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.
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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.
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Children & Young Adult

Launch: Vince Rockston’s Greet Suzon for Me

By Jessica Knauss - Article Published May 26, 2026

INTERVIEWED BY KEIRA MORGAN Born on the Island of Jersey, Vince Rockston studied physics at Imperial College London, then moved to Geneva as ...Read Article

Launch: Carol Baldwin’s Half-Truths

By Jessica Knauss - Article Published May 22, 2026

INTERVIEWED BY LESLIE S. LOWE Carol Baldwin’s debut YA historical novel, Half-Truths, was published in April 2025 by Monarch Educational Services. It won ...Read Article

Late Bloomer: Karen Cushman’s Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults

By Bethany Latham - Article Published August 1, 2025

WRITTEN BY TRACY BARRETT Known for her portrayals of spunky girls (and one boy) from the past who forge their own paths in ...Read Article

Forthcoming Children’s and YA Historical Novels for 2026

By Fiona Sheppard - Article Published July 2, 2025

The Historical Novel Society lists mainstream and small press titles for readers aged 4 – 18, with settings from ancient times to the mid 1970s. Details ...Read Article

Historians can be envious: Call of the Owl Woman author k.m. huber hears the unexpected

By Claire Morris - Article Published May 14, 2025

BY MARJ CHARLIER One of the obvious risks historical novelists face in recreating distant pasts is “getting it wrong.” Fictionalizing requires getting inside ...Read Article

India in Children’s Historical Fiction

By Bethany Latham - Article Published November 1, 2024

WRITTEN BY ANN LAZIM There has been an increase in UK children’s publishing in books that are set in India and also ...Read Article

Forthcoming Children’s and YA Historical Novels for 2025

By Fiona Sheppard - Article Published May 31, 2024

The Historical Novel Society lists mainstream and small press titles for readers aged 4 – 18, set in eras from ancient times to the mid 1970s. ...Read Article

Dark Stories: A Conversation with YA Author Steve Watkins

By Bethany Latham - Article Published November 1, 2023

WRITTEN BY TRISH MACENULTY Steve Watkins, author of the young adult novels On Blood Road, Juvie, What Comes After, Great Falls, the middle-grade ...Read Article

Forthcoming Children’s and YA Historical Novels for 2024

By Fiona Sheppard - Article Published July 13, 2023

The Historical Novel Society lists mainstream and small press titles for readers aged 4 – 18, set in eras from ancient times to the mid 1970s. ...Read Article

An Unfamiliar Mirror: Elizabeth Wein Reflects on Writing for Young Adults

By Bethany Latham - Article Published February 1, 2023

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN MCDERMOTT “My passport’s just a piece of paper. It doesn’t tell you anything about me, does it?” The ...Read Article

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