About us
The Society of Authors is the UK trade union for writers, illustrators, scriptwriters and literary translators. We’ve been advising individuals and speaking out for the profession since 1884.
With almost 12,500 members and 33 staff, the SoA provides unlimited, free advice on all aspects of the writing profession, including the confidential, clause-by-clause vetting of publishing agreements, publications and a wide range of benefits.
We empower authors through campaigning, professional training, events, conferences, special interest groups and community networks. We also manage around 15 charities which provide prizes and grants to writers, and we manage over 50 literary estates.
See below for details of our current vacancies.
Our Values
The SoA is an organisation where everyone can grow and develop, and it’s also a great place to work. Our working culture is collaborative, friendly and supportive. We’re located in bright, modernised offices on Bedford Row near Holborn, London.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are core SoA values. We aim to tackle structural discrimination and prejudice. Part of this commitment means we are looking to increase diversity in our organisation at all levels and in all forms. We therefore strongly encourage applications from a broad range of social, cultural, educational and underrepresented backgrounds.
Benefits
As a progressive and ethical not-for-profit organisation, we offer a range of benefits to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. We’re a London Living Wage Accredited Employer and we’re Disability Confident – Committed.
Benefits include:
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- Competitive salary
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- Flexible, family-friendly, disability confident working practices
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- Generous annual leave, including all bank holidays
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- Generous employer contributions to a group pension plan
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- Good work/life blend – minimal additional hours required
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- Employee Assistance Programme
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- Employee perks scheme
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- Private healthcare options
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- Interest-free annual travel card loan
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- Cycle-to-work scheme
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- Death-in-service benefit
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- Ongoing development opportunities
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- Office closure over Christmas
Join us to make a positive difference for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators.
Vacancies
Publishing Contracts Advisor
Starting salary: £30,000 pa, full-time (35 hours per week), Flexible and hybrid working options available.
Line manager: Sarah Burton, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of the Contracts Advisory Team
Start date: November 2026
Role overview
You will work as part of our Contracts Advisory team, which offers SoA members the confidential, individual vetting of a range of contracts, from publishers, production companies, literary agencies and others, and advice on a broad range of queries relating to the business of writing.
We’re looking for someone with the thirst to learn and the ability to understand complex issues and to be able to communicate these to members.
1-2 years’ experience within a publisher’s contracts/rights department or within a literary agency is desirable but not essential.
Application deadline: 5 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they come in and early applications may be prioritised.
Please note that we may close applications for this role early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
For full job description and details of how to apply, click here.
Financial support
The Book Trade Charity offers financial help to applicants (particularly those under the age of 30) looking for jobs in the book trade, including help with interview costs, affordable housing and accommodation. Find out more
Find your perfect role in the creative industries
Creative Careers is an initiative by the UK creative industries to make it easier for young people to find careers in the creative industries.
Volunteer with us
As a member of the Society of Authors there are lots of ways you can get involved. From volunteering on our Management Committee or on a Special Interest Group Committee, through to running a local group in your area.
If you are interested in getting involved with the work of the Society of Authors, get in touch.