Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel · 2025 · Winner
Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel
2025 Winner
Complete History
2020s
2010s
- 2019The Cabin at the End of the World — Paul Tremblay
- 2018Ararat — Christopher Golden
- 2017The Fisherman — John Langan
- 2016A Head Full of Ghosts — Paul Tremblay
- 2015Blood Kin — Steve Rasnic Tem
- 2014Doctor Sleep — Stephen King
- 2013The Drowning Girl — Caitlín R. Kiernan
- 2012Flesh Eaters — Joe McKinney
- 2011A Dark Matter — Peter Straub
- 2010Audrey's Door — Sarah Langan
About the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel
The Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel is presented annually by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) to recognise outstanding achievement in horror and dark fantasy novel writing. Established in 1987 and first presented in 1988 (for works published in 1987), the award is named in honour of Irish horror writer Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. It is the genre's most recognised literary honour and is often regarded as the horror equivalent of the Hugo or Nebula Awards.
Unlike awards framed around 'best of the year', the Bram Stoker Awards are deliberately given 'for superior achievement', a framing intended to reduce competitive hostility and allow ties. Any work of horror or dark fantasy first published in English during the eligibility year may be considered. Nominations arise through two parallel paths: open recommendations from the HWA membership and a separate list compiled by a category-specific jury. Active HWA members then vote in two rounds to determine finalists and winners.
Stephen King holds the records for both the most nominations (15 as of 2025) and the most wins (6) in the Novel category. Other multiple winners in the category include Peter Straub (5 wins) and Robert R. McCammon (3 wins). The award has been presented at StokerCon, the HWA's annual convention, since 2010. Winners receive a distinctive eight-inch replica of a haunted house with a brass plaque, designed by sculptor Steven Kirk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Any novel of horror or dark fantasy first published in English during the eligibility year is eligible. The genre boundaries are broadly interpreted to include supernatural fiction, psychological horror, dark fantasy, and adjacent genres. Both traditionally published and small-press novels are considered.
- There are two nomination paths: HWA members at large may recommend works throughout the year, and a separate jury for each category compiles an additional list. Active HWA members vote in a preliminary round to determine the final ballot, then vote again to choose the winners.
- Yes. Stephen King has won Best Novel six times (for The Green Mile, Bag of Bones, Duma Key, Doctor Sleep, Lisey's Story, and others). The award rules allow ties as well, making multiple wins by a single author in the same category possible.
- The awards are presented at StokerCon, the HWA's annual convention, typically held in the spring. The eligibility year is the calendar year of publication, so books published in year N are typically awarded at StokerCon in year N+1.