The Society for the Study of Southern Literature

The Society for the Study of Southern Literature (SSSL) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 to advance scholarship on the writings and writers of the American South. Its community brings together scholars, academics, writers, and readers interested in southern literature and culture, and membership is open to anyone with an interest in the field. SSSL offers members access to a professional network, resources, and opportunities to participate in conference panels and its biennial conference. The Society also shares news, announcements, calls for papers, publishing opportunities, and fellowships, with newsletter archives available online.

Through its Emerging Scholars Organization, SSSL supports graduate students, recent PhDs, lecturers, contingent faculty, and others who are new to southern studies. The organization provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, collaboration, and resource sharing. SSSL is committed to inclusion, social equality, and rigorous dialogue about the diverse histories and cultures of the South. It encourages scholarship and discussion that examine the region from multiple perspectives and recognize the varied voices and experiences represented in its literature.