ALCS founder and honorary president Maureen Duffy dies aged 92

The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) founder and honorary president Maureen Duffy has died aged 92.

Duffy, who was also a novelist, poet, playwright and critic, and a leading member of the Writers’ Action Group, who, alongside Brigid Brophy and others, campaigned for Public Lending Right and helped secure its introduction in 1979.

That work also lead to the creation of ALCS, founded by writers in 1977 to ensure authors are paid for secondary uses of their work. Since then, ALCS has paid more than £750m to writers and now has an annual turnover of £45m.

She also later played an instrumental role in both the work of the International Authors Forum (IAF) and PLR International.

Through her life, Duffy published more than 60 works across multiple genres. After winning her first poetry competition at the age of 17, she wrote her first stage play, Pearson, while studying at King’s College London and went on to write plays, screenplays and novels.

She also campaigned on issues such as gay rights, being one of the first public figures in the UK to come out as a lesbian and serving as the first president of the Gay Humanist Group in 1980.

Speaking about her campaigning in an interview with ALCS in 2017, she said: “I’ve always been interested in politics and there’s a sort of bloody-mindedness in me that wants to take issues on. It’s a continuous battle. As well as authors’ rights, I’ve also been a campaigner for gay rights and animal rights. I feel very strongly that you have to stand up and play your part.”

Duffy’s novel Restitution was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 1998. She also wrote key texts in non-fiction, including a biography of Aphra Behn, whose recognition she campaigned for with her friend Elaine Hobby; a biography of Purcell; and the text The Erotic World of Faery, which has recently inspired the work of writers such as So Mayer. She was also committed a patron of Humanists UK.

In 2025, she was recognised for her contributions to writers and wider society by receiving the inaugural RSL Pioneer Prize from the Royal Society of Literature.

A tribute from the ALCS read: “Maureen Duffy leaves behind an exceptional body of work and a legacy of activism and action that changed the landscape for writers in the UK. She will be remembered not only as a brilliant and pioneering author, but as someone who helped make the profession of writing more visible, recognised and fair. We remember her with deep admiration, gratitude and affection. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”

Barbara Hayes, chief executive officer, CEO, said: “Maureen Duffy was not only an extraordinary author and tireless advocate for authors’ rights, but also an inspiring mentor whose wisdom, generosity and determination profoundly shaped my own journey. I would not have become the CEO I am today at ALCS without her guidance, insight and unwavering support.

"For decades, she championed authors’ rights, fair remuneration and proper recognition for creators with remarkable passion and conviction, leaving an enduring legacy for writers everywhere. I remain personally and deeply grateful for her mentorship, her collegiate generosity in sharing ideas and experience, and the sheer force of her determination in the fight for authors’ rights – values and sense of purpose that continue to guide me today.

"Her influence on me, and on the wider author community, has been both profound and lasting. Through her work in helping to establish ALCS, the International Authors Forum, and the partnership between IAF and PLR International, she created lasting structures that have supported authors worldwide – not only financially, but also in defending and advancing their rights and standing across the globe.”

Her agent Nemonie Craven said on behalf of Ann Evans and Jonathan Clowes Literary Agents: “We salute our dear friend, client and pioneer Maureen Duffy. She was one of Jonathan’s earliest clients and comrades. We will all miss her and continue to represent her work passionately to the world.”