The benefits are wide ranging, but we have listed a few here to give you an idea of what being a member of the BSFA enjoys:

1. The Community of Fans

The British Science Fiction Association was established in 1958. For half a century it has been providing a focus and a framework of support for SF fandom in the UK. The organisation is now looking forward to the next fifty years. Many famous authors, critics, editors and publishers have been members through its history and many more continue to be today. Being a member of the BSFA puts you in touch with like-minded people across the country and beyond; whilst linking you to a rich tradition and enabling you to contribute to a vibrant future.

2. Exclusive Magazines

The BSFA publishes three very different magazines periodically throughout the year. It has been decided that one of these,Matrix, will be published free online from the start of 2008. However, the other two Vector and Focus are continuing as high quality print magazines, sent out regularly and exclusively to BSFA members. Why only get part of the picture?

3. Exclusive Discounts on Books

The BSFA is busy negotiating exclusive discounts for its members on a select and growing number of genre books, which will be available via this website and through the magazines. These will include some titles which the organisation has instigated itself

4. Support and Advice for New Writers

The BSFA is committed to encourage new writers of science fiction and speculative fiction in general. To this end the organisation devotes one of its publications, Focus to providing practical advice and information from established authors and industry experts.

In addition, the BSFA runs via its ‘Orbiters’ a series of online work-shopping groups where prospective writers can regularly submit their work to gain constructive critiquing from their contemporaries and also contribute their thoughts on the work of others. The BSFA will also be announcing further special events to encourage and promote new writers.

5. Reduced Membership Fees for SF Conventions

The BSFA is actively working to negotiate reduced membership fees for its members to specific, significant SF conventions here in the UK.

6. Keeping Up to Date With Events

The new online format of Matrix enables us to be far more reactive to breaking news and forthcoming events of interest to fans, bringing you the most up-to-date news as swiftly as possible. In addition, Vector continues to provide BSFA members with unique insight into the latest books and forthcoming titles.

7. The Ability to Vote in the BSFA Awards

The BSFA awards are among the most significant genre awards anywhere. One of the factors that makes the awards so special is that they are not decided by a panel of judges behind closed door, but in an open vote by the wider membership of theBSFA. Have you ever looked at the winner of an award and thought, “That’s ridiculous! Book B should have won.”? Well, jointhe BSFA and you can influence the outcome next time around.

8. Affordable Membership Fees

The BSFA is a non-profit making organisation. Every penny of membership fees is utilised to provide services and benefits to our members.