The SoA is a trade union for all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers. We have been advising individuals and speaking out for the profession for more than a century. Member services include the confidential, individual vetting of contracts, and help with professional queries and collective action on issues that matter to authors. In addition, the SoA organises a calendar of events, publishes a quarterly magazine, The Author, maintains a database of members' specialisations, and administers a wide range of grants and prizes such as the Authors’ Foundation, one of the few bodies making grants to help with works in progress for established writers.