FAQs
About RSL membership
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 make up about one third of our income. This money enable us to maintain our seasonal programme of lectures and debates; run our Masterclass series in collaboration with the Booker Prize Foundation; administer the Society’s awards designed to encourage writers at all stages of their careers; and continue to campaign 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.
For Members
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.
About RSL Fellowship
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.
What are the criteria for electing a Fellow?
The requirements for Fellowship are that candidates should have published at least two books of exceptional literary merit 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 question for a Fellow, you can either email it to us or write to them c/o the Royal Society of Literature, and we will forward on your enquiry.
The RSL Review
Where can I buy the Review?
At branches of Waterstone's and some independent bookshops and selected newsagents; or directly from the RSL.
How often is the Review published?
Once a year, at the end of February.
Can I subscribe to the RSL Review without becoming a Member?
Yes, you can buy the current Review and past editions. 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.
Working at the RSL
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 are part-time and last for three months. We will cover travel expenses. To apply for a voluntary internship, please send a CV and cover letter to Rachel Page.
I would like to work at the RSL. Are there any vacancies?
There are currently no staff vacancies.
