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Societies & organisations

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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, The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG ◊ 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 Northern Ireland, 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.

Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place, EH1 3EG ◊ 0131 226 6051. Help desk, 0845 603 6000 ◊ www.creativescotland.com

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.

Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL ◊ 0845 8734 900 ◊ www.artswales.org.uk

Arvon Foundation

is a charity that works to ensure that anyone can benefit from the power of writing. It runs residential creative writing courses for writers of all levels. Week long courses are held in historic writers' houses in Devon, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Inverness-shire.

Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3GA ◊ 020 7324 2554 ◊ www.arvonfoundation.org

Authors Licensing and Collecting Society

is the UK rights management society for all writers. Its principal business is to efficiently collect and distribute fees to writers whose works have been copied, broadcast or recorded.

The Writers' House, 13 Haydon Street, London EC3N 1DB ◊ 020 7264 5700 ◊ www.alcs.co.uk

Big Eye Network

is a regional support network for anyone working in the creative industries in the north east of England; artists, musicians, writers, organisations and more. Its aims are to promote, to nourish and to inspire.

www.bigeyenetwork.org

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 Council Film

is run in affiliation with the British Council and offers a wide range of resources for filmmakers, including information on identifying funding resources, training & careers advice and the current production status on over 300 British films.

Web and Information Manager, Arts Group, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2BN ◊ 020 7389 3194 ◊ arts@britishcouncil.org ◊ http://film.britishcouncil.org

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 Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ ◊ 01603 592 785 ◊ www.bclt.org.uk

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.

British Council Customer Services UK, Bridgewater House, 58 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 6BB ◊ 0161 957 7755 ◊ 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, 335 Lordship Road, London, United Kingdom, N16 5HG ◊ 020 8144 8713 ◊ 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 ◊ 020 7040 5060 ◊ www.city.ac.uk

Cornerstones Literary Consultancy

was established in 1998 and offers longer-term support and manuscript appraisal by experienced editors specialising in a range of fiction, nonfiction and children's writing. They also hold specialist workshops throughout the year in all genres, and actively scout for literary agents, giving their clients advice with an eye on what agents and publishers are looking for.

Lower Ground Floor, 231Westbourne Park Road, London W11 1EB ◊ 020 7792 5551 ◊ helen@cornerstones.co.uk ◊ www.cornerstones.co.uk

Contemporary Women's Writing Association

is a network that acts as a forum which promotes and enhances research and the exchange of ideas and information for all who are interested in this dynamic and diverse area of cultural activity. Organises conferences and produces a newsletter and a journal, 'Contemporary Women's Writing'.

www.the-cwwa.org

The 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

Cyprus Well

was set up to enable and nurture literature development activity in the South West of England by supporting writer and reader development, fundraising for literature activity via Grass Roots LIterature South West and administering and leading new development opportunities across the region.

www.cypruswell.org

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Film Agency for Wales

is a national development agency, and aims to facilitate the emergence of a viable and sustainable Welsh film industry – and promote a vibrant and dynamic film culture. The only organisation of its kind in Wales, it is keen to support new and established talent, as well as education and exhibitions across Wales.

Suite 7, 33-35 West Bute Street, Cardiff, CF10 5LH ◊ www.filmagencywales.com

The Fine Line Editorial Consultancy

offers an Edinburgh-based publisher, editorial, consultancy and website content service designed for your individual needs, as well as advice to get you started, lessons to download and insights into the methods of working writers.

www.editorial-consultancy.co.uk

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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.

255 Kent House Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1JQ ◊ 020 8659 0422 ◊ www.gfw.co.uk

Hardy & Knox

are competitive literary consultants, offering honest, constructive and sometimes blunt advice for serious writers about their manuscripts. They offer: an assessment of the first 40 pages of your manuscript; an in-depth, market-based report of your entire manuscript; a real and frank industry opinion on screenwriting manuscripts from an in-house script consultant.

020 8348 1422 ◊ contact@hardyandknox.com ◊ www.hardyandknox.com

Hilary Johnson Authors' Advisory Service

provides a proven reading/criticism service for novelists, writers of short stories, children’s books and authors of full-length non-fiction. Specialist advice is available for romantic fiction, including HM&B, crime/thrillers, science fiction/fantasy, radio/film/TV scripts and poetry. Also copy editing. Recommended to writers by editors, agents and tutors of university creative writing courses.

3 Maple Drive, South Wootton, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 3JL ◊ 01553 676611◊ www.hilaryjohnson.demon.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 12, Llain, Login SA34 0WU ◊ 01437 563 335 ◊ www.ipg.uk.com

The Irish Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers

provides information to publishers on freelance writers working in this field and protects the interests of those freelancers. Membership is restricted to freelancers with experience and/or references.

www.afepi.ie

Irish Writers' Centre

is the national development agency for writers and writing in Ireland, and offers courses in the inspirational setting of a historic building in the heart of Georgian Dublin. It runs a series of one and two day courses as well as a full range of ten-week courses.

Irish Writers' Centre, 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 ◊ +353 1 8721302 ◊ www.writerscentre.ie

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Kudos

was formerly known as Competitions Bulletin, and contains a list of competitions – around 200 in every issue – and other paid outlets and opportunities for writing. Also a useful online resource.

www.kudoswritingcompetitions.com

The Lancashire Writing Hub

specialises in arts programming, discussion events and other inclusive and participatory learning events. Covering Lancashire and the North West, the Hub creates opportunities for individuals, groups and businesses to access quality arts and development programmes.

www.lancashirewritinghub.co.uk

Lapidus

promotes creative writing and reading for health and wellbeing. Provides events, resources, training, networking groups and conferences in the wide-ranging field of writing and wellbeing. Publishes Lapidus journal.

Lapidus, London WC1N 3XX ◊ www.lapidus.org.uk

Laurel House Creative Workshops

specialise in comprehensive, affordable critiques of short stories, poetry, chapters and micro-fiction. Offers in-depth story analysis, suggestions for improvement and after the final draft is completed, possible markets for publication.

www.little-house-creative-workshops.co.uk

The Lighthouse Children's Literary Consultancy

offers sensitive editorial guidance and manuscript appraisal for both published and unpublished writers. Whether you’re working on your first novel or your hundredth, they’re on hand to help.

www.lighthouseliterary.co.uk

Literature Wales

is the National Company for the development of literature in Wales. 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 Literature Wales Cardiff International Poetry competition. Offers bursaries for writing projects and provides financial assistance for creative mentoring and other literary-based ventures in Wales.

Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FL ◊ 029 2047 2266 ◊ www.literaturewales.org

National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE)

is the UK's only dedicated provider of free information and advice on professional development and the literature sector. Helps writers and literature professionals in the UK at every stage of their career to invest in themselves and their professional development.

info@literaturetraining.com ◊ www.nawe.co.uk

London School of Journalism

is a valuable resource providing courses and classes in journalism and creative writing as distance learning via the internet as well as evening, short day-time and diploma courses in London.

126 Shirland Road, Maida Vale, London W9 2BT ◊ 020 7432 8140 ◊ admin@lsjournalism.com ◊ www.home-study.com

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National Association of Writers’ Groups (NAWG)

aims to bring cohesion and fellowship to isolated writers’ groups and individual writers. Free-entry competitions for members. Festival of Writing in September and publishes Link, the bi-monthly NAWG newsletter.

NAWG, PO Box 9891, Market Harborough, LE16 0FU ◊ 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. Offices based in London for England and Wales, Dublin for Ireland, Glasgow for Scotland, and Manchester for North England.

Headland House, 308-312 Gray’s Inn Rd, London WC1X 8DP ◊ 020 7843 3705 ◊ 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 500 390 ◊ www.northumberland.gov.uk

Nostrovia Poetry

is a new poetry organisation that aims to support young poets through publication, promotion and regular competitions.

www.nostroviatowriting.com

Orchard Foundation

runs courses in creative writing and reflective practice in beautiful surroundings in centres around the UK. Courses develop in stages to build practitioner skills for those interested in working with others.

www.orchardfoundation.co.uk

Outdoor Writers’ and Photographer's 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 comments.

259 Preston Road, Coppull Moor, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 5DS ◊ 01995 605 340◊ www.owg.org.uk

Oxford Literary Consultancy

offers mansucript appraisal, mentoring, consultations, workshops and editing and proof-reading – all provided by a prestigious team of professional editors, tutors and award-winning writers. Also produces a free weekly newsletter containing top publishing tips and marketing secrets.

Suite 124, 94 London Road, Oxford OX3 9FN ◊ 01865 751 004 ◊ www.oxfordwriters.com

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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, Brownlow House, 50-51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER ◊ 020 7405 0338 ◊ www.pen-international.org

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.

The Poetry Archive, PO Box 286 Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6 1AL ◊ 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.

Poetry Book Society, The Dutch House, 307-308 High Holborn, London WC1V 7LL ◊ 0207 831 7468 ◊ info@poetrybooks.co.uk ◊ www.poetrybooks.co.uk

The / Poetry / Fold

is a poetry development agency that runs training and professional development courses in the North East of the UK, and publishes the free newsletter The / Fold, which is full of writing exercises and prompts.

17 Northumberland Square,North Shields, NE30 1PX◊ www.poetryfold.co.uk

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.

The School of English, Castle House, The Poetry House, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, KY16 9AL ◊ 01334 462666

Poetry Ireland

is the national organisation for poetry in Ireland, dedicated to developing, supporting and promoting poetry throughout Ireland. It provides an information and resource service as well as producing publications, supporting education and holding readings.

Poetry Ireland, No. 2 Proud's Lane, off St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland ◊ +353 1 478 9974 ◊ info@poetryireland.ie ◊ www.poetryireland.ie

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.

info@poetrykit.org ◊ www.poetrykit.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 8XX ◊ 020 7921 0943/0664 ◊ info@poetrylibrary.org.uk ◊ www.poetrylibrary.org.uk

The Poetry School

teaches the 'art of writing poetry' and runs courses, workshops, seminars, tutorials and talks with expert poet tutors. Events are run across the country – in London, East, North East, North West, West Midlands, South West – and online.

The Poetry School, 81 Lambeth Walk, London SE11 6DX ◊ 020 7582 1679 ◊ administration@poetryschool.com ◊ www.poetryschool.com

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.

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

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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

Scottish Poetry Library

is an invaluable resource of poetry, both written and recorded, which is accessible free of charge. Borrow books, audio or video cassettes from the library directly, via postal borrowing for only 50p per item, or via the interlibrary loan system at your local library.

The Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton's Close, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DT ◊ 0131 557 2876 ◊ reception@spl.org.uk ◊ www.spl.org.uk

Scottish Screen

is the national development agency for the screen industries in Scotland. It has the ambition to inspire, support, educate and promote, and runs a range of schemes and funding opportunities as well as providing a wealth of valuable information for anyone working in the field.

www.creativescotland.com

Scribbleleaf

is a small, friendly company offering a bespoke book cover illustration and design service to self-publishing authors. All designs are uniquely created using a variety of hand-drawn and digital media.

www.scribbleleaf.com

Skillset

is the industry body which supports skills and training for people and businesses in the creative media industries. Find advice and resources for taking your career to the next level, or, if you're just starting out, there is information on all the different jobs out there with help to decide which one is right for you.

www.skillset.org

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 Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

is USA based, and one of the largest existing organisations for writers and illustrators.  It acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between all professionals involved with literature for young people with over 22,000 members worldwide. Runs two annual conferences and regional events and conferences throughout the world, produces SCBWI Bulletin, which offers awards and grants for works-in-progress and also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for best fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, and the Sid Fleischman Award for Humour.

scbwi@scbwi.org ◊ www.scbwi.org

The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP)

is a professional organisation based in the UK for editors and proofreaders – the people who make text accurate and readable. The SfEP promotes high editorial standards and works to uphold the professional status of editors and proofreaders. If you're looking for a professional editor or proofreader, the SfEP Directory of Editorial Services provides contact information for more than 500 SfEP members plus details of the skills, subjects and services they offer.

SfEP, Apsley House, 176 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 2SH ◊ 020 8785 6155 ◊ administrator@sfep.org.uk ◊ www.sfep.org.uk

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.

The Society of Indexers, Woodbourn Business Centre, 10 Jessell Street, Sheffield, S9 3HY ◊ 0114 244 9561 ◊ www.indexers.org.uk

Spread the Word

is London’s writer development agency. We provide advice, information, craft and career support for the writers of London. We work with writers at all stages of development: from those beginning to engage with writing to those who are professional career writers, across all forms and all genres.

Spread the Word, The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG ◊ www.spreadtheword.org.uk

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Writers' Centre Norwich

is a literature development agency based in Norwich which is interested in both the artistic and social impact of creative writing, and works with writers, readers and diverse communities on a wide range of ongoing and one off projects and events. Projects include: Ventures, a creative writing prize; Worlds, a literary festival; Refugee Week events; readings and a talent development scheme Escalator Literature. Also runs creative writing workshops and courses covering poetry, prose fiction and nonfiction, working locally, regionally, nationally and internationally; and has productive partnerships with many organisations.

14 Princes Street, Norwich, NR3 1AE ◊ 01603 877177 ◊ info@writerscentrenorwich.org.uk ◊ www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk

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

40 Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4RX ◊ 020 7833 0777 ◊ www.writersguild.org.uk

WritersServices

is a website for writers with over 2,000 pages of information and services, jam-packed with advice and help from experts.

www.writersservices.com

The Writers' Workshop

is an editorial consultancy which offers honest, constructive advice from manuscript draft to publication. Run by writers for writers, the organisation is headed up by best-selling author Harry Bingham who leads a team of 70 authors and screenwriters. Professional feedback is offered on novels, nonfiction and screenplays: if work is strong enough it will be recommended to literary agents.

7 Market Street, Charlbury, OX7 3PH ◊ 0845 459 9560 ◊ info@writersworkshop.co.uk ◊ www.writersworkshop.co.uk

Writing.ie

is the Irish national writing resources website that offers a weekly online magazine with author tips and interviews, plus frequently updated information on events, writing competitions and publishing opportunities.

www.writing.ie

The Writing Coach

features a vibrant blog and newsletter, and is somewhere you can find advice, information, motivation and most of all encouragement for your writing work from novelist and former writing consultant Jacqui Lofthouse – as well as an ebook to help you gain confidence and productivity: 'Get White on Black'

thewritingcoach.co.uk

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