Bram Stoker Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Horror Literature

penpinery | last updated June 22, 2023

Attention horror writers! The Bram Stoker Awards await your chilling tales.

The Bram Stoker Awards hold a prestigious position in the realm of horror literature, honoring outstanding works in the genre. Established by the Horror Writers Association (HWA), the Bram Stoker Awards recognize and celebrate exceptional authors, novels, and stories that captivate and terrify readers. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the Bram Stoker Awards, explore the eligibility criteria for the award, highlight some notable winners, and discuss its status as one of the most prestigious accolades in the field of horror literature.

1. What is the Bram Stoker Award?

The Bram Stoker Award is an esteemed accolade presented by the Horror Writers Association to recognize exceptional achievements in the field of horror literature. Named after the iconic author of "Dracula," Bram Stoker, these awards have been a prominent fixture in the horror genre since their inception in 1987. They honor exceptional works that evoke fear, suspense, and dark imagination, spanning various categories such as novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, and screenplays.

2. What is eligible for a Bram Stoker Award?

The Bram Stoker Awards accept a wide range of horror-related literary works for consideration. Eligible works include horror novels, novellas, short stories, poetry collections, anthologies, screenplays, and graphic novels. To be eligible, works must have been published within the calendar year under consideration and meet the criteria outlined by the Horror Writers Association. The awards are open to both traditional and independent authors, ensuring a diverse pool of talent is considered for recognition.

3. Who won the Bram Stoker Award?

The Bram Stoker Awards have celebrated numerous talented authors and their exceptional contributions to horror literature. Each year, the awards are presented in various categories, including Best Novel, Best First Novel, Best Short Fiction, Best Poetry Collection, and more. Some notable past winners include Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Joyce Carol Oates, Joe Hill, and Shirley Jackson. The Bram Stoker Awards serve as a testament to the extraordinary talents within the genre and offer readers a curated list of exceptional horror literature.

4. When is the submission deadline for the Bram Stoker Awards?

The Bram Stoker Awards Committee has established November 30th at 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time) as the annual cutoff for all Jury submissions. This deadline allows the Juries sufficient time to review the submissions and provide their recommendations for the Preliminary Ballot by January 15th of the following year. If a work is/will be published between December 1st and December 31st, it can still be submitted to the appropriate jury by December 31st at 11:59 PM (Pacific Standard Time). However, this exception only applies to works published during that specific time frame; works published before November 30th but submitted after that date will not be considered.

For more official information visit the official website here.

5. What is the most prestigious horror book award?

The Bram Stoker Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the realm of horror literature. With its rich history and association with the esteemed Horror Writers Association, the Bram Stoker Award holds a special place within the genre. It is recognized as a seal of quality and excellence, signifying the highest standards in horror writing. The award's credibility and the reputation of its winners make it a sought-after accolade for authors and a valuable guide for readers seeking exceptional horror literature.

The Bram Stoker Awards stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Bram Stoker and the remarkable talents within the horror genre. Through its annual recognition of outstanding works, the award celebrates authors who masterfully craft tales that terrify and captivate readers. With a diverse range of eligible works and an illustrious list of past winners, the Bram Stoker Awards hold a special place as one of the most prestigious honors in the world of horror literature.

Here are some notable publications that have received the prestigious Bram Stoker Award: