Golden Crown Literary Society

The Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) is an American non-profit organization established in February 2004 as a literary and educational organization for the study, discussion, enjoyment, and enhancement of lesbian literature. The GCLS membership includes publishers, distributors, authors, and readers of lesbian fiction. An all-volunteer effort, GCLS is open to all individuals who are interested in enjoying, discussing, promoting and enhancing the future of lesbian literature. In 2011 (and retroactive to 2007), the GCLS attained federal nonprofit status.

The Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) volunteer organization whose mission is for the education, promotion, and recognition of lesbian fiction and creative non-fiction. Our goals are to: 1. Provide learning opportunities, encouragement and assistance to new and established authors in developing their craft; 2. Support and strengthen quality lesbian writing by providing educational programs and creating opportunities for readers and writers to interact; and 3. To recognize and promote lesbian literary work.

In 2004, the GCLS was established, and from 2004 to 2009, informal organizational officers operated in their roles with Advisory committees. In 2009, a formal Board of Directors with an Executive Director was established, along with Bylaws and formal reporting to the members, and soon after, the GCLS became a nonprofit. The first formal Executive Director was Patty Schramm from 2009-2014. Elizabeth (Liz) Gibson served as Executive Director 2014-2016, and the latest Executive Director is Mary Phillips (2016 - ).

The primary event - both educational and promotional - is the annual conference which was first offered in 2005, where authors, readers, and publishers come together to share their love of literature, publishers, authors, and reading. The conference has been held yearly since 2005 and offers an author educational Track of Master Classes and sessions, a Panel Track of discussions on various topics related to writing, and one or more General Tracks composed of author chats and readings. The GCLS annual conference and organization has experienced success over the years and grown significantly. In 2014, the GCLS celebrated its 10th year of conferences around the nation. See below for future and past locations of conferences.

In 2014, the GCLS opened their GCLS Writing Academy, which offers educational support and classes to new and upcoming authors of lesbian fiction and creative non-fiction. This is a one-year program of courses, panels, writing, and mentoring. The faculty of this program are highly qualified instructors of writing and literature, many at universities around the country and/or well recognized writing programs. In addition to the Writing Academy, the GCLS also offers one-on-one mentoring for authors nearing the publication stage of a book as well as "GCLS Presents..." - a new video series of author interviews and presentations.

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