About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
  Browse our magazines
  
  Submit your novel for review
Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
Contact Us

Events

HNS Colorado Chapter

Get in Touch Chapter Lead & Contact: Marj Charlier Chapter Facebook Group Meeting Information We meet 6 times a year (4 virtually, 2 in person in ...Read More
HNS Arizona Chapter

Get in Touch Chapter Leads & Contact: Jessica McCann, Melissa Crytzer Fry Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website Meeting Information We host free, public events ...Read More
HNS New York City Chapter

Get in Touch Chapter Lead: Loretta Goldberg (Steering Committee Chair) Contact Email Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky | Website Meeting Information HNS NYC Chapter has programs ...Read More
HNS Northern California Chapter

Get in Touch Contact & Chapter Lead: Sharon Cathcart Chapter Facebook Group Meeting Information We have more than 200 members throughout Northern California, consisting ...Read More
HNS Australasian Conference

1st November 2025

- 2nd November 2025

HNSA Conference 2025 Celebrating 10 Years The HNSA promotes the writing, reading and publication of historical fiction, especially in Australia and New Zealand, through its ...Read More
HNS United Kingdom Conference

20th August 2026

- 23rd August 2026

HNSUK Conference 2026 Print the Legend Join us in the vibrant university town of Maynooth, Ireland to explore fact and fiction in the historical ...Read More
HNS London UK Chapter

Get in Touch Chapter Lead & Contact: currently vacant Chapter Facebook Group Meeting Information The London chapter launched monthly meetups in 2010. The group ...Read More
HNS Devon UK Chapter

Get in Touch Chapter Lead & Contact: Richard Lee Chapter Facebook Group Meeting Information Book signings Informal meet-ups Plus online support, sharing advice ...Read More
HNS Pacific NW Chapter (Washington & Oregon)

Get in Touch Chapter Lead & Contact: Jan McGiffin Facebook Meeting Information For more information about meetings, programming, the Chapter, or general questions, ...Read More
A quick guide to Local Chapters

Check out our Local Chapters page to find out how they work and who runs them.Read More