Why join us?

Historical Novel Society benefits

Join us for:

• Quarterly Historical Novels Review magazines
• Exclusive event discounts
• Exclusive web content including online copies of our magazines
• Discounted rate for sponsored author interviews for book launches / anniversary tie-ins
• Access to local chapter meet-ups
• Facebook groups
• Member-only manuscript critique groups
• A listing in our directory

Check out an example magazine

You’re welcome to download a sample of our Historical Novels Review magazine (PDF).

I’m not yet published. Can I join?

Yes, all writers are welcome to join. You’ll have access to all the member-only Facebook Groups such as Manuscript Critiques. Plus discounts to our conferences, which include agent one-to-ones where you can submit the first few chapters of your manuscript.

I’m a published author. Can I join?

Absolutely. The more that we know about you, the more we can help. Authors and publicists frequently ask if we’ll feature or promote their books as non-members. We will, but members get priority.

I don’t write, but love reading historical books. Do I qualify?

Yes, of course! You should be able to find just what you’re looking for in Editor’s Choice highlights and our 20,000+ reviews. You’re also very welcome to attend our events. Past conference speakers include Tracy Chevalier, Alison Weir and Mervyn Bragg.

The ‘virtuous circle’

We support our members, and our members support us. We promote members’ websites, blogs and social media accounts on our Directory. We look to our members as writers, readers and reviewers, and we publicise and highlight their work. In return many of our members spread the word about us, for which we’re very grateful.

How to join

To sign up, please fill in the details on how to join the Historical Novel Society.

FAQs about joining

If I become a member, will you be able to find me an agent/publisher?

Not directly. However we have projects that will help writers who are starting out (HNS Award, critique groups, our conferences). Participating in these may bring you into contact with editors and agents.

I would love to write reviews and features for you. Can I do that as a member?

You can. Most of the features and reviews that we publish are written and edited by members. When you join, we’ll ask if you’d like to get more involved with the society. This is the chance for you to make contact with us and tell us what you can do.

Please be aware that we have guidelines/criteria in place, and that all work is edited. Unless we know your writing, we’ll ask for a sample piece. See About our reviewers and Guidelines for submitting features for more information.

Can I get corporate membership? Or join for my library or bookshop?

We’d love to work out a system for ‘group’ memberships – where, for example, a book chain joins and we’d send magazines to ALL your stores. But if the mailing costs fall to us, this will cost the same as standard membership.

However, if we could distribute using your warehousing systems, that might be an option. Please get in touch to discuss further.