National Association for Literature Development

NALD connects people working in literature through offering:

• networks
• intelligence and information
• mentoring and professional development
• advice
• advocacy

We are the professional body for all involved in developing writers, readers and literature audiences.

Who are our members?

• anyone involved in developing writers, readers and audiences
• programmers
• publishers
• librarians
• festival directors
• creative producers
• agents
• freelancers
• writers
• tutors
• students
• funders
• agencies
• organisations
• venues

And quite often, in this business, a mixture of all or most of the above. Support us to make the case for increased investment in literature development by joining our network, getting involved in our activities or by spreading the word!

What is literature development?

We define ‘literature development’ as the area of work or activity that develops reading, writing and literature audiences. This includes running a literature agency, independent publishing, running creative writing workshops or projects, teaching or lecturing in creative writing or literature, commercial publishing, working for a library service, agenting writers, managing a literature festival, producing, curating or programming literature events, working in a specialist area linked to literature/arts practice such as regeneration, running a literature department or company, working as a freelancer and/or managing a varied portfolio freelance career and running a small creative business in literature.

NALD's mission is

to be the first search, the first call, the key date in the diary for anyone involved or interested in developing writers and readers.

NALD will be the real and virtual space where literature activists meet their colleagues for inspiration and confirmation, a space where their ideas and practice are challenged and shifted, but their belief in their own expertise and professionalism is supported and reinforced.

NALD will be so successful in making the case for literature development that previously closed doors will swing open, and the media, funders, politicians, local/national government officers and employers will come to us seeking authoritative advice on the social, economic and cultural impact of investment in writers and readers.

What does NALD offer?

• up to date, relevant, curated information
• the long view
• the knowledge of who is doing what where
• access and introductions to other literature specialists
• someone to talk to
• personalised professional development
• the case for literature
• our monthly bulletin Elatest

For an annual membership of £30, NALD also offers:

• an entry in our Members Directory of literature professionals to promote you or your work
• full access to all the articles on this site
• significant discounts on our training events and network meetings
• telephone advice
• our quarterly magazine 'Literature Professional'

What geographical area does NALD cover?

We cover the UK, working primarily in England which is where we started and have historically run projects, but with an expanding membership in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.