[2] Founded in 1997 in the United Kingdom by bookseller, editor, and historical novel enthusiast Richard Lee,[3] the HNS's foundational membership included such authors as Joanna Trollope, Melvyn Bragg, and Bernard Cornwell.
Through its local chapters and conferences, the HNS provides its members with networking opportunities to further a variety of goals related to historical fiction authorship as well as promotion of the genre in general.
[13] A subscription to the Historical Novels Review in printed format is included with society membership, along with online access to all its content.
"[15] In order to support writers of new historical fiction, the HNS offers two literary awards: The awards are judged by eminent authors (e.g., Dame Hilary Mantel[16] and Elizabeth Chadwick) and top industry professionals (e.g., the late Carole Blake, agent to Barbara Erskine, and Juliet Mushens[17] agent to Jessie Burton).
Past HNS conference presenters include prize-winning and best-selling authors Geraldine Brooks, Tracy Chevalier, Bernard Cornwell, Stephanie Dray, David Ebershoff, Kate Forsyth, Diana Gabaldon, Margaret George, C.W.
Gortner, Phillip Margolin, Sharon Kay Penman, Anne Perry, Candace Robb, Harry Turtledove, and Susan Vreeland.