About us

Founded in 1820, the RSL is the UK’s charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, engage people in appreciating literature, and encourage and honour writers.

Today, alongside our world-class events programme, we support authors both established and emerging with awards and grants, and manage an outreach programme to inspire the next generation of readers and writers.
Find out more about our activities.

Membership of the RSL is open to all, and we have a Young Person’s Membership for under 30s at a reduced rate.

Member benefits include a free ticket to all RSL public events, free subscription to our annual magazine RSL Review and our quarterly newspaper Our Mutual Friend and entry to Members-only Book Groups.

Who we are

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A society of, and for, writers. At the heart of the RSL is its Fellowship, which encompasses the most distinguished writers working today. We build bridges between our Fellows and the reading public, so that their talents are shared as widely as possible.
Meet our Fellows.

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Led by authors. Our Council, Chair and President – who are responsible for the direction and management of the RSL – are drawn from our Fellowship. Writers steer our vision and play a pivotal role in all our activities.
Learn more about our Council.

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An independent charity. We do not receive regular public or government funding and are reliant upon the support of our Members, Patrons, Fellows and friends to continue our work.
Find out more about supporting the RSL.

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A Society for all who love literature. Membership of the RSL is open to all – for £60 a year for the first year (reducing to £50 a year thereafter) Young Person’s Membership for under 30s £40 a year for first year (reducing to £30 a year thereafter). Member benefits include a free ticket to every RSL public event – over 20 a year – a free subscription to RSL Review and Members-only Book Groups.
Learn more about the benefits of Membership.