How to make a living as a writer: industry insights from the Society of Authors

‘Being an SOA member means knowing I always have it at my back, helping me through the ups and downs of being a writer in this changing world.’ – Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring

Being on a university course, writing programme, or prize longlist proves you have the writing talent, and provides expert development for your craft. But while choosing a career in writing can be incredibly rewarding, the road to publication (and beyond!) can be tough. The publishing industry is notoriously complex and, in reality, most authors do not survive on book sales alone. The SoA is here to provide you with the industry knowledge needed to match your talent.

In this workshop, an expert SoA advisor, Johanna Clarke will pull back the curtain on what makes a sustainable portfolio writing career. You’ll leave this session industry-savvy, empowered, and knowing how to protect your work and your income. This is information that all authors at any stage of their career should know, especially those just starting out.

This exclusive event is offered for writers on select developmental programmes, schemes, university courses and prize longlists. If you are a writer wanting to attend, speak to your course leader or coordinator and ask them to get in touch.

If you are a course leader and would like your cohort/students to be registered for the event, please contact outreach@societyofauthors.org.

What will this session cover?

• The SoA: who we are, what we do, and how we can help you
• Publishing landscape: the reality of what to expect in 2026
• Copyright basics: what is it and how do you protect it?
• Securing your deals: low down on literary agents, exploring your routes to publication, and essential negotiation tips
• Portfolio career: how to diversify your income and unlock grants and funding

Programme

• Welcome and introductions from Johanna Clarke, SoA (3 mins)
• Presentation by Johanna Clarke, SoA (60 mins)
• Comfort Break (5 mins)
• Q&A with audience (20 mins)
• Summary and closing comments (2 mins)

The Line up

Johanna Clarke

Johanna Clarke is a Senior Publishing Advisor and Outreach Lead at the Society of Authors. She guides authors through every stage of their careers, advising on all aspects of the industry and vetting everything from traditional publishing contracts to film options. She has extensive agency experience having previously worked in the rights department for a leading literary agency and for a theatrical agency representing playwrights and creatives.

Johanna is passionate about demystifying the business side of writing: she co-creates and co-hosts the SoA Advisory Clinic Podcast, breaking down complex industry challenges to empower creators. She also heads up the SoA’s Outreach programme, ensuring that writers have access to the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive.

What can you expect?

Take a look at feedback from some of our previous writer sessions:

“Definitely going to join the union now! It’s like learning the secrets of the trade, that nobody normally tells you about. So useful.” – Attendee of MA Queens Belfast session

“Thank you so much for such a wonderful and informative session! We really appreciate your time and your expertise. I’ve no doubt the participants will feel extremely encouraged and confident on their next steps in their writing journeys.” – Sarah France, Programme Manager A Writing Chance, New Writing North

“Can I say much better than my already high expectations? Pitched at exactly the right level, going into depth on the important points of contracts and copyright and making that information readily accessible. It was all fascinating and really useful. Perfect intro for debut authors. I wasn’t aware of the full scope of the SoA’s work.” – Attendee of New Writing North New Writers Award session

“It was a pleasure to hear your talk, which was informative and pitched exactly right for the audience. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that we all learned a lot from it.” – Andrew Biswell, Manchester Met Uni

“Thank you SO much for last week – the writers absolutely loved it; I’ve had several emails and I attended a writers’ retreat last weekend with some of our award winners, and they were all singing your praises. Huge thanks.” – Emily Wright, Programme Assistant, New Writing North

Accessibility

• Attendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript, to watch with subtitles.
• Please let us know if you require BSL interpretation for this event by emailing events@societyofauthors.org.

Booking

As a reminder, this event is exclusive to writers on invited developmental programmes, schemes, university courses and prize longlists only.

Writers / Students: Please use the registration form to sign up for this event and submit any advance questions.

Course Leaders / Tutors: You do not need to register yourselves; please simply forward this event link to your students/cohort.

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