Fry and Mosse join SoA fellowship

Stephen Fry and Kate Mosse are among the eight new fellows announced by the Society of Authors (SoA), as Fry has urged opposition against the “real threat” of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

Joining them is children’s and YA author Sita Brahmachari, poet and translator Kevin Crossley-Holland, educational writer Judy Garton-Sprenger, previous Children’s Writers & Illustrators Group chair Mary Hoffman along with author and screenwriter Catherine Johnson and comics writer Woodrow Phoenix. 

They join 52 existing fellows, who include Malorie Blackman, Neil Gaiman, Lemn Sissay and Jacqueline Wilson. 

The fellowship is an honorary body of eminent authors, appointed by the management committee on members of high standing who have been “exceptional in their support of the SoA", the trade body said. The fellows were known as ‘the council’ prior to a name change in 2022. 

Fry said: “I am so proud and honoured to be made a fellow of the Society of Authors. The society gives a powerful voice and representation not only to novelists and playwrights but to the thousands of illustrators, translators and others who make their living by the pen/keyboard.  

“At a time when the rights of creators and the very spirit of creativity itself is under very serious and real threat from the various technologies that are being called ‘Artificial Intelligence’, it has never been more important to stand up for the originality, individuality and authenticity of human writing.” 

Mosse said: “In these challenging times for authors and publishing, when the familiar landscape is changing, it is so important that the SoA – with an overview of the industry – continues to support and speak for authors’ varied and diverse interests. I am delighted to be asked to play a part in this.” 

Brahmachari commented: “What an honour it is to be invited to be a fellow of the Society of Authors, a trade union that shines a light on protecting the rights of authors, illustrators and literary translators. On panels, at events and when posing my own questions I have experienced first hand the wide-ranging ways in which the Society of Authors is a helping hand, support and champion in an industry that can often feel precarious.”