The Bram Stoker Award is a recognition presented by the Horror Writers Association

Horror Writers Association

The Horror Writers Association is a worldwide non-profit organization of professional writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting the interests of Horror and Dark Fantasy writers. It was formed in the 1980s with the help of many of the field's greats, including Joe Lansdale, Robert...

 (HWA) for "superior achievement" in horror writing

Horror fiction

Horror fiction also Horror fantasy is a philosophy of literature, which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten its readers, inducing feelings of horror and terror. It creates an eerie atmosphere. Horror can be either supernatural or non-supernatural...

. The awards have been presented annually since 1987, and the winners are selected by ballot of the Active members of the HWA. They are named after influential Irish horror writer Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker

Abraham "Bram" Stoker was an Irish novelist and short story writer, best known today for his 1897 Gothic novel Dracula...

, author of the novel Dracula

Dracula

Dracula is an 1897 novel by Irish author Bram Stoker.Famous for introducing the character of the vampire Count Dracula, the novel tells the story of Dracula's attempt to relocate from Transylvania to England, and the battle between Dracula and a small group of men and women led by Professor...

, among others.

Several members of the HWA—including Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz

Dean Ray Koontz is a prolific American author best known for his novels which could be described broadly as suspense thrillers. He also frequently incorporates elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, and satire. A number of his books have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List, with...

—were reluctant to endorse such writing awards, fearing it would incite competitiveness rather than friendly admiration. The HWA therefore went to lengths to avoid mean-spirited competition: They agreed to specifically seek out new and neglected writers and works, and officially issue awards not based on "best of the year" criteria, but "for superior achievement", which allows for ties.

Nominated works come from two different processes. Firstly, works can be recommended by any member of the HWA and secondly, a separate list of works is presented by a Jury for each category. Members with Active status then vote on works appearing on preliminary ballots. The field is thereby narrowed to the Final ballot; and Active members vote to choose the winners from that Final Ballot.

Current categories

For the year 2011 the Stoker award is presented for Superior achievement in the following categories:

• Novel
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel
  The Bram Stoker Award for Novel is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for novels.-Winners and nominees:The following are the nominees and winners.* 1987: Misery by Stephen King...
  
   (1987—)
• First Novel
  Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel
  The Bram Stoker Award for First Novel is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for an author's first horror novel.-Winners and nominees:Nominees are listed below the winner for each year....
  
   (1987—)
• Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel
• Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel
• Long Fiction
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Long Fiction
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Long Fiction is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for long fiction.-Winners and nominees:...
  
   (1998—)
• Short Fiction
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Short Fiction
  The Bram Stoker Award for Short Fiction is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for short fiction.-Winners and nominees:...
  
   (1998—)
• Fiction Collection
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Fiction Collection
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Fiction Collection is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for best fiction collection.-Winners and nominees:...
  
   (1998—)
• Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Screenplay
• Anthology
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Anthology
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Anthology is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for anthology.-Winners and nominees:Nominees are listed below the winner for each year....
  
   (1998—)
• Non-Fiction
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Non-Fiction
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Non-Fiction is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for non-fiction.-Winners and nominees:Nominees are listed below the winner for each year....
  
   (1987—)
• Poetry Collection
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Poetry Collection
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Poetry Collection is an award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for a poetry collection.-Winners and nominees:Nominees are listed below the winner for each year....
  
   (2000—)
• Lifetime Achievement
  Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement
  The Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement is an award presented periodically to an individual whose work has substantially influenced the horror genre. This award is often presented to a writer, but it may also be given for influential accomplishments in other creative fields.-Recipients:*...
  
   (1987—)

Discontinued categories

Discontinued categories include:

• Novelette (1987–1997)
• Short Story (1987–1997)
• Collection (1987–1997)
• Other Media (1993, 1998–2000)
• Illustrated Narrative
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Illustrated Narrative
  Nominees are listed below the winner for each year.* 1998: ** Sergio Aragones' Dia de las Muertos by Sergio Aragones & Mark Evanier** Preacher by Garth Ennis** The Son of Man by Garth Ennis...
  
   (1998—2004)
• Screenplay
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Screenplay
  Nominees are listed below the winner for each year.* 1998: Gods and Monsters, by Bill Condon * 1998: Dark City, by Alex Proyas ** Fallen, by Nicholas Kazan** "Somehow, Satan Got Behind Me" , by Darin Morgan...
  
   (1998—2004)
• Work for Young Readers
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers is a discontinued award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing for young readers.-Winners and nominees:...
  
   (1998—2004)
• Alternative Forms
  Bram Stoker Award for Best Alternative Forms
  The Bram Stoker Award for Best Alternative Forms is a discontinued award presented by the Horror Writers Association for "superior achievement" in horror writing in alternative media.-Winners and nominees:...
  
   (2001—2004)

Past winners

Past award winners include:

• Clive Barker
  Clive Barker
  Clive Barker is an English author, film director and visual artist best known for his work in both fantasy and horror fiction. Barker came to prominence in the mid-1980s with a series of short stories which established him as a leading young horror writer...
  
  
• Charles Beaumont
  Charles Beaumont
  Charles Beaumont was a prolific American author of speculative fiction, including short stories in the horror and science fiction subgenres. He is remembered as a writer of classic Twilight Zone episodes, such as "The Howling Man", "Miniature", and "Printer's Devil", but also penned the...
  
  
• Robert Bloch
  Robert Bloch
  Robert Albert Bloch was a prolific American writer, primarily of crime, horror and science fiction. He is best known as the writer of Psycho, the basis for the film of the same name by Alfred Hitchcock...
  
  
• Bruce Boston
  Bruce Boston
  Bruce Boston is an American speculative fiction writer and poet who was born in Chicago and grew up in Southern California. He received a B.A. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, 1965, and an M.A., 1967...
  
  
• Ray Bradbury
  Ray Bradbury
  Ray Douglas Bradbury is an American fantasy, horror, science fiction, and mystery writer. Best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 and for the science fiction stories gathered together as The Martian Chronicles and The Illustrated Man , Bradbury is one of the most celebrated among 20th...
  
  
• Ramsey Campbell
  Ramsey Campbell
  John Ramsey Campbell is an English horror fiction author.Since he first came to prominence in the mid-1960s, critics have cited Campbell as one of the leading writers in his field: T. E. D. Klein has written that "Campbell reigns supreme in the field today", while S. T...
  
  
• Douglas Clegg
  Douglas Clegg
  Douglas Clegg is a horror and dark fantasy author, and a pioneer in the field of e-publishing. He maintains a strong Internet presence through his website and LiveJournal.-Biography:...
  
  
• Don Coscarelli
  Don Coscarelli
  Don Coscarelli is an American film director, producer and screenwriter best known for horror films. His credits include the Phantasm series, The Beastmaster, and Bubba Ho-Tep.-Biography:...
  
  
• Harlan Ellison
  Harlan Ellison
  Harlan Jay Ellison is an American writer. His principal genre is speculative fiction.His published works include over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, teleplays, essays, a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media...
  
  
• Neil Gaiman
  Neil Gaiman
  Neil Richard Gaiman born 10 November 1960)is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and films. His notable works include the comic book series The Sandman and novels Stardust, American Gods, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book...
  
  
• Jeff Gelb
• Owl Goingback
  Owl Goingback
  Owl Goingback is an American author of horror and children's books, a fiction ghostwriter, and a writer of non-fiction.-Works:Having served as a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force, and the former owner of a restaurant and lounge, Owl Goingback became a full time writer in 1987. He has written...
  
  
• Christopher Golden
  Christopher Golden
  Christopher Golden is an American author of horror, fantasy, and suspense novels for adults, teens, and young readers.Golden was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. He is a graduate of Tufts University...
  
  
• Nancy Holder
  Nancy Holder
  Nancy Holder is an American writer and the author of several novels, including numerous tie-in books based on the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She's also written fiction related to several other science fiction and fantasy shows, including Angel and Smallville.Holder is a four-time winner...
  
  
• Del Howison
  Del Howison
  Del Howison is an American horror author, editor and actor.-Life and career:Howison was born in Detroit, Michigan but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting; with his distinctive long white hair, he was a natural for low-budget horror films, and has since played the character "Renfield"...
  
  
• Charlee Jacob
  Charlee Jacob
  Charlee Jacob is an American author specializing in horror fiction, dark fantasy, and poetry. Her writing career began in 1981 with the publication of several poems under the name Charlee Carter Broach...
  
  
• Steven A. Katz
  Steven A. Katz
  Steven Katz is the writer of the original screenplay Shadow of the Vampire . He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 8, 1959 and received a B.A. in English and Art History from Brown University in 1982 and an M.A. in English from Columbia University in 1984...
  
  
• Brian Keene
  Brian Keene
  Brian Keene is an American author, primarily of horror, crime fiction, and comic books. He has won two Bram Stoker Awards.- Background :Keene was born in 1967. He grew up in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and many of his books take place in these locales. After graduating high school, he...
  
  
• Jack Ketchum
  Jack Ketchum
  Jack Ketchum is the pseudonym for American author Dallas Mayr . He is the recipient of four Bram Stoker Awards and three further nominations. Many of his novels have been adapted to film, including The Girl Next Door and Red...
  
  
• Stephen King
  Stephen King
  Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books...
  
  
• Michael Knost
• Dean Koontz
  Dean Koontz
  Dean Ray Koontz is a prolific American author best known for his novels which could be described broadly as suspense thrillers. He also frequently incorporates elements of horror, science fiction, mystery, and satire. A number of his books have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List, with...
  
  
• Joe R. Lansdale
  Joe R. Lansdale
  Joe R. Lansdale is an American author and martial-arts expert. He has written novels and stories in many genres, including Western, horror, science fiction, mystery, and suspense...
  
  
• Richard Laymon
  Richard Laymon
  Richard Carl Laymon was an American author of suspense and horror fiction, particularly within the splatterpunk subgenre. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived as a child in California...
  
  
• Thomas Ligotti
  Thomas Ligotti
  Thomas Ligotti is a contemporary American horror author and reclusive literary cult figure. His writings are unique in style, have been noted as major continuations of several literary genres – most prominently Lovecraftian horror – and have overall been variously described as works of...
  
  
• Bentley Little
  Bentley Little
  Bentley Little is an American author of horror novels.-Personal history:Little's first novel, The Revelation, was published with St...
  
  
• George R. R. Martin
  George R. R. Martin
  George Raymond Richard Martin , sometimes referred to as GRRM, is an American author and screenwriter of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He is best known for A Song of Ice and Fire, his bestselling series of epic fantasy novels that HBO adapted for their dramatic pay-cable series Game of...
  
  
• Richard Matheson
  Richard Matheson
  Richard Burton Matheson is an American author and screenwriter, primarily in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres. He is perhaps best known as the author of What Dreams May Come, Bid Time Return, A Stir of Echoes, The Incredible Shrinking Man, and I Am Legend, all of which have been...
  
  
• Robert McCammon
• Thomas F. Monteleone
  Thomas F. Monteleone
  Thomas F. Monteleone is an American science fiction author and horror fiction author. His first novel, Seeds of Change was the lead-off title in the critically unsuccessful Laser Books line of science fiction titles , but he went on to become a popular writer of supernatural thrillers...
  
  
• Michael Moorcock
  Michael Moorcock
  Michael John Moorcock is an English writer, primarily of science fiction and fantasy, who has also published a number of literary novels....
  
  
• David Morrell
  David Morrell
  David Morrell is a Canadian-American novelist, best known for his debut 1972 novel First Blood, which would later become the successful Rambo film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. He has written 28 novels, and his work has been translated into 26 languages...
  
  
• Lisa Morton
  Lisa Morton
  Lisa Morton is an American horror author and screenwriter.Morton was born in Pasadena, California, and entered the film industry in 1979 as a modelmaker on Star Trek: The Motion Picture...
  
  
• Yvonne Navarro
  Yvonne Navarro
  Yvonne Navarro is an American author who has published over twenty books. Of those twenty, the titles AfterAge, deadrush, Final Impact, Red Shadows, DeadTimes, That's Not My Name and Mirror Me were solo novels, or fiction created solely by her...
  
  
• Joyce Carol Oates
  Joyce Carol Oates
  Joyce Carol Oates is an American author. Oates published her first book in 1963 and has since published over fifty novels, as well as many volumes of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction...
  
  
• Weston Ochse
  Weston Ochse
  Weston Ochse is an American author and educator. He has won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize for his short fiction.- Biography :Weston Ochse was born in Gillette, Wyoming...
  
  
• Alex Proyas
  Alex Proyas
  Alexander "Alex" Proyas is a Australian film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for directing such films as The Crow, Dark City, I, Robot and Knowing. He is known for employing a stylish photographic techniques in his films, with dark overtones usually in a post-apocalyptic...
  
  
• J. K. Rowling
  J. K. Rowling
  Joanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE , better known as J. K. Rowling, is the British author of the Harry Potter fantasy series...
  
  
• Al Sarrantonio
  Al Sarrantonio
  Al Sarrantonio is an American horror and science fiction author who has published, over the past thirty-five years, more than forty-five books and eighty short stories...
  
  
• John Shirley
  John Shirley
  John Shirley is an American fantasist, author of noir fiction, and science-fiction writer. Shirley is a prolific writer of novels and short stories, TV scripts and screenplays who has published over 30 books and 10 collections...
  
  
• Dan Simmons
  Dan Simmons
  Dan Simmons is an American author most widely known for his Hugo Award-winning science fiction series, known as the Hyperion Cantos, and for his Locus-winning Ilium/Olympos cycle....
  
  
• Peter Straub
  Peter Straub
  Peter Francis Straub is an American author and poet, most famous for his work in the horror genre. His horror fiction has received numerous literary honors such as the Bram Stoker Award, World Fantasy Award, and International Horror Guild Award, placing him among the most-honored horror authors in...
  
  
• Steve
  Steve Rasnic Tem
  Steve Rasnic Tem was born in Jonesville, Virginia, which is in the heart of Appalachia. He went to college at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and also at Virginia Commonwealth University. He got a B.A. in English education. In 1974, he moved to Colorado and studied creative...
  
   and Melanie Tem
  Melanie Tem
  Melanie Tem is an American Horror/Dark fantasy author. She is married to author Steve Rasnic Tem. The couple have three kids and live in a large house in Colorado.-Novels:* Prodigal * Blood Moon * Wilding...