustrators, performance poets to comics creators, academics to ghostwriters, and many more.

If you are interested in becoming a member, but you are unsure if it applies to you, feel free to ask us.

Check your eligibility below. If you have any queries, or if none of the below categories are quite right for you, email membership@societyofauthors.org.

I plan to become a professional writer in the future

Taking a course of at least one academic year’s duration that will help you become an author? Student membership (Associate)
Otherwise working to develop a career as an author? Check the criteria below.

I’m a self-published or print-on-demand writer

Not yet begun making a profit? Join as an emerging author (Associate)
Sold over 300 print copies or 500 ebooks in 12 months? Become a Member

I’m a freelance writer, blogger or journalist

Just starting out? Join as an emerging author
Had a body of recognised professional work published, broadcast or performed? Become a Member

I’m a writer with an agent but no publisher

If you’ve received an agent’s agreement (but not necessarily signed one) you can join as an emerging author
Previously fulfilled the self-publishing membership criteria? Become a Member

I’m a writer with a publisher

Received a contract (but not necessarily signed it) to have a work published, broadcast or performed in any format? Join as an emerging author
Had a work published? Become a Member

I illustrate an online publication, zine or webcomic

Small readership or not yet turning a profit? Join as an emerging author
Turning a profit from your work? Become a Member

I’m a freelance illustrator

Just starting out or not yet earning? Join as an emerging author
Had a body of recognised professional work published? Become a Member

I’m a traditionally-published illustrator

Have a publisher but not yet published? Join as an emerging author
Been published, not at your own expense? Become a Member

I’m a literary translator

Had some work but not yet a professional? Join as an emerging author
Established and working with publishers? Become a Member

I’m the owner or administrator of a deceased authors’ estate

You can become a member as a literary estate. Join as an estate member

If you have any questions about your eligibility that are not answered on this page, email our membership team – membership@societyofauthors.org – or call 020 7373 6642.