We are a charity led by writers. Founded in 1820, we celebrate and share literature.

Latest from the RSL

RSL announces 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows

2026 RSL Christopher Bland Prize Winner Revealed

New RSL Residency Initiative Launched for Dalloway Day

2026 RSL Ondaatje Prize Announced

New £1 Million RSL Hawthornden Literature Matters Grants Launched

RSL Announces New President Elif Shafak

About Us

The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) is a charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, honour and encourage great writers, and engage people in reading through an annual programme of awards and prizes.

The RSL is an organisation led by writers, with a community of over 800 Fellows representing the breadth of literary excellence across the UK. We work in partnership with other voices in the literary sector to deliver a range of engagement work, providing a platform to share and celebrate the benefits of reading and writing.