The Horror Writers Association Scholarship

Name: Horror Writers Association (HWA) Scholarship for Literature & Creative Writing

Award Amount: $2,500

Information and Eligibility:
The Scholarship offered by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) supports emerging writers dedicated to horror fiction, nonfiction or poetry. The goal is to assist individuals who aspire to professional writing careers by funding educational development, workshops, genre-conventions and other growth opportunities. Applicants need not be HWA members.
Eligibility criteria include:

• Field of Study/Focus: Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the horror genre and a commitment to writing—whether fiction, nonfiction or poetry.
• Academic or Professional Status: Open to writers of any age with work ready for submission; there is no requirement to be enrolled in a school program.
• Nationality/Residency: Applicants must submit the application in English; membership in HWA is not required.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application form via HWA’s online portal (Submittable).
• Education plan: a detailed proposal explaining how the applicant plans to use the scholarship funds (e.g., writing courses, workshops, industry events).
• Writing samples: typically up to four pieces (fiction, nonfiction or poetry) written in the horror genre.
• Résumé or CV outlining relevant writing experience, publications (if any) and genre engagement.

Selection Criteria:

• Quality and potential of submitted writing samples in the horror genre.
• Strength, clarity and feasibility of the applicant’s proposed education plan.
• Demonstrated commitment to the horror writing field and potential contribution to genre growth.
• Financial need may be considered at the committee’s discretion.

Additional Details:

• The award must be used for approved writing-education expenses (such as writing classes, workshops, conventions, mentorship)—tuition for general college education is not eligible.
• Applications open June 1 and close August 1 each year. Recipients are announced later in the fall.
• Applicants may reapply in future years, but winners may not receive the same scholarship twice in one year.

Deadline:

• August

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