THE HWA SPECIALTY PRESS AWARD is presented periodically to a specialty publisher whose work has substantially contributed to the horror genre, whose publications display general excellence, and whose dealings with writers have been fair and exemplary.
The award was instituted in 1997, largely due to the efforts of long-time HWA member and specialty press aficionado Peter Crowther.
About the Award
- WHO MAY RECEIVE THE AWARD? To be eligible for this award, a publisher must specialize in horror, dark fantasy, and occult literature. This needn’t be the publisher’s only specialty, but it must be a substantial one. In addition, works of horror, dark fantasy, or occult literature must have been published by the press during the year prior to the award’s presentation.
- HOW ARE RECIPIENTS CHOSEN? The HWA Specialty Press Award is a “Trustees’ Award.” The winner is decided by a majority vote of HWA’s Board of Trustees.
- HOW OFTEN IS THE AWARD GIVEN? The award is given only during years when the Trustees feel an exemplary candidate is clearly visible and deserves recognition for its contributions.
Past Recipients
The following publishers have received the HWA Specialty Press Award:
- 2022 – Undertow Publications, Michael Kelly
- 2021 – Valancourt Books, James D. Jenkins and Ryan Cagle
- 2020 – Crystal Lake Publishing, Joe Mynhardt
- 2019 – SST Publications, Paul Fry
- 2018 – Raw Dog Screaming Press, Jennifer Barnes and John Edward Lawson
- 2017 – Eraserhead Press, Rose O’Keefe; and Independent Legions Press, Alessandro Manzetti
- 2016 – Omnium Gatherum, Kate Jonez
- 2015 – Borderlands Press, Thomas and Elizabeth Monteleone
- 2014 – ChiZine Publications, Brett Savory and Sandra Kasturi
- 2013 – Gray Friar Press, Gary Fry
- 2012 – Centipede Press, Jerad Walters
- 2011 – Bad Moon Books, Roy Robbins, and Hippocampus Press, Derrick Hussey
- 2010 – Dark Regions Press, Joe Morey
- 2009 – Tartarus Press, R. B. Russell & Rosalie Parker
- 2008 – Bloodletting Press, Larry Roberts
- 2006 – PS Publishing, Peter Crowther
- 2005 – Necessary Evil Press, Don Koish
- 2004 – Delirium Books, Shane Ryan Staley
- 2003 – Earthling Publications, Paul Miller
- 2002 – Night Shade Books, Jason Williams & Jeremy Lassen
- 2000 – Subterranean Press, William K. Schafer
- 1999 – Ash-Tree Press, Christopher & Barbara Roden
- 1998 – Gauntlet Publications, Barry Hoffman
- 1997 – Cemetery Dance, Richard Chizmar