Getting to know you
One of ALCS’ key objectives is to keep the views of you, our members, at the heart of our decision-making. To help us do this, we try to travel around the country to meet you as often as we’re able.
One of the ways we do this is to invite members along to small, informal, ALCS-run focus groups to find out what you think we’re doing well and what not so well; and what you’d like to see more or less of. These focus groups also provide a social opportunity for you to meet other local members over lunch, as well as the chance to ask ALCS staff any questions you may have.
We recently had valuable meetings with members in Bath and Brighton and have a further meeting booked for Edinburgh in August. So far, the topics we’ve covered have included: the new ALCS website, our logo, membership cards, what you think about us doing a podcast, whether or not you voted in our Board elections (and if not, why not!), what you think about ALCS News, where exactly the money comes from, and more.
A big thank you to everyone who has attended so far for their time and very useful feedback. It has been lovely to meet you all, and we’re looking forward to more of the same in Edinburgh.
If you’re not able to make it to a focus group, you can always get in touch with us at any point if you have any thoughts or opinions you’d like to share.
And while we’re on the subject of getting out and meeting members, here’s another opportunity to meet local writers courtesy of our friends at the Society of Authors.
Society of Authors regional member events
ALCS members can attend up to two local group events put on by Society of Authors (SoA) members throughout the year. These informative gatherings are a great way to meet fellow authors in your area, share knowledge and support one another.
The groups are run by Society of Authors members and are regular informal meetings which include round-table discussions, lunchtime socials and evening meetings, with a visiting speaker on a specialist topic ranging from book marketing and publicity, self-publishing, editing and sources of funding for writers. You may even see a member of the ALCS team speaking on the importance of protecting your copyright and signing up to ALCS, of course!
These groups are posted on the Society of Authors’ website and you can contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org if you have any queries.
We’d encourage any members who want to find out more to look into groups that are local to them, as they can be a great way of increasing your knowledge about the industry.
