Professional Development – How to research online safely and step outside the Google universe

Join author and editorial trainer, Adam LeBor as he hosts his final #SoAatHome workshop, focusing on safety and security  online . There will be opportunities to share experiences and ask questions in each session – no matter how basic!

This event is the last session out of three workshops that will show you how to stay safe online, covering multiple topics including the safe use of public wi-fi networks, cookies, anti-virus software, Virtual Private Networks, password managers, secure phone apps, and recognising scams and phishing (attempts to steal or extract personal information). No technical knowledge is required beyond being able to use a keyboard and a browser.

The sessions part of this Professional Development series include:

• How to stay safe and secure online | Wednesday 26 February
• How to work online without being tracked or monitored | Wednesday 23 April
• How to research online safely and step outside the Google universe | Wednesday 7 May

There will be opportunities to share experiences and ask questions in each session – no matter how basic!

#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members

As of Feb 2025, #SoAatHome professional development sessions will continue to be free as a member benefit. However, for non-members, the price is £35 including VAT.

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, introductions and housekeeping from Simon Cann (3 mins)
• Presentation by Adam LeBor (60 mins)
• Comfort break (5 mins)
• Q&A with audience (20 mins)
• Summary and closing comments (2 mins)
• This event will be moderated by Lilly Brend-Fish – Events Manager, SoA

Who is this session for?

This session is for anyone who uses the internet for research or entertainment.

What will this session cover?

• Understanding how Google works and commoditises your personal data
• Using privacy based search engines
• Increasing the reach and productivity of your online research
• Using search strings to search across a group of websites and inside a website

Send us your questions

If you would like to send questions in advance, email LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘How to research online safely’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day.

#SoAatHome Fundraising Bookshop

Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in the #SoAatHome. 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

Adam LeBor

Adam LeBor is a veteran former foreign correspondent, author and editorial trainer. His clients include the Financial Times, Economist Education, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Mishcon de Reya. His most recent book is The Last Days of Budapest, the first non-fiction account of the Hungarian capital during the Second World War.

Website: www.adamlebor.com | X: @adamlebor | Instagram: @adamlebor

Simon Cann

Simon Cann is a crime novelist. He has also written a number of non-fiction books about music and business related topics. He is a member of the Finance Subcommittee and organiser of the Novelists in London group.

Website: simoncann.com  | Bluesky: @simoncann.com | Instagram: @simoncannauthor

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 Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box
• This event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen
• Attendees have the option to turn on the live transcript
• This event is 90 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 – £35