Welcome to our  ‘A Day in the Life’ blog series, where we’ll be interviewing members of the LBF team, industry professionals, and special guests attending our next LBF event.

Our latest interview is with Nicola Solomon, Chief Executive of The Society of Authors – a UK trade union for writers, illustrators and literary translators. Nicola is also a Deputy District Judge and Chair of the Creators’ Rights Alliance, and sits on the board of the International Authors’ Forum and the British Copyright Council.

We spoke to Nicola about her role at the SoA, the advice she’d give to someone starting their career in the industry, and her plans for retirement…

What’s the first thing you do after your alarm has gone off in the morning?

Wordle, of course!

Tea or coffee?

Tea, but only after I get back from cold water swimming and walking the dog.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day at the SoA, but what all days have in common is that everything we do is aimed at empowering authors. Whether I’m attending a Government meeting on AI, advising an individual member on their will, campaigning on climate change or speaking to a potential sponsor about our grants and prizes, it is all aimed at making life better for authors, translators and illustrators.

If you weren’t working at the SoA, what would be your alternative career?

I used to be a solicitor in private pratice, which I really enjoyed, but I think once I retire next year I’d like to spend my time volunteering and working with animals.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to begin a career in your industry?

Read as much as you can. Don’t give up the day job until you’re sure you can make a living in what is a very precarious industry.

If you could only recommend one book, film and TV show to someone, what would it be?

I honestly couldn’t say! Thousands of SoA members would be furious with me if I favoured one.

What are you looking forward to the most at LBF24?

Meeting lots of members and industry colleagues, and sharing my knowledge and passion.

Stay tuned for our next interview, coming soon …

Nicola will be taking part in our Writers’ Summit on 11 March 2024. You can buy your tickets here.

Interested in book recommendations and reviews? Follow along with our LBF Book Club!