The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has announced Elif Shafak as its new president, succeeding Bernardine Evaristo at the end of her four-year term. The transition was confirmed during the RSL’s Annual General Meeting on 4 December.
The presidency, a symbolic yet influential role within the organization, is filled through election from among the fellows and held for a four-year term. Serving as an ambassador for the society’s mission—the advancement and celebration of literature—the president represents the RSL publicly, though the role does not include serving as a trustee.
Reflecting on her appointment, Shafak said:
“I am deeply honoured and excited to become the new president of the RSL—a much-loved cultural and literary institution with over 200 years of history and tradition, supporting writers, poets, playwrights, literary critics, librarians, translators and readers of all backgrounds. In an increasingly turbulent and harsh world, where many in the industry feel lonely and where challenges to writers and poets abound, we must regard this as a sanctuary—an oasis, a space of togetherness, empathy, inspiration and creativity. I sincerely look forward to working closely with everyone to build bridges and spread the love of literature.”
Evaristo welcomed the announcement, calling Shafak: “a terrifically inspired choice as the next president of the RSL. A global bestseller with a renowned reputation as a writer, intellectual and public speaker, she has long championed literature and the power of storytelling to bridge differences and illuminate multiple perspectives. Generous, compassionate and brilliantly insightful, her appointment marks an exciting moment for the society.”
Founded in 1820, the RSL promotes the value of literature, honours both emerging and established writers, and works to strengthen the relationship between authors and audiences across the UK literary landscape.
Shafak, an award-winning British-Turkish novelist and public intellectual, is the author of 21 books—13 of them novels—and her works have been translated into 58 languages. She holds a PhD in political science and has taught at universities in Türkiye, the United States and the United Kingdom, including St Anne’s College, Oxford University, where she is an honorary fellow. Shafak, who also holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bard College, is a longtime fellow and vice-president of the RSL and has been named among the BBC’s 100 most inspiring and influential women.
