Authors' organisations have revealed an "ever-increasing" demand on financial hardship grants, with new applications to the Royal Literary Fund Old-established British organisation which is using substantial new funds from writers' estates for excellent new scheme offering grants to published writers, who act as 'fellows' helping to improve students' writing in higher education institutions. The fellows each have a page and contact details on the website. www.rlf.org.uk
The RLF is a 238-year-old benevolent fund which helps writers in financial difficulty. New applications from writers applying for the first time increased from 23 in 2013 to 34 last year, chief executive Eileen Gunn told The Bookseller, while many others reapply each year. Altogether the RLF helped support 200 writers last year including those who have suffered debilitating illnesses, accidents and housing problems.
Meanwhile the Society of Authors (SoA) has revealed an "ever-increasing number of applications" to its contingency funds "from authors who are struggling to make a living", its chairman Nicola Solomon [pictured] told The Bookseller. The society has also called on the government to take action in its newly published evidence into a parliamentary inquiry into authors' earnings.
