Membership

Are you passionate about literature?

Are you concerned about threats to freedom of expression?

Would you like to join a world of writers?

Members of English PEN are at the forefront of an exciting international movement aiming to promote literature, support the writing community and campaign for the rights and release of writers who have been unjustly imprisoned. Joining English PEN will give you a unique opportunity to mix with some of the most innovative creative minds of the contemporary English writing scene, from Claire Tomalin to Salley Vickers, Hari Kunzru to Steven Pinker, Monica Ali to Doris Lessing, and Philip Pullman to Alan Hollinghurst.

Exchange ideas, compare notes and get inspired at parties, lectures, screenings and other events hosted by PEN throughout the year. When you join PEN you become part of the only worldwide body of writers and literary professionals. All new members also currently receive a complimentary copy of the PEN/Profile Books anthology Another Sky: Voices of Conscience from Around the World.

These are just some of the things that we are doing, both in this country and worldwide, funded by our members:

• Campaigns: Monitoring political censorship at home and abroad and running campaigns such as our current campaign for Libel Reform 
• Writers in Prison: Supporting writers who are unjustly imprisoned, persecuted or forced into exile and campaigning on their behalves 
• Events: Organising events and talks which explore literature and reinforce our commitment to freedom of expression
• Readers & Writers: Bringing books and authors to socially excluded children and adults
• Writers in Translation: Awarding grants to support the translation of important international literature into English
• Literary Prizes: Awarding and administering annual awards

Many of our members have written on the subject of their time in PEN and what being a part of the fellowship has meant to them. Click here to read their thoughts.

Join or renew online