2026 Horror Writers Association Scholarship
Offered by Horror Writers Association
About this scholarship
The 2026 Horror Writers Association Scholarship provides $2,500 for the professional development of a horror writer at any career stage, from aspiring and unpublished through extensively published. HWA membership is not required, and this award is open regardless of gender. Applicants use the current joint Submittable form shared with the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Scholarship. A central requirement is a separate Education Plan explaining how the funds would be spent and how that training would advance the writer’s career. Candidates may also submit a writing sample of up to 3,000 words. Reviewers focus on the plan, quality and potential of the writing, likely benefit from further education, commitment and future contribution to the horror genre, financial need, and the genre’s broader interests. Approved expenses can include recognized writing courses, required resources, writing guides, limited software, writing-festival or horror-convention registration, selected periodical subscriptions, and qualifying writers’ association fees. General college tuition, most travel, hardware, and HWA dues are excluded. The annual application window runs August 1 to October 1, but submissions close at 12:00 a.m. Eastern on October 1, so applicants should finish by September 30.
Eligibility
- Be committed to writing horror or dark fiction
- HWA membership is not required
- Complete the official online application in English
- Upload a separate Education Plan explaining proposed spending and career benefit
- Limit any supporting writing sample to 3,000 words
- Propose expenses that comply with the sponsor’s professional-development rules
- Submit before the portal closes at 12:00 a.m. Eastern on October 1, 2026