As a UK trade union representing over 12,500 authors (including over 1,000 in Scotland) the Society of Authors advocates for better terms and fairer renumeration for authors alongside greater inclusion, diversity and representation across the publishing and creative industry.
Our policy team focuses on issues that affect authors across the UK and internationally – you can read more about our work here Advocacy – The Society of Authors
Our work in Scotland is part of the Policy and Public Affairs team with a dedicated Policy and Public Affairs Manager in Scotland. Their role is to advocate for members in Scotland and to work alongside the Society of Authors in Scotland Committee (SoAiS) to ensure members’ interests are represented within the Scottish Government, local government and across the industry.
Working in partnership
We work closely with our partners across the creative sector to strengthen our influence in the development of Scottish Government policy and industry practice for the benefit of all Scottish authors. We are members of the Scottish Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Culture and Media. More information can be found here Current cross-party groups | Scottish Parliament Website
We also meet regularly with Creative Scotland; a key funder of the creative and cultural sector in Scotland.
We work closely with the Scottish Trade Union Congress’ Creatives Union group and are part of the Fair Work campaign. We have contributed to reports such as ‘Freelance and Forgotten’ highlighting the exploitation of workers in the creative industry in Scotland. You can find more information about this work here: Creative Industries | STUC
Our key partners in Scotland
Literature Alliance Scotland
The Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) is a member of Literature Alliance Scotland. You can read the latest newsletter from the Literature Alliance Scotland/Caidreabhas Litreachais Alba, here.
Publishing Scotland
The Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) is a network member of Publishing Scotland. Together we have produced a Good Practice Covenant between authors and publishers in Scotland. Read the Voluntary Code.
Scottish Association of Writers
The Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) works closely with the Scottish Association of Writers. The association serves to bring local writers clubs and their members throughout Scotland together, in order to provide support as well as networking opportunities.
Scottish Book Trust
The Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that believes books, reading and writing have the power to change lives. The Trust has a range of programmes including Book Bug for young children, Live Literature events for all ages, writing prompts and awards.
Scottish BPOC Writers Network
The Scottish BPOC Writers Network provides advocacy, literary events and professional development opportunities for BPOC writers based in or from Scotland.
Scottish Society of Playwrights
The Scottish Society of Playwrights (SSP) is a membership organisation representing the interests of professional playwrights in Scotland.
Scottish Poetry Library
The Scottish Poetry Library is a unique national resource and advocate for the art of poetry, and Scottish poetry in particular. Physically and virtually, the Scottish Poetry Library’s doors are open.
Writers Guild of Great Britain – Scottish branch
The Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) works closely with the Writers Guild of Great Britain – Scottish branch.
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) is a trade union representing professional writers in TV, film, theatre, radio, books, comedy, poetry, animation and videogames.
Other partners
We work with all Scottish festivals to help improve terms for authors, including Bloody Scotland and Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF).
As part of our UK-wide work, the SoA works closely with the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society and Creators’ Rights Alliance.