SoA Listening Session | Wales Book of the Year award

This year, we’re hosting a series of in-person and online Listening Sessions to understand the biggest issues affecting our members. As we journey through our current five-year strategy period, 2025-2030, we want to ensure that we continue to listen to members’ needs.

The format for our Member Listening Sessions will involve a small group meeting for members to share the biggest issues affecting them as an author. These meetings will be structured to foster open communication and understanding among members on topics relevant to the business of authorship.

Please note that this event will take place prior to the Wales Book of the Year award ceremony. SoA members are eligible to book concessionary tickets.

Tickets can be purchased for the awards ceremony at a discounted rate for SoA Members via Literature Wales website here: https://www.literaturewales.org/lw-event/wales-book-of-the-year-2026-awards-ceremony/

This is part of a series of listening sessions we’re hosting in person and online this year. We also have an online survey which you can complete here.

Programme

• 4pm – Listening Session starts | Refreshments on arrival
• Discussion led by SoA Chief Executive Anna Ganley, Head of Membership, Emma Boniwell, and SoA Cymru committee member, Susan Stokes Chapman (90 mins)
• 5.30pm – session ends

Upcoming dates

Members are invited to book a place to share their experiences at one of the sessions below:

Online:

• World Listening Day | Saturday 18 July, 14.30-16.00
• Online Listening Session | Monday 19 October, 18.00-19.30

In Person:

• Belfast Book Festival | Thursday 4 June, 14.30-16.00
• Authors North Conference | Saturday 19 September, 10.00-10.45
• In person Listening Session | Wednesday 7 October, 11.00-12.30

Accessibility 

• If you require BSL interpretation for this event, please email events@societyofauthors.org
• All areas of The Crescent are fully accessible by ramps and a passenger lift allowing ease of movement to enable you to explore and enjoy our building. Read the venue’s full accessibility information here: https://crescentarts.org/about/plan-visit/accessible-facilities

Feeling unwell?

We recommend the following:

• Staying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms
• Washing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face
• Applying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)
• We advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so

Booking

Book your place for this event via the registration form below.

Please note that this event will take place prior to the Wales Book of the Year award ceremony. SoA members are eligible to book concessionary tickets.

Tickets can be purchased for the awards ceremony at a discounted rate for SoA Members via Literature Wales website here: https://www.literaturewales.org/lw-event/wales-book-of-the-year-2026-awards-ceremony/