The Bram Stoker Award is a recognition presented by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) for "superior achievement" in horror writing. 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 horror writer Bram Stoker, author of the novel Dracula, among others. Several members of the HWA—including Dean Koontz—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 frequent ties. Currently, the Stoker award is presented in the following categories:
- Best Novel (1987—)
- Best First Novel (1987—)
- Best Long Fiction (1998—)
- Best Short Fiction (1998—)
- Best Fiction Collection (1998—)
- Best Anthology (1998—)
- Best Non-Fiction (1987—)
- Best Poetry Collection (2000—)
- Lifetime Achievement (1987—)
Discontinued categories include:
- Best Novelette (1987–1997)
- Best Short Story (1987–1997)
- Best Collection (1987–1997)
- Best Other Media (1993, 1998–2000)
- Best Illustrated Narrative (1998—2004)
- Best Screenplay (1998—2004)
- Best Work for Young Readers (1998—2004)
- Best Alternative Forms (2001—2004)
Past award winners include:
- Clive Barker
- Charles Beaumont
- Robert Bloch
- Bruce Boston
- Ray Bradbury
- Ramsey Campbell
- Douglas Clegg
- Don Coscarelli
- Harlan Ellison
- Neil Gaiman
- Owl Goingback
- Christopher Golden
- Nancy Holder
- Charlee Jacob
- Jack Ketchum
- Stephen King
- Dean Koontz
- Thomas Ligotti
- Joe R. Lansdale
- Richard Laymon
- Brian Keene
- Bentley Little
- Richard Matheson
- Robert McCammon
- Michael Moorcock
- David Morrell
- Joyce Carol Oates
- Chuck Palahniuk
- J. K. Rowling
- Al Sarrantonio
- John Shirley
- Dan Simmons
- Peter Straub
- Steve and Melanie Tem
