Lunchtime learning – Human Authored

Learn more about the SoA’s new Human Authored scheme, which launched in March and enables authors to declare that their work has been created by a human rather than by generative AI.

In this panel session the SoA’s Chief Executive Anna Ganley will talk about why we developed the Human Authored scheme and how it works. Authors Candy Gourlay and Alice Harman will discuss why they have chosen to register their works as Human Authored. There will be plenty of time for questions from members at the end. The event will be chaired by James McConnachie, an author and editor of the SoA’s journal, The Author.

Not a member, sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20 per cent off for the first year of membership – use code SOAATHOME20.

Programme

• Welcome and introductions from James McConnachie (3 mins)
• Discussion chaired by James McConnachie with Anna Ganley, Candy Gourlay and Alice Harman (30 mins)
• Q&A with audience (25 mins)
• Summary and closing comments (2 mins)
• This event will be moderated by Alice Davis, Communications and Campaigns Manager, SoA

Who is this session for?

SoA members who are interested in joining our Human Authored scheme.

What will this session cover?

• What is Human Authored? Why did the SoA develop this scheme and how does it work?
• FAQs about the scheme
• Hear from two authors who have already registered
• An opportunity for members to ask any questions about Human Authored not covered in the panel discussion

Send us your questions

If you would like to send questions in advance, email ADavis@societyofauthors.org with ‘Human Authored event’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day.

SoA Fundraising Bookshop

Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund, giving authors support for travel, subsistence, childcare or access needs for events, residencies, and retreats.

The Line-up

James McConnachie

James McConnachie is a writer, critic and editor of The Author, the quarterly of the Society of Authors. He is currently working on a biography of Kanchenjunga. 

Bluesky: @jamesmcconnachie.bsky.social

Anna Ganley

Anna Ganley is Chief Executive of the Society of Authors – the UK’s largest trade union for writers, illustrators and literary translators at all stages of their careers. We have been advising individuals and speaking out for the profession for more than a century www.societyofauthors.org.

Anna is also Chair of the Creators’ Rights Alliance – a coalition that exists to promote, protect and further the interests of creators through policy, advocacy and campaigning work. Anna sits on the board of the International Authors Forum and the London Book Fair Advisory Board.

Born in Sunderland, Anna grew up on the north-east coast. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Durham and her MA in Management from Durham Business School.

LinkedIn: Anna Ganley | Email: AGanley@societyofauthors.org  

Candy Gourlay

Candy Gourlay was born in the Philippines, grew up under a dictatorship and met her husband during a revolution. A former journalist, she now writes books for children and young adults. Her latest novel Wild Song was published to acclaim and has been shortlisted for the Nero Book Award. She makes comics on houseofprocrastination.substack.com

Instagram: @candygourlay

Alice Harman

Alice Harman loves writing fun, thoughtful non-fiction books that make big ideas feel exciting and easy to understand. She has written more than 50 children’s books, about everything from modern art to outer space. She is also an editor and author coach, helping other writers develop their own brilliant books.

Need to know

Accessibility

• Attendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript, to watch with subtitles
• If you require BSL interpretation for this event, please email events@societyofauthors.org

Before the event

• Once registered, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link
• If the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox, please check your junk/spam email folder
• Please add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails

During the event

• This online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will have the option to turn your camera on or off; you will be muted on arrival.
• This event will be recorded, and you may be on screen
• This event is 60 minutes

After the event

• Hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome
• SoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.

Booking

SoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID, please email info@societyofauthors.org.

Non-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below, complete the registration form, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment.

For event or registration questions, email events@societyofauthors.org.

SoA Members – Free

Non-Members – £15